Claim OwnershipJohn Mark Comer Teachings
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The teachings of Jesus lead us to a better, fuller life. This was true in the ancient world where Jesus first taught, and it’s still true today. But what does it mean to actually practice the way of Jesus in today’s complex, secular world? In this podcast by Practicing the Way, John Mark Comer responds to that important question through his teachings at Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon. Join us as John Mark provides practical insight on how you can be with Jesus, become like Him and do what He did wherever you are today.
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What does it mean to follow Jesus in a culture obsessed with self-fulfillment? John Mark explores Jesus’ words in Luke 9, where He calls His disciples to “take up your cross and follow me.” Contrasting the way of self-denial at the heart of apprenticeship to Jesus with the modern pursuit of personal satisfaction, John Mark encourages us to embrace the cruciform life that leads to our deepest satisfaction in God.Key Scripture Passages: Luke 9v18-24; Galatians 5v16-24; Luke 9v57-62; Luke 14v25-33; Luke 18v18-23; Matthew 13v44This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks today goes to Loida from Santander, Spain; Ashley from Greensboro, North Carolina; Kara from Cincinnati, Ohio; Kalani from Fargo, North Dakota; and Katherine from Monument, Colorado. Thank you all very much! If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
What role does the Holy Spirit play in our transformation? John Mark unpacks how true transformation always requires partnership with God’s Spirit, encouraging us to rely on his presence and power to form us into the image of Jesus.Key Scripture Passages: 2 Corinthians 3v17–18; Exodus 34v29–35; John 15v5; Galatians 5v22–25This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Caleb from Portland, Oregon; Carrie from Saint Louis, Missouri; Nick from Houston, Texas; Carolyn from San Luis Obispo, California; and Abbi from Yukon, Oklahoma. Thank you all so much!If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
1When we live in community, conflict is inevitable. But how do we handle conflict well? Alex Rettman—former Bridgetown pastor and now Lead Pastor of Saints' Hill Church in Newberg, OR—explores how conflict—when done in love—can be one of the primary ways we move from disillusionment to acceptance in our relationships, encouraging us use conflict to point one another back to Jesus.Key Scripture Passages: Philippians 2v1–4; Matthew 18v15–17; Romans 8v1This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Daphne from Utrecht, Netherlands; Whitney from Northport, Alabama; Cade from Plano, Texas; Amy from Quincy, Illinois; and Cooper from Hartselle, Alabama. Thank you all so much!If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
What does it really mean for a church to be a family? Bethany Allen unpacks a powerful vision of community not as an optional add-on to the Christian life, but as the very environment where transformation takes place. Bethany explores why community is both beautiful and broken, and how Jesus invites us to move through disappointment, unmet expectations, and past pain into a healing family of faith.Key Scripture Passages: Genesis 1v26–27; Genesis 3v6–13; Genesis 12v1–3; Luke 8v19–21; Galatians 3v26–29This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Alan from Suwanee, Georgia; Andrew from Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Matthew and Chyril from Pittsford, New York; Lora from Bristol, Tennessee; and Randy from Port Angeles, Washington. Thank you all very much!If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
Can we follow Jesus alone? John Mark explores the essential—but often overlooked—role of community in spiritual formation. Drawing from the life of Jesus and the early church, he shows how transformation doesn’t happen in isolation but in the messy, beautiful tension between the ideal of community and its imperfect reality. Key Scripture Passages: Matthew 4v18-22; Matthew 9v9-13; Acts 2v42-47; Romans 12v15; 1 John 4v20This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Margreet from Drachten, Netherlands; Will from Lewisburg, Ohio; Bruce from Memphis, Tennessee; Abby from Sandpoint, Indiana; and Rebecca from Friendswood, Texas. Thank you all so much!If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
What do spiritual disciplines have to do with real transformation? John Mark double clicks on the concept of the practices of Jesus—also called the spiritual disciplines—and explains why they’re not optional for those who want to become like Him. He shows us how transformation doesn’t come through trying harder but through training wisely.Key Scripture Passages: 1 Corinthians 9v24-27; Acts 20v24; Galatians 5v7; 1 Timothy 6v12; 2 Timothy 4v6-8This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Sid from Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Josh from Oxford, Oxfordshire; Margaret from Woodland Hills, California; Ashley from Dallas, Texas; and Erin from Centralia, Washington. Thank you all so much! If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
