Could it be that God views sin not as something we chose but as something that happened to his beloved Creation? Sara and Wayne began pondering this question last week, and Kyle joined in this week to explore it more with Wayne. Wouldn't it change everything if God didn't see us as co-conspirators in sin and evil but as helpless against it without his redemption and rescue? That's what the New Covenant seems to suggest. Rather than God confronting our sin in anger, he invites us into his love where he can untwist the distortions caused by the self-preferring nature we all inherited and a sense of abandonment by the Creator that shame gives us. Wouldn't that be more faithful to the Gospel? Podcast Notes:  The video recording of this podcastThe post Did We Get Sin Wrong? Part 2 (#904) first appeared on The God Journey.

Could it be that God views sin not as something we chose but as something that happened to his beloved Creation? Sara and Wayne began pondering this question last week, and Kyle joined in this week to explore it more with Wayne. Wouldn't it change everything if God didn't see us as co-conspirators in sin and evil but as helpless against it without his redemption and rescue? That's what the New Covenant seems to suggest. Rather than God confronting our sin in anger, he invites us into his love where he can untwist the distortions caused by the self-preferring nature we all inherited and a sense of abandonment by the Creator that shame gives us. Wouldn't that be more faithful to the Gospel? Podcast Notes: <ul> <li><a href="https://fb.watch/l_HIXzbCZO/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The video recording of this podcast</a></li></ul>The post <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/07/28/did-we-get-sin-wrong-part-2-904/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Did We Get Sin Wrong? Part 2 (#904)</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God Journey</a>.

Did We Get Sin Wrong? Part 2 (#904)

Wayne is pondering a major shift in his view of sin and wants to ponder it with Kyle. However, a series of circumstances made Kyle unavailable to record. So, instead, Wayne's wife, Sara, stepped in, allowing us to also catch up with her healing journey as they settling into their refurbished home. Then, they talk about how God might view sin, which is different than how they were raised. Could it be that God looks on sin, and our life in this broken world, much like Wayne has come to view trauma in Sara's life? Is that why Jesus found it easier to forgive those who executed him and why he saw the lost not as co-conspirators in darkness but as "harassed and helpless." Podcast Notes:  We are sorry, but we did not make a video recording of this podcast Sara and Wayne's story from a year ago is told in the Redeeming Love Podcasts from The God Journey.   The post Did We Get Sin Wrong? (#903) first appeared on The God Journey.

Wayne is pondering a major shift in his view of sin and wants to ponder it with Kyle. However, a series of circumstances made Kyle unavailable to record. So, instead, Wayne's wife, Sara, stepped in, allowing us to also catch up with her healing journey as they settling into their refurbished home. Then, they talk about how God might view sin, which is different than how they were raised. Could it be that God looks on sin, and our life in this broken world, much like Wayne has come to view trauma in Sara's life? Is that why Jesus found it easier to forgive those who executed him and why he saw the lost not as co-conspirators in darkness but as "harassed and helpless." Podcast Notes: <ul> <li>We are sorry, but we did not make a video recording of this podcast</li> <li>Sara and Wayne's story from a year ago is told in the <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/archives/archives-by-topic/#redeeming-love" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Redeeming Love Podcasts</a> from The God Journey.</li> </ul>  The post <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/07/21/did-we-get-sin-wrong-903/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Did We Get Sin Wrong? (#903)</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God Journey</a>.

Did We Get Sin Wrong? (#903)

Have you ever honestly told someone what you thought and they responded, "I don't believe you?" This is where relationships go to die. Of course, if you are lying it will help them not be misled. If, however, you are telling the truth and they don't want to hear it, their unbelief  destroying the relationship. How might this apply to that enigmatic passage where Matthew said that Jesus couldn't do miracles in his home down "because of their unbelief?" Had their lack of faith not earned his working, or was he talking about something else. His work unfolds where people respond to his nudges even when we'd rather not and discover in him the life that truly is life. Kyle and Wayne look to unravel this knot. Podcast Notes:  The video recording of this podcast Wayne reads from 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 in The Message   The post “I Don’t Believe You” (#902) first appeared on The God Journey.

