The GoodLion Podcast

Today, on the Good Lion Podcast, we explore the mysteries of sin, wrath, and the enigmatic concept of hell, a topic that stirs the soul and challenges the heart. How do we reconcile a God of infinite love with the doctrine of eternal punishment? What is hell? Is it merely a place, or could it be a present reality, as tangible as the air we breathe? In this episode, Aaron shares part of a lecture on sin and hell that was originally taught at the Good Lion School of discipleship with the goal of helping young Christians navigate these tumultuous waters. Through biblical texts and personal reflection, we explore the intricate dance between divine justice and mercy. Why would a loving God create a realm of eternal suffering? Is hell intended for humanity, or does its creation serve a different divine purpose entirely? And, are the flames of hell literal, or merely a metaphor? These are questions that haunt believers and skeptics alike. As we unpack these themes, prepare to be challenged, comforted, and perhaps even confronted by an issue we tend to avoid. You're listening to the Good Lion Podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support

In this episode (Part 2 in our series on the nature of Sin and Hell), Brian and I do something we rarely do – we disagree. We dive into the question: If the serpent hadn't shown up in Eden, would Adam and Eve have still sinned? It's a thought-provoking debate that not only questions the inevitability of sin but also challenges us to consider the dynamics of temptation and will. But our conversation doesn't stop there. We go beyond the debate to explore the broader implications of the Fall. How does this event shape our understanding of redemption, grace, and our journey with God? We're talking about the big stuff here – human nature, divine providence, and the complexities of our relationship with the Almighty. Join Brian and I as we navigate this respectful yet spirited debate. It's a journey back to the Garden of Eden, exploring, questioning, and learning together. Tune in and be a part of this enriching conversation! #TheSerpentsRole, #AdamAndEveDebate, #OriginalSin, #BiblicalTheology, #ChristianDialogue, #EdenDiscussion, #TheologicalDebate, #SinAndTemptation, #DivineProvidence, #GraceAndRedemption, #HumanNature, #ChristianPerspectives, #GardenOfEden, #FreeWillInScripture, #FaithAndUnderstanding, #ScripturalInsights, #RespectfulDisagreement, #TheologyPodcast, #ChristianDiscourse, #BiblicalNarratives ---- CHAPTERS Intro (00:00:00) The Debate: Would Adam and Eve Still Sin Without The Serpent? (00:00:58) Brian: Yes Because of Human Curiosity (00:01:11) Aaron: No Because of Human Innocence (00:03:39) The Consequences of Rebellion: A Deeper Look (00:09:53) The Role of Rebellion in Sin: A Conclusion (00:11:44) The Parenting Analogy: Understanding God's Perspective on Sin (00:13:55) God's Response to Deliberate Rebellion (00:20:07) The Hope in the Midst of Sin: A Gospel Presentation (00:30:22) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support

In this episode, Brian Higgins and I dive into a topic that's foundational yet often elusive – the nature of sin. This isn't just another rundown of wrongdoings; it's a profound theological exploration that invites you to rethink what you know about sin. We attempt at peeling back the layers to reveal sin not as a mere catalogue of missteps, but as a deep, underlying corruption that affects every part of our being. Drawing from the rich tapestry of Scripture, we start in the Garden of Eden, uncovering insights about God’s intentions and mankind’s fall. We then navigate through the complex terrain of the Seven Deadly Sins, seeing them as symptoms of a much deeper spiritual ailment. This episode is designed to challenge and deepen your understanding, bridging the gap between ancient biblical texts and our contemporary struggles. It's an invitation to engage with one of the most pivotal concepts in Christian theology and to discover the radical necessity of grace in our lives. #BiblicalTheology, #UnderstandingSin, #ChristianDiscourse, #FaithExploration, #ScriptureInsights, #SpiritualJourney, #TheologyTalk, #DeepDiveFaith, #GenesisContext, #SevenDeadlySins, #SpiritualCorruption, #FallenNature, #GraceAndSalvation, #ChristianPodcast, #SinAndRedemption, #GardenOfEdenAnalysis, #FaithfulReflections, #ChristianLifeChallenges, #DiscipleshipFocus, #ScripturalWisdom --- (00:00:02) Introduction to the Nature of Sin (00:00:53) Welcome to the GoodLion Podcast (00:02:55) Understanding Sin: A Deeper Dive (00:05:53) Sin as a Dark Destructive Force (00:07:55) Sin as Rebellion: The Genesis Account (00:19:59) Sin as a Symptom: The Seven Deadly Sins (00:29:24) Sin as Rebellion and Personal Responsibility (00:36:13) Conclusion and Farewell --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support

