Podcast
Missio Church - Bismarck
Hosted by Josh Huseby · EN
Missio Church is a group of regular people following Jesus together. Our mission is to "Love Jesus and Live Sent."
27episodes
Episodes
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James: Handbook for Spiritual Maturity - Mind the Gap
2w ago00:35:59Tap to summarizeVerses Used:James 1:19-27Luke 6:45Takeaways:An Unteachable HeartHealthy anger is a voice to be heard about something that is not right. A passionate response to an injustice.Man’s anger is not a pure emotion; it is usually heavily impregnated with sin, self-importance, self assertion, intolerance, and/or stubbornness.In verse 21, James gives us a clue of how to close the gap. “...receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”The Christian life isn’t behavior modification. It’s God’s word growing inside us.A Deceived HeartInformation without obedience creates the illusion of maturity.Spiritual maturity isn’t measured by how much truth I’ve consumed. It’s measured by how much truth has changed me.We convince ourselves that exposure equals transformation. We assume because we felt convicted, we’ve changed.When the word reveals something to you like a mirror, do something about it.A Transformed HeartIf you want to be a religious person, a spiritual person, a follower of Jesus tame your tongue. Don’t harm others with it.Christian love always moves toward people who have nothing to offer in return.The life of transformation does not come from sheer willpower or white knuckling obedience. It comes from a heart that has been transformed by grace.The gospel doesn’t eliminate obedience, but it changed the reason for it.Discussion Questions:Why is the gap between listening and living so dangerous?James says to “receive with meekness the implanted word.” What do you think it means for God’s Word to be implanted rather than simply heard?James calls us to be doers of the Word. How can we pursue obedience without slipping into a works-based mindset?If you were to act on just one thing God has already shown you, what would it be?https://missio.life/home
Transcribe →James: Handbook for Spiritual Maturity - Through the Storm
3w ago00:39:38Tap to summarizeVerses Used:James 1:1-18Takeaways:Mature Faith Sees Trials DifferentlyJoy is not pretending pain doesn’t hurt. Joy is confidence that God is accomplishing something good, even when we can’t yet see it.We want God to calm the storm. Most of the time he doesn’t. He uses it to reveal His presence with us, His power to guide and provide what we need in the midst of the storm.The goal is maturity. James says, “...that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing”. In Greek, perfect would be described as something that has reached its intended purpose. Something fully developed, whole, complete, or mature.James wants us to consider that maybe God’s greatest work isn’t getting us out of the storm, but it’s us growing through the storm.Mature Faith Seeks God’s WisdomJames challenges us to pray, “God, what do You want to teach me?” and consider the hard questions like: How do I respond to this person? Do I speak up or stay quiet? How do I forgive someone who hurt me? How do I parent this child? How do I care for aging parents?Mature faith comes with open hands. It’s saying “Father, I trust You. Show me the way.” It isn’t being double minded or two souled where one foot is with the Father and one foot is somewhere else. That would be saying, “God, I want Your wisdom as long as it matches what I already want.”Mature faith doesn’t simply ask God to change our circumstances; it asks God to help us know what to do in the midst of them (wisdom).Trials have a way of exposing what we’re really trusting.Mature Faith Trusts the Father’s CharacterGod may allow a trial. God never leads us into sin.At the root of every sin is a failure to trust God.The Progression of Sin looks like: Trial - Temptation - Desire - Sin - DeathWhen life hurts, don’t conclude that God has stopped being good. When temptation is strong, don’t conclude that God has abandoned you.Verse 17 says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”That Father gives generously. He gives wisdom. He gives every good and perfect gift. Don’t interpret God’s character through your circumstances. Interpret your circumstances through God’s character.Discussion Questions:James says, “Count it all joy.” How is joy different from pretending suffering doesn’t hurt?Think about a trial you’ve experienced. Looking back, how did God use it to grow your faith or reveal something about your heart?Why do you think our first instinct is usually to pray for the storm to end rather than asking what God wants to produce in us?When circumstances are difficult, what truths about God’s character are hardest for you to remember?https://missio.life/home
Transcribe →“Don’t You Understand Yet?” w/ Stu Streeter
4w ago00:36:19Tap to summarizeVerses Used:Mark 8:14-21John 10:27Takeaways:What was the last question God asked you?Arguing pushes us away, but confessing our lack of understanding draws us near to JesusA simple practice for hearing God: 4 hours in a peaceful place with only a journal and a pen, write down what bubbles up, explore what questions God might be asking you, confess your need for him.https://missio.life/home
Transcribe →He Knows My Name w/ David Wisthoff
Jun 2800:32:53Tap to summarizehttps://missio.life/home
Transcribe →The Heart of the Father (Best Dad Ever)
