Live Like It's True {Bible Podcast}

How can you stir up curiosity in someone who thinks the story of Jesus is irrelevant to their lives—especially at Christmas time?We're welcoming Darin and Joy Stevens, who live in the UK, where it's not that people are against God; they just don't think he's relevant. So what can we learn from their experience as we engage an increasingly post-Christian culture and yet still seek to stir souls with the True Story of Jesus Christ?  Guest: Darin and Joy StevensInstagramFacebookMentioned Resources:StarttoStirFive Ways to Keep the Conversation Going at "Start to Stir"Gospel Fluency by Jeff VandersteltI told a story about "Running from Faucet to Faucet" which you can read here.Music: Cade Popkin Music Sharing the Story at ChristmasIn this bonus Christmas episode, we're going to focus in on sharing the story of the Bible with others. This time of year offers us some unique opportunities. I told a story about my son going from faucet to faucet, looking for hot water. That's what people do, don't they? And Christmas is a time when people are more aware than usual of their empty bucket, and their endless  frustration—partly because of what they think Christmas should be like.So as we interact with extended family, or attend parties, or connect with neighbors, how can we look for opportunities this Christmas to talk about the true story of God? How can we make the story relevant?Guest Darin and Joy StevensDarin and Joy have served in youth ministries in the UK for over twenty years and have  launched a new "StarttoStir" ministry, helping everyday people like us stir up curiosity in those who are seemingly disinterested in faith. How can we ask good questions and keep the conversation going (instead of shutting it down)? And how do we find a point of relevancy, for even bringing up something related to the Gospel?Make sure you stick around till the end where Darin shared five different things we can look for to stir up conversations about faith.LIVE the StoryOne of the ways you live like the story is true is by having an urgency to share it with others. If it's true that people we love are lost, and that their sin separates them from God, won't we do whatever we can to help them find the true story? As Darin said, each person has a soul. We can count on that! So let's find ways to stir up curiosity, this Christmas, in the people God has places in our paths. Let's use good questions, and look for points of relevancy. Let's invite people into the story at God so much wants them to know.Full Shownotes

What story are you telling with your life? We’re all telling a story, but we’re all not telling the true story. Welcome to Live Like It’s True—the podcast devoted to helping you know the story, share the story, and live the story. The story that I’m referring to, of course, is the true story the Bible tells.  In this trailer episode, I’ll be sharing what you can expect from each episode, the guests I’ve invited for this first season, and my hopes and goals for the podcast, overall. Freebie:  Live Like It's True Workbook  Mentioned Resources: Comparison Girl: Lessons from Jesus on Me-Free Living in a Measure-Up WorldFinding the Lost by Kenneth BaileyReading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus by Lois TverbergMusic: Cade Popkin Music Interested in more? Connect with me:  About MeGet my "Live Like It's True" EmailsInstagramFacebookTwitterThe Story the Bible TellsI started falling in love with this story--this truer, overarching story, when I was just a little girl. My dad has pictures that I drew, sitting in church listening to the sermon and trying to make sense of it all. In my basement I have some of the Bible story books that my parents read to me when I was small, and when I look at the pages, I remember how I was drawn to those stories. Still today, when I open my Bible, I find it satisfying and clarifying. But I need lots of reminders, and I’m guessing you do to. That’s why - whether I’m sharing words on a page or a platform or from behind this podcast microphone, it’s my goal to always invite you to open God’s word with me, drink in the richness of the story, and then live like the story is true. You can contact me here. (I'd love to hear from you!)Shaped by God's Promises: Lessons from Sarah on Fear and Faith      {buy now}Comparison Girl for Teens     {buy now}

The man in our story thought paralysis was his biggest problem, but Jesus took care of an even bigger one. And his friends got to dig up a roof and make a way for it to happen.  Guest: Kelly NeedhamBible Passage: Mark 2:1-12 CSB Freebie:  Live Like It's True Workbook  Resources:Friendish by Kelly NeedhamComparison Girl by Shannon PopkinMusic: Cade Popkin Music Complete Shownotes: at ShannonPopkin.comKelly NeedhamKelly is the author of Friendish: Reclaiming Real Friendship in a Culture of Confusion and she's been featured on Revive Our Hearts, Desiring God, and The Gospel Coalition.  Whether writing or speaking, Kelly’s aim is to convince as many people as possible that nothing compares to knowing Jesus. You can find more of her writing and speaking at kellyneedham.com or follow her on social media.Shaped by God's Promises: Lessons from Sarah on Fear and Faith      {buy now}Comparison Girl for Teens     {buy now} Get our free "Pray God's Promises" prayer guide. Go to Shannonpopkin.com/PROMISES/ for more information on my neww Bible study, Shaped by God’s Promises: Lessons from Sarah on Fear and Faith.  Visit ResoundMedia.cc for the Live Leadership Podcast, along with other Gospel centered resources.

In the story from Mark 2 (or Luke 5) of the friends bringing the paralyzed man to Jesus, the storyteller uses a surprise to highlight something important in the story.  My retelling episodes focus in on certain story elements, either of the story we discussed in a previous episode, or the overarching story that the Bible tells.  This episode is a follow up to my conversation with Kelly Needham in the episode, "How to Live Like it's True that You're Forgiven." Bible Passage: Mark 2:1-12 CSB Referring back to the story from this Episode:"How to Live Like it's True that You're Forgiven." with Kelly NeedhamFreebie:  Live Like It's True Workbook  Mentioned Resources:·       Friendish by Kelly Needham·       Comparison Girl by Shannon PopkinMusic: Cade Popkin Music  Shaped by God's Promises: Lessons from Sarah on Fear and Faith      {buy now}Comparison Girl for Teens     {buy now}

What are you constantly thirsty for? What’s the habit or person or behavior you’ve returned to repeatedly—always dipping your bucket and yet coming up dry? And what difference should it make that Jesus has offered you his living water?On Season One of Live Like It’s True, we’re discussing the True Stories of Jesus. Mary DeMuth joins me to discuss the story from John 4 of Jesus meeting the Woman at the Well.  Guest: Mary DeMuthBible Passage: John 4:1-30 NLT, The Samaritan Woman at the WellFreebie:  Live Like It's True Workbook  Featured Resource: The Day I Met Jesus co-authored by Mary DeMuthComplete Shownotes: at ShannonPopkin.com Music:  Cade Popkin Music Mary DeMuth is an international speaker, literary agent, podcaster, and the author of over forty books, including The Day I Met Jesus.   Mary loves to help people re-story their lives. She lives in Texas with her husband of 30 years and is the mom to three adult children. Be prayed for on her daily prayer podcast with 2 million downloads: Pray Everyday podcast.Find Mary on:  WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterThe Woman at the WellThe true story of the Woman at the Well is found in John 4:1-30 of your Bible. (Please note that in the broadcast, Mary is using the NLT and I thought I was using the NLT, but actually I was reading from the ESV. Sorry about that confusion!) It's the true story of a Samaritan woman who had the longest recorded theological conversation with Jesus in the Bible. I hope you'll be amazed by the approachableness of Jesus and his thirst-quenching water, and then I hope you'll live like the story is true.Live the StoryHere are some ways to live like this story from John 4 is true. When Jesus said, “Go get your husband," it was because he wanted to have a forthright conversation with the woman at the well about her sin and her thirst. I shouldn't try to hide something from Jesus, because he already knows. What do I need to have an honest conversation with him about? Jesus revealed to the woman that He was the Messiah and it changed everything for her. How have I responded to the Messiah? Have I bent my knee, and lived like it’s true that He is the Anointed One of God?Shaped by God's Promises: Lessons from Sarah on Fear and Faith      {buy now}Comparison Girl for Teens     {buy now} Get our free "Pray God's Promises" prayer guide. Go to Shannonpopkin.com/PROMISES/ for more information on my neww Bible study, Shaped by God’s Promises: Lessons from Sarah on Fear and Faith. 

