The Austin Stone Podcast

Ross Lester walks through the antidote for anxiety and how we can experience a life of joy and peace.

Halim Suh explores Paul’s call for Christians to pursue unity with one another and their responsibility to help others in conflict.

Ross Lester explores what we should know and do to finish the race of the Christian life well.

Matt Blackwell compares the vanity of our earthly efforts with the supreme worth of knowing Jesus.

Halim Suh examines Paul’s praise of two ordinary Christians who showed great concern for others and took great risk for the gospel.

Ross Lester explores the kind of integrated life of joy and freedom that faith in Jesus produces.

Tyler David explores how following Jesus leads to radical humility and sacrifice within us, enabling us to reflect the mind and life of Christ.

Halim Suh explores how unity and fearlessness when faced with suffering mark a life that’s worthy of the gospel.

Tyler David explores how cultivating the imagination can fuel our faith and endurance in Jesus.

Ross Lester examines how our greatest opportunity to proclaim the gospel may come in the seasons we don’t always expect.

Halim Suh explores the kind of deep community that we were made for.

Matt Blackwell kicks off our sermon series on the book of Philippians by examining the author, audience, and aim of Paul’s letter.

Matt Blackwell examines what God’s blessing entails and the reason for His blessings.

Scott Hekman examines how God’s promise of eternity comforts, continues, and compels His people.

Walt Lengel explores the purpose, process, and product of God’s testing in our lives.

Bob Gutekunst examines what the Bible says is the antidote to anxiety.

Matt Blackwell explores what the Bible says about being an elder at the church.

Habakkuk’s questions don’t have a simple resolution. His prophecy ends with a view of God’s awesome wrath, with the crops barren, a day of calamity coming, and a song of praise on his lips. What does that mean for you and me when we’re stuck in traffic and when we get the diagnosis?

Episode Transcript

Will Bostian explores how our invincible joy comes from God’s ultimate strength.

Tyler David explores the pain of loss and what it reveals about God and our own hearts.

A mailbag episode! You’ve got questions about doubt, suffering, evil, and how Christians can persist in faith and worship in a broken, painful world.

Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email us at podcast@austinstone.org.

Episode Transcript

Matt Blackwell explores Habakkuk’s song of trust, calling us to remember God as our Creator, Savior, and Judge.

Tyler David explores how anchoring our worldview in God’s power, rather than in ourselves, gives us confidence in chaos and fuels our prayers for revival.

It’s the age-old question—if God is all-powerful, all-good, and all-knowing, why does evil exist? How can He let it go on? The existence of evil is one of the most challenging aspects of Christian faith. Yet, the question hinges on assumptions about God, ourselves, and the world around us.

Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email us at podcast@austinstone.org.

Episode Transcript

Halim Suh explores God’s five woes upon Babylon and how they reflect the universal human condition of brokenness.

Greg Breazeale explores how we can wait on God and walk in faith.

If God is good, why does He allow suffering? And if He can end it anytime, why is He taking so long? Everybody experiences suffering—and if you haven’t experienced it yet, you’re only a phone call away from a heavy season. Join us as we learn to make sense of it all together.

Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email us at podcast@austinstone.org

Episode Transcript

Halim Suh explores Habakkuk’s raw prayer and how it demonstrates God’s kindness and Habakkuk’s faith.

Ross Lester examines God’s surprising response to Habakkuk and what it teaches us about His mysterious methods and purposes.

Do you struggle with doubt? More importantly, what should you do with doubt? Let’s talk about Christian doubting and how to wrestle our doubts toward faith instead of away from it. Whether you’re a natural skeptic or have experienced something that feels like an attack on your faith, this episode is for you.

Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email us at podcast@austinstone.org.

Episode Transcript

Halim Suh explores Habakkuk’s painful lament to God to understand how we can trust Him in the midst of evil and suffering.

Ross Lester introduces the history of redemption up to this point and examines how God is always speaking.

Ross Lester explores John’s account of the resurrection and its implications for our current reality.

Jimmy McNeal explores why and how we worship God, specifically with our voices and bodies.

Tyler David shares the motivation and purpose behind evangelism, as well as practical principles to consider.

John Manning explores the invitation to biblical generosity to which all believers are called.

Tyler David explores the practices of celebration and lament to show how Jesus redefines our joys and sorrows.

God cares deeply about your pain and sorrow. He invites us to process with Him honestly and often. The Psalms show us that lament is an act of worship that can deepen our trust in Him.

“Practicing Lament” is a 30-minute audio guide that walks you through five movements of biblical lament. We pray this resource helps you draw near to God in suffering, grief, or loss.

Ross Lester examines the purpose of practicing silence and solitude for our spiritual health.

Ross Lester explores the purpose of biblical fellowship and what life-giving fellowship often requires.

Halim Suh shares how our fasting today differs from how Israel fasted in the Old Testament.

Ross Lester discusses the importance of serving as believers and addresses some of our obstacles to a life of service.