How do we actually change? John Mark dives deep into two core elements of our working theory of change: teaching and practice. He shows how true transformation doesn’t come from inspiration alone, but through a rewiring of our minds and a reshaping of our habits, inviting us to a more holistic vision of apprenticeship to Jesus. Key Scripture Passages: Mark 1v14-15; Matthew 7v24-27; Romans 12v1-3; 2 Corinthians 2v16; 2 Corinthians 10v5; Colossians 3v3; Philippians 3v5This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Clayton from Olympia, Washington; Lindsay from Woodway, Texas; Christopher from Palm Beach, Florida; Marcie from Cincinnati, Ohio; and Richard from Frisco, Texas. Thank you all so much!If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
What does it mean to actually live like Jesus? John Mark explores the third goal of apprenticeship: doing what Jesus did, showing us how Jesus invites us to participate in His Kingdom work through everyday acts of love, hospitality, and Spirit-empowered presence—and challenges us to say yes, right where we are, in our real lives.Key Scripture Passages: Matthew 4v18-25; Matthew 8v18-22; Matthew 9v9-13; Matthew 9v35-10v8; Matthew 28v16-20; 1 Peter 2v11-12; Luke 19v10; Luke 7v34-35; Romans 12.This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Sacha from Ellicott City, Maryland; Ethan from Lake Charles, Lousiana; Amanda from Pittsburg, Kansas; Derek from Cave Creek, Arizona; and Catherine from Christiansburg, Virginia. Thank you all so much! If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
“Who are you becoming?” John Mark discusses the call of Jesus for His students to become like their master, as well as how teaching, practice, community, and the Holy Spirit combine to help us practice and live the way of Jesus.Key Scripture Passages: Luke 6v39-40; 2 Corinthians 3v18, Romans 12v1-2; Matthew 5-7; Galatians 5v13-26.This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Darren from Henderson, Nevada; Savannah from Portland, Oregon; Bill from Waynesboro, Virginia; Matt from Brookings, South Dakota; and Geoff from Columbus, Ohio. Thank you all so much! If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
How do we cultivate a deep relationship with God? Using key scriptures and church history examples to give a tangible vision of how to “practice the presence of God,” John Mark shows that through abiding, we have access to the peace and joy that Jesus promised as we adopt the spiritual disciplines that Jesus exemplified.Key Scripture Passages: John 1v35-49; John 14v16-15v8; Galatians 5v13-26This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Lenny from Muncie, Indiana; Rebekah from St. Simons Island, Georgia; Peter from Stevenage, Hertfordshire; Luke from Canton, Ohio; and Micah from Indianapolis, Indiana. Thank you all so much! If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
Have you ever wanted to experience the abundant life of Jesus? John Mark outlines the what, how, and why behind Practicing the Way, diving into the cultural context behind Jesus's identity as a first-century rabbi, and what that means for us as His followers as we practice being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and doing what Jesus did.Key Scripture Passages: Mark 8v34-36; Mark 1v16-20; Mark 2v13-14; Mark 3v13-14; John 15v1-8; Matthew 5-7This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Mallory from Coraopolis, Pennsylvania; Erin from Louisville, Colorado; Angela from Lebanon, Tennessee; Rachel from Woodstock, Georgia; and Andrew from Jackson, Tennessee. Thank you all so much! If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
Do you know about God's love but struggle to actually feel it? Brandon Shields, Director of Church Engagement at Practicing the Way, shares his personal journey of moving from knowing about God’s love intellectually to experiencing it in a way that heals, transforms, and reshapes how we relate to others. He invites us to open ourselves to God’s loving presence and challenges us to not just receive that love, but to become it—embodied in how we see, hold, and care for one another.Key Scripture Passage: Ephesians 3v14-21This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Rachel from Broomfield, Colorado; Nathan from Olathe, Kansas; Carolynn from Maryville, Missouri; Chris from Nokomis, Florida; and Robert from Hendersonville, North Carolina. Thank you all so much! If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
