Welcome back to the Denison Forum podcast! This episode features Dr. Mark Turman, executive director of Denison Forum, in conversation with Janet Denison about her ministry and her evening devotional book, Wisdom Matters. They discuss the importance of biblical wisdom, the differences between knowledge and wisdom, and how wisdom can help us navigate life's challenges. Janet shares personal stories and insights from her journey of faith, including early experiences in ministry and how desperation led her to a deeper understanding of scripture. They highlight the role of the Holy Spirit in ministry and the tendency to misuse Bible knowledge.

Janet emphasizes the need to lean on God's understanding and not our own, especially in difficult times. They also explain how the devotional book is structured to provide daily wisdom and how it can be accessed both as a hardcover and through the Foundations with Janet app, where users can hear Janet read each devotional. Discover practical ways to end your day with God's wisdom and explore the powerful impact it can have on your life.

• (00:46): Introducing Janet Denison and Foundations Ministry
• (02:01): The Importance of Wisdom
• (05:01): Biblical Foundation of Wisdom
• (14:33): Personal Stories and Experiences
• (20:43): The Role of the Holy Spirit in Ministry
• (30:29): Challenges and Hardships in Ministry
• (36:33): Wisdom Matters: An Evening Devotional
• (44:16): Conclusion and Resources

• Episode Transcript (PDF)
• 📘Wisdom Matters: An Evening Devotional
• Foundations with Janet Denison website
• Foundations Bible Studies
• 📘 A Great Calm: Finding God’s Peace When You Need It Most



Janet Denison has been writing and teaching Bible study for almost forty years and speaks with a voice that has experienced the truth of God’s word. She often says the reason she gets out of bed each day is to help others understand and apply the truth of God’s word to their daily lives. Teaching the Bible is her great privilege, and her goal is to help people live a life that God is able to bless. She is the primary author of the Bible studies at Foundations with Janet.

Dr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this enlightening podcast episode, Jared Wilson joins Dr. Mark Turman on the Denison Forum podcast to discuss his latest book Friendship with the Friend of Sinners: The Remarkable Possibility of Closeness with Christ. Jared shares his personal faith journey, his roles in ministry, and the inspiration behind his new book. The conversation explores themes of loneliness, the true meaning of a relationship with Christ, and the importance of community and church in one's spiritual life. Jared also examines the tangible friendship believers can have with Jesus, emphasizing the significance of both personal and communal aspects of faith.

(00:25): Jared Wilson's Backstory

(03:23): Journey to Midwestern Seminary

(04:18): Current Roles and Responsibilities

(06:24): Discussing the Book: Friendship with the Friend of Sinners

(09:58): The Concept of Friendship with God

(12:24): The Role of Religion and Relationship

(17:16): The Reality of Jesus as a Person

(28:04): The Importance of the Local Church

(38:43): Conclusion and Final Thoughts

• Episode Transcript (PDF)
• For The Church podcast
• Jared Wilson’s website
• Friendship with the Friend of Sinners: The Remarkable Possibility of Closeness with Christ

Jared is assistant professor of pastoral ministry and author in residence at Midwestern Seminary and director of the Pastoral Training Center at Liberty Baptist Church, all in Kansas City, Missouri. He is the author of numerous books, including The Imperfect Disciple, Love Me Anyway, The Prodigal Church, and The Gospel According to Satan. He is the host of the For The Church podcast and co-host of Christianity Today's The Art of Pastoring podcast. Jared also blogs regularly at the For The Church website, and he speaks at numerous churches and conferences around the world.

Dr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of the Denison Forum podcast, Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Jim Denison address the complex and sensitive issue of moral failures among church leaders. They examine the implications of such failures, differentiate between moral and legal mistakes, and discuss the appropriate processes for handling these situations. The conversation covers potential disqualification from ministry, biblical examples, and measures for restoration. Additionally, they discuss recent news about the Ten Commandments being posted in schools, considering both historical and religious implications.