Have you ever honestly told someone what you thought and they responded, "I don't believe you?" This is where relationships go to die. Of course, if you are lying it will help them not be misled. If, however, you are telling the truth and they don't want to hear it, their unbelief  destroying the relationship. How might this apply to that enigmatic passage where Matthew said that Jesus couldn't do miracles in his home down "because of their unbelief?" Had their lack of faith not earned his working, or was he talking about something else. His work unfolds where people respond to his nudges even when we'd rather not and discover in him the life that truly is life. Kyle and Wayne look to unravel this knot. Podcast Notes: <ul> <li><a href="https://fb.watch/lIe8gVp_lH/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The video recording of this podcast</a></li> <li>Wayne reads from <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%2010:3-6&amp;version=MSG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 10:3-6 in The Message</a></li> </ul>  The post <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/07/14/believe-you-me-902/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“I Don’t Believe You” (#902)</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God Journey</a>.

“I Don’t Believe You” (#902)

Just because you're convinced you hold the Truth, does that give you the right to bully others into believing it too? In this episode, Kyle and Wayne look at two types of bullying that religious leaders over history have resorted to, even if they didn't start out with those ambitions. First, they bully the world into living to a faith they haven't yet embraced, which alienates people from Jesus rather than endears them to him. Second, they bully people inside the faith to do what they think is best for their empire under the guise of building Jesus's kingdom. This often results in exploiting people at the most vulnerable time in their lives and often resulting them rejecting their faith when their leaders are exposed as having feet of clay. (Above illustration taken from A Man Like No Other, with art by Murry Whiteman.) Podcast Notes:  The video recording of this podcast Shiny Happy People The Secrets of Hillsong Documentary Wayne's Previous Experience with some former leaders from Hillsong In Sydney, Australia (starts at 17:54)The post Religious Bullies (#901) first appeared on The God Journey.

Just because you're convinced you hold the Truth, does that give you the right to bully others into believing it too? In this episode, Kyle and Wayne look at two types of bullying that religious leaders over history have resorted to, even if they didn't start out with those ambitions. First, they bully the world into living to a faith they haven't yet embraced, which alienates people from Jesus rather than endears them to him. Second, they bully people inside the faith to do what they think is best for their empire under the guise of building Jesus's kingdom. This often results in exploiting people at the most vulnerable time in their lives and often resulting them rejecting their faith when their leaders are exposed as having feet of clay. (Above illustration taken from <a href="https://www.lifestream.org/product/a-man-like-no-other/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Man Like No Other</a>, with art by Murry Whiteman.) Podcast Notes: <ul> <li><a href="https://fb.watch/lBGZFsAwQs/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The video recording of this podcast</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shiny-Happy-People-Duggar-Secrets/dp/B0B8TR2QV5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shiny Happy People</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27331314/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Secrets of Hillsong</a> Documentary</li> <li><a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2011/09/09/trusting-your-heart/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wayne's Previous Experience with some former leaders from Hillsong In Sydney, Australia</a> (starts at 17:54)</li></ul>The post <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/07/07/religious-bullies/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Religious Bullies (#901)</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God Journey</a>.

Religious Bullies (#901)

"Mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent," said political commentator Adam Smith. That quote has been rattling around in Wayne's head for a few weeks, so he invites Kyle to contemplate how justice intersects with mercy inside the heart of God. But first, they talk about how fear imprisons us in our comfort zones and how we can take our first steps beyond our fears to live wholeheartedly. Then, they talk about the complications that mercy can extend cruelty to the victims of the guilty. How does that affect forgiveness for those who have offended or exploited us? More importantly, how might God give mercy and be true to justice at the same time? Podcast Notes:  The video recording of this podcastThe post Mercy, Vengeance, and Justice (#900) first appeared on The God Journey.

"Mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent," said political commentator Adam Smith. That quote has been rattling around in Wayne's head for a few weeks, so he invites Kyle to contemplate how justice intersects with mercy inside the heart of God. But first, they talk about how fear imprisons us in our comfort zones and how we can take our first steps beyond our fears to live wholeheartedly. Then, they talk about the complications that mercy can extend cruelty to the victims of the guilty. How does that affect forgiveness for those who have offended or exploited us? More importantly, how might God give mercy and be true to justice at the same time? Podcast Notes: <ul> <li><a href="https://fb.watch/lsmiYA5g7o/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The video recording of this podcast</a></li></ul>The post <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/06/30/vengeance-or-justice-900/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mercy, Vengeance, and Justice (#900)</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God Journey</a>.

