Pursuing Faith with Dominic Done

Acts 2 records one of the greatest and most important sermons ever preached. God used it to spearhead a revival that turned the world upside down. What’s surprising, however, is not that God used words to initiate a revolution — but who he used to speak it. In this message, Dominic shares how grace retells the story of our failure and makes it something beautiful. As Brennan Manning wrote, "To live by grace means to acknowledge my whole life story, the light side and the dark. In admitting my shadow side I learn who I am and what God's grace means: that a saint is not someone who is good but who experiences the goodness of God.”Links:www.PursuingFaith.orgThrive Conference - Granite Bay, CA

In this episode of Pursuing Faith, Dominic explores John 8, and the words Jesus spoke to a woman who was full of shame. He said to her, “neither do I condemn you, go your way and sin no more."When we are in a place of shame, the natural response is to hide our truest self or to push people away. For example, in the book of Genesis, Adam and Eve ate of a tree and realized they were ‘naked and ashamed’ and immediately hid from God. Shame always causes isolation, because intimacy is the risk that our shame will be exposed. In the words of Bene Brown, “Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change.”But here’s the good news: because of grace, we don’t have to live in shame anymore. In a world that continuously lies about our identity, that loves to remind us of all that we’re not — not rich enough, smart enough, good-looking enough, or famous enough—God says: You are mine. And you always have been. Nothing can change that. You are not defined by the mistakes you’ve made but by the grace of God. Links:www.pursuingfaith.org

In this episode, Dominic has a conversation with Joseph Clair. Joseph serves as the executive dean of the Cultural Enterprise, which encompasses the humanities, theology, and education. He is also dean of the College of Humanities and an associate professor of theology and culture.Before joining the George Fox faculty in 2013, he earned his PhD in the religion, ethics and politics program at Princeton University while also working as an assistant in instruction. His efforts were rewarded with a Department of Religion Teaching Award (2011-12) and a Graduate Prize Fellowship from Princeton’s Center for Human Values (2012-13).Prior to Princeton, Clair earned an MPhil at the University of Cambridge as a Gates Cambridge Scholar. He also holds master’s degrees from Fordham and Duke University, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College.His research and teaching interests include Christian thought and ethics and the role of religion in public life. He is the author of Discerning the Good in the Letters and Sermons of Augustine (Oxford UP, 2016) and Reading Augustine: On Education, Formation, Citizenship, and the Lost Purpose of Learning (Bloomsbury, 2018).Clair lives on a hobby farm outside of Newberg with his wife, Nora, and their four children. Links: www.pursuingfaith.orgChristi

In John 6, Jesus allowed his disciples to sail into a storm. But why? Why would he allow them to face something that they were terrified of experiencing?In this episode, Dominic shares three ways that God uses storms in our life: To grow our faith, strengthen our hope, and deepen our love.Pursuing Faith Events CalendarThrive Bible Conference in Granite Bay, CA

In this special Christmas episode, Dominic shares a message from the gospel of John. What’s unique about this gospel is that, unlike the other gospels, John doesn’t give us the facts about Christmas. For example, there is no mention of the manger, the star or the wise men. Instead, he digs past the details and shares what Christmas means — not only theologically, but for our lives personally.Augustine, the early church theologian once wrote: “Man’s maker was made man that He, Ruler of the stars, might nurse at His mother’s breast; that the Bread might hunger, the Fountain thirst, the Light sleep, the Way be tired on its journey; that Truth might be accused of false witnesses, the Teacher be beaten with whips, the Foundation be suspended on wood; that Strength might grow weak; that the Healer might be wounded; that Life might die.” The meaning of Christmas is unearthed when the truth and beauty of Jesus incarnation is considered. We hope you enjoy this episode!Pursuing Faith is a 501c3 non-profit. If you would like to support our ministry, please visit: https://www.pursuingfaith.org/give

In this episode, Dominic explores the story of Jesus sudden healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15). God is a God of 'suddenly.' This is found 87 times in the Bible. They wept, 'suddenly' an angel appeared at the tomb...They walked, 'suddenly' He appeared on the Emmaus road...They prayed, 'suddenly' the Spirit came down...Watch. Listen. Prepare. Your next open door is closer than you think.www.pursuingfaith.org

 In this episode of Pursuing Faith (first published by the Unbelievable Podcast), Dominic debates British philosopher and atheist, Julian Baggini. Julian is the author of over 20 books, founder of the British Humanist Association, has written articles for the New York times, the Guardian, and the Wall Street Journal, and has given a Ted Talk on philosophy and neuroscience.Dominic and Julian discuss the virtues, human longing and purpose, and what the world would look like without God. Links: https://www.pursuingfaith.orghttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unbelievable/id267142101https://www.julianbaggini.comhttps://justinbrierley.com

Have you lost your sense of wonder? Are there things, places, opportunities, or people that, in your stress and distraction, you’ve looked past? Have you failed to see the beauty right in front of you? In the hope of big happiness, are you missing the small joys? In this episode of Pursuing Faith, Dominic Done takes some time to reflect on the practice of gratitude. In the midst of our busy life, God invites us to slow down and fix our thoughts upon him. Gratitude is the art of taming our frenetic, edacious minds to appreciate the wonder of life as it is right now. www.pursuingfaith.org