(01:39): Understanding Moral Failures in Church Leadership

(06:56): Distinguishing Moral Failures from Capacity Issues

(10:22): Exploring the Concept of Disqualification in Ministry

(19:30): Navigating the Restoration Process

(25:54): The Devil's Strategy and the Importance of Confession

(30:56): Failures Among Religious Leaders

(32:27): The Impact of Pornography on Ministry

(34:32): Unique Temptations for Spiritual Leaders

(38:05): Handling Moral Failures in the Church

(43:22): The Debate Over Displaying the Ten Commandments

(46:13): Historical vs. Religious Expression

(54:11): Balancing Church and State

• Episode Transcript (PDF)
• Can pastors be restored after moral failure?
• Robert Morris, Tony Evans, and the path to spiritual victory

Jim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening.

Dr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Join Dr. Mark Turman, executive director of Denison Forum, in a profound discussion with J. Warner Wallace on the latest episode of the Denison Forum podcast. Wallace, a celebrated cold case homicide detective and best-selling author, discusses the themes of his new book, The Truth in True Crime: What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning of Life.

They explore humanity's obsession with drama, the nature of truth and grace, and the deep implications of holding justice and mercy in balance within the Christian faith. This episode offers rich insights into cultural and spiritual identity, humility, and provides practical tools to help listeners think biblically, live holy, and serve redemptively.

(00:57): Society's Obsession with Drama

(02:39): Interview with Jim Wallace: True Crime and Christianity

(04:29): Jim Wallace's Journey to Faith

(11:00): The Human Condition and Need for a Savior

(17:59): Identity and Trauma

(32:21): Exploring Hope and Mortality

(34:47): Christian Worldview and Hope

(38:46): Humility: The Secret to Flourishing

(45:02): The Dangers of Celebrity Culture

(51:18): Balancing Justice and Mercy

(01:00:18): Concluding Thoughts and Recommendations

Episode Transcript (PDF)

Cold Case Christianity

The Truth in True Crime

Proving Christianity: Homicide detective J. Warner Wallace discusses updated, expanded “Cold-Case Christianity”

Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels

'The Truth in True Crime: What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning of Life

J. Warner Wallace is Dateline-featured cold-case homicide detective, popular national speaker, and best-selling author. Relying on more than two decades of investigative experience, Wallace provides the tools needed to investigate the claims of Christianity and make a convincing case for the truth of the Christian worldview.

Dr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Join Dr. Mark Turman, executive director of Denison Forum, as he speaks with Courtney DeFeo, host of the 'Pardon the Mess' podcast. They discuss the importance of integrating faith into family life and resources available through Christian Parenting such as the valuable prayer journal, 'A Life of Faith: Knowing, Loving, Following, and Sharing Jesus.' They also discuss the challenges of managing technology and social media, the apologizing to children, and the power of prayer. Through open, honest dialogue, they aim to provide practical, faith-based support for families navigating today's world.

(02:06): The Story of Timothy and Christian Parenting

(03:31): Introducing Courtney DeFeo

(04:30): Courtney's Background and Passion for Parenting

(06:56): Navigating Parenting Challenges and College Choices

(10:19): Courtney's Faith Journey and Ministry Work

(14:58): The Impact of Working at Chick-fil-A

(17:34): Pardon the Mess Podcast and Prayer Journal

(22:53): The Power of Prayer in Parenting

(23:49): Challenges and Realizations in Parenting

(26:57): The Importance of Apologizing and Personal Growth

(29:00): Journaling as a Tool for Spiritual Growth

(36:06): Resources for Christian Parenting

(38:24): Navigating Technology and Social Media

(44:29): Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Episode Transcript (PDF)

A Parent’s Prayer Journal: A Life of Faith: Knowing, Loving, Following, and Sharing Jesus

Christian Parenting

Pardon the Mess Podcast

Courtney’s Website

Courtney is the host of Pardon the Mess! She is the author of In This House, We Will Giggle and Treasured. She is also the creator of ABC Scripture Cards and the kindness movement, Light ‘Em Up Acts. She loves to encourage parents and women through speaking, writing, and podcasting. She also serves on the board of Lighthouse Family Retreat.

Her deepest desire is to encourage others and give generously in a way that draws people to God. Her most honorable mention is her husband Ron and their two wildly fun girls (Ella, 17 and Larson, 15). Courtney is passionate about Jesus, coffee, Auburn football, Coca-Cola classic, her dog Mazie, spending time with friends and family, and finding deals at TJ Maxx.

Dr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.