Mercy, Vengeance, and Justice (#900)

Following up on last week's podcast, "As Long as it Takes," Kyle and Wayne contemplate the complementary question of how much is too much for us to bear. Of course, with God's work in us, what choice do we have? But in our care for others, how do we recognize when enough is enough and not drown ourselves in the demands of others? They talk about the difficult considerations of discerning between selfishness and self-compassion in knowing how much we have to give away and the difficult conversations that are important to help others recognize the truth about themselves as well as our own limitations. When do you hang in there with another person at great personal cost or step back and not be the victim of abuse or burnout? Podcast Notes:  The video recording of this podcastThe post How Much Is Too Much? (#899) first appeared on The God Journey.

Following up on last week's podcast, "As Long as it Takes," Kyle and Wayne contemplate the complementary question of how much is too much for us to bear. Of course, with God's work in us, what choice do we have? But in our care for others, how do we recognize when enough is enough and not drown ourselves in the demands of others? They talk about the difficult considerations of discerning between selfishness and self-compassion in knowing how much we have to give away and the difficult conversations that are important to help others recognize the truth about themselves as well as our own limitations. When do you hang in there with another person at great personal cost or step back and not be the victim of abuse or burnout? Podcast Notes: <ul> <li><a href="https://fb.watch/lkhZ20t7ff/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The video recording of this podcast</a></li></ul>The post <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/06/23/how-much-is-too-much-899/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How Much Is Too Much? (#899)</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God Journey</a>.

How Much Is Too Much? (#899)

"How long, O Lord?" The plaintive cry of the Psalmist is one we've all asked in the seasons of difficulty and pain. How long do we wait on God's work in us or the circumstances we confront? How long do we stay with a meaningful relationship that has grown difficult or awkward? How long will he let evil rule the day? The answer may be unfulfilling, but it does give us direction—until his glory comes! The reason many do not find the freedom our hearts long for is that we grow weary in the process and pull away from what God is doing to untangle our hearts. Perseverance is not hanging in there to prove to God how serious we are; it's staying with him as he completes the work needed to make you whole. Podcast Notes:  The video recording of this podcastThe post As Long as It Takes  (#898) first appeared on The God Journey.

"How long, O Lord?" The plaintive cry of the Psalmist is one we've all asked in the seasons of difficulty and pain. How long do we wait on God's work in us or the circumstances we confront? How long do we stay with a meaningful relationship that has grown difficult or awkward? How long will he let evil rule the day? The answer may be unfulfilling, but it does give us direction—until his glory comes! The reason many do not find the freedom our hearts long for is that we grow weary in the process and pull away from what God is doing to untangle our hearts. Perseverance is not hanging in there to prove to God how serious we are; it's staying with him as he completes the work needed to make you whole. Podcast Notes: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thegodjourneypodcast/videos/1512267526210223" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The video recording of this podcast</a></li></ul>The post <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/06/16/as-long-as-it-takes-899/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">As Long as It Takes (#898)</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God Journey</a>.

As Long as It Takes  (#898)

If God made us for connection, one of the cruelest things we can do is to withhold our affection from someone who needs it, and one of the most gracious gifts we can give is to invite them into a friendship. The U.S. Surgeon General recently released an advisory on the epidemic of loneliness and the impact of social isolation, saying the physical effects of loneliness is equal to smoking fifteen cigarettes per day. Wayne and Kyle take a look at the conclusions of this advisory and the critical health effects that result from people who are lonely and isolated. Do our religious institutions help fill that void, or are they also part of the problem? How can we build and maintain healthy friendships that enrich our lives and put the love of Christ into the world? Podcast Notes:  The video recording of this podcast Surgeon General's Advisory on Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation CNN story on the loneliness epidemic Therese Mascardo's video on How to Make Friends as an AdultThe post The Loneliness Epidemic  (#897) first appeared on The God Journey.

If God made us for connection, one of the cruelest things we can do is to withhold our affection from someone who needs it, and one of the most gracious gifts we can give is to invite them into a friendship. The U.S. Surgeon General recently released an advisory on the epidemic of loneliness and the impact of social isolation, saying the physical effects of loneliness is equal to smoking fifteen cigarettes per day. Wayne and Kyle take a look at the conclusions of this advisory and the critical health effects that result from people who are lonely and isolated. Do our religious institutions help fill that void, or are they also part of the problem? How can we build and maintain healthy friendships that enrich our lives and put the love of Christ into the world? Podcast Notes: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thegodjourneypodcast/videos/643961730963327" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The video recording of this podcast</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Surgeon General's Advisory on Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/02/health/murthy-loneliness-isolation/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CNN story on the loneliness epidemic</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxAtE3CP-1I" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Therese Mascardo's video on How to Make Friends as an Adult</a></li></ul>The post <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/06/09/the-loneliness-epidemic/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Loneliness Epidemic (#897)</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God Journey</a>.

