Introduction

In this episode of Christ Community’s podcast, Bill and Jacob sit down with journalist Danny Funt, author of Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling. The conversation explores the rapid mainstreaming of sports betting in the U.S., the forces behind its explosive growth, and the broad social, financial, and personal impacts on fans, families, and communities.

3 Main Takeaways

1) Legalization Fueled by Business Interests

The explosion of sports gambling in the U.S. followed the 2018 Supreme Court decision, but the groundwork was laid years earlier by shifting attitudes among sports leagues and media, primarily driven by the potential to boost media rights and profits, often outweighing concerns for fans’ wellbeing 00:01:31.

2) Gambling and Technology Are Deeply Intertwined

The spread of mobile phones has made betting constant and accessible, transforming every moment of a game into a gambling opportunity—often exploiting users' attention and addictive tendencies, with industry insiders openly describing their tactics as aiming to create a “sticky” and habitual user experience 00:10:07 and 00:11:49.

3) The Hidden Costs Go Beyond Money

Sports betting is not just about financial loss—studies show higher bankruptcy rates, damaged relationships, addiction among young people, and emotional consequences like lost time and attention with loved ones; warning signs include chasing losses, constant betting urges, and misunderstanding betting as legitimate investing instead of gambling 00:17:33 and 00:22:56.

Resources

Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling - Kindle edition by Funt, Danny. Humor & Entertainment Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Socials

X: @dannyfunt - Bluesky: @dannyfunt.bsky.social - Substack: https://dannyfunt.substack.com/

Timestamps

The Supreme Court Decision That Changed Everything

The 2018 Supreme Court ruling and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's 2014 op-ed as turning points in legalizing sports betting are discussed at 01:31.

How Media Rights Drove Leagues Toward Gambling

Explanation of how sports leagues saw gambling as a way to boost media rights revenue at 05:18.

The Rise of Microbets and Addiction Tactics

Discussion of the shift to "sticky" microbetting and how it hooks users, including an industry insider’s perspective (11:24).

Financial and Emotional Toll on Families

Real-life stories about the devastating financial, emotional, and relational costs of gambling, including families being torn apart, (17:33).

The Illusion of Beating the House

An explanation of how the odds are stacked against bettors and industry advertising as "untruthful," including the reality that 1 percent of bettors ever win, (27:16).

Keywords

Sports gambling, American culture, FanDuel, DraftKings, Supreme Court, Legalization

Media rights, Micro bets, Gambling addiction, Advertising, Predatory tactics, Financial loss, Gambling industry, Parlay bets, Prediction markets

Introduction:

This episode features Chris Justice, co-founder of Engenious Design, discussing how his work in engineering—particularly in developing medical devices—intersects with faith, the concept of redemptive entrepreneurship, and building a company culture that values both people and excellence. The conversation explores seeing all work as meaningful, practical examples of innovation, and the challenges and rewards of growing a business with purpose.

3 Main Takeaways:

1. Redemptive Entrepreneurship in Practice

Chris describes how entrepreneurship—whether through designing lifesaving medical devices or improving everyday tools—can be a redemptive act by addressing pain points and making the world better, one innovation at a time 05:07.

2. Faith Shapes Company Culture

Building Engenious Design was deeply influenced by the belief that all work, not just pastoral or missionary roles, can serve God's mission in the world. This perspective shapes not only product development but also workplace culture, hiring, and how the team treats applicants and clients 00:01:28, 00:12:42.

3. Embracing Uncertainty and Trust

Chris emphasizes that real entrepreneurship dispels the illusion of control—it is a journey marked by uncertainty. This reality has deepened his faith and reliance on God, especially as he shoulders the responsibility of his company and its employees 00:00:00, 00:19:29.

Resources:

https://www.engenio.us/

Timestamps:

00:01:28 — Chris describes the pivotal shift in viewing engineering and entrepreneurship as integral to God’s mission, not just work.

00:05:07 — Chris explains the concept of redemptive entrepreneurship and how Engenious Design seeks to improve the world through product development.

00:07:15 — Chris provides a concrete example of partnering with a physician to innovate a medical tool that lowers healthcare costs and increases accessibility.