What comes out of you when life squeezes you? John Mark explores the transformative power of Scripture memorization—not as a childhood relic, but as a vital practice for spiritual formation, mental renewal, and resilience in suffering. He challenges us to build an inner library of God’s Word so that, like Jesus, we’re prepared to meet pain, temptation, and everyday moments with truth formed deep in our hearts.Key Scripture Passage: Matthew 27v45-54This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Debi from Barto, Pennsylvania; Thomas from Council Bluffs, Iowa; Skye from Goulburn, New South Wales; Jaclyn from San Antonio, Texas; and Breanna from Plymouth, Michigan. Thank you all so much! If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by how complex the Bible is—or worry you’re getting it wrong? John Mark explores the practice of study, showing how understanding the Bible’s context, language, and literary form opens us up to deeper transformation. He encourages us to study not to prove a point, but to grow in love for God.Key Scripture Passage: Luke 4v1-13This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: York Alliance Church from York, Pennsylvania; Kara from Middletown, Ohio; Jennifer from Honolulu, Hawaii; Brian from McAllen, Texas; and Suz from Rapid City, South Dakota. Thank you all so much! If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
Why does the Bible feel disconnected from real life? John Mark unpacks the ancient practice of meditating on Scripture. He invites us to slow down, savor, and let it shape us from the inside out.Key Scripture Passage: Psalm 1v1-3This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Anna from San Jose, California; Brandon from Clive, Iowa; Sam from Ryde, New South Wales; Lauren from Smyrna, Georgia; and John from London, UK. Thank you all so much! If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
Why does reading the Bible feel so difficult? John Mark invites us to rediscover Scripture as a place of encounter with Jesus, not just a source of information. He challenges us to engage with Scripture not just a book we read, but as a practice to form us.Key Scripture Passage: Matthew 5v17-19This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Tedra from Austin, Texas; Kent from Pleasanton, California; Hannah from Laramie, Wyoming; Mike and Cindy from Cottonwood, Arizona; and Sienna from Temecula, California. Thank you all so much! If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
What does it actually mean to be holy—and is it even possible? John Mark explores the biblical meaning of holiness, and how we grow in it. He invites us to begin the journey toward holiness not with striving, but by recognizing our powerlessness, listening for the Spirit’s quiet invitations, and taking one small step at a time.Key Scripture Passage: Philippians 1v1This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Tonya from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; Annie from Dallas, Texas; Jonathan from Torrance, California; Cathleen from Kentwood, Michigan; and Brennan from Boise, Idaho. Thank you all so much! If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
What is our formation supposed to do in and through us? Tyler Staton concludes our series by talking about the humble love of Jesus and his invitation for us as his followers to do the same. He challenges us to lean into the practices of Jesus as a way to transform us from our false self into our true self, establish a new social order based on the Kingdom of God, and saturate our lives with God's presence.Key Scripture Passage: John 13v1-17This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Chad from Pelham, Alabama; Taylor from Altadena, California; Hannah from Canton, Georgia; Taylor from Portland, Oregon; and Autumn from Omaha, Nebraska. Thank you all so much!If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
Should we always forgive? Tyler Staton explores the forgiveness of God through Jesus's teachings, focusing on the parable of the unmerciful servant. He shows us how forgiveness and justice run together in the Kingdom of God, challenging us to forgive and surrender to God's justice.Key Scripture Passage: Matthew 18v21-35This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: John from Monmouth, Oregon; Lacie from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; Kenyon from Woodstock, Georgia; Maggie from Pacifica, California; and Jared from Mesa, Arizona. Thank you all so much!If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
Can we practice joy? Tyler Staton explores Jesus' parable of the wedding feast, showing how Jesus embodied the compassion and inclusivity of God through his teaching and practice, and challenging us to lean into God's joy through this practice of celebrating and feasting with the lost and least.Key Scripture Passages: Luke 14v1-24, Matthew 9v9-13This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Sarah from Austin, Texas; Alisa from Pleasanton, California; Elijah from Newark, Ohio; Tina from Busselton, Western Australia; and Lori from Medford, Oregon. Thank you all so much!If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
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thank you :) 🙏🏾