Melissa Kruger and Courtney Doctor talk with Vanessa Hawkins about the Bible’s trustworthiness. They discuss why things like apparent inconsistencies and many different authors can actually point to the truth of the Christian Scriptures.They recommend resources to help listeners become familiar with biblical genre and the overarching narrative of the Bible to better understand how Scripture fits together.Recommended Resources:How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas StuartSurviving Religion 101 by Michael KrugerCanon FodderThe Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses by Chris BrunoFrom Garden to Glory by Courtney DoctorFrom Beginning to Forever by Elizabeth WoodsonNancy GuthrieRelated Content:The Biblical CanonWhy You Can Trust Your BibleHow to Face Apparent Contradictions in the BibleGen Z’s Questions About Christianity: The Bible’s AuthorityDiscussion Questions:What questions or doubts about the Bible’s reliability have you encountered from others or wrestled with yourself? What has been challenging about addressing those questions or concerns?How is the nature of eyewitness testimony helpful in increasing our confidence in the Bible’s accuracy?What consistencies within the Bible amaze you and grow your trust in God and his Word? Where do you see the beauty, harmony, and power of his Word displayed?How does being familiar with the Bible’s overarching narrative help us read and understand it better? What steps can you take to increase your understanding of this narrative or to help others become more familiar with it?What other details in this episode were surprising or served as helpful reminders of why we can trust God’s Word?
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43:14
Summer Reading with Melissa and Collin (from TGC's Gospelbound Podcast)
We’re sharing this episode of our Gospelbound podcast as a bonus episode for Deep Dish listeners because we know you love to read! In it, Melissa Kruger and Collin Hansen talk about what’s on their own summer reading list and share recommendations of other books they believe our listeners will enjoy. We hope this conversation will lead you to books that are edifying and enjoyable. Happy reading!Collin's Summer Reading ListGodric by Frederick BuechnerThe Fate of the Day by Rick AtkinsonThe Space Trilogy by C. S. Lewis Melissa's Summer Reading ListHomecoming by Kate MortonThe Lord's Work in the Lord's Way and No Little People by Francis A. Schaeffer The Expulsive Power of a New Affection by Thomas ChalmersFor the full list of book recommendations mentioned in this episode, visit our website.
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1:11:51
Grief, Loss, and Gratitude in the Christian Life
Courtney Doctor talks with Whitney Pipkin and Wendy Alsup, two of her friends who have known deep grief. They talk about why grief can be so surprising, why God allows it, and how to talk to a friend who is grieving (hint: it’s better to listen). Whitney talks about why we shouldn’t rush through grief; it’s appropriate to rage against death! Wendy says that we can see our grief as our resistance to the effects of the Fall. Listen to this episode and be comforted that even if grief feels strange and disorienting, you are not alone. Recommended Resources:We Shall All Be Changed by Whitney PipkinCompanions in Suffering: Comfort for Times of Loss and Loneliness by Wendy AlsupRelated Content:What I Misunderstood About GriefDark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark VroegopGrief Is Not an Enemy of FaithDiscussion Questions:What personal experiences with loss have you (or those close to you) had? Or in what ways do you relate to feeling “immune” from loss?How has experiencing suffering or loss changed you or your outlook on life?How can believers grieve in ways that acknowledge the need to lament as well as maintain hope?In what ways did this episode challenge you to be a better companion to someone walking through a season of suffering?What Scriptures have comforted or ministered to you in hard seasons?How did this conversation help you consider gratitude alongside grief and loss?
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40:19
Season 1: Your Questions, Our Answers
Melissa Kruger and Courtney Doctor respond to questions submitted by listeners such as what advice they have for newlyweds, how women can thoughtfully have relationships with their pastors and elders, their go-to verses for lonely times, and last but not least, their favorite pizza toppings!New episodes of The Deep Dish will now be released every other Thursday. Sign up for exclusive content for women and updates on The Deep Dish podcast here. Recommended Resources:Parenting with HopeThe Lord’s Work in the Lord’s Way“‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus”Related Content:TGC Q&A PodcastLet’s Talk: Your Questions, Answered!Questions Discussed:What’s a good way to get constructive criticism on Bible teaching without falling into people pleasing?What are some practical ways to teach a teen to read and study the Word without her feeling forced?How did you know it was time to go to seminary? What advice would you give women considering seminary?How do you grow relationships with pastors and elders as a female church member?What practical tips can you give on asking questions that get conversations going and reach the heart?I’m getting married this fall to a wonderfully godly man. Do you have advice or encouragement for newlyweds?What has helped you grow in affection for the Lord?What are your go-to verses for lonely seasons of life?What are your favorite pizza toppings?
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37:25
Kitchen Table Counseling Within Your Local Church
Melissa Kruger and Courtney Doctor talk about how to seek out the counsel of wise friends and how to respond well when friends seek your counsel. They discuss how to ask good questions, how to deliver a gentle rebuke when necessary, how to follow up on requests for accountability, and how to point someone to Scripture without treating it like a Bible Band-Aid. Listen prayerfully to prepare yourself for opportunities that arise to bear one another’s burdens.Recommended Resources:I’m Praying for You by Nancy GuthrieCount It All Joy by Helen RoseveareRelated Content:7 Things to Say to a Hurting Loved OneWhy Mentoring Is Better Than Asking AlexaThe Neglected Ministry of Asking QuestionsDiscussion Questions:1. Considering examples of people who have supported you in difficult seasons, what qualities do you appreciate most in them?2. In what ways have you struggled to balance extending both grace and truth in your own “kitchen-table counseling”?3. How can we ensure any necessary rebukes we deliver are given with gentleness?4. What helps you determine whether someone is “safe” to confess a burden or sin to?5. In what ways could you make yourself a more approachable and available source of counsel for those who need your support?6. How can your discussion partners pray for you as you point others to God in difficult situations?
The Deep Dish is a new podcast from TGC hosted by Melissa Kruger and Courtney Doctor that invites women into deep conversations about the deep truths of God. These discussions (which are always better served up with a slice of deep-dish pizza!) will equip women to engage in richer discipleship relationships in their local contexts. Tune in for warm conversations among friends—including special guests along the way—to dig deeper into God’s Word and explore how it applies to every area of our lives.
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