00:12:42 — Chris reflects on how his faith shapes company culture: striving for excellence in both primary work and supportive processes for employees and applicants.

00:19:29 — Chris discusses the illusion of control in entrepreneurship and how running a business deepens faith and reliance on God.

Keywords

Engineering, Medical devices, Redemptive entrepreneurship, Engenious Design, Product development, Faith, Company culture, Design process, Job applicants, Teamwork, Calling, Innovation, Patient care, Business growth

The Power of Communion | POD 071

Introduction:

In this episode, Hannah Miller King joins the podcast to discuss her book Feasting on Hope, exploring the role of Christian hope, especially during difficult times, and how the practice of communion (the Lord's Supper) shapes faith, embodies hope, and fosters unity within the church. The conversation also touches on the transformative power of regular communion, the importance of embodiment in worship, and the balance between the ordinary and the special in spiritual disciplines.

3 Main Takeaways:

1. The Lord’s Supper as a Source of Hope in Hard Times

Hannah Miller King emphasizes that communion is both an act of obedience to Jesus and a profound mystery that shapes, heals, and sustains believers—especially in seasons of grief and wilderness. Drawing from her own experience with childhood loss, she explains how the Lord’s Supper embodies the "already and not yet" aspect of Christian faith: it is simultaneously a participation in resurrection life and a reminder that full restoration is still to come 05:19, 06:07.

2. Communion’s Embodiment of the Holistic Gospel

The conversation highlights the embodied nature of the sacrament, pointing out that salvation involves both body and soul. Regular participation in communion reminds the church that faith is not just intellectual or spiritual but is worked out in community and in physical acts. This embodiment stands in contrast to trends that could disembody Christian practice (such as technological or individualistic shifts) 09:47, 10:42.

3. Communion and Christian Community—Union and Unity

Communion is a deeply communal practice that forms believers not just in union with Christ, but also in union with one another—across differences, generations, and cultures. The ritual counters transactional faith with relational presence and calls participants to reconciliation, humility, and mutual care. Weekly repetition, rather than making it "ordinary," shapes believers' lives together, forging new habits of grace and forgiveness 13:15, 17:33, 20:12.

Resources:

Feasting on Hope: How God Sets a Table in the Wilderness

Timestamps:

00:00:02 – Overview of the episode’s theme: Christian hope in hard times and the role of communion (Hannah Miller King).

00:01:13 – Discussion of a common question: “Why communion?” and how many lifelong churchgoers still find it mysterious.

00:02:20 – Explanation that even if we don’t fully understand communion, we trust Jesus’ command and participate in its mystery.

00:03:27 – The origin story behind writing the book; connecting personal grief and how God met her at the communion table (Hannah Miller King).

00:05:19 – Exploration of communion as a source of hope amidst grief; how the Lord’s Supper teaches about faith in the “already, not yet” reality.

00:06:37 – Personal testimony of childhood grief and the role of faith and the table in coping with loss (Hannah Miller King).

00:09:47 – Importance of embodiment in communion: how bodily rituals help internalize spiritual truths (Hannah Miller King).

00:12:14 – The value and impact of practicing weekly communion and its formative effect on the church family (Hannah Miller King).

00:17:11 – Communion as union with Christ; moving beyond transactional faith toward relational union.

00:22:24 – Reassurance about receiving communion “in a worthy manner” and the posture of humility and hunger for grace (Hannah Miller King).

Keywords

Communion, Lord’s Supper, Feasting on Hope, Christian hope, Embodiment, Resurrection

grief, Suffering, Liturgy, Union with Christ, Spiritual discipline, Community, Forgiveness, Repetition, Mystery, Table, Healing, Eucharist, Church family

Introduction:

This episode, co-hosted by Paul Brandes and Jacob Nannie, explores the connection between our culture’s pursuit of happiness and the rise of despair, drawing on themes from Andrew Root’s book Evangelism in an Age of Despair. The conversation with Dr. Root unpacks how traditional evangelism methods intersect with our longing for transformation, the problem of loneliness, and how Christians can practice “consolation” by being present with others in their everyday lives.

