Happy New Year, soul family—2026 just arrived with a fresh invitation to see Jesus bigger than ever before. Stories from the SPIRIT rings in the new year with Season 3 Episode 3: The Way, the Truth, and the World (released January 1, 2026), and this one steps boldly outside the church walls to explore how Jesus in world religions podcast is viewed, honored, rejected, or embraced. Perry doesn’t come to argue or divide—he comes to understand, shining light on holiday traditions across faiths, how different groups acknowledge (or don’t) the Son of God, and what that reveals about the heart of the One who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
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Then the conversation turns beautifully inward: real talk on intentional self-improvement, honest reflection, clearer prayer, and learning God’s will for your actual life. Because knowing Jesus isn’t just theology—it’s how we love every person He died for, no matter their race, origin, or religion. God loves all people, always and forever. Period.
Perry Opens with Candy Hangovers and Holiday Real Talk
Perry slides into the new year like your favorite uncle who’s still recovering from too many sweets, dropping truth bombs wrapped in laughter:
“Diverse Holiday Views Welcome to another episode of Stories from the SPIRIT. I am your host, Perry Williams. Man, I don’t know about you all, but I ate way, way too much candy. Two ways, way, way too much candy. It was awesome. Some Christians don’t do Christmas. Did you know that? There are a few, I think, that do not celebrate Christmas. Both Christian and non-Christian religions… I think I did a little bit of research in the top five that I found… Islam, of course, they see Jesus as a prophet… Judaism… Jewish folks, their theology does not accept Jesus as the messiah… Hanukkah often coincides with the Christmas season, but it’s separate…”
That candy confession? Instant relatability. That quick pivot to honest research on how Islam honors Jesus as prophet (but not divine), Judaism celebrates Hanukkah instead, and other faiths mark the season differently? Pure Perry—curious, respectful, and unafraid to name the differences without sugarcoating (even if he overdid the literal sugar).
Exploring Jesus in World Religions: Understanding Over Division
From holiday overlaps, the episode widens the lens to how major faiths encounter Jesus:
- Islam → Reveres Isa (Jesus) as a mighty prophet, born of a virgin, worker of miracles—but not God incarnate or crucified.
- Judaism → Awaits the Messiah still; sees Jesus as a historical teacher, not divine fulfillment.
- Hinduism & Buddhism → Some traditions view Jesus as an enlightened guru or avatar of compassion.
- Other voices → From Baháʼí embracing Him as manifestation of God to secular admiration of His ethics.
It’s not watered-down relativism—Perry anchors everything in John 14:6 while modeling the kind of grace that lets truth speak for itself. The goal? Understand our neighbors so we can love them like Jesus does.
Then the episode beautifully circles home: How does knowing “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” change your daily walk? Practical steps for self-reflection, better prayer habits, clearer hearing from God, and treating every human with the dignity of being made in His image.
Why This Jesus in World Religions Podcast Is the Perfect 2026 Kickoff
Dropped on the very first day of the year—this episode feels like divine timing. While the world makes resolutions about gyms and diets, Perry invites us to the only resolution that lasts: Know Jesus more, love people better, understand widely, and walk humbly. In a polarized age, this is the bridge-building, truth-holding conversation every believer needs in their feed.
Stream the full eye-opening, heart-expanding episode on Apple Podcasts right now. Let it set the tone for your entire year. How has encountering Jesus in another faith’s perspective deepened (or challenged) your own walk? Share it in the comments—we’re growing together in Stories from the SPIRIT.
Stories from the SPIRIT didn’t just wish us Happy New Year. It handed us the roadmap for living like Jesus really is the Way—for everyone.
Note: This post celebrates the episode’s opening reflections. The full conversation dives deeper into each tradition and personal application—listen and let 2026 start with fresh understanding.
Ready to live this every day? Get Perry’s Daily Prayer + All Key Takeaways → Spiritual Learning Resources