Do you feel pretty inadequate, as a Gospel-Spreader?In this retelling episode, we're looking back to the story from John 4, where Jesus interrupts his trip to Galilee to have a conversation with the least likely Gospel-Spreader: A Samaritan woman who had been repeatedly divorced and was now living with another man. John is the only Gospel writer to include this story. Why? He wants us to see that Jesus came for everyone, and that anyone can help share the good news.  Bible Passage: John 4:1-42Referring Back to Episode: The Truth About Your Thirstiness for More with Mary DemuthTranscriptMentioned: Storyrunners with Cru.Freebie:  Live Like It's True WorkbookMusic: Cade Popkin Music Shaped by God's Promises: Lessons from Sarah on Fear and Faith      {buy now}Comparison Girl for Teens     {buy now}

Has Jesus asked you to give more than you have, today? Maybe you're stressed out, overwhelmed or burned out, and you just don’t have enough to do what Jesus has assigned to you today. If that’s you, I’m glad you’re joining us for this episode, because we’re going to talk about a situation where Jesus’s disciples were feeling exactly like that. Jenn Hand is joining me to talk about Mark 6, and a story of Jesus multiplying what little the disciples had. What would change if you live like this story is true? Guest: Jennifer HandBible Passage: Mark 6:30-44Freebie:  Live Like It's True Workbook  Resources:Coming Alive ConversationsSpeak Up ConferenceStory of Hope Workbook Comparison Girl (my 6 week study, endorsed by Jenn)Music: Cade Popkin Music Jenn Hand is the Executive Director of Coming Alive Ministries. She’s an author, a speaker, and the host of the podcast “Coming Alive Conversations”. She has a master’s degree in trauma counseling and she travels around the world, doing trauma debriefing in the wake of natural disasters.  Jenn loves to invite you to laugh with her and experience the love of Jesus, as you do. (Just wait till you hear her “Beans and Rice Story”!) Find more from Jenn:WebsiteInstagramYoutubeFacebookTwitterThe Feeding of the 5,000The True Story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand is found in Mark 6:30-44. It's an astonishing story of not having enough and Jesus multiplying what they did have to satisfy everyone. How can we live like this story is true? Share the Story  Were you amazed by you amazed by Jenn’s story about—in her missions training, going through the Stories of Hope Workbook? I compared sharing these Bible stories, one at a time, with leaving “bread crumbs” for her friend—which lead to Jesus.  Would you be willing to share just one story (a bread crumb?) with a friend who doesn’t yet know Jesus?  Pray for His direction. Live the StoryJesus multiplied what they had. What little amount do you have? What is God asking you to place in his hands, knowing that Shaped by God's Promises: Lessons from Sarah on Fear and Faith      {buy now}Comparison Girl for Teens     {buy now} Get our free "Pray God's Promises" prayer guide. Go to Shannonpopkin.com/PROMISES/ for more information on my neww Bible study, Shaped by God’s Promises: Lessons from Sarah on Fear and Faith. 

Do you see the people around you like Jesus does? Or is a certain type of person you might look at with disdain? Who do you see as appalling, or as an annoyance? Is it possible that she looks like a sinner to you, but Jesus calls her forgiven? Erica Wiggenhorn is with me to discuss the story of Simon and the sinful woman in Luke 7. The woman is letting down her hair, and making a scandalous scene at Jesus's feet. Simon thought of her as "that sort", but Jesus saw her as a woman with an eternal soul, who desperately needed forgiveness and saving. I'm going to invite you to live like this story is true.Guest: Erica WiggenhornBible Passage: Luke 7:36-50Freebie:  Live Like It's True Workbook  Mentioned Resources:Unexplainable Jesus: Rediscovering the God You Thought You Knew by Erica WiggenhornLetting God Be Enough by Erica WiggenhornComparison Girl: Lessons from Jesus on Me-Free Living in a Measure-Up WorldJesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth BaileyThe Context and Color of the Bible Podcast with Erika VanHaitsmaMusic: Cade Popkin Music Erica is a speaker, Bible teacher, and the award winning author of the Unexplainable Bible study series with Moody Publishers. She lives in Phoenix with her best friend and husband, Jonathan, and their four kids—two of which are human. (The others are furry and adorable.)Find Erica on:EricaWiggenhorn.comInstagramFacebookThe True Story at Simon's TableThis true story is found in Luke 7:36-50 in your Bible. It's an absolutely astonishing story in so many ways. It's astonishing that this woman falls at Jesus's feet with reckless abandon, and is willing to be utterly humiliated and "make a scene" to honor him. It's astonishing that Jesus doesn't push her away, but rather uses her as the positive example. It's also astonishing that Jesus turns Simon's eyes to look at this scandalous scene. It's amazing that Jesus tells her, "Go in peace."LIVE the StoryJesus asked Simon, "Do you see this woman?" Simon saw her as an annoyance. He looked at her with disdain. Living like this story is true is looking at "that sort" and saying, "Jesus loves her and died for her." It's seeing her as someone who was created with an eternal soul, and will either spend eternity with Jesus in peace, or eternity apart from him in hell.