Jun 2100:38:01Tap to summarizeVerses Used:Psalm 103:8-14Exodus 34:6-7DeuteronomyJeremiahLuke 15Matthew 7Romans 8Takeaways:The Father is Compassionate Toward His ChildrenIn verse 8 it says, “The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry, and filled with unfailing love." Though sometimes we believe and think the opposite.Compassion is when someone sees your weakness, your pain, your struggle, and instead of moving away from you, they move toward you.David wants us to know God’s heart is bigger than our failures.The Father Forgives His Children CompletelyWe are all guilty of sin which includes pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, gluttony, and/or lust.God’s anger is not opposed to his love; it flows from his love.The Father treated His Son as though He were guilty so that He could treat guilty sinners as beloved children.God’s love and forgiveness are immeasurable.The Father Understands His Children’s WeaknessThe Bible presents God as a Father who carries and disciplines His children, has compassion on His children, longs for wandering children, runs toward repentant children, gives good gifts to His children, and adopts sinners into His family through Jesus Christ.God knows our limitations, fears, exhaustion, struggles, and failures.Nothing surprises Him. He knows us completely.Biblical fear is not terror that causes us to run from God. It is reverence that causes us to run to God.Fear is a gift when it reminds us that we are not self-sufficient. Fear tells us we need help, fear tells us there are things we cannot control, and it tells us we are not as strong as we thought we were.Discussion Questions:Why might it be hard to grasp that God forgives and completely forgets our sins?Is understanding God’s love and compassion for you something that you struggle to believe at times? Why?God says we are but dust, we have limitations and weaknesses. Why is it hard for us to come to terms with this?Have you ever tried to hide from God? What was your reason for hiding?https://missio.life/home
Transcribe →Love Jesus Live Sent: Generosity Over Holding Back
Jun 1400:38:47Tap to summarizeVerses Used:2 Corinthians 9:6-102 Corinthians 8:2Malachi 3:8-12Matthew 6:21Matthew 6:24Takeaways:Generosity begins when we recognize that everything we have is a gift from God.Generosity Begins with TrustA scarcity mindset is rooted in the belief that there is not enough to go around so I need to protect what I have. Some of our thoughts might include: What if I give and then don’t have enough? What if my contribution is too small to matter? What if I need that money later? What if I give and nobody appreciates it?God says you will have “all sufficiency in all things at all times.”The gospel itself is a story of generosity. “For God so loved the world that he gave…”A life that constantly holds back will experience fewer opportunities to see God work through them. In the passage today, Paul is not saying, “giving money means getting more money.”Generosity is a Matter of the HeartA guilt culture says, “You have to”; a generous culture says, “You get to.”Generosity Shows up in Other AreasFinancial generosity looks like: donations to ministry or benevolent needs. Holding back looks like not giving.Missional generosity looks like opening our homes, serving others, and making room for people far from God. Holding back sounds like, “I don't really care that much about your needs or pointing you toward Jesus.”Relational generosity looks like giving time, attention, hospitality, and encouragement. Holding back sounds like, “I’m not available”, “I don’t have time for you”, or it looks like holding back encouragement or kindness. Generosity is choosing to use whatever God has given me for the benefit of someone else.Discussion Questions:How have you seen God be generous to you in your life?What messages resonate with you from the scarcity mindset? Why?What do our spending, priorities, and use of time reveal about what we truly value?Which area of generosity comes most naturally to you? Which area is most difficult for you to live open-handedly? (Financially, serving, hospitality, encouragement, time, relationships, etc.)https://missio.life/home
Transcribe →Love Jesus Live Sent: Encouragement Over Criticism
Jun 700:46:12Tap to summarizeREMINDER: The Missio Church Podcast will be taking a pause for about a month. Please reach out to our office if you have any questions. Office # (701) 319-5986 | office@missio.lifeVerses Used:Ephesians 4:29John 13:35Proverbs 4:23Luke 6:45Proverbs 17:22John 15:4Takeaways:Encouragement over criticism. We build each other up with words of hope and truth; choosing to see the good and call it out.Consider OthersPaul repeatedly emphasizes that unity and encouragement are the marks of followers of Jesus.Encouragement includes building up, it fits the need, and gives grace.Consider the ProblemCriticism is not the problem, it’s a symptom.We’ve lost sensitivity to care.Consider the SourceWhen Christ fills our hearts, grace begins to flow from our mouths in a way that builds others up and gives grace to all who hear.https://missio.life/home
Transcribe →Love Jesus Live Sent: Rhythms Over Hustle