3 Main Takeaways:

1) The modern pursuit of happiness often leads to despair rather than fulfillment 00:01:25.

2) Evangelism should shift from being a sales pitch for happiness or counting converts to offering real consolation and presence, especially amid sorrow and loneliness 00:09:25.

3) Evangelism and discipleship are deeply intertwined—Christians are called to embody hope and consolation, especially in everyday life beyond Sunday gatherings 00:17:41.

Resources:

Evangelism in an Age of Despair: Hope beyond the Failed Promise of Happiness: Andrew Root: 9781540968715

Timestamps:

00:01:25 — The claim that the cultural obsession with happiness has led to collective despair is introduced.

00:02:05 — Andrew Root discusses how pursuing happiness as the gauge for self-fulfillment can leave people miserable.

00:04:14 — Analysis of popular memoirs as stories of transformation and their secular roots.

00:06:35 — The critique of traditional evangelism as a "sales pitch" for happiness, leading to despair.

00:07:55 — Reflection on Protestant churches' shared tendency to quantify evangelistic success by numbers or attendance.

00:10:02 — Introduction of the idea of "consolation" as a key word for a new approach to evangelism.

00:12:00 — Observation that society’s unhappiness and loneliness are linked, and digital spaces fail to offer real consolation.

00:17:12 — The fictional story of Marianne is introduced as a narrative method for understanding evangelism in everyday life.

00:23:23 — The real-life story of a grieving woman consoled by a cab driver, illustrating consolation as evangelism.

00:27:30 — Examination of Mark 9 and Jesus’ consoling question, highlighting how evangelism can be about attentive presence rather than diagnosis or salesmanship.

Keywords

Happiness, Despair, Evangelism, Secular age, Self-fulfillment, Transformation, Memoir, Counting, Consolation, Theology of the cross, Loneliness, Presence, Discipleship, Suffering, Storytelling

In this episode, Jacob and Bill sit down with Tom Nelson, founding pastor of Christ Community, to explore the concept of "design-based giving." They discuss how generosity is more than simply giving—it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s design and priorities, particularly when it comes to stewarding finances and supporting the local church. Together, they unpack biblical wisdom, practical principles, and the long-term impact of ordered, intentional generosity.

3 Main Takeaways:

1. Design-Based Giving Anchors Generosity in Biblical Wisdom

Tom Nelson emphasizes that generosity is not just about giving wherever and whenever, but instead following a biblically informed framework for how, where, and why we give (02:28, 05:06).

2. The Local Church is “Plan A” for Giving

The podcast highlights the biblical pattern of prioritizing the local church in our giving (16:35–18:36). Tom Nelson argues that the “first fruits” of our wealth should primarily support the local church, describing it as the enduring institution at the center of God’s plan (17:18, 18:10).

3. Generosity Reflects the Ordering of Our Loves and Participates in God’s Joy

Generosity is ultimately about the ordering of our hearts—what we love most (12:22, 23:29). Giving our best (“first fruits”) reflects love and honor for God and aligns us with his generous nature (10:54, 11:11). Living into this design brings joy and freedom, as we become outpourers reflecting the image of our generous Creator (07:01, 08:22, 39:08), and invest our lives in things that outlast us (32:37).

Resources:

The Economics of Neighborly Love: Investing in Your Community's Compassion and Capacity: Nelson, Tom: 9780830843923: Amazon.com

https://cckc.church/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Exploring-Gods-Design-for-Generosity-12.19.pdf

Timestamps:

00:01:31 — Jacob Nannie frames the conversation by asking why generosity alone is not enough without biblical wisdom, prompting the introduction of "design-based giving."

00:04:49 — Tom Nelson defines design-based giving, explaining its scriptural roots and distinguishing it from a needs-based or haphazard approach.

00:09:07 — Tom Nelson clarifies the paradigm shift from self-centered ownership to other-centered stewardship, anchoring the idea that "God owns it all."

00:16:32 — Tom Nelson describes the biblical foundation for prioritizing the local church in giving, drawing connections from Old Testament tithing to the New Testament.

