Become New with John Ortberg

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What if the biggest problem was never “them”… but what happens in us?

In this final episode of the No Condemnation series, John brings us to a powerful turning point in Romans 1–2. Paul builds a case against “them” — their sin, their failure, their corruption — until the reader is fully on board.

And then he turns it: “You, therefore, have no excuse—you who pass judgment…”

In this episode, you’ll learn:
the difference between moral discernment and condemnation
why labeling people as “them” distorts the heart
how contempt quietly takes root in everyday life
why humility is the starting point for real change
how to live with curiosity instead of judgment

This isn’t about ignoring sin. It’s about refusing to let condemnation shape your soul. As the series ends, the invitation remains:

See people as individuals.
Release the need to judge.
Choose curiosity.
Practice love.

...because there is now no condemnation.

📚 Today's Resources:
Anne Lamott, Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith 

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Music Credits:
Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0
Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

What makes the cross of Jesus different from every other story of sacrifice?

In this episode, John explores the idea of scapegoating through the work of René Girard and how human societies have always dealt with conflict the same way: by finding someone to blame. 

We find ourselves at the cross. The cross of Jesus changes everything. For the first time, the scapegoat is truly innocent and instead of justifying the system, the cross exposes it.

You’ll learn:

why humans instinctively assign blame
how rivalry and imitation lead to conflict
what scapegoating looks like in everyday life
how the cross reveals the truth about human systems
why God responds to blame with grace

In a world that runs on blame, the cross offers a different way.

Not more condemnation.
Not more scapegoats.

But grace.

📚 Today's Resources:
René Girard, The Scapegoat

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Music Credits:
Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0
Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

Why doesn’t shaming actually work?

In this episode, Dr. John Ortberg explores two powerful reasons why condemnation and public shaming often backfire and what they do to both the person being judged and the one doing the judging.

Drawing from The Scarlet Letter, John shows:

- why we never truly know someone else’s story
- how shame distorts both identity and relationships
- why condemnation corrodes the soul of the one who carries it
- how modern culture reinforces division and estrangement
- what Jesus offers instead

Then he introduces a different calling:
The ministry of reconciliation.

You’ll learn:
- why reconciliation is central to the life of Jesus
- how to begin moving away from resentment
- what to do when relationships feel broken
- why prayer is often the first step
- how to live without keeping score

Because the goal isn’t just to avoid condemnation.
It’s to become someone who brings people back together.

SAVE THE DATE: FORMATIONPODCAST.com launches April 22!

📚 Today's Resources:
Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter 
David Litt, “Is It Time to Stop Snubbing Your Right-Wing Family?” New York Times, 13 July 2025

🙌 New episodes every weekday.
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Music Credits:
Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0
Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

What if the biggest problem isn’t “out there”… but is actually within?
In this episode, John speaks directly to a familiar figure, “Uncle Billy," the person whose words are harsh, sarcastic, and condemning. Everyone knows an "Uncle Billy."

But then he turns the question back on each one of us.
Drawing from Ephesians 4 and the words of Jesus, John explores:

- why condemnation often disguises itself as righteousness
- how outrage and sarcasm shape our hearts
- what the Bible really means by “unwholesome talk”
- how our words can either rot or restore relationships
- why kindness is central to following Jesus

You’ll learn:

- how to recognize “unwholesome talk” in everyday life
- why it’s easier to judge others than examine ourselves
- how to begin changing the tone of your words
- what it looks like to speak in a way that builds others up

Before we send this message to someone else, we’re invited to ask:

“Is that me, Lord?”

Because there is now no condemnation...even for the parts of us still being transformed.

📚 Today's Resources:
N.T. Wright, Ephesians (For Everyone Bible Study Guides)
Samuel Johnson, example of wit without malice
James Boswell, The Life of Samuel Johnson 

SAVE THE DATE: April 22nd FORMATION LAUNCHES
FormationPodcast.com 

🙌 New episodes every weekday.
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Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.
TEXT US at 855-888-0444
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Music Credits:
Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0
Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO

We’re living in a culture of division. 
So how do you follow Jesus…when you deeply disagree with someone?

In this conversation, John Ortberg sits down with Condoleezza Rice to explore how faith shapes the way we navigate politics, disagreement, and relationships.

Together, they unpack:
- Why it’s so hard to love your “opponents”
- How to disagree without losing respect
- The role of humility, curiosity, and friendship
- And why prayer may be the most important habit of all

Because following Jesus doesn’t remove disagreement…but it transforms how we live within it.

📚 Today's Resources:
Condoleeza Rice, Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family 
Ralph David Abernathy, And the Walls Came Tumbling Down: An Autobiography
Stephen B. Oates, Let the Trumpet Sound: The Life of Martin Luther King Jr.
David J. Carrow, Bearing the Cross

SAVE THE DATE: April 22nd - Formation Podcast Launch
Becomenew.com/formation for more info

🙌 New episodes every weekday.
📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time.

Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.
TEXT US at 855-888-0444
EMAIL US at [email protected]

GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe
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Music Credits:
Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0
Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO