Fight Like Jesus, with Jason Porterfield: An Author Event by NCB’s Radix Live

We hosted an online conversation with Jason Porterfield, author of Fight Like Jesus (2022), a book that challenges readers to embrace the radical peacemaking of Christ. In this interactive event, Jason explored how Jesus waged peace throughout Holy Week, offering insight into the events leading to the cross—and what they mean for peacemaking today. Timely, indeed.

Guiding the conversation was Michael Barram, professor of theology and longtime advocate for justice and discipleship. Drawing from Jason’s years of ministry among the urban poor and his theological study, the dialogue helped us understand how we, too, can cultivate God’s shalom in a world desperate for peace.

After discussing his book—which has been described as a compelling narrative of Holy Week and a practical guide for everyday peacemaking—we invited questions from participants. For those who long for a faith that actively pursues reconciliation and justice, this conversation offered both challenge and encouragement.…

An Inklings’ Heir: Rob Jones’ Poetic Vision for the Church and the Imagination

Rob Jones is a poet, musician, two-time #1 Amazon bestselling author—and happily for us, a lover of the Inklings. His literary accomplishments include two books of poetry—The Hidden Work: Poems Inspired by the Writings of C. S. Lewis and Re-enchanted—as well as two children’s books, Here Comes the Night and Poetic Pete, and a new adult romance novel, Bad Boys of the Kingdom. His poetry has been featured in Sehnsucht: The C. S. Lewis Journal and Cultivating Oaks Press.

In this interview, Rob shares about, among other things, the importance of the arts and the role of beauty in the church; why creativity and wonder matter for all who call themselves Christians; the significance of community and interdependence within the Christian faith; the power of literature to transform consciousness and build connection; and the value of fiction in illustrating truths about life and spirituality. All of this is offered with beautiful humility and grace. Plus, if you are anything like me, you are going to love his voice. Also, he reads some of his poetry for us :)…

Centered-Set Church: An Author Event by NCB’s Radix Live

Our monthly NCB’s Radix Live event featured host Matthew Steem inviting Mark D. Baker to discuss his book, Centered-Set Church: Discipleship and Community Without Judgmentalism (IVP Academic, 2022). A "centered-set" was presented as an alternative to either a "bounded-set" (churches with hard boundaries that could repel newcomers or make it difficult for them to join) or a "fuzzy-set" (churches with so much inclusion that they lacked a vital sense of shared faith and identity).…

Midwinter Light with Marilyn McEntyre

In this interactive event, Marilyn shared the art of reading poetry, something she is especially skilled at. She also discussed how fluidity of thought and shifting perspectives shape our understanding and reflected on the place of meditative, poetic writing in today’s world. After discussing her latest book (part of a lineage of works exploring language and spirituality, poetry and prayer, faith and public discourse), we invited questions from participants.…

Is Your God Good? Special Guest Dave Jackson

In this timely—and thought-provoking!—conversation, Jackson addressed one of faith’s most challenging questions: how can we reconcile belief in a perfectly good God with the reality of suffering, unanswered prayers, and troubling depictions of God in Scripture? He also explored the character of God, the problem of evil, and the way Jesus Christ reframes our understanding of divine goodness.…

Bob Ekblad: grace and the redeeming power of mutuality

Bob and Gracie Ekblad are the founders and co-directors of Tierra Nueva (New Earth) in Burlington, Washington. Together, they lead a vibrant ministry that serves marginalized communities, including immigrants, inmates, and those struggling with addiction, through their home-based retreat center, New Earth Refuge, nestled in the Skagit Valley. Bob, ordained in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), holds a ThD in Old Testament and is known for his engaging courses on biblical interpretation. He also serves as the director of The People’s Seminary and is a part-time chaplain at Skagit County Jail. Some of his better-known books – and we highly recommend them – include Reading the Bible with the Damned, Guerilla Gospel, and The Beautiful Gate.…

The Rings of Power Review

with Laura Van Dyke
As many Lord of the Rings nerds already know, Season 2 of The Rings of Power has recently concluded. With its over 1-billion-dollar price tag – and the inclusion of Tom Bombadil, even! – one would expect a lot of hubbub. And there is! It spans everything from intense annoyance to absolute adoration.

We wanted the opinion of a Tolkien scholar and nerd, which we are delighted to share.…

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