May 3100:41:11Tap to summarizeVerses Used:Psalm 23Matthew 11:28-30John 15Takeaways:Rhythms over hustle. We embrace a Spirit-led pace of life, rooted in rest, presence, and intentionality; not burnout or busyness.Hustle culture looks like being hurried, emotionally unavailable, constantly exhausted, or always producing and striving.The Shepherd Leads UsGod’s people are often described as sheep, possibly because they are deeply dependent creatures. Goats on the other hand are much more independent. They wander, climb, and do their own thing.The sheep are God’s people because the follow the shepherd; goats do not.A hustle culture trains us to live more like goats than sheep: independent, self-sufficient, always pushing, always striving, and always proving ourselves.The Good Shepherd leads his people, provides for needs, protects from evil, sets a healthy pace, and invites us to rest.Many of us struggle to rest because we struggle to trust the shepherd. His way is best and he is leading us to another way of life.The Shepherd Restores Our SoulsJesus knows how to care for a depleted soul that looks like emotional fatigue, constant stimulations, anxiety, endless scrolling, overwork, or burnout.The rest or restoring of our souls is found in Jesus. Jesus taught in John 15 the idea of abiding in him. The true need for our souls is met by being with Jesus.We are invited into a different way of living, a different rhythm with Jesus. Jesus says, “Let me teach you, and you will find rest for your souls with me.”The Shepherd leads His sheep down certain paths because He knows where life is found.Healthy RhythmsEverybody already has rhythms of life. The question is, “Are your rhythms forming you toward Jesus or away from him?Healthy Spiritual Rhythms include prayer, scripture, worship, and solitudeHealthy Physical Rhythms include sleep and exercise.Healthy Missional Rhythms include bless, eat, celebrate, story-formed, and ReCreateDiscussion Questions:How can you tell when your soul is becoming depleted or restless? What are the warning signs?What are some places people commonly go to find rest or restoration apart from Jesus? Do those things actually satisfy?What is one rhythm in your life that is helping you stay close to Jesus right now?How might a life of constant hustle make it difficult to notice and respond to opportunities God gives us to love and serve others?https://missio.life/home
Transcribe →Love Jesus Live Sent: Transformation Over Information
May 2400:36:16Tap to summarizeVerses Used:James 1:22-25Matthew 23:232 Corinthians 3:181 John 4:161 Corinthians 13:1-7John 13:35Takeaways:Information-based Christianity consumes content, debates theology, appears knowledgeable, and can still lack love.Transformational Christianity learns and applies the gospel, grows in patience and humility, shaped by grace and truth, and matures in love.InformationDespite all the content we have at our fingertips, we don’t automatically get discipleship or spiritual maturity.TransformationWe can mistake sudden changes in a person’s behaviors as transformation.A new Christian might stop swearing, stop partying, start attending church, and start listening to worship music instead of explicit music.Transformation goes deeper than behavior management.External behavior can change faster than the heart. That’s why Jesus continually focused on the heart.LoveLove is the most important aspect of Jesus’ nature.1 John 4:16 says, “God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.”The truest measure of spiritual maturity is not how much you know about God, but how well your heart had been transformed by God’s love.Discussion Questions:How do you think it was possible for the Pharisees to know so much about God, and yet miss the heart of God? What happened?Why do you think people, including ourselves, often settle for outward change instead of inward transformation?Who is someone in your life that reflects the love of Jesus well? What characteristics stand out about them?Why do you think love is such a powerful witness to people who don’t know Jesus?https://missio.life/home
Transcribe →Love Jesus Live Sent: Grace Over Guilt
May 1700:37:24Tap to summarizeVerses Used:Galatians 1:6-9; 3:1-9Ephesians 2:8-9Psalm 51:3-4Takeaways:Grace is the GospelThe good news of Jesus (the gospel) is a message of grace, not of works.There are laws God gave through Moses. It included moral laws (do not murder, steal, and commit adultery), civil laws (laws about debt and restitutions, property boundaries, agricultural laws for caring for the poor), and ceremonial laws (animal sacrifices, circumcision, dietary restrictions like clean/unclean foods).The ceremonial laws pointed to Jesus, the civil laws governed Israel as a nation, and the moral laws still reflect God’s heart for how we live.Grace and Relating to GodConviction moves us towards God in repentance. Condemnation makes us hide from God in shame.Conviction says, “I have sinned”, but shame and condemnation says, “ I AM my sin.”Grace is not just how we begin the Christian life. Grace is how we continue living it. We are saved by grace. We are sustained by grace. We are transformed by grace.Grace is how we relate to God, at the point of salvation and for the ongoing day-to-day living.Grace Shapes CultureGrace turns ministry from something we HAVE to do into something we GET to do.A guilt-driven church culture becomes: performative, self-righteous, exhausting, and unsafe. People start hiding, pretending, and wearing masks because they feel like they always have to look okay.A grace-driven culture has: trust, safety, humility, confession, and restoration. A grace-filled church is where people can actually tell the truth about their lives.Grace does not remove passion for obedience - it changes the reason we obey.Discussion Questions:Why do you think it’s easy to begin the Christian life with grace, but then drift into trying to earn God’s approval through performance?In what ways can God’s grace free us from shame, pressure, or pretending?How have you experienced guilt or pressure being used as motivation in church, family, or other relationships? What effect did it have on you?What might people experience in a grace-filled church culture that feels different from the world around them?https://missio.life/home
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