The Loneliness Epidemic  (#897)

The final characteristic of a life shaped by God that Kyle and Wayne are exploring in this series is bold humility. In our culture, boldness is often associated with pushy arrogance and humility with quiet reserve. Neither serves God's purposes in the world. But those who are learning how loved they are also know how little they know of all that God is. While they are confident in the things God shows them, they have no will to push themselves on others. Recognizing that they have no responsibility to change the world or anyone in it, they can still point to the light in ways that give even their detractors the best opportunity to recognize it.  This is especially true when others are disfiguring God with their false teachings and lack of love and honesty.Podcast Notes:  The video recording of this podcast Full Transformational Love Chart PDF Previous Transforming Love PodcastsThe post The God-Shaped Life: A Bold Humility (#896) first appeared on The God Journey.

The final characteristic of a life shaped by God that Kyle and Wayne are exploring in this series is bold humility. In our culture, boldness is often associated with pushy arrogance and humility with quiet reserve. Neither serves God's purposes in the world. But those who are learning how loved they are also know how little they know of all that God is. While they are confident in the things God shows them, they have no will to push themselves on others. Recognizing that they have no responsibility to change the world or anyone in it, they can still point to the light in ways that give even their detractors the best opportunity to recognize it.  This is especially true when others are disfiguring God with their false teachings and lack of love and honesty. Podcast Notes: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thegodjourneypodcast/videos/146419024999045" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The video recording of this podcast</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Transforming-Love-Chart.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Transformational Love Chart PDF</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/archives/archives-by-topic/#transforming-love" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Previous Transforming Love Podcasts</a></li></ul>The post <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/06/02/the-god-shaped-life-a-bold-humility-896/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God-Shaped Life: A Bold Humility (#896)</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God Journey</a>.

The God-Shaped Life: A Bold Humility (#896)

Can you imagine in any circumstance having enough freedom to be authentically you and enough love to be tender even toward those who are trying to harm you? Wayne and Kyle continue their look at the God-shaped life that living him will produce in you. This is number four—tender authenticity. In every encounter, we can look for that sweet spot where we never have to be less than ourselves and, at the same time, let love guide us to be tender with the other person. With no need for telling "white lies" or allowing others to manipulate you, you'll be freer to follow Jesus and open the widest door into productive and fruitful relationships. In the early part of the podcast, they talk about when fear finds its home in us and blocks our perception of love.Podcast Notes:  The video recording of this podcast Full Transformational Love Chart PDF Previous Transforming Love PodcastsThe post The God-Shaped Life: A Tender Authenticity (#895) first appeared on The God Journey.

Can you imagine in any circumstance having enough freedom to be authentically you and enough love to be tender even toward those who are trying to harm you? Wayne and Kyle continue their look at the God-shaped life that living him will produce in you. This is number four—tender authenticity. In every encounter, we can look for that sweet spot where we never have to be less than ourselves and, at the same time, let love guide us to be tender with the other person. With no need for telling "white lies" or allowing others to manipulate you, you'll be freer to follow Jesus and open the widest door into productive and fruitful relationships. In the early part of the podcast, they talk about when fear finds its home in us and blocks our perception of love. Podcast Notes: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thegodjourneypodcast/videos/1304786516799868" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The video recording of this podcast</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Transforming-Love-Chart.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Transformational Love Chart PDF</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/archives/archives-by-topic/#transforming-love" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Previous Transforming Love Podcasts</a></li></ul>The post <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/05/26/the-god-shaped-life-a-tender-authenticity-895/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God-Shaped Life: A Tender Authenticity (#895)</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God Journey</a>.

The God-Shaped Life: A Tender Authenticity (#895)

The more we grow to know God and his character, the more we will feel well cared for. And when we no longer have to fight for our survival, we become more aware of others, their needs, and how we can walk alongside them to help lighten their load, especially those who live on the margins. Wayne and Kyle continue their look at the God-shaped life, focusing on five characteristics that help describe the fruit of God's life as it takes shape in us. In this episode, they talk about a generous compassion as the fruit of God's love drawing us away from a self-focused life making us more sensitive to others. Then we can live generously in the world with our time, resources and emotional support for those who need it.Podcast Notes:  The video recording of this podcast. Full Transformational Love Chart PDF Previous Transforming Love PodcastsThe post The God-Shaped Life: A Generous Compassion (#894) first appeared on The God Journey.

