In this Podcast episode, The Spirit of Anger and the Scapegoat Machine, I invite you to step into the raging undercurrent shaping our world, a culture where anger is no longer a reaction, but the atmosphere we breathe. I address how the ancient instinct to blame and exile has returned in full force, even within the Church, and how the real battle is not against enemies out there, but against the spirit of accusation itself.Drawing from the insights of Scripture and the brilliance of Rene Girard, I take you on a journey as to why scapegoating feels powerful but leaves us unchanged, and why Jesus, the ultimate and final scapegoat, stands as the only way out of the cycle. If, like me, you're weary of outrage culture, if you're longing for something deeper than blame, and if youāre ready to walk the path of the Lamb instead of the path of accusation, this podcast is for you.
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22:12
Bridging the Divide: Jew and Gentile in Godās Redemptive Story
In this episode, Dr. Mark Chironna is joined by Scott Volk, a Jewish believer in Jesus, founder of Together for Israel, and a passionate advocate for unity in the Body of Christ and reconciliation between the Church and Israel.Dr. Mark and Scott share deeply personal stories of encountering God, reflecting on their own spiritual journeys and the transformative power of divine calling. Scott emphasizes the essential role of relationships, unity, and covenant in the Christian life, while also offering insights into the role of Israel in the end times and the urgent need for purification within the Church.Their conversation weaves together themes of worship, identity, and radical hope, grounded in an understanding of the spiritual realm and the unfolding purposes of God. The episode closes with a sense of anticipation for future collaborations and a shared vision of what it means to live in wholehearted devotion to the Lord.This is a rich and timely dialogue for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Godās heart for His peopleāJew and Gentile alike.
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51:08
Sacred Meals, Inner Healing, and the Power of Perspective
In this episode, Dr. Mark Chironna welcomes author Lori Wagner for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation centered around her latest book, Around the Table with Jesus. Lori shares the heart behind the project, while Dr. Chironna reflects on its profound impact on his own spiritual journey.Together, they explore the spiritual and psychological depth of table fellowship, the power of food as a symbol of transformation and connection, and the way understanding biblical characters through a psychological lens can open new pathways of grace and empathy. Lori also offers a sneak peek into her upcoming projectsāincluding Scandalous, Slant, and a compelling fiction work titled The Lucifer Complexāas the conversation moves between vulnerability, theology, and creativity.A rich dialogue for anyone interested in spiritual formation, storytelling, and the healing power of presence.
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39:43
The Spirit, the Stillness, and the Space Between
In this episode, Dr. Mark Chironna sits down with Dr. Jack Levison, a renowned scholar of pneumatology and Professor of New Testament at Southern Methodist University, widely respected for his deep and accessible work on the Holy Spirit across the biblical tradition. Together, they explore the importance of creating liminal spacesāsacred thresholds where people of different faith traditions can come together for mutual understanding, reflection, and shared spiritual encounter.Their conversation moves into the rich terrain of the Holy Spiritās presence and activity across the various stages of life, offering both theological depth and pastoral sensitivity. Dr. Levison also shares insights into the value of silence and stillness in nurturing a Spirit-attuned life. This is a powerful dialogue on how ancient truths remain profoundly relevant in contemporary, pluralistic contexts.
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37:16
Faith, Music, and the Stories We Carry
In this episode, Dr. Mark Chironna welcomes Bishop Spencer L. Smith for a heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation shaped by their shared musical and theological backgrounds. Bishop Spencer reflects on his growing disillusionment with the music industry, offering an honest look at the tensions between calling and career. Together, He and Dr. Chironna explore how their upbringing in the church formed their faith and commitment while emphasizing the importance of a collective conversation about our past and present to imagine a more faithful future.
New Zealand