In political science, the word “reactionary” is used to describe someone who is content with the status quo. Without a vision of their own, when change comes, they quickly adapt to the new environment. However, a “revolutionary” is someone who creates and calls others into positive change.As you study the life of Jesus, we discover that he was a true revolutionary. As He led his disciples, his life was a conduit for grace, compassion and love. So too, following Jesus is always for a purpose: to live out his vision and mission in the world.In this message, Dominic teaches from John 4 and explores Jesus revolutionary vision to reach those on the margins of faith.www.pursuingfaith.org

In this episode of Pursuing Faith, Dominic teaches on the story of the Samaritan woman from John 4. We’re surrounded by a world that fuels our discontent. Alluring advertisements, temptations, distractions, materialism and consumerism all offer the promise of satisfaction, but only leave us more restless than before. In the face of superficiality, Jesus says: “If you drink of these waters you will thirst again, but if you drink of the water I give, you will never thirst.” As the late Timothy Keller wrote, “if we look to some created thing to give us the meaning, hope, and happiness that only God can give, it will eventually fail to deliver and break our hearts.”Pursuing Faith is a listener-supported non-profit ministry. If you’d like to partner with us, visit our website at www.pursuingfaith.org

What does it mean to actually "believe" in God? Is it merely an affirmation of faith or something more? In this episode of Pursuing Faith, Dominic explores Jesus conversation with Nicodemus in John 3 through the lens of what true belief looks like.If this ministry has been an encouragement to you, would you consider leaving a review on iTunes or your favorite podcasting platform? Also, if you want to partner with us financially, check out our website at www.pursuingfaith.org.

Over the last few months we’ve been going through the Gospel of John, having a look at the history and background, as well as exploring cultural and apologetic questions that this book raises for us today.In this episode we’ll be unpacking the first part of John 3, digging into what Jesus meant when he told Nicodemus ‘you must be born again.’ Dominic Done talks about the Old and New Testament context, Greek philosophy and - towards the end - that time he hit a Harley. Links mentioned in this episode:Pursuing Faith - ResourcesPursuing Faith is a listener supported non-profit. If you’d like to partner with us, check out our website: www.pursuingfaith.org

In this episode, Dominic explores John 2:13-25. In this controversial passage, Jesus is seen driving out religious leaders from the temple. This raises a ton of fascinating questions about  the character of Jesus, the nature of organized religion and church, and God’s vision for holiness in our lives. Links mentioned in this episode:YouVersion - 10 Days of Finding God in the Shadow of DoubtYouVersion - Your Longing Has A Name 5 Day Reading PlanPursuing Faith is a listener supported non-profit. If you’d like to partner with us, check out our website: www.pursuingfaith.org

In this episode, Dominic shares part 2 of a talk he gave in Portland, Oregon. C.S. Lewis once said that theology is a type of map - that instead of being merely analyzed from a distance - ought to be used in the moment by moment trenches of our humanity. In this message, Dominic shares how the doctrine of the incarnation is more than just a concept, but is a profound reality that has very real impact upon our daily lives.Pursuing Faith is a listener supported non-profit. If you’d like to partner with us, check out our website: www.pursuingfaith.org

Dominic interviews Justin Brierley about his new book, The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God, and how we may be witnessing a return of belief in our generation. The cultural narrative that has shaped the west for decades is that secularism has replaced Christianity, and that faith will continue to decline. However, recent shifts in culture may indicate that the tides of faith are reemerging. They discuss the rise and fall of the new atheism, the influence of public intellectuals embracing faith, and the role the the church ought to play in preparing for renewal.Partner With Us:PursuingFaith.orgMentioned in this episode:The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in GodWe'd love to hear from you! info@pursuingfaith.org

AW Tozer once wrote: “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us. The history of mankind will probably show that no people has ever risen above its religion, and man’s spiritual history will positively demonstrate that no religion has ever been greater than its idea of God."In this episode, Dominic shares a talk he gave in Oregon, unpacking the topic of God’s character and nature. How do we know this God? What is he like? What is his character and nature?Pursuing Faith is a listener supported non-profit. If you’d like to partner with us, check out our website: www.pursuingfaith.org

Dominic Done and Sarah Yardley explore what the Bible says about change and how to navigate it. Our Website:PursuingFaith.orgMentioned in this episode:SarahYardley.comCreation Fest UKWe'd love to hear from you! info@pursuingfaith.org

In this episode, Dominic has a conversation with Kristen Strong. Kristen is the author of When Change Finds You, Girl Meets Change and Back Roads to Belonging. They talk about about how to get through seasons of change, and the role that true friends have in breathing life into our anxious souls. Our Website:PursuingFaith.orgMentioned in this episode:KristenStrong.comWe'd love to hear from you! info@pursuingfaith.org

Happy Easter weekend! In this episode, Dominic shares a talk he gave on the story of the resurrection of Lazarus. His tragic death and resurrection, as recounted in John 11, is not only a picture of Jesus death and resurrection — but a story of hope for all of humanity. Because Jesus broke the chains of death, we have the assurance that death does not have the last word.Our Website:PursuingFaith.orgWe'd love to hear from you! info@pursuingfaith.org

Why would anyone want to be a Christian when there is so much hypocrisy in the church? Dominic interviews Mary Jo Sharp, as she shares her journey as one who still holds to a beautiful faith, despite wounding experiences within the Christian community.Our Website:PursuingFaith.orgMentioned in the Episode:Why I Still Believe by Mary Jo SharpWe'd love to hear from you! info@pursuingfaith.org