What fears do you struggle with? What anxieties hold you back? Do you worry about the things you can't control? Kristen Wetherell joins me to talk about Jesus's responses to our fears in Luke 12. If you only live once, there's a lot to protect and so much to fear. But if you live twice? If you know that you'll live forever? Well, then. What is there left to fear? Guest: Kristen WetherellBible Passage: Luke 12:4–7, 22–32Freebie:  Live Like It's True Workbook  Mentioned Resources: Fight Your Fears by Kristen WetherellMusic: Cade Popkin Music Kristen Wetherell is a pastor’s wife, mother, writer, and speaker. She is the author of Humble Moms (April 2022), Fight Your Fears, co-author of the award-winning book Hope When It Hurts, and editor of 12 Faithful Women. Kristen lives in Chicagoland with her husband Brad and two kids where they are members of The Orchard.Find Kristen on:  WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterA Sermon About FearYou may notice that this episode is a little different from the others because in Luke 12, Luke isn’t sharing a story, but rather a teaching of Jesus that gives us some insight into the about the overall story the Bible tells. According to this overarching story that we’re part of, what should we fear? What shouldn’t we fear? I think you’re going to find so much encouragement in listening to Kristen share some of her fears, and in how she teaches us to fight our fears by reminding ourselves of a story of God, that is so much bigger and goes so far beyond the things that we fear.

Have you been feeling lonely recently? Do you ever feel misunderstood? Are there times you wonder if there's anywhere you really belong? If so, consider this: Jesus can relate.Alicia Bruxvoort joins me to talk about what Jesus did when he encountered the Lonely Spaces. Alicia admits that we can't escape loneliness. Even in a crowd, or in a marriage, or across the table from a friend, we can still feel lonely. But in our lonely spaces, we have a choice. We can do what Jesus did in Mark 6. Bible Passage: Luke 5:12-16 NIV               Freebie:  Live Like It's True Workbook  Mentioned Resources:For more on Jesus passing "clean" to the "unclean" (not the other way around), read Encounters with Jesus by Gary Burge, p. 53.The Hidden Gift of loneliness (Proverbs 31 Article by Alicia Bruxvoort)When Our Lonely Places Become Sacred Spaces (Proverbs 31 Article by Alicia Bruxvoort)Music: Cade Popkin Music Guest: Alicia BruxvoortAlicia speaks regularly at women’s events and writes for Proverbs 31 Ministries’ Encouragement for Today, an online devotional that daily reaches millions of women around the globe with bold hope and biblical truth.A storyteller at heart, Alicia loves to weave the wonder of scripture with the whimsy of ordinary life and help women connect with Jesus on the pages of His word.Alicia enjoys hot coffee and soulful stories, but her favorite tale is the one she lives with her husband, Rob, and the kids who gather around their table. Together, they chase Jesus and sunsets in Holland, Michigan.Find Alicia Bruxvoort:AliciaBruxvoort.netFacebook TwitterInstagram Get the full length shownotes here. 

Have you ever been forced into a wilderness of discomfort? An out-of-your-control season where the comforts of life are beyond reach? And do you want to binge your way through your wilderness, thinking, "Oh? I have to live without that? Well, then. I'll just feast on this."Barb Roose joins me to look at the astonishing story in Matthew 4 of Jesus—who has been in the wilderness without food for forty days, and yet still has the power to overcome temptation.Jesus lived through the power of the Holy Spirit, and you can, too! Bible Passage: Matthew 4:1-11Freebie:  Live Like It's True Workbook  Mentioned Resources: Surrender by Barb RooseSurrender Principles by Barb RooseControl Girl by Shannon PopkinPsalm 34:18-19Genesis 3:1-7Deuteronomy 8:3Barb's Surrender StrategiesSign up for Shannon's Live Like It's True emails (chance to win Surrendered)Music: Cade Popkin Music Guest: Barb  RooseBarb is a Bible teacher who loves following God more than anything else. Rather than teaching audiences to follow God to get what they want, Barb inspires audiences to discover that God is all that they truly need!Barb is the author of five Bible studies including Surrendered: Letting Go and Living Like Jesus and Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle and multiple books. Barb lives in NW Ohio and is proud mother of three adult daughters. Find Barb on:BarbRoose.comInstagramFacebookTwitter

Have you been born again? Do you know what this metaphor even means—and why Jesus used it to confront a Bible teacher named Nicodemus? And what about the metaphor of wind or the imagery of the snake on the pole? And why didn’t Jesus just use plain English... or maybe Greek?Join me for a conversation with Aaron Brewster, where we discuss the story of Nicodemus from John 3. Where else can I listen to the podcast? Go HERE to find this episode on your favorite podcast app, including Apple, Spotify, and more.Guest: AM BrewsterBible Passage: John 3:1-21Freebie:  Live Like It's True Workbook  Mentioned Resources:Truth.Love.Parent Podcast (episode with guest Shannon Popkin)Control Girl by Shannon PopkinTrailer (intro) episode of Live Like It’s True Aaron Brewster AMBrewster is the president of Truth.Love.Parent. and host of its acclaimed parenting podcast. Aaron is a husband, father, biblical counselor, pastor, and speaker. He's created hundreds of hours of free parenting resources including The Celebration of God Podcast. InstagramYoutubeFacebookTwitterKnow the Story"The True Story of Nicodemus" is found in John 3:1-21 of your Bible. If you’re familiar with John 3:16, did you know that verse is part of this conversation, and a direct quote of Jesus? Share the StoryOften “sharing the Gospel” has meant trying to distill deep theological truths down to a snack size passage, which we think is easier to give away. If you’ve ever learned a Gospel presentation or shared a tract, most likely John 3:16 was part of it, because it does succinctly share some of the basic truths of the Gospel. But when we share a story, like this one about Nicodemus, it’s easier to hold onto. Sharing a story from the Bible doesn’t feel like sharing doctrine, yet that’s exactly what happens. If you share this story of Nicodemus, it’s like opening your velvet pouch, filled with theological gems, and offering them to another person.  I hope you’ll take the challenge, and get this story ready to share with a friend or loved one this week. Complete Shownotes Here. 

Are you living through the terror of a storm? Is there a situation that feels completely out of your control? And do you wonder if maybe God is asleep? Have you even wondered, "Does God care about me?" Sarah Walton joins me to talk about the story in Mark 4 of the disciples fighting for their lives as a storm rages, with Jesus asleep in the boat.  Jesus does calm their storm, but not immediately! And the question we're after is: "Why?" Bible Passage: Mark 4:35-41 Freebie:  Live Like It's True Workbook  Mentioned Resources:Together through the Storms by Sarah and Jeff WaltonHope when it Hurts by Sarah Walton and Kristen WetherellControl Girl by Shannon PopkinKnowing Faith Podcast with Russell Moore - listen at about the 9:20 markMusic: Cade Popkin Music Sarah WaltonSarah Walton is a stay-at-home with four kids under 14 years of age. She’s the co-author of Hope When It Hurts and Together Through the Storms (May 2020) and blogs at Setapart.net. She and her husband, Jeff, recently relocated to Colorado Springs and attend Austin Bluff Evangelical Free Church. After more than a decade of trials and learning to walk with Christ as her family navigates Lyme Disease, special needs, and more, she shares how the gospel gives hope to our suffering. In her free time, she enjoys daydreaming about what she would do if she actually had free time.WebsiteInstagram @sarahpwaltonFacebook @togetherthroughthestormsTwitter @swalts14