00:37:51 — Tom Nelson shares his hope for a new generation to have a reordered love, centering the love of Jesus expressed most fully in loving and supporting the local church.

Keywords

Generosity, Giving, Design, Stewardship, Church, Tithe, Legacy, Wealth, Abundance, Joy, Love

Institution, Family, Worship, Firstfruits, Imagination, Ownership, Sacrifice, Community, Flourishing

With God: In Suffering | POD 068

Introduction:

In this special episode, Andrew DeKanter who is a pastor and the founder of Better Stories Ministries, sits down with Jacob Nannie to share a personal story of loss, faith, and hope after tragedy. Together, they reflect honestly on walking with God through suffering and how a supportive community makes all the difference.

3 Main Takeaways:

1.The Importance of Presence in Suffering

Both Jacob Nannie and Andrew DeKanter emphasize that the most helpful response to those who are grieving is not polished answers or quick fixes, but simply being present—“weeping with those who weep”—and carrying burdens alongside them (26:06).

2.The Reality of Spiritual and Emotional Complexity

Andrew DeKanter describes the intertwined experience of mental health struggles, spiritual warfare, and grief following the loss of his son Moses (08:49, 33:23). He highlights both the material and spiritual realities at play in suffering, affirming the existence of real evil but also the sovereignty and goodness of God, even amidst deep questions and loss (36:13).

3.God’s Sovereignty and Redemptive Hope

Even in the midst of unfathomable loss, Andrew DeKanter clings to truths from Scripture: that God is sovereign, that he is good, and that suffering can have purpose (40:03). Andrew DeKanter finds healing in seeing God use his pain to help others, particularly through his current work with college students—a reminder that God can bring redemptive good from even the deepest grief (44:42).

Resources:

https://www.betterstoryministries.org/

https://youtu.be/xQwnH8th_fs?si=2jIoxkEskLQ6Z_bU

https://youtu.be/GswSg2ohqmA?si=jZyfn8LnbAQsFxTb

https://youtu.be/5vp9hV8bOjk?si=EQtbAmrmGbAk25Ld

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1594634408/?bestFormat=true&k=walking%20with%20god%20through%20pain%20and%20suffering&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ww_k1_1_17_de&crid=1HDV5WQIAR55F&sprefix=walking%20with%20god%20

Crisis support: call or text 988 if you are in the United States.

Timestamps:

02:39 — Andrew DeKanter shares memories of his son Moses, describing his personality, talents, and spiritual life.

12:20 — Andrew DeKanter recounts the events leading up to Moses' passing and the family's experience of grief and loss.

20:01 — Andrew DeKanter outlines three common (often unhelpful) ways people respond to others’ suffering and highlights the importance of "weeping with those who weep."

31:41 — Andrew DeKanter reflects on the theological lessons learned from Job and the grounding truths he held onto during grief.

44:22 — Andrew DeKanter discusses how God is bringing healing in his life, particularly through ministry to college students after the loss of his son.

Keywords

Suffering, Grief, Suicide, Loss, Job (Book of Job), Mental health, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), Religious scrupulosity, Faith, Hope, Spiritual warfare, Presence, Compassion, Church community, Healing, Redemptive suffering, God’s sovereignty, Support in crisis, Ministry, Trauma, Covenant love (Hesed), Lament, Pain, Family, Vulnerability, Authenticity

In this episode, hosts Paul Brandes and Jacob Nannie welcome back guest Jay Stringer, a licensed counselor, researcher, and author. They discuss themes from Jay Stringer's book, Desire focusing on how our desires—especially those surrounding sexuality and brokenness—shape our lives, relationships, and spiritual growth. The conversation unpacks the importance of understanding the roots of our desires rather than simply suppressing or indulging them, inviting listeners to approach their inner struggles with curiosity, honesty, and grace.

3 Main Takeaways:

1. Desires Are Not Random—They’re Instructive

Jay Stringer emphasizes that our desires and even our struggles—especially those relating to sexuality—are not arbitrary or meaningless. Instead, they are deeply connected to our personal stories, family dynamics, and past wounds.