Aaron: In the summer of 2016, I shared a heartfelt sermon at camp that explored the deep meaning in Jesus' final words and the unending invitation to evangelism. This episode revisits that summer camp sermon, focusing intently on the thematic core of evangelism and the personal transformation it calls each of us towards. In the latter half of the sermon, I open up about my own journey toward embracing evangelism. Initially, as a young pastor, the notion of stepping into an evangelistic role was daunting, marked by fear and hesitation. However, through a series of divine nudges and undeniable growth experiences, God firmly led me down the path of learning how to share my faith. This journey wasn't just about learning to share the Gospel, but discovering the transformative power of making evangelism an integral part of life and ministry. Now, I am more convinced than ever that evangelism is a very often overlooked heartbeat of our faith! Whether it's through spoken word, acts of service, or the way we live our lives, evangelism is a massive part of the expression of Christ's love to the world around us. This episode is an invitation to reflect on your own call to evangelism. It challenges the notion that sharing the gospel is a task for a select few, urging every listener to consider how they, too, can live out the Great Commission in their unique context. Whether you're a seasoned believer or new to your faith journey, this episode aims to inspire a deeper commitment to the lifestyle of evangelism, embodying the message of Christ in every action and interaction. I hope it encourages you in your journey of growth and obedience, and helps discover how you can become a living echo of Christ's call to evangelism. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support

In today's episode, we delve into a profound conversation with my friend, Pastor Johnny Zacchio. Johnny brings some pertinent pastoral questions about the subject of doubt and deconstruction, which is a significant issue for many within the church today. His questions focus on how pastors can understand a simple meaning of deconstruction, and how we can better minister and lend support to those wrestling with these challenging topics. Alongside discussing my personal standpoints and experiences, we unpack how the church can better understand, empathize with, and shepherd the 'doubter' in our communities. Our conversation is a deep dive into the intersection of faith, doubt, and how we can uphold the truth while extending grace and mercy. Whether you are in ministry, a lay leader, volunteer, or simply a Christian seeking to help others follow Jesus, this episode is for you. So let's jump right in! --------------- LINKS: CGN Doubt & Deconstruction Resources for Pastors and Leaders My conversation with Evan Wickham on Hope for Doubters & Deconstructors Part 1 of a video series Nick Cady and I are doing on this topic. The Full Audio Workshop Nick Cady & I did at the 2023 CGN Conference. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support

Hey folks, I am super excited to share with you the full audio of a workshop that Nick Cady and I put together for CGN. In this workshop, we dive deep into the topic of doubt and deconstruction. The goal of this workshop is to help Christians and ministry leaders understand this issue from an informed, compassionate, and measured perspective. The reality is a lot of people are struggling, and we need to work hard to understand the why. (Note: To anyone who follows me who is not a Christian, or is a former Christian who has now deconstructed, please understand you’re not the target audience for this, but if you watch my hope Is that you’d see the heart in trying to help people understand so they can help! Feel free to DM me if it sparks anything you’d want to discuss. I’m always open.) We understand that doubt is a common experience and can be challenging to navigate, especially when it comes to ministering to the next generation. In this workshop, we aim to provide insights and practical strategies to help ministry leaders engage with and support individuals going through doubt and deconstruction. Here are some of the key points we will cover: 1. The personal significance of doubt: We both share our own experiences of doubt and how it led us to deeper exploration and growth. 2. Understanding the next generation: We explore the unique challenges young people face today and how doubt and deconstruction often play a significant role in their faith journey. 3. The impact of doubt on ministry: We discuss the heartbreak and challenges that ministry leaders face when helping individuals navigate doubt and provide guidance on how to address their questions and concerns. 4. The process of doubt and deconstruction: We unpack the definitions of doubt and deconstruction, highlighting the different stages and dynamics involved, and explore why understanding their origins is essential. 5. Practical application for helping those who struggle with doubt and deconstruction navigate these complex waters. We sincerely hope this workshop blesses you and enriches your ministry! If you have any feedback, you can leave us comments on the episode on Spotify, or send us an email at aaron@cgn.org. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support

