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Travis welcomes Michel Hendricks to the show! In the past few decades, so much of church and the Christian life has been about simply gaining information that leads us to believe and hopefully do the right things. However, as time has gone on, many Christ-followers have felt that there is more. Could there be something that we are missing? As the pandemic revealed, we are built for connection to God first and then with others second. In fact, our brains are divinely wired for both, and yet many within the church have neglected this important part of our makeup. However, in recent years there has been a relational reformation-a hunger to recover the connection with people the way God intended and we now have the brain science to show us what the Bible has been talking about for millennia. Travis and Michel discuss his book, The Other Half of Church, which he co-authored with our previous guest Jim Wilder. The book has become the go-to text for this relational reformation and rightly so because they have hit on something that many within the church have been saying and feeling for years: there is more and the Bible tells us all about it! Listen in as they talk about how God has wired our brains for relationships and joy and how we can return to this relational joy the way that God intended! Learn more about https://lifemodelworks.org/ (Life Model Works). Check out Michel's https://www.amazon.com/Michel-Hendricks/e/B07ZG6TZFN?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1656032820&sr=8-1 (books). Sign up for the Apollos Watered https://linktr.ee/apolloswatered (newsletter). Help support the ministry of https://apolloswatered.org/support-us/ (Apollos Watered) and transform your world today!

This is Jim Wilder Part 2! Travis and Jim talk about how God has divinely wired our minds for human relationships and how they form us to become more like Jesus. We often talk about becoming like Jesus and how the Bible forms us, but rarely do we talk about how our relationships form us. In fact, the Church has often unbiblically separated the message of Jesus apart from relationships and if we are to grow in our faith and if the church is to be strengthened, we need to rediscover this divine connection. Travis and Jim have a far-ranging discussion that includes the connection between shame and status in our society, how our brains go into what is called “enemy mode” and “relational” modes when we are communicating with people, and what Jim calls the “Life Model Works” which is a tool and organization that Jim helped develop to “link brain science with the Bible to create simple, practical tools for churches to build authentic community.  This episode is a listening must for those who want to go deeper in their walk with Christ as we seek to understand how our brain works in shaping us through the day-to-day relationships of life. Learn more about https://lifemodelworks.org/ (Life Model Works). Check out Jim's https://www.amazon.com/E-James-Wilder/e/B000APG46O (books). Sign up for the Apollos Watered https://linktr.ee/apolloswatered (newsletter). Help support the ministry of https://apolloswatered.org/support-us/ (Apollos Watered) and transform your world today!

Travis welcomes Jim Wilder to the show! Jim is a neurotheologian who specializes in helping us become fully human Christ-followers. Travis and Jim discuss neurotheology, how the brain works, and how God has wired the truth of who He is into our brains. It's one of the most fun and informative conversations and it's sure to deepen your relationship with God and others. This is truly a must-listen! Learn more about https://lifemodelworks.org/ (Life Model Works). Check out Jim's https://www.amazon.com/E-James-Wilder/e/B000APG46O (books). Sign up for the Apollos Watered https://linktr.ee/apolloswatered (newsletter). Help support the ministry of https://apolloswatered.org/support-us/ (Apollos Watered) and transform your world today!

Travis welcomes Donald Whitney to the show! Are you having a hard time praying? Do you find yourself praying with the same old words? For the same old things? For many of us, prayer is a chore. We know that we want to do it and do it well, but don't feel like we are getting through. Or we don't feel like we are praying right: in the right ways for the right things, etc. Is there a way to get out of our prayer rut? Donald Whitney says, "Yes!" Don Whitney has been teaching believers to pray the Bible (in fact he has taught it over 600 times!). Donald gives us such a practical way to pray the Bible in such a way that anyone can do it! Learn more about https://www.sbts.edu/ (Southern Seminary) where Don teaches and http://biblicalspirituality.org/ (The Center for Biblical Spirituality) that he founded. Get the book https://www.amazon.com/Praying-Bible-Donald-S-Whitney/dp/1433547848/ref=sr_1_1?crid=OHULH5XO0DFV&keywords=praying+the+bible&qid=1654363995&sprefix=praying+the+bibl%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-1 (Praying the Bible). Sign up for the Apollos Watered https://linktr.ee/apolloswatered (newsletter). Help support the ministry of https://apolloswatered.org/support-us/ (Apollos Watered) and transform your world today!