Hey, hey! Welcome back to another season of Live Like It's True! This season, we're discussing the True Story of Easter. Where else can I listen to the podcast?Go HERE to find this episode on your favorite podcast app, including Apple, Google, Spotify, and more.FREE RESOURCE: The Live Like It's True WorkbookMentioned:"About Me" (Which includes a new family photo.)Extended shownotes.Comparison Girl: Lessons from Jesus on Me-Free Living in a Measure-Up WorldControl Girl: Lessons on Surrendering Your Burden of Control From Seven Women in the BibleFinding the Lost by Kenneth BaileyReading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus by Lois TverbergMusic: Cade Popkin Music Have you ever wondered why Jesus didn't tie everything together for his disciples? Why did Jesus not simply say, "I'm God's Son. I'm here to die for you so that you can be reconciled with God and have eternal life"? That's the question I'm exploring, as we kick off a new season of the podcast, focused on the True Story of Easter.Get the extended shownotes here. Care to Share?Hey, if you're loving the podcast, would you consider taking two minutes (here's a link to Apple Podcasts) to rate and review? This allows it to be seen by others (and it's a huge encouragement to me!).GET YOUR FREE LIVE LIKE IT'S TRUE WORKBOOK

Are you going through something really painful right now? Are you wondering, "Why, Jesus? Why didn't you intervene?"There are two sisters named Mary and Martha, in our story today, who are asking that very question after the death of their brother, Lazarus. As we discuss the plot twists found in this True Story of Lazarus from John 11:38-44 and12:10-11, I think you're going to notice that Jesus loved these sisters, and Jesus knew how their story was going to turn out. What if this was true about you, as well?  Guest: Mary KassianBible Passage: John 11:38-44 and12:10-11 Free Resource:  Live Like It's True Workbook Mentioned Resources: The Right Kind of ConfidenceGirls Gone WiseDivine DesignExtended Shownotes: Episode 12About: Live Like It's True PodcastAbout: Host Shannon Popkin Music: Cade Popkin MusicWe are kicking off a brand new season of Live Like It's True! Each week, we'll be looking at one part of the Easter story. You might be thinking, "Wait, I didn't think the story of Lazarus had anything to do with Easter..." Well, I didn't either, until I took a closer look. But by the end of our conversation, I hope you'll see that what happens in response to the healing of Lazarus were the carefully laid dominos which began to topple and lead to the cross.Mary A. Kassian is an award-winning author and Bible teacher who speaks to women around the world about living out their faith and especially what it means to be a woman according to God's design. She has published several books and Bible studies including The Right Kind of Confident, The Right Kind of Strong, Girls Gone Wise in a World Gone Wild and Conversation Peace. Mary and her family reside in Canada.Find more from Mary:  WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterDon't Miss the Retelling!We'll be back on Saturday for the retelling episode, where I get to focus on some of the story elements of this Bible text, then retell the story, and invite you to do the same.Care to Share?Hey, if you're loving the podcast, would you consider taking two minutes (here's a link to Apple Podcasts) to rate and review? This allows it to be seen by others (and it's a huge encouragement to me!).Get the full length shownotes here. Thanks so much for listening!GET YOUR FREE LIVE LIKE IT'S TRUE WORKBOOK