The more we grow to know God and his character, the more we will feel well cared for. And when we no longer have to fight for our survival, we become more aware of others, their needs, and how we can walk alongside them to help lighten their load, especially those who live on the margins. Wayne and Kyle continue their look at the God-shaped life, focusing on five characteristics that help describe the fruit of God's life as it takes shape in us. In this episode, they talk about a generous compassion as the fruit of God's love drawing us away from a self-focused life making us more sensitive to others. Then we can live generously in the world with our time, resources and emotional support for those who need it. Podcast Notes: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thegodjourneypodcast/videos/917390322878330" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The video recording of this podcast.</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Transforming-Love-Chart.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Transformational Love Chart PDF</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/archives/archives-by-topic/#transforming-love" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Previous Transforming Love Podcasts</a></li></ul>The post <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/05/19/the-god-shaped-life-a-generous-compassion-894/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God-Shaped Life: A Generous Compassion (#894)</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God Journey</a>.

The God-Shaped Life: A Generous Compassion (#894)

Wayne and Kyle continue their look at the God-shaped life, focusing on five characteristics that help describe the fruit of God's life as it takes shape in us. In this episode, they talk about a resilient trust that grows as we discover God's faithfulness, even through the chaos and disappointments of a broken creation. The more we follow him and recognize how he deals with the chaos, the freer we will be with it as well. Then we can see faith for what it really is inside a relationship with a God we trust. Then we can embrace a trajectory of growing trust that ebbs and flows as we grow through various circumstances that challenge us instead of thinking we gain or lose faith.Podcast Notes:  The video recording of this podcast. Full Transformational Love Chart PDF Previous Transforming Love PodcastsThe post The God-Shaped Life: A Resilient Trust (#893) first appeared on The God Journey.

Wayne and Kyle continue their look at the God-shaped life, focusing on five characteristics that help describe the fruit of God's life as it takes shape in us. In this episode, they talk about a resilient trust that grows as we discover God's faithfulness, even through the chaos and disappointments of a broken creation. The more we follow him and recognize how he deals with the chaos, the freer we will be with it as well. Then we can see faith for what it really is inside a relationship with a God we trust. Then we can embrace a trajectory of growing trust that ebbs and flows as we grow through various circumstances that challenge us instead of thinking we gain or lose faith. Podcast Notes: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thegodjourneypodcast/videos/917390322878330" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The video recording of this podcast.</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Transforming-Love-Chart.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Transformational Love Chart PDF</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/archives/archives-by-topic/#transforming-love" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Previous Transforming Love Podcasts</a></li></ul>The post <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/05/12/the-god-shaped-life-a-resilient-trust-893/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God-Shaped Life: A Resilient Trust (#893)</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God Journey</a>.

The God-Shaped Life: A Resilient Trust (#893)

What does a God-shaped life look like? A couple of weeks ago, Wayne offered five terms to help describe the fruit of God's life taking shape in us as we live in a hostile world in the affection of the Father. Over the next five weeks, he and Kyle will discuss these five characteristics and what allows God to develop them in our personalities. This is not a lifestyle that we achieve by human effort but is one shaped by a friendship with God marked by love, rest, and play. As our life in him deepens, we'll find ourselves following his nudges as he shows us how to love others the same way he loves us. This week, they talk about a sincere love that is deep, honest, and caring about whomever God brings into our lives.Podcast Notes:  There was no video recording made of this podcast. Scripture referred to in this podcast:  Romans 12:9-19 Full Transformational Love Chart PDF Previous Transforming Love Podcasts If you're interested in going to Israel with us, you can get all the details here.The post The God-Shaped Life: A Sincere Love (#892) first appeared on The God Journey.

What does a God-shaped life look like? A couple of weeks ago, Wayne offered five terms to help describe the fruit of God's life taking shape in us as we live in a hostile world in the affection of the Father. Over the next five weeks, he and Kyle will discuss these five characteristics and what allows God to develop them in our personalities. This is not a lifestyle that we achieve by human effort but is one shaped by a friendship with God marked by love, rest, and play. As our life in him deepens, we'll find ourselves following his nudges as he shows us how to love others the same way he loves us. This week, they talk about a sincere love that is deep, honest, and caring about whomever God brings into our lives. Podcast Notes: <ul> <li>There was no video recording made of this podcast.</li> <li>Scripture referred to in this podcast:  Romans 12:9-19</li> <li><a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Transforming-Love-Chart.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Transformational Love Chart PDF</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/archives/archives-by-topic/#transforming-love" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Previous Transforming Love Podcasts</a></li> <li>If you're interested in going to Israel with us, <a href="https://itcisrael.wixsite.com/jacobsenisrael24" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">you can get all the details here.</a></li></ul>The post <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/05/05/the-god-shaped-life-a-sincere-love-892/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God-Shaped Life: A Sincere Love (#892)</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God Journey</a>.