Everyone agrees it's a pretty chaotic time in our world and we need guidance. We have knowledge but lack wisdom. Who can we look to for wisdom? Who are the voices that we can trust that don't have some hidden agenda? Is there anyone from our recent past to help us in our present cultural moment? Trevin has some fascinating and powerful insights. Travis and Trevin discuss Trevin's new book on G.K. Chesterton, the Western church's credibility crisis, the global church, and even discuss Disney and how it has helped shape the expressive individualism that is so prevalent and prominent in our culture. It's a conversation that you really don't want to miss! Check out Trevin's https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/ (blog) at the Gospel Coalition or sign up to be on his email https://us11.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=138da60b2f7586fbbb1c50a84&id=621531349f (list). Check out his blog entry on https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/lets-talk-about-disney/ (Disney). Follow Trevin on https://twitter.com/TrevinWax (Twitter) or get his https://www.amazon.com/s?k=trevin+wax&sprefix=trevin+wax%2Caps%2C312&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_10 (books). Sign up for the Apollos Watered https://linktr.ee/apolloswatered (newsletter). Help support the ministry of https://apolloswatered.org/support-us/ (Apollos Watered) and transform your world today!

One of the best ways to pray is to study the Scriptures, listen to Jesus, and hear the voices of those who have prayed well. Today in this Watering Wednesday, Travis explores the disciples' desire to pray and the prayer life of one amazing man of prayer, the missionary John Hyde, who will inspire you to pray more fervently for God to work in our fallen world today. Sign up for our https://linktr.ee/apolloswatered (newsletter). Help support the ministry of https://apolloswatered.org/support-us/ (Apollos Watered) and transform your world today!

Travis is joined by David Garrison of Global Gates! Jesus calls us to take the whole Gospel to the whole world and often times we think overseas, but what if is also across the street? Did you know that there are thousands of families of unreached people groups throughout North America? And did you know that they may be in your neighborhood? God calls us to reach them and David gives us a great insight as to how! If we are able to reach them, then they will reach their families on the other side of the world for Jesus! We can reach the furthest corners of the earth and some of the most difficult people groups to share Jesus with in the world by simply developing a relationship with a person across the street! Listen as Travis and David discuss Global Gates, unreached people groups (UPG's), and much, much more! Learn more and get connected with https://globalgates.info/ (Global Gates) and sign up on their Facebook https://www.facebook.com/globalgatesinfo (page). Get David's https://www.amazon.com/David-Garrison/e/B00J23KMJ0/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1 (books.) Sign up for our https://linktr.ee/apolloswatered (newsletter). Help support the ministry of https://apolloswatered.org/support-us/ (Apollos Watered) and transform your world today!

God has given us His GPS so that we might know who He is, who we are, where we are, and how God gets to us. It's about the Word of God and how we need it to engage with God. At Apollos Watered, we are biblically grounded, and we want you to be as well. With so many things swirling around us in our day, it is more important than ever that we are rooted in God's Word so that we might live lives that are pleasing to Him. Sign up for our https://linktr.ee/apolloswatered (newsletter). Help support the ministry of https://apolloswatered.org/support-us/ (Apollos Watered) and transform your world today!

Esteban Shedd of Streetlights is on Apollos Watered! Everybody has a world they live in: rural, small town, big town, suburb, or city. Statistics have shown that our world is becoming more and more urbanized. The question then becomes: what are the best ways to reach our cities for Jesus? How can we help urban believers grow when most of the Christian material out there is most often aimed at those safe in the suburbs who are from one cultural background? Streetlights has a unique and effective way. "Streetlights is a ministry of Creative Communicators called to intentionally engage global urban culture - primarily youth and young adults - with the Gospel of Jesus Christ by producing, translating, teaching, and proclaiming God’s Word so all can understand. Their identity & call are founded on the belief that God’s Word is transformational and needs to be accessible and understandable to all people. Their task is to “Unfold Him” through His Word to this digital age that presents many barriers to the Gospel of Jesus Christ as well as unprecedented communication opportunities to send out God’s Word." This was a fun and far-reaching conversation of cities and connections. Listen in as Travis & Esteban talk about Christ's call to the city and how we can reach it. Learn more about https://www.streetlightsbible.com/ (Streetlights). Sign up for our https://linktr.ee/apolloswatered (newsletter). Help support the ministry of https://apolloswatered.org/support-us/ (Apollos Watered) and transform your world today!

In this 100th episode, Travis' reflects on many of the people who have come on the show and how they all come together to help you water your world for Jesus! Listen in and celebrate with us as we celebrate 100 episodes! And thank you for listening! Sign up for our https://linktr.ee/apolloswatered (newsletter). Help support the ministry of https://apolloswatered.org/support-us/ (Apollos Watered) and transform your world today!

Beyond Racial Division. Professor George Yancey discusses what we can actually do in our divided world to find unity. Sometimes it seems like that isn't possible. We want to love our brothers and sisters in Christ of all races, but so many things threaten that brotherly love. Listen in as Travis and George discuss all of this. You'll walk away with the hope that there is a way to love one another. There is a way through to the other side of the division. Learn more about https://www.georgeyancey.com/ (George) and his work. Get George's https://www.amazon.com/s?k=george+yancey&crid=2HBA9I3KFBVMI&sprefix=george+yancey%2Caps%2C96&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 (books). Sign up for our https://linktr.ee/apolloswatered (newsletter). Help support the ministry of https://apolloswatered.org/support-us/ (Apollos Watered) and transform your world today!

This time we have a special guest host! Travis' wife, Melissa Lynn Fleming shakes things up a bit and puts Travis in the hot seat in a deep conversation. They discuss everything! What does it mean to water your world in a world that is divided, confused, and overwhelmed? How do we water our faith when it seems that everyone and everything is fighting for our attention? Melissa and Travis talk about how to live as Christians in a world that isn't. It's a fun and insightful conversation that cuts the trends out and focuses on the timeless truth of God's Word and how we can anchor ourselves in it in a world that seems to be tossed back and forth on the tumultuous waves of our ever-changing culture! It's a great look into the heartbeat of Apollos Watered and how it can help you water your faith so that you can water your world! Sign up for our https://linktr.ee/apolloswatered (newsletter). Help support the ministry of https://apolloswatered.org/support-us/ (Apollos Watered) and transform your world today!

Trillia Newbell joins Travis to discuss diversity, BBQ, Tennessee, parenting, name meanings, Bed & Breakfast, places we live, music, Motown, the sin of partiality, cultures, crime TV shows, frog legs, pigs' feet, Andrew Zimmerman, French beaches, and the need for unity in the church today to increase our view of God. Along the way, they discuss her newest book, "https://www.amazon.com/Big-Wide-Welcome-Church-Learned/dp/1784983918/ref=pd_sbs_sccl_5/138-5130715-2737650?pd_rd_w=Jt1dH&pf_rd_p=4b6b5072-e9bd-4f30-a3af-a1f5d52978ec&pf_rd_r=ZA0C71QK3Z5B42ME4F4D&pd_rd_r=ebd5bd1e-2749-43c1-90dc-ca74fc578002&pd_rd_wg=W8Td7&pd_rd_i=1784983918&psc=1 (The Big Wide Welcome Storybook)" for kids! Learn more about https://www.trillianewbell.com/ (Trillia) and change your world (and make your family proud!) by supporting the ministry of https://apolloswatered.org/support-us/ (Apollos Watered).

