Spiritual Practices Episodes

Is gluttony really a sin — or just an excuse to feel guilty about food? In this episode, Jonathan and Nate go beyond the "eat less" talk and get to the heart of what gluttony actually is in the Bible: not a food problem, but a contentment problem. We unpack what Scripture actually says about gluttony in the bible, why the quail in the wilderness (Numbers 11) is one of the most overlooked warnings in Scripture, and how the "perverse pleasure of consumption" is really a failure to trust God's pro...

What does it mean to be holy — really? Not the self-righteous version that pushes people away, but the biblical kind that draws you closer to God. In this episode, we walk through Numbers 12 and the story of Moses — the man God called the most humble on earth. The surprising part? His humility didn't come from trying harder. It came from seeing God more clearly. The closer Moses got to the presence of God, the smaller he became in his own eyes. We also tackle: Why cheap grace can't produce holin...

Do you even Bible, bro? Bible study is not about collecting information, winning arguments, or forcing Scripture to support our opinions. It is about knowing God, seeing Christ clearly, and learning to live according to His Word. In Episode 64, Jonathan and David discuss how to approach Scripture with humility, consistency, prayer, and a Christ-centered heart. They cover: -Why the Bible is our authority and spiritual nourishment -How Scripture reveals God’s character and will -The importance of ...

Is fasting just about skipping meals — or is there something deeper happening spiritually? In this episode, we break down what biblical fasting actually means, why it's not the same as intermittent fasting, and how the Bible connects fasting to prayer, repentance, and spiritual warfare. We explore the 40-day fasts of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus, the connection to the Mount of Transfiguration, and why Jesus said some battles can only be won through prayer and fasting. Plus: what a media fast can rev...

Do spiritual gifts still exist today? Are miracles, prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues still active in the church—or did they end with the apostles? In Episode 44 of Deformed Theology, Jonathan and David welcome Adam Parker back to continue the conversation on one of the most debated topics in modern Christianity: the gifts of the Holy Spirit. After examining abuses in the charismatic movement in the previous episode, this discussion shifts toward a more foundational question: What sho...

What happens when the Church forgets the root? In this gripping episode of Deformed Theology, we sit down with Andre, a Venezuelan-born Messianic Jewish believer, to unpack the theological, political, and spiritual crises unfolding in Venezuela, the Western Church, and beyond. From firsthand accounts of life under the Maduro regime, to the persecution of Christians, to the rise of antisemitism within Christianity, this conversation exposes how distorted theology leads to real-world suffering. ...

In this thought-provoking episode of Deformed Theology, Jonathan, David, and special guest Pastor Ethan Rosenboom tackle one of the most beloved – and misunderstood – topics in the church: worship. What does the Bible really mean by “worship”? Is it just music, or is there something deeper and costlier at its core? The conversation starts lightheartedly but quickly digs into Scripture, exploring the first mention of worship in Genesis 22, where Abraham is prepared to sacrifice Isaac. They trace ...

This week on Deformed Theology, Jonathan and David dig deep into the critical (and often misunderstood) question: What does it really mean to be called into full-time ministry? Is it enough to feel a personal desire or get a prophetic word at youth camp? Or does Scripture require more? Through a no-holds-barred discussion grounded in 1 Timothy 3, the guys tackle the distinction between divine calling and self-promotion, and explore why far too many people are stepping into church leadership wit...

In this episode of Deformed Theology, we welcome Ryan Christopher, Next Gen Director for Northern Missouri, a part of Assemblies of God, for a powerful and candid conversation about the evolving landscape of youth ministry. Ryan brings two decades of experience to the table as he dives deep into the spiritual, emotional, and cultural challenges facing today’s youth; everything from the rise in anxiety and depression to the effects of social media, TikTok theology, and the decline of biblical lit...

In this lively and thoughtful episode of Deformed Theology, we welcome our very first guest—Pastor Drew Tarwater of Forefront Church in Denver, Colorado. With humor, humility, and a whole lot of Scripture, Pastor Drew shares his personal testimony, talks about the journey from finance to full-time ministry, and opens up about the joys and challenges of pastoring in a post-Christian culture. We dive deep into theological topics like church governance, worship styles, the use of spiritual gifts li...