The God-Shaped Life: A Sincere Love (#892)

"I love that God never forces, never controls or coerces, never compromises our freedom of will or mind, apart from to share his love." Those are the words of Jenny Rowbory,  an amazing young woman and poet who has been seasoned through some of life's most horrific circumstances. In response to The Vulnerability of God podcast, she wrote Wayne a letter to share the insights she has had dealing with a debilitating illness. Her letter is breathtaking, pregnant with insight and musings that few people contemplate. With her permission, Wayne and Kyle process her letter about God's vulnerability to our misunderstanding of love when God doesn't act in the way we think he must. She describes a faith that can set your heart at rest even in inexplicable and terrifying circumstances as she considers what restrains God from doing all the good we'd hope he'd do.Podcast Notes:  The video recording of this podcast. If you're interested in going to Israel with us, you can get all the details here Here is Jenny's letter Jenny Rowbory's website Buy Jenny's book of poetry - We Are Winter People The Vulnerability of God podcast on The God JourneyThe post Insight from the Depths of Pain (#891) first appeared on The God Journey.

"I love that God never forces, never controls or coerces, never compromises our freedom of will or mind, apart from to share his love." Those are the words of Jenny Rowbory,  an amazing young woman and poet who has been seasoned through some of life's most horrific circumstances. In response to <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/03/17/the-vulnerability-of-god-885/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Vulnerability of God</a> podcast, she wrote Wayne a letter to share the insights she has had dealing with a debilitating illness. Her letter is breathtaking, pregnant with insight and musings that few people contemplate. With her permission, Wayne and Kyle process her letter about God's vulnerability to our misunderstanding of love when God doesn't act in the way we think he must. She describes a faith that can set your heart at rest even in inexplicable and terrifying circumstances as she considers what restrains God from doing all the good we'd hope he'd do. Podcast Notes: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thegodjourneypodcast/videos/1321854611710502" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The video recording of this podcast.</a></li> <li>If you're interested in going to Israel with us, <a href="https://itcisrael.wixsite.com/jacobsenisrael24" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">you can get all the details here</a></li> <li>Here is <a href="https://wp.me/P2edwg-7TA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jenny's letter</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.jkrowbory.co.uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jenny Rowbory's website</a></li> <li>Buy Jenny's book of poetry - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09DBKHNKT?tag=namespacebran320-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">We Are Winter People</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/03/17/the-vulnerability-of-god-885/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Vulnerability of God</a> podcast on The God Journey</li></ul>The post <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/04/28/insight-from-the-depths-of-pain-891/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Insight from the Depths of Pain (#891)</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God Journey</a>.

Insight from the Depths of Pain (#891)

Love alone does not transform us. It opens the door to transformation by inviting us into a friendship with God marked by love, rest, and play. In that relationship, we'll discover how he guides us in a state of growing trust. That will lead us to follow him, and it's in the following that our lives are transformed. We aren't called to follow a book, a tradition, or religious leaders; we are called to follow Jesus. Today, Kyle and Wayne continue the Transforming Love series by showing how God's continuing revelation mixes with our pondering to help us navigate our lies in the organic, unfolding adventure of following him.Podcast Notes:  The video recording of this podcast If you're interested in going to Israel with us, you can get all the details here Redeeming Love Podcasts Picked Cherries - a new way to share podcasts.The post Transforming Love #10: Follow first appeared on The God Journey.

Love alone does not transform us. It opens the door to transformation by inviting us into a friendship with God marked by love, rest, and play. In that relationship, we'll discover how he guides us in a state of growing trust. That will lead us to follow him, and it's in the following that our lives are transformed. We aren't called to follow a book, a tradition, or religious leaders; we are called to follow Jesus. Today, Kyle and Wayne continue the Transforming Love series by showing how God's continuing revelation mixes with our pondering to help us navigate our lies in the organic, unfolding adventure of following him. Podcast Notes: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thegodjourneypodcast/videos/740118627750980" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The video recording of this podcast</a></li> <li>If you're interested in going to Israel with us, <a href="https://itcisrael.wixsite.com/jacobsenisrael24" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">you can get all the details here</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/archives/archives-by-topic/#redeeming-love" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Redeeming Love Podcasts</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pickedcherries.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Picked Cherries</a> - a new way to share podcasts.</li></ul>The post <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/04/21/transforming-love-9-follow/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Transforming Love #10: Follow</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God Journey</a>.

Transforming Love #10: Follow

Kyle, Wayne, and Sara continue their conversation about their last year and the doors God continues to open into a new "Promised Land" for Sara to discover. Sara talks about finding her existence inside her desires, and Wayne shares how God prepared him for the road ahead by embracing the unmerited rejection that he felt in the process. This has been quite an odyssey for them but now the lines have fallen for them in pleasant places of God's healing and their desire to help others who are dealing with similar despair and darkness.Podcast Notes:  The video recording of this podcast. Redeeming Love Podcasts Picked Cherries - a new way to share podcasts.The post Redeeming Love: Unmerited Rejection  (#889) first appeared on The God Journey.

Kyle, Wayne, and Sara continue their conversation about their last year and the doors God continues to open into a new "Promised Land" for Sara to discover. Sara talks about finding her existence inside her desires, and Wayne shares how God prepared him for the road ahead by embracing the unmerited rejection that he felt in the process. This has been quite an odyssey for them but now the lines have fallen for them in pleasant places of God's healing and their desire to help others who are dealing with similar despair and darkness. Podcast Notes: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thegodjourneypodcast/videos/1557548578105936" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The video recording of this podcast.</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/archives/archives-by-topic/#redeeming-love" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Redeeming Love Podcasts</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pickedcherries.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Picked Cherries</a> - a new way to share podcasts.</li></ul>The post <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/04/14/redeeming-love-unmerited-rejection-889/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Redeeming Love: Unmerited Rejection (#889)</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God Journey</a>.

Redeeming Love: Unmerited Rejection  (#889)

As Wayne and Sara approach the one-year anniversary of the emergence of Sara's trauma, she joins the podcast to discuss her continued journey to freedom. They look back and celebrate all that Father has accomplished and how their lives have changed. Also, while recently struggling with newfound anger directed at those who abused her, Jesus provided an image and a phrase that dislodged the pain of her past. She saw from the vantage point of a drone rising high above the one square mile where all these tragic things took place; she heard the words "good riddance." Something clicked in her heart that displaced the anger and allowed the abuse of her past to sink into irrelevance. There's much more here about her growing freedom to encourage others on a similar journey.Podcast Notes:  The video recording of this podcast. Redeeming Love Podcasts Picked Cherries - a new way to share podcasts.The post Redeeming Love: Good Riddance (#888) first appeared on The God Journey.

As Wayne and Sara approach the one-year anniversary of the emergence of Sara's trauma, she joins the podcast to discuss her continued journey to freedom. They look back and celebrate all that Father has accomplished and how their lives have changed. Also, while recently struggling with newfound anger directed at those who abused her, Jesus provided an image and a phrase that dislodged the pain of her past. She saw from the vantage point of a drone rising high above the one square mile where all these tragic things took place; she heard the words "good riddance." Something clicked in her heart that displaced the anger and allowed the abuse of her past to sink into irrelevance. There's much more here about her growing freedom to encourage others on a similar journey. Podcast Notes: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thegodjourneypodcast/videos/1557548578105936" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The video recording of this podcast.</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/archives/archives-by-topic/#redeeming-love" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Redeeming Love Podcasts</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pickedcherries.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Picked Cherries</a> - a new way to share podcasts.</li></ul>The post <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/04/07/redeeming-love-good-riddance-888/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Redeeming Love: Good Riddance (#888)</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God Journey</a>.

Redeeming Love: Good Riddance (#888)

"Let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life" is how Peter defines transformation in the words of Eugene Peterson (1 Peter 1:15). As Kyle and Wayne have been jokingly processing 'Christianity 401', they land on a better term they will use and completion of the chart they worked through last year. Out of love, rest, and play, it becomes our nature to follow the nudges of Jesus, and in doing so, we find his life taking shape in us. Wayne offers five phrases to describe what that looks like—sincere love, resilient trust, generous compassion, tender authenticity, and bold humility. They also continue to process how we use misapply Scripture when we don't consider the original context and whether or not God permits tragedy and abuse in our culture.Podcast Notes:  The video recording of this podcast. Full Transformational Chart PDF Picked Cherries - a new way to share podcasts.The post Transforming Love #9: The God-Shaped Life (#887) first appeared on The God Journey.

"Let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life" is how Peter defines transformation in the words of Eugene Peterson (1 Peter 1:15). As Kyle and Wayne have been jokingly processing 'Christianity 401', they land on a better term they will use and completion of the chart they worked through last year. Out of love, rest, and play, it becomes our nature to follow the nudges of Jesus, and in doing so, we find his life taking shape in us. Wayne offers five phrases to describe what that looks like—sincere love, resilient trust, generous compassion, tender authenticity, and bold humility. They also continue to process how we use misapply Scripture when we don't consider the original context and whether or not God permits tragedy and abuse in our culture. Podcast Notes: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thegodjourneypodcast/videos/520577876928964" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The video recording of this podcast.</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Transforming-Love-Chart.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Transformational Chart PDF</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pickedcherries.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Picked Cherries</a> - a new way to share podcasts.</li></ul>The post <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/03/31/transforming-love-8-the-god-shaped-life-887/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Transforming Love #9: The God-Shaped Life (#887)</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God Journey</a>.

Transforming Love #9: The God-Shaped Life (#887)

"They don't want the truth to be the truth." That's how one father summed up his broken relationship with his daughter's family. Wasn't that true of the Pharisees in Christ's day; isn't it often true of people who grope about in the darkness? Preferring the false comfort of their illusions, they miss God's repeated overtures to invite them to see what's true. That's why the first work of salvation is to set us at rest in the Father's affection so that we will be ready to embrace God's truth when it begins to tear a hole in the lies we believe. No longer needing to protect the fiefdom of our deception, we can awaken to the beauty of God's freedom. They also talk about learning to rely on God's love as the only necessary weapon to engage the world. Podcast Notes:  The video recording of this podcast. Picked Cherries - a new way to share podcasts.The post The First Work of Salvation (#886) first appeared on The God Journey.

"They don't want the truth to be the truth." That's how one father summed up his broken relationship with his daughter's family. Wasn't that true of the Pharisees in Christ's day; isn't it often true of people who grope about in the darkness? Preferring the false comfort of their illusions, they miss God's repeated overtures to invite them to see what's true. That's why the first work of salvation is to set us at rest in the Father's affection so that we will be ready to embrace God's truth when it begins to tear a hole in the lies we believe. No longer needing to protect the fiefdom of our deception, we can awaken to the beauty of God's freedom. They also talk about learning to rely on God's love as the only necessary weapon to engage the world. Podcast Notes: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thegodjourneypodcast/videos/1507471863114467" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The video recording of this podcast.</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pickedcherries.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Picked Cherries</a> - a new way to share podcasts.</li></ul>The post <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/03/24/the-first-work-of-salvation-886/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The First Work of Salvation (#886)</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God Journey</a>.

The First Work of Salvation (#886)

If God shares our suffering with us, what does that say about the vulnerability of God to humanity? That's a question Kyle had left over after our last podcast, so he and Wayne go down that rabbit hole. Did God's love make him vulnerable to humans? That leads to a host of other questions. If he shares our pain, how can we find comfort in him if he's somehow allowing it or at least not fixing it? Warning: this conversation uses the deep end of the pool to contemplate the comfort of God in the throes of human suffering. Could God ever say to us, "I am sorry you're going through this," if he could stop it and doesn't? Podcast Notes:  The video recording of this podcast. Picked Cherries - a new way to share podcasts.The post The Vulnerability of God (#885) first appeared on The God Journey.

If God shares our suffering with us, what does that say about the vulnerability of God to humanity? That's a question Kyle had <a href="https://wp.me/p2edwg-7SP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">left over after our last podcast</a>, so he and Wayne go down that rabbit hole. Did God's love make him vulnerable to humans? That leads to a host of other questions. If he shares our pain, how can we find comfort in him if he's somehow allowing it or at least not fixing it? Warning: this conversation uses the deep end of the pool to contemplate the comfort of God in the throes of human suffering. Could God ever say to us, "I am sorry you're going through this," if he could stop it and doesn't? Podcast Notes: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thegodjourneypodcast/videos/218122654061559" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The video recording of this podcast.</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pickedcherries.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Picked Cherries</a> - a new way to share podcasts.</li></ul>The post <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com/2023/03/17/the-vulnerability-of-god-885/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Vulnerability of God (#885)</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.thegodjourney.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The God Journey</a>.

The Vulnerability of God (#885)

A really open, honest, and mature conversation about faith and Christianity

Great show

These podcasts just get better and better as you listen and let the message soak in.

The best wine came at the end

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