2. Honor and Honesty Go Hand-in-Hand

A recurring theme is the importance of holding both honor and honesty together when examining our personal stories and relationships, particularly regarding family of origin.

3. Symptoms and Temptations Are Invitations to Deeper Discipleship

Instead of viewing symptoms (like sexual compulsion, low desire, overeating, etc.) only as problems to be eradicated, Jay Stringer encourages treating them as “holy men”—signals calling for our attention.

Resources:

• 
  Desire: The Longings Inside Us and the New Science of How We Love, Heal, and Grow: Stringer, Jay
• Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing: Stringer, Jay: 9781631466724

Timestamps:

00:03:12 — Jay Stringer discusses why it's important to distinguish between a symptom and the desire behind it, laying the groundwork for understanding sexual brokenness and desire.

00:06:27 — Jay Stringer addresses how to reread biblical stories (like David’s) through the lens of unmet longings and untransformed pain.

00:12:19 — Jay Stringer introduces the concept of holding together "honor and honesty" regarding our personal and family stories as foundational for true healing.

00:16:21 — Jay Stringer shares real-life client examples demonstrating how sexual struggles and desires are often rooted in specific, unresolved early-life wounds.

00:23:50 — Jay Stringer offers pointed, practical questions for listeners to ask themselves in moments of temptation, emphasizing curiosity over accusation.

Keywords

Desire, Sexuality, Sexual brokenness, Symptoms, Healing, Intimacy, Family of origin, Formation

Power and abuse, Honesty and honor, Story and narrative, Curiosity, Temptation, Arousal template, Shame, Transformation, Grief, Protest, Discipleship, Kingdom of God, Neuroscience

Legacy, Therapy, Vulnerability

Loyal Love with Brooks Nesse | POD 066

Introduction:

In this episode of theFormed.life, hosts Jacob Nannie and Jonathan Neef welcome guest

Brooks Nesse to explore the Book of Ruth. Together, they highlight Ruth’s role in Scripture, the theme of hesed (steadfast love), and how God’s character is shown through the everyday actions of Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi. The conversation reflects on faithful love, God’s care for the vulnerable, and how Ruth’s story points to Jesus and shapes our lives today.

3 Main Takeaways:

1. The Transformative Power of Hesed in Ordinary Life:

The Book of Ruth showcases hesed—steadfast, sacrificial love—through the ordinary, generous actions of Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi, reflecting God’s own character.

2. Ruth as a Model of God’s Care for the Vulnerable:

Ruth highlights God’s heart for the vulnerable and marginalized, urging us to embody that care for outsiders, widows, and the needy in our communities today.

3. Boaz and Ruth Foreshadow the Generosity of Christ

The story points forward to Jesus, the ultimate expression of hesed, whose self-giving love redeems and fulfills God’s promise for all people.

Resources:

-Ruth resources from the BibleProject
-A Commentary on Judges and Ruth -Robert Chisholm
-Christ Community Bible Study resources

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Jacob Nannie introduces the focus on the Book of Ruth

00:02:23 - Brooks Nesse explains how Ruth connects the period of the Judges to the monarchy

00:05:56 - Brooks Nesse describes how the law (Torah) shapes the action of the story, and how Boaz models fulfilling the law, linking it directly to God’s character and foreshadowing the mission of Christ.

00:13:13 - Brooks Nesse provides a deep dive into the meaning of "Hesed," why it's hard to translate, and how Ruth and Boaz incarnate this quality

00:32:03 - Jonathan Neef and Brooks Nesse discuss how "Hesed" ultimately points forward to Jesus

Keywords

Ruth, Boaz, Naomi, Judges, Torah, Hesed, steadfast love, loyal love, genealogy, King David, vulnerability, widowhood, poverty, immigration, law, Torah follower, Moabite, outsider, Gentile, redemption, kinsman redeemer, incarnation, Genesis, Proverbs 31, Christ, Jesus, Old Testament, New Testament, faithfulness, generosity, marginalized, character of God, community, outreach, everyday faithfulness, self-sacrifice, hope, redemption narrative