In this second part of Travis' conversation w/Felicia Wu Song, they continue their discussion on her most recent book, Restless Devices-Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place In the Digital Age. They delve into The Freedom Project and explore the counter exercises that we can employ to stifle tech's conforming practices. They discuss counter-liturgies, social imaginaries (what stories we tell ourselves are worth striving for and being shaped by), performing ancient Christian traditions & practices that help shape us, Charles Taylor, selfies as formative, Gen X, programming VCRs, empty inboxes, second-second life, rhythms, Sabbath, sacred space, embodiment, Jesus' bodily suffering, and much more! Learn more about https://feliciawusong.com/ (Felicia) and get her https://www.amazon.com/Restless-Devices-Recovering-Personhood-Presence/dp/0830851135/ref=sr_1_2?crid=22H5CZYK408FW&keywords=restless+devices&qid=1648333202&sprefix=restless+devices%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-2 (book). Change your world (and make your family proud!) by supporting the ministry of https://apolloswatered.org/support-us/ (Apollos Watered).

Travis welcomes Felicia Wu Song to the show to discuss her most recent book, Restless Devices-Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place In the Digital Age. They discuss how our technology is shaping us spiritually and our need to adopt practices that enable us to counter the effect of tech on our souls. Their conversation is informative, fun, and wide-ranging-moving from tech and the importance of examining its effect on our souls, parenting, spiritual formation, discipleship, Neil Postman, G.K. Chesterton, 80's cartoons, snacks, and Amish people. Learn more about https://feliciawusong.com/ (Felicia) and get her https://www.amazon.com/Restless-Devices-Recovering-Personhood-Presence/dp/0830851135/ref=sr_1_2?crid=22H5CZYK408FW&keywords=restless+devices&qid=1648333202&sprefix=restless+devices%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-2 (book). Change your world (and make your family proud!) by supporting the ministry of https://apolloswatered.org/support-us/ (Apollos Watered).

Travis and Nik are together once more, but this time they delve deep into the family unit, juxtaposing the family on the mission field to a family on mission in the West. Ministry begins in the home and it is precisely in the home that many ministries are lost. It may not be disobedience as much as a distraction, not so much about belief, but busyness. Why are we so busy? Why are we so distracted? Before trying to figure out how to disciple or lead, we need to figure out what the currents and obstacles are that are keeping us moving and preventing us from moving forward. When we pause, we can see that many of the blessings we have received can quickly turn into burdens and blockades if not put into their proper place. Using his time on the mission field as a template, Nik invites us to rediscover effective mission in our Western context. Rather than inventing new approaches, we return to the simple ways of previous generations who opened their homes, practiced hospitality, and built relationships so that others may know the truth of Jesus Christ. Learn more about https://www.nikripken.com/ (Nik Ripken Ministries), the https://www.amazon.com/Insanity-Obedience-Walking-Jesus-Places/dp/1433673096/ref=sr_1_3?crid=TLWWCGEJVG1J&keywords=nik+ripken&qid=1647645635&sprefix=Nik+Ripken%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-3 (book), and the http://www.insanityofgodmovie.com/ (movie). Change your world (and make your family proud!) by supporting the ministry of https://apolloswatered.org/support-us/ (Apollos Watered).

Travis welcomes Nik Ripken back to the show! This time Travis & Nik discuss his book, The Insanity of Obedience, and the many modern misconceptions of how we go about mission in the modern world. At the heart of their conversation is the subject of persecution and how we handle it opposed to how the Bible presents it. This conversation goes beyond the fact that persecution exists, instead, Nik presents the question-why are people being persecuted? It's not simply because people are believers in Christ-there is much more involved. It involves the methods we employ to communicate the message of Jesus. Could it be that the methods that we have employed to get the message out, actually cause more problems than they solve? Could it be that we need to rethink how we communicate and what methods we are reliant on? Listen in and find out!