How do you respond when God allows you to get hurt? How do you pray after he fails to prevent the pain you're experiencing? Or when he fails to do the thing that would seem most consistent with his kind and loving character?Bible Passage: John 11:38-44 and12:10-11 Freebie:  Get your free Live Like It's True Workbook Mentioned Resources: Control Girl: Lessons on Surrendering Your Burden of Control From Seven Women in the BibleComparison Girl: Lessons from Jesus on Me-Free Living in a Measure-Up WorldGet the full-length show notes. Music: Cade Popkin MusicThe True Story of LazarusThe two women in our story today are experiencing this very thing. Mary and Martha both know Jesus could have prevented their brother from dying, but he didn't show up. Then when he shows up four days late, they say, "Jesus, if you were here..." They don't say but seem to imply: "Why didn't you come? Don't you care?"In this True Story of Easter Series we're talking through some pieces of the story which make us look at Jesus with jaw-dropping astonishment. He doesn't do what we expect him to do. And this story is no exception. I'm going to be talking through some of the story elements that we find in John 11 and 12, and then I'll be retelling the True Story of Lazarus.Read more in the full show notes here. Care to Share?Hey, if you're loving the podcast, would you consider taking two minutes (here's a link to Apple Podcasts) to rate and review? This allows it to be seen by others (and it's a huge encouragement to me!).Have a suggestion? You can contact me here. I'd love to hear from you!Thanks so much for listening! 

If you were invited to a special dinner party, where the honored guests gathering around the table are all friends of Jesus who will be participating in a symbolic reenactment of the most important day in the history of the world, would you go? What I've just described is communion, or the "meal of remembrance" which Jesus instated, during a very special dinner party he shared with his disciples the night before he was crucified.On season two of Live Like It's True, we're talking about the True Story of Easter, and in this episode, we're going to talk about that dinner party (some call it the Last Supper), found in Luke 22.Guest: Erin DavisBible Passage: Luke 22:7-20Freebie:  Get your free Live Like It's True Workbook Mentioned Resources: 7 Feasts (See instructions below on how to win)Comparison Girl by Shannon PopkinGrounded Videocast (with Revive Our Hearts)The Deep Well PodcastFasting and Feasting by Erin Davis Get the full-length show notes.  Music: Cade Popkin MusicErin DavisErin is a writer and teacher passionately committed to getting women of all ages to the deep well of God's Word. She is the author of more than a dozen books and Bible studies, including Connected, Beyond Bath Time, and 7 Feasts and the host of The Deep Well podcast and Grounded videocast with Revive Our Hearts. When she’s not writing, you can find Erin chasing chickens and children on her small farm in the Midwest.Find more from Erin:  ErinDavis.orgGrounded Videocast (with Revive Our Hearts)The Deep Well PodcastInstagramFacebookDon't Miss the Retelling!We'll be back on Saturday for the retelling episode, where I get to focus on metaphor in the Bible, and how God uses the image of the Lamb to tell us a story about himself.Care to Share?Hey, if you're loving the podcast, would you consider taking two minutes (here's a link to Apple Podcasts) to rate and review? This allows it to be seen by others (and it's a huge encouragement to me!). Have a suggestion? You can contact me here. I'd love to hear from you!Get the full length shownotes here.Thanks so much for listening! GET YOUR FREE LIVE LIKE IT'S TRUE WORKBOOK

Here in this True Story of Easter Series, we're talking about the King who is a Lamb; Jesus is the lamb who dies so the people go free. Today, we're going to talk about several metaphors that the Bible uses, which I hope will shed new light on this amazing story which I'm going to retell—with Jesus gathering his disciples in the upper room to celebrate the Passover, the night before his crucifixion.Bible Passage: Luke 22:7-20Freebie:  Get your free Live Like It's True Workbook Mentioned Resources:  The True Story of the Lamb with Erin DavisComparison Girl: Lessons from Jesus on Me-Free Living in a Measure-Up WorldGet the full-length show notes. Music: Cade Popkin MusicThe True Story of the LambHere in the True Story of the Lamb, Jesus is showing us that he is the Lamb of God, who rescues his people. Understanding this image is a little more complicated, though. With a vine and branches, we immediately understand the metaphor. But we don't look at a lamb with its fluffy white wool and say, "Yes, I see! A lamb is a deliverer." To understand the metaphor, we have to understand the history of the nation of Israel. We have to look back at an event called the Passover.I hope you were able to listen to my conversation with Erin Davis, where we talked about this at length. It was such a rich conversation!Here's how an image of a lamb connects to the concept of deliverance, you have to know about the Israelites who were slaves in Egypt for four hundred years. And you have to know about how—per God's instructions—they all smeared the blood of the lamb on the door that they escaped through the next day. Without the lamb's blood, the angel would not have passed over. They would have experienced death in their household, not deliverance and freedom.Read more in the full show notes here. Care to Share?Hey, if you're loving the podcast, would you consider taking two minutes (here's a link to Apple Podcasts) to rate and review? This allows it to be seen by others (and it's a huge encouragement to me!).Have a suggestion? You can contact me here. I'd love to hear from you!Thanks so much for listening! 

