Abundant Life Podcast

#49: The Mystery Man - Melchizedek

Why is there so much mystery around a king and priestly figure mentioned briefly in Genesis? In this episode, Glenn and Matt discuss Melchizedek and ultimately consider how he points to Jesus.

#48: How to read the New Testament

Join Glenn and Matt as they continue to explore the literary genres found in the Bible. In this episode, they explore the genres of literature found in the New Testament and dive into the meaning and interpretation of prophetic writing.

#47: How Do I Read That?

Glenn and Matt continue to explore the literary genres found in the Bible. In this episode, they discuss genealogy, legal materials, poetry, and wisdom literature.

#46: Divine Drama: How God Speaks Through Story

The Bible is full of incredible stories, but understanding them can be challenging. In this episode, Glenn and Matt discuss how we should read, understand, and respond to the narrative genre in Scripture.

#45: The Hidden Threads: Finding Meaning in the Old Testament

Have you ever had a hard time understanding the Old Testament? In this episode, Glenn and Matt discuss and consider the overarching narrative of the Old Testament and provide helpful tools to understand it.

#44: Faith and Science: Can They Coexist?

Can you believe in Jesus and still believe in science? In this episode, Glenn and Matt are joined by Clara Bader, a current biology major with a health profession focus, to discuss truth, science in scripture, and faith developing through college.

#43: What’s on Your Mind This Christmas?

Where should we focus on as we consider Jesus this Christmas? In this episode, Glenn and Matt reflect on the purpose of Christmas and provide some meditations for your heart this week.

#42: The Reality of Abuse in the Church

In this episode, Glenn and Matt are joined by Mike Sloan, the Director of Safeguarding of GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment), to discuss the reality of abuse in the church and how the church can improve its approach to prevention and response.

#41: Recovering from the Election Season

How can disciples of Jesus have a biblical perspective for reflecting on a crazy election season? In this episode, Glenn and Matt discuss politics, biblical reflections, our polarized state, healthy reflections, and occasionally strong opinions.

#40: Who is GRACE?

In this episode, Glenn and Matt are joined by Pete Singer, the Executive Director of GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment), to discuss who GRACE is, why they exist, and what gives them purpose in their mission of empowering churches to recognize, prevent, and respond to abuse.

#39: Marriage Chronicles: Darren & Gloria

Marriage is an incredible joy when two people are faithful in their commitments to Jesus and to one another. In this episode, Glenn and Matt are joined by Darren & Gloria Johnson to reflect on decades of marriage and discuss lessons learned in their life of steady faithfulness to one another.

#38: Power Plays: Understand the Dynamics of Influence

When God created, he gave people incredible power. How we choose to steward our God-given power is a matter of great responsibility. In this episode, Glenn and Matt dive into the dynamics of power and the potential we have for good and evil.

#37: When You’re Mad at God

What should we do when our circumstances lead us to grief, anger, and disappointment? Is it okay to be mad at God? In the episode, Glenn and Matt discuss the meaning and application of the deeply spiritual exercise of lament.

#36: The Adventures of Obedience

How do you respond when God calls you to something that is outside of your expectations? In this episode, Glenn and Matt are joined by Laura Hibma to explore Laura’s experiences of trusting God in each season of her life.

#35: Your Wife’s Wishlist: Sacrifice

Scripture calls husbands to love like Jesus. How did he love? Sacrifice. In this episode, Glenn and Matt dive into the power of choosing sacrificial love and explore practical applications of husbands loving their wives as Christ loved the church.

#34: The Cult of Leadership

At a time in history when everyone is striving to lead, it’s easy to miss the essential value of following well. In this episode, Matt and Glenn consider the biblical principle of submission and practical tips for becoming a great follower.

#33: Marriage Chronicles: Paul & Elaine

Sometimes your marriage will lead you to adventures you never would’ve imagined. In this episode, Glenn and Matt are joined by Paul & Elaine Swift to reflect on decades of marriage and discuss how significant life changes drew them closer to each other.

#32: Marriage Chronicles: Grant & Tami

Having a healthy marriage isn’t easy, but it is rewarding. In this episode, Glenn and Matt are joined by Grant and Tami Wee to reflect on decades of marriage and discuss the key practices that have enriched their marriage.

#31: Those Gifts Aren’t Yours

As God’s grace is generously given to us, each disciple of Jesus is given certain gifts to steward. In this episode, Glenn and Matt explore the grace of God and how we can properly comprehend and apply the spiritual gifts that are granted to each of us.

#30: Purpose in the Pain

When we encounter storms in life, God uses our circumstances to teach us, grow our faith, and form us into His likeness. In this episode, Glenn vulnerably shares about his cancer journey, the impact it had on his faith, and the lessons he learned through the trial.

#29: Too Fit to Quit

God has given each of us an incredible gift called a body. How are we stewarding it? In this episode, Glenn and Matt are joined by Pastor Gus Booth to discuss how we can steward our bodies for God's glory.

#28: Gray Hairs & Great Wisdom

Jesus’ instructions to make disciples are brilliantly simple and have transformational power in our lives. In this episode, Matt and Glenn are joined by Pastor Bernie Wing, who discusses the impact that discipleship has had on his life and shares some best practices for discipling others.

#27: Stump Glenn Bader

How will Glenn respond to difficult questions with no preparation? In this sequel to Stump Pastor Matt, Matt tries to stump Glenn.

#26: Expectations You Can’t Meet

How do we consider the high standards of holiness Jesus taught? In this episode, Glenn and Matt discuss the emphasis Jesus put on the state of our hearts rather than our external appearance.

#25: Stump Pastor Matt

How will Matt respond to difficult questions he can’t prepare for? In this episode, Glenn tries to stump Matt with unforeseen cultural, political, and biblical questions.

#24: When Connection Isn’t Enough

What is the difference between connecting with God and knowing God? In this episode, Glenn and Matt dive into important truths and applications for those pursuing nearness to God.

#23: When your Heroes Fail

What do you do when the church leaders you hold in high esteem fail? In this episode, Glenn and Matt wrestle through the painful recent history of church leaders being exposed and consider what the applications may be to the local church.

#22: Did Jesus Kill the 10 Commandments?

What do the Ten Commandments recorded in the Old Testament mean to New Testament disciples of Jesus? In this episode, Glenn and Matt provide history, resolve misconceptions, and bring application to the commandments God provided for life.

#21: From Routine to Reverence

The manner and perspective of our worship change as we grow in discipleship to Jesus. In this episode, Glenn and Matt are joined by Lydia Bader to discuss her journey of worship and faith since moving away from Southwest Minnesota and Victory Church after graduating high school.

#20: Gratitude’s Inseparable Partner

When gratitude to God fills us, it leads disciples of Jesus to generosity. In this episode, Glenn and Matt are joined by Brian Knochenmus to discuss how we apply gratitude through our generosity towards the work God is doing in us and around us.