Travis and Brett McCracken continue their conversation about the wisdom pyramid. They talk through the benefits and burdens of technology, the culture of disposable, perceptual presentism, the need for. rest and boredom, passive scrolling, the digital natives of today and other subjects such as the Amish, Starbucks, squirrels skiing, five habits for cultivating wisdom online, and counter liturgy. Brett is a senior editor and director of communications for https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ (The Gospel Coalition). He has written for The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Huffington Post, CNN.com, Christianity Today, and many other publications. A graduate of Wheaton College and UCLA (M.A. in Cinema & Media Studies), Brett lives in Santa Ana, California with his wife Kira and two sons, Chet and Ira. He is an elder at http://southlands.net/ (Southlands) Church Santa Ana. Travis and Brett discuss his newest book, https://amzn.to/2FnPd1t (The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World) (Crossway, 2021). We have the food pyramid to show us what we need to eat and in what amounts, but what about the content for our souls? Where does that fit? Brett opens up the door, drawing our souls into Christ, but shows us how to live in an information-saturated world. We can't escape it, but we can regulate it and Brett is here to be a guide. It's a fascinating and varied discussion on technology, social media, batman, art, foods, our craving and need for beauty, and a whole lot more. But it is their focus on the pyramid that helps give order to our soul formation. Subscribe to Brett’s blog http://eepurl.com/cMdLkj (here). Or follow him on http://www.facebook.com/brett.mccracken (Facebook), http://twitter.com/brettmccracken (Twitter), and https://instagram.com/bwmccracken/ (Instagram). Please support the ministry of https://apolloswatered.org/support-us/ (Apollos Watered).

On this special episode of Apollos Watered, Travis welcomes radio veteran Wayne Shepherd to the show to discuss the crisis in Ukraine. Wayne's voice has been heard all around the world. He has been in Christian radio for decades working with some of the who's who of evangelical Christianity and host of http://www.firstpersoninterview.com/ (First Person with Wayne Shepherd) a weekly radio/podcast interview program that introduces you to people whose lives have been redeemed by Jesus Christ and called to serve Him in a unique way. What many may not realize is that he has a special place in his heart for Ukraine and has been working with ministries such as https://missioneurasia.org/ (Mission Eurasia) and https://www.febc.org/ (The Far East Broadcasting Company) for years. Travis and Wayne discuss the situation as well as give us some tips on how to pray and where to give in order to best help those affected by such a senseless tragedy. You can donate to https://missioneurasia.org/donate/ (Mission Eurasia) or to the https://www.febc.org/give-2/ukraine-and-russia-on-the-brink/?utm_source=post&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=C22202 (Far East Broadcasting Company). Change your world (and make your family proud!) by supporting the ministry of https://apolloswatered.org/support-us/ (Apollos Watered).

Travis welcomes Brett McCracken to the show. Brett is a senior editor and director of communications for https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ (The Gospel Coalition). He has written for The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Huffington Post, CNN.com, Christianity Today, and many other publications. A graduate of Wheaton College and UCLA (M.A. in Cinema & Media Studies), Brett lives in Santa Ana, California with his wife Kira and two sons, Chet and Ira. He is an elder at http://southlands.net/ (Southlands) Church Santa Ana. Travis and Brett discuss his newest book, https://amzn.to/2FnPd1t (The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World) (Crossway, 2021). We have the food pyramid to show us what we need to eat and in what amounts, but what about the content for our souls? Where does that fit? Brett opens up the door, drawing our souls into Christ, but shows us how to live in an information-saturated world. We can't escape it, but we can regulate it and Brett is here to be a guide. It's a fascinating and varied discussion on technology, social media, batman, art, foods, our craving and need for beauty, and a whole lot more. But it is their focus on the pyramid that helps give order to our soul formation. Subscribe to Brett’s blog http://eepurl.com/cMdLkj (here). Or follow him on http://www.facebook.com/brett.mccracken (Facebook), http://twitter.com/brettmccracken (Twitter), and https://instagram.com/bwmccracken/ (Instagram). Change your world (and make your family proud!) by supporting the ministry of https://apolloswatered.org/support-us/ (Apollos Watered).