Have you ever watched someone betray Jesus? Have you felt the pain and shock of watching someone among you—someone who seemed to be a follower of God—turn against Him? This can be confusing and disorienting, but what if it's true that Jesus knows exactly what is in each of our hearts?  As we talk about the True Story of Judas, that's what we're going to find. And amazingly, even the story of Judas can be fuel for our faith. Guest: Lee NienhuisBible Passage: John 13:17-30Free Resource:  Get your "Live Like It's True Workbook" Mentioned Resources: Brave Moms, Brave Kids by Lee NienhuisCountercultural Parenting by Lee NienhuisComparison Girl by Shannon PopkinControl Girl by Shannon PopkinGet the full-length show notes.Music: Cade Popkin Music Lee NienhuisLee has been engaging people through the Word for close to two decades. It has been her honor to speak at Youth and Women’s events, conferences, workshops, and church events.  Lee is an author and passionate Bible teacher.  She is a Communications Specialist for Moms in Prayer International and the first Host of the Moms in Prayer Podcast and the Co-host of The Martha and Mary Show. Lee's books, Brave Moms, Brave Kids (2018) and Countercultural Parenting (2020), published by Harvest House, have helped countless parents gain a biblical perspective on parenting a godly and countercultural generation. Lee and her husband, Mike, have been married 21 years. Mike and Lee have four great kids who make her need Jesus. Lee loves hot cups of coffee, laughing till her sides ache, and Jesus. Find more from Lee:  LeeNienhuis.comPodcasts: Moms in Prayer International Podcast and The Martha and Mary ShowBooks: Brave Moms, Brave Kids and Countercultural ParentingInstagramFacebookDon't Miss the Retelling!We'll be back on Saturday for the retelling episode, where I'll be focusing on the storytelling element of suspense. Then, I'll retell the story of Judas, and invite you to do the same.Shownotes for all the resources shared can be found at shannonpopkin.com.Care to Share? Did you enjoy this episode? Please share with a friend and/or leave your review on Apple Podcasts for a chance to win a "Live Like It's True" t-shirt!You can contact me here. (I'd love to hear from you!)Get the full length shownotes here. Thanks so much for listening!GET YOUR FREE LIVE LIKE IT'S TRUE WORKBOOK

How do you behave during suspenseful movie scenes? I tend to make lots of noise, and call out to the characters on screen who can't hear me (which drives my kids nuts). Today we're going to revisit and retell the suspenseful scene where Jesus is seated next to the one who will betray him: Judas.Bible Passage: John 13:17-30Freebie:  Get your free Live Like It's True Workbook Mentioned Resources: Article and video about the seating arrangement of the last supperInstructions for observing PassoverOffering of the SopComparison Girl: Lessons from Jesus on Me-Free Living in a Measure-Up WorldGet the full-length show notes.Music: Cade Popkin Music The True Story of JudasFrom a storytelling perspective, this is an amazing scene of suspense. There's a dinner party. The Rabbi and his followers have gathered in an upper room, and we're looking in—knowing that something is about to happen. Our author, John, has already let us know that Judas is going to betray Jesus, and Satan has entered him.But then, as we watch the scene unfold, we see Jesus seat Judas beside him in the seat of honor at the feast. I've linked to a video that really helped me understand the customary way of seating around a triclinium, which was a low u-shaped table that had cushions around it. The guests would lean in on their left sides, and their seating arrangement was according to greatness.Read more in the full show notes here. Care to Share? Did you enjoy this episode? Please share with a friend and/or leave your review on Apple Podcasts for a chance to win a "Live Like It's True" t-shirt!Have a suggestion? You can contact me here. I'd love to hear from you!Thanks so much for listening!