logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2024
1h 12m

Believing the Unbelievable with Dr. Nija...

THAT SOUNDS FUN NETWORK
About this episode

Our friend and one of our favorite theologians around here, Dr. Nijay Gupta, is back! If you're like me and geek out when talking all things Scripture, I think you're really going to love this episode. Not only is Dr. Nijay a professor of New Testament, but he’s also a senior translator for the NLT Bible, the New Living Translation, which we’re using for the month of April on Let’s Read the Gospels. So clearly this is our guy for all our questions! Today we talked about the first Christians being so different from Roman culture, the mystery of God and time, and the reputation problem of Christianity. Dr. Nijay is just so brilliant! Be sure to grab a copy of his newest book, Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling.

. . . . .

Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Head on over to our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe! 

. . . .

The ⁠⁠Let's Read the Gospels Journal⁠⁠ is available everywhere starting tomorrow! Grab a copy for yourself and a friend.

. . . .

Find more fun things on this episode by going to anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun.

. . . .

Subscribe to Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs HERE.

Go to https://anniefdowns.com/gospels to download your 2024 January - March Reading Plan or purchase the 2023 Let’s Read the Gospels Guidebook.

. . . . .

Join our Patreon community Single Purpose League as we tackle the question: What is my single purpose and what is my purpose while single?

. . . . .

Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests!

#thatsoundsfunpodcast

. . . . .

Thank you to our sponsors!

Athletic Greens: Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at drinkAG1.com/soundsfun.

Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per-month trial period at Shopify.com/soundsfun.

. . . . .

If you’d like to partner with Annie as a sponsor for the That Sounds Fun podcast, fill out our Advertise With Us form!

. . . . .

NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Jul 7
Celebrating Others Well and Building Stamina for God’s Timing with Mary Kate Morrissey- Episode 990
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANNIE! - love, Team AFD Our favorite green girl is back! Mary Kate Morrissey is now officially a Hall of Fun member, which means she’s been on the show five times, and today we’re getting to hear all about her experience starring as Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway l ... Show More
1h 1m
Jun 26
Understanding Spiritual Warfare and How Faith Becomes Your Shield with Jonathan Pokluda- Episode 989
Pastor JP Pokluda is back and today he officially joins the Hall of Fun! This is his 5th time on the show and we are so grateful he’s always willing to show up here and drop some wisdom. The question we’re diving into today is, “Is this Spiritual warfare or am I just tired?” JP’s ... Show More
54m 9s
Jun 23
Holding the Both/And of Summer’s Delight and Disappointment with Mike Kelsey- Episode 988
OUR FIRST OFFICIAL DAY OF SUMMER HERE ON THE POD. Today we're answering the question, “What is summer and how do I define it in my life?” and Pastor Mike Kelsey is back to help us kick off this new season. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since we recorded. We talk about the f ... Show More
1h 4m
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2022
Episode 427: Louie Giglio on Fighting Against Worry and Creating Positive Habits to Draw Closer to Jesus
I LOVE when I get to have a conversation with one of my all-time favorite pastors, Louie Giglio! Talking to Louie about all things Jesus is just the BEST! His newest book, Winning the War on Worry, is such a breath of fresh air as we walk towards our Thanksgiving celebrations nex ... Show More
1h 4m
Apr 2024
How Your Story Fits Into God's Story with Courtney Doctor
Calling all Bible nerds! This episode with my sweet friend, Courtney Doctor, director at The Gospel Coalition and author, is a little silly, and a lot packed with theological truths in an understanding way. If you've ever wondered how to read God's Word as a whole story, or how y ... Show More
37m 50s
Feb 2024
"It's Time To Get Honest With God" With Jennifer Dukes Lee
I just can't keep doing this!If you have ever found yourself feeling this way, we've been there. That's why we have our friend Jennifer Dukes Lee on this episode talk about how crucial it is to be honest with God during difficult seasons of life. Through her own experiences of re ... Show More
32m 11s
Apr 2024
S3: John 1: In The Beginning
What does it mean to behold Christ? Together, we are studying the New Testament, one chapter at a time, and answering this very question. Join us as we dive deep into details of the New Testament and behold Jesus as the centerpiece of God’s sovereign plan of redemption. Today, we ... Show More
9m 17s
Nov 2022
Sweet Relief: How the Gospel Frees Us From Striving w/ Kaitlin Garrison
On this episode of the Daily Grace Podcast, Krystal and Shelby chat with Kaitlin Garrison about how the gospel frees us from a life of striving. If you have ever felt crushed under the weight of trying to impress God—this episode is for you! Kaitlin shares about the belief she he ... Show More
29m 8s
Apr 2024
S3: John 13: Love One Another
What does it mean to behold Christ? Together, we are studying the New Testament, one chapter at a time, and answering this very question. Join us as we dive deep into details of the New Testament and behold Jesus as the centerpiece of God’s sovereign plan of redemption. Today, we ... Show More
8m 34s
Mar 2024
Godly Girl Chat pt 2: Emotional Life Updates & Spiritual Disciplines in Busy Seasons
In today's episode, Jeanine share's what's been going on in her life lately and helps you stay strong during busy and tough seasons in your faith! She gives you tips on how to find a time to get in the Word, time management, community, comparison, and more! We hope you love this ... Show More
59m 52s
Oct 2022
How to Share Your Testimony
As a Christian, there is perhaps no greater story you will ever tell than the story of how you came to know and love the Lord. But many of us are not great orators, speech writers, or gifted natural communicators. This week, Janet and Jocelyn discuss why sharing our testimony - t ... Show More
46m 25s
Jul 2023
“To the Woman Who Feels Like She’s Fighting Alone” by Nicki Koziarz
In today’s episode, you’ll hear a devotion written by Nicki Koziarz based on Galatians 6:2, which says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (ESV). We hope today’s devotion encourages you that it’s not a burden, but a blessing, to be able to walk with so ... Show More
5m 15s