Ross Lester examines the practice of Sabbath, highlighting it throughout the different seasons of biblical redemptive history.

Tyler David examines the practice of Sabbath, highlighting it throughout the different seasons of biblical redemptive history.

Halim Suh examines the purpose of memorizing Scripture and demonstrates its impact.

Ross Lester explores the importance of Scripture study and walks through one of the practical methods of it.

Jimmy McNeal explores what Jesus teaches about prayer and how we can engage with this spiritual discipline.

Ross Lester introduces spiritual disciplines as a means of grace that disrupt our busy lives to remind ourselves of the reality of Jesus.

Ross Lester shares the vision for the ABLE Campaign and examines the biblical generosity we see in Scripture.

Ross Lester reflects on God’s faithfulness to our church over the past years while looking ahead to how we can be ready for His future provision.

Will Bostian explores the new identity we have in Jesus.

Matt Blackwell explores how God’s love for us is made known through Jesus’ birth.

Ross Lester discusses how the birth of Jesus brings joy to the world.

Halim Suh examines Zechariah’s song and how it points to the peace we have in Jesus.

Jimmy McNeal kicks off the Advent season by exploring Simeon’s song and how it points to our hope in Jesus.

Greg Breazeale closes out our time in Ecclesiastes by summarizing the meaning and purpose of wisdom and who it ultimately points to.

We have some big takeaways from the Ecclesiastes sermon series. We’ve also got a few unresolved tensions. Tyler David joins Ross and Val to wrap up the Chasing Shadows Podcast with an update on what seems to be a new work of the Holy Spirit among students at the University of Texas.

Halim Suh explores how Christians should respond to the uncertainty of our life and the certainty of our death.

A small fly can spoil the whole batch. A thousand follies lead to one big disaster. And wisdom doesn’t prevent all suffering or failure. This seems bleak. But take heart, Christian. In this episode, we discuss how the truths of Ecclesiastes instruct us in how to live, even in the suburbs, with courage and hope in Jesus.

Join us each week for the Chasing Shadows podcast—new episodes available on Thursdays throughout the Ecclesiastes series.

Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email us at podcast@austinstone.org.

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Ross Lester explores the importance of making wise decisions and eliminating foolishness from our lives.

Death is an inevitability. How your life plays out is entirely uncertain. Your work and your memory will fade from existence. There are many ways people deal with this reality, from constantly scrolling to endless pleasure seeking. But Christians are called to more. How can we be joyfully content?

Join us each week for the Chasing Shadows podcast—new episodes available on Thursdays throughout the Ecclesiastes series.

Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email us at podcast@austinstone.org.

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How should we make the most of our lives in light of eternity? Ross Lester explores wisdom from the book of Ecclesiastes.

As we head into the holidays, looking toward Christmas, join us right here for a new daily audio devotional for Advent. Advent is an ancient Christian practice of waiting in hopeful anticipation of Christmas day - the day when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, God with us! Each episode is about ten minutes long, and all 25 days will be available starting December 1.

You can find our Audio Advent Devotional: God with Us wherever you listen to podcasts and on our website, austinstone.org.

Credits

Jesus wasn’t a centrist. That’s too simple a conclusion. And following after Him with earnest zeal does not draw us to a specific political position. Jesus brings an entirely new paradigm. He makes us citizens of His Kingdom by the power of His blood. And yet, God has placed us in this time and this place, and as citizens of His Kingdom, we have been called to proclaim Him with our lives, with our voice, and even with our votes. But how should we vote? Should we vote? Let’s discuss.

Join us each week for th...

Ross Lester examines how we should respond to modern governing authorities and politics while pursuing a joyful endurance.

Why is it so hard to talk about politics? Is it ok to just check out, turn off the news, and throw away our phones? What has God called us to as believers in a particular place and time? This week we discuss how we can engage in politics with hope, charity, and confidence because we are citizens of God’s Kingdom.

Join us each week for the Chasing Shadows podcast—new episodes available on Thursdays throughout the Ecclesiastes series.

Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email us at podcast@austinstone.org.<...

Halim Suh explores a framework for how Christians should live under modern governing authorities and politics.

God often reveals Himself powerfully and personally to a believer in the midst of suffering. And yet, suffering is a reality for everyone at some point, and bland theological assurances can feel glib to those walking through disaster or devastation. How can we actively seek the joy God provides, avoid the trap of nostalgia, and find support in the community of saints?

Join us each week for the Chasing Shadows podcast—new episodes available on Thursdays throughout the Ecclesiastes series.

Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email us at podcast@austinstone.org...

Jimmy McNeal examines the need for wisdom, the way to wisdom, and the limits of wisdom to reveal our hope in Jesus.

Your wildest dreams can be disappointing. What is perceived as bold truth-telling could be a trap. Contentment is a miracle. In this week’s podcast we discuss how to wait on the Lord for joy, how to fight for contentment, and how to rest in Jesus for all that God has given to us.

