Fed up with food guilt? Confused by nutrition advice? Dan Orange discovered that biblical wisdom about food has nothing to do with perfection and everything to do with marvelling at God's creativity.

In this week's Crowd Church livestream, Dan shares his journey from a doctor's warning about cholesterol to discovering how God designed food as a gift to be enjoyed, not a source of shame. With humour and grace, he unpacks what it really means that our bodies are temples, why bread matters more than we think, and how saying grace might just change everything.

From his confession of enjoying cheese and crackers to keeping fun-size chocolates in the fridge, Dan offers practical wisdom for anyone wanting to honour God with their food choices without falling into legalism or obsession.

[02:50] God's Creative Process with Food

Dan starts by marvelling at how God designed food - not just as fuel, but as art.

"A chicken produces an egg almost every day... what can you do with an egg? Scrambled, fried, omelettes, add sugar and we've got meringue or custard!"

What we discover:

• Why didn't God make us like cows, eating just grass
• The incredible variety in creation (spiky pineapples, self-packaging bananas)
• How food reflects God's creative heart
• Permission to enjoy, not just endure, eating

Key takeaway: God could have made eating purely functional. Instead, he gave us taste buds, creativity, and choice.

[06:00] When the Doctor Gives You a Wake-Up Call

Dan shares his personal journey with nutrition after shocking test results.

"My triglycerides should have been around 2.5 - they were 12. Apparently more is not better!"

Real talk about:

• Choosing lifestyle change over medication
• Why tracking food became eye-opening, not obsessive
• The fun-size chocolate solution
• How small changes led to big results

Key takeaway: Self-control is a gift of the Holy Spirit, but why make things harder for yourself?

[14:00] Stewards of Creation, Not Just Consumers

Dan explores Genesis 1 and our responsibility for creation, including what we eat.

"We're to look after the animals, the wild ones and the ones we eat... The plants we grow should also respect the earth."

Practical insights:

• Why faster isn't always better (for animals or vegetables)
• Making small, prayerful decisions about food
• The connection between loving our neighbour and caring for ourselves
• God's plan for the land, the poor, and the animals

Key takeaway: Every food choice is an opportunity to honour God and creation.

[21:00] The Bread of Life Paradox

In a world where bread is often seen as the enemy, Dan addresses the elephant in the room.

"Jesus said 'I am the bread of life'... Isn't it interesting that bread, this staple of life, has become something so many of us dread?"

What to consider:

• Why Jesus chose bread as his metaphor
• The meaning of "companion" (one who shares bread)
• How to think about gluten and food intolerances faithfully
• Man shall not live by bread alone - but by the Word

Key takeaway: When Jesus provides, he provides abundantly - even bread for those who might normally struggle with it.

[25:00] Conversation Street: Food, Community, and Self-Control

Matt Edmundson joins to discuss gluttony (yes, really), fasting, and why your dinner table matters more than you think.

Community wisdom includes:

• Why gluttony isn't about body size but about control
• The litmus test: "If you can't fast from it, it might be an idol"
• How Jesus used meals to build community
• Why an Asda pizza can be as sacred as a feast

Key takeaway: Food is meant to bring people together. When did you last have someone round for dinner?

For more information about Crowd please visit www.crowd.church