Reflections On Now

Lent, Sabbatical, and the Antichrist Spirit in American Politics

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:34:12 GMT

In this episode of Reflections on Now, we reflect on the Lent season — what we gave up, what we didn't, and what God did anyway. From there, we talk about Matt's upcoming sabbatical and what it means to let the ground rest. We close with a candid conversation about power, control, and the spirit of Antichrist showing up in the church and in American politics.

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Pastor Matt's Spiritual Director, Kevin Navarro

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 22:26:25 GMT

In this episode we sit down for a conversation with Kevin Navarro, Pastor Matt's Spiritual Director, to discuss his work with ReWire, what it means to be a spiritual director, working with women in incarceration, and mystical union.

https://www.rewireteam.org

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ICE, Moral Responsibility, and Church Leadership

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 23:33:09 GMT

In this episode of Reflections on Now, we begin with immigration, ICE, and what it means to be a “villager” who refuses to look away from harm in their community. From there, we turn to leadership, moral failure, and the culture of pedestal-building in the church, asking how truth, repentance, and redemption might look more like the way of Jesus.

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Near-Death Experiences, Gilmore Girls, and the Way of Power

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 22:10:36 GMT

From Gilmore Girls to near-death experiences, the conversation turns toward consciousness and Christian witness. What if faith looks less like winning and more like embodying Jesus in the everyday?

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Charlie Kirk, Operation SAFE, and Self-awareneess

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Reflections on Now, we take on three big conversations shaping both our personal and public lives. We begin with the Enneagram and the difference between healthy self-awareness and unhealthy self-consciousness. We then turn to Oklahoma’s new Operation SAFE and what it means to criminalize homelessness. Finally, we wrestle with the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk, exploring tribalism, empathy, and whether violence can ever be justified—or celebrated. Through it all, we ask what it means to follow Jesus faithfully in a fractured cultural moment.

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Hooters, Church Reform, and Cutting the Ends Off the Ham

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 20:23:37 GMT

In this episode of Reflections on Now, Cody, Matt, and Rachel sit down without a script to process what’s stirring in their hearts, from the collapse of Hooters to the complexity of disillusioned faith. Together, they explore generational anxiety, the shifting spiritual landscape, and the longing for a more rooted, embodied expression of following Jesus. Matt shares reflections from his doctoral research on spiritual formation and reconstruction, while Rachel and Cody bring honest stories of wrestling with church, culture, and politics.

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Immigration

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 19:26:13 GMT

In this episode of Reflections on Now, we dive into the complexities of immigration through the lens of faith, justice, and compassion. Special guest Raquel Kyle from Women of Welcome joins Cody Jensen, Matt Nelson, and Rachel Sanders to unpack the current shifts in immigration policy, the rhetoric shaping public perception, and the biblical call to welcome and advocate for the vulnerable.

https://womenofwelcome.com/

https://worldrelief.org/

https://www.instagram.com/worldrelief/

https://evangelicalimmigrationtable.com/

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Politics and the Church

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 09:00:50 GMT

In this episode, Cody Jensen, Matt Nelson, Rachel Sanders, and special guest Jonathan Gates dive into the complex intersection of politics and faith. They discuss how Christians can navigate political seasons while maintaining their identity in Christ, the tension between legislating and embodying the Kingdom, and how to engage with others—especially in divided times. Tune in for a candid, thought-provoking conversation about unity, grace, and the role of the church in a polarized world.

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The spiritual realm

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 11:00:51 GMT

In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of the unseen spiritual realm. Cody Jensen is joined by Pastor Matt Nelson, Pastor Rachel Sanders, and special guest Stephen Kuert. Together, they share personal stories and experiences that provide evidence of the spiritual world at work. From miraculous encounters to moments of divine intercession, the conversation touches on the power of prayer, the presence of God, and the importance of discernment in everyday life.

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Narcissism in the church

Tue, 14 May 2024 09:00:56 GMT

In this episode of Reflections on Now, hosts Cody Jensen, Matt Nelson, and Rachel Sanders delve into the complex issue of narcissism in the church. They discuss the impact of narcissistic leaders, church hurt, and the systems that allow such behavior to thrive. The conversation includes defining narcissism, the cultural and organizational factors that perpetuate it, and personal reflections on healing and reforming church culture. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on recognizing and addressing narcissism within faith communities.

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He Gets Us

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 11:00:45 GMT

Hosts Cody Jensen, Matt Nelson, and Rachel Sanders talk about the super bowl ad "He Gets Us", the backlash from the political left and religious right.

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Non-dualistic thinking, Nuance, and the Israel-Palestine War

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 21:12:22 GMT

Hosts Cody Jensen, Matt Nelson, and Rachel Sanders explore the complex Israel-Palestine conflict through a unique lens of non-dualistic thinking and nuanced understanding. The episode challenges the conventional 'us vs them' mindset, delving into the intricacies of the conflict and highlighting the importance of recognizing multiple perspectives and truths.

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Chaos & Disorientation

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 18:24:48 GMT

2020 is a year of disruption, disorientation, and chaos. How do we move through suffering into peace and contentment? Is the elimination of boredom from our lives the root of the problems in our lives? What is the difference between paying attention vs getting attention? How do thrive in a time of disruption and suffering?

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Struggling well, biblical inerrancy, overcoming church-hurt, & other doubts.

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 11:00:05 GMT

What does it look like to struggle well? Is it even worth it? Why is the modern church so scared of doubts and questions? Is a CoViD 19 vaccine the mark of the beast? Can the Bible be full of contradictions and be inerrant? Are we outsourcing are becoming to social media and celebrity pastors?

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Christian Hypocrisy & Leaving the Church

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:00:39 GMT

America is officially post-Christian. The largest religious affiliation is now those who check "None" and are done with organized religion. What is causing this? Is it a problem or an opportunity? Is the Church to blame? How do we move forward and learn to struggle well?

The Beauty of the In-between by Matthew Nelson

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Digitally Distracted Christians

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 11:00:29 GMT

How is the lost art of spiritual formation affecting how we behave as followers of Jesus? Could the biggest enemy to our spiritual formation actually be in our pockets? In this episode, we wrestle with the rewiring of our brains and reclaiming rhythms of silence, solitude, and transformative practices.

The Beauty of the In-between by Matthew Nelson

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Unprecedented Division, Cancel Culture & the Redemptive Nature of the Gospel

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 21:54:53 GMT

Why is there such an increase in division right now? Pastor Matt Nelson and artist Cody Jensen critique the divided Christian response in our current cultural and political climate.

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