Join us each week for the Chasing Shadows podcast—new episodes available on Thursdays throughout the Ecclesiastes series.

Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email us at podcast@austinstone.org.

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Ross Lester explores the barriers to enjoying God’s blessings and points us toward freedom in God-centered living.

Jesus spoke about it often, so why do we feel so uncomfortable whenever a church or a preacher talks about money? This week, we dive into the messy topic of money. Join us to consider its subversive promises, a life of contentment, and the complexities of Biblical generosity alongside our particular contextual realities.

Join us each week for the Chasing Shadows podcast—new episodes available on Thursdays throughout the Ecclesiastes series.

Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email us at podcast@austinstone.org.

Watch on YouTube

Halim Suh examines the vanity of loving money to show us our true freedom in Jesus.

What does it mean to fear God? Western Evangelicalism is going through a reckoning of fallen leaders and uncovered sin. Has God left us? This week we discuss guarding your steps from meaningless religion.

Join us each week for the Chasing Shadows podcast—new episodes available on Thursdays throughout the Ecclesiastes series.

Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email us at podcast@austinstone.org.

Watch on YouTube

Ross Lester explores the necessity of seeing God rightly when we enter His presence.

Could the idealist be just as wrong as the cynic? There is a harsh reality for everything under the sun. This week, we discuss engaging that reality with open eyes and a hopeful heart.

Join us each week for the Chasing Shadows podcast—new episodes available on Thursdays throughout the Ecclesiastes series. 

Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email us at podcast@austinstone.org.

Watch on YouTube

Jimmy McNeal explores the evils of life under the sun to reveal our true need for Jesus.

Beauty and eternity, meaning and revelation—how do these things work together to give us a picture of God’s kindness? This week’s episode discusses how wisdom from Ecclesiastes can direct us to be present for the joy and sorrow of everyday life.

Join us each week for the Chasing Shadows podcast—new episodes available on Thursdays throughout the Ecclesiastes series.

Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email us at podcast@austinstone.org.

Watch on YouTube

Halim Suh explores the haunting beauty of life’s changing seasons—from joys to tears and everything in between.

Work is from God and yet is marked by sin. How can Christians pursue redemption through their work, especially in surroundings often marked by exploitative practices and opportunities for selfish gain?

Join us each week for the Chasing Shadows podcast—new episodes available on Thursdays throughout the Ecclesiastes series. 

Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email us at podcast@austinstone.org.

Watch on YouTube

Recommend Resources

Ross Lester examines the vanity of our work when we don’t view it as a way to worship God.

The writer of Ecclesiastes went as far as humanly possible in his pursuit of pleasure and still ends disappointed. So, how should we live in a culture that encourages building our identities around pursuing pleasure? Is stoicism the answer?

Join us each week for the Chasing Shadows podcast—new episodes available on Thursdays throughout the Ecclesiastes series. 

Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email us at podcast@austinstone.org.

Watch on YouTube

Halim Suh examines the vanity of pursuing pleasure and its paradoxical nature.

Does Ecclesiastes say that knowledge is pointless? This week, we discuss the pursuit of wisdom by limited creatures.

Join us each week for the Chasing Shadows podcast—new episodes available on Thursdays throughout the Ecclesiastes series.

Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email us at podcast@austinstone.org.

Watch on YouTube

Ross Lester examines the vanity of pursuing worldly knowledge over wisdom that leads to fear of the Lord.

Even the best things in life leave us unfulfilled and unsatisfied. So, what hope do we have?

Join us each week for the Chasing Shadows podcast—new episodes available on Thursdays throughout the Ecclesiastes series.

Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Email us at podcast@austinstone.org.

Watch on YouTube

Ross Lester examines the vanity of life under the sun to point us to the fullness of life in Jesus beyond the sun.

Tyler David examines Jesus’ heart for the nations and discusses how our response reveals our understanding of the cross.

Walt Lengel examines this psalm of lament to discover how we can faithfully wrestle with our doubts in God.

Jimmy McNeal explores how God uses His creation, word, and kindness to sanctify His people.

Jon Dansby teaches on the beauty of God and the joyful truth we have in Jesus.

Bob Gutekunst kicks off our "A Summer in the Psalms" series with a message from Psalm91

Brian Benkendorfer explores how God blesses His people so that all tribes, tongues, and nations would praise Him.

Ross Lester closes out the book of Jude by exhorting us to remember our context, calling, and Keeper.

Matt Blackwell explores how God takes both judgment and mercy seriously.

Matt Blackwell explores the charge to contend for the faith amid false teachers and false truths.

Ross Lester shares the historical context for Jude and discusses our identity as followers of Christ.

Halim Suh concludes the final section of Hebrews by highlighting God’s character and our obedience.

Ross Lester examines the uniqueness of Christ’s altar and how it should impact our worship.

Halim Suh explores the exhortation to consider our leaders and avoid being led away from the faith by false teachings.