🎙️ Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast, where our host, Aaron Salvato, digs deep into the heart of servanthood, inspired by the incredible actions of Jesus himself. As a powerful sermon Aaron shared at the Good Lion School of Discipleship, this episode guides us through the transformative power of humility and service.  This is not about grand gestures, but about the beautiful, small, everyday acts of service that can profoundly change our lives and the lives of those around us.  👣 As we delve into the teachings of Jesus, we find that service is about embracing humility and demonstrating love. In the quiet, unseen moments of everyday life, we have the opportunity to shine a light, serve others, and embody the teachings of Jesus.  🙏 Wrapping up the episode, we'll leave you with practical wisdom on how to weave these lessons into your daily life. You'll be challenged to embrace the paradox of power found in servanthood and walk the transformative journey of humble service, just like Jesus did. Topics Covered: 1️⃣ The Power of Servanthood 🙌 2️⃣ Jesus Took the Lowest Job 👣 3️⃣ Jesus Did What No One Expected Him to Do 🙏 4️⃣ Transformation Through Servanthood and Humility 🦋 5️⃣ The Power of Serving Others 💪 6️⃣ Serving Jesus in Everyday Life 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 7️⃣ Serving Jesus in the Home 🏠 8️⃣ Serving Jesus at Work 💼 9️⃣ Showing Christ's Love to Coworkers 💗 🔟 Engaging with Culture 🌎 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support

Aaron is joined by his long time friend Nick Cady, to dive deep into the fascinating theological topic of eschatology. Eschatology is a topic that often leaves many Christians feeling confused and overwhelmed. With its complexities and differing perspectives, it's no wonder why this subject can sometimes seem daunting to navigate. Nick aims to provide clarity and understanding by delving into the various views and shedding light on the intricacies of eschatology. Together, Nick and Aaron will explore the four main views of eschatology, shedding light on the differences and similarities between them. They will also delve into the role of Israel in eschatology and discuss the nuanced differenced between the perspectives of the pre-millennial view and the dispensationalist view. The conversation will also touch on how our eschatology can impact our ethical beliefs and shape our Christian identity, ministry, and practice. Whether you've found yourself pondering eschatological differences, or grappling with the role of Israel in end times beliefs, this episode is here to help. Nick comes from the pre-mil perspective himself, but is respectful towards all the main views. This conversation will help guide you through the maze of eschatological theories in a balanced and gracious way, unraveling the confusion and offering insights that will empower you to develop a well-informed perspective on this significant theological topic. Topics Covered:🌍 Exploring the four main views of eschatology.🔮 Understanding the role of Israel in eschatological beliefs.⏰ Contrasting the pre-millennial view and the dispensationalist view.🤔 Examining the relationship between eschatology and ethics.💡 How our eschatology shapes our Christian identity, ministry, and practice. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support

As followers of Jesus, we often begin our journey with a fairly simplistic view of who He is - a divine savior who absolves us of our sins and provides a comforting presence in our lives. But as our faith deepens, we start to realize that there's so much more to Him.  In this episode Aaron and Brian dive into the transformational journey of understanding Jesus beyond the role of Savior and embracing Him as Lord. Drawing from their personal experiences and the lessons they've learned over the years, they invite you to explore the possibility of reacquainting yourself with Jesus, particularly during changing circumstances, and deepening your relationship with Him.  This episode will take you on a journey from seeing Jesus merely as a problem solver to recognizing Him as a King fighting for His kingdom. The true path is a life centered around His mission, not just your own.  Through their candid conversation, Aaron and Brian aim to help you see Jesus as a generous King, leading us to live lives of service and community, and not just as a figure of divine intervention during our struggles.  If you've been feeling disconnected from Jesus, this episode is a reminder that He's not just your personal Savior, but a King whose mission should be at the center of our lives. We hope this episode helps you strengthen your divine bond and help you see Jesus in a new light! Topics covered: 📖 The ways people who grow up in the Church view Jesus. 👑 The Power of Understanding Jesus as King  🔗 Reconnecting With Jesus Amid Changing Circumstances  💫 The Transformational Journey of Understanding Jesus Beyond Problem Solving 🙏 Practical Steps to Connect With Jesus  📚 🗺️ A Roadmap for Connection with God / Insights from Scripture 💒 Building a Relationship with Jesus akin to a Marriage  🌟 The Importance of Continuous Self-Reminders of the Gospel  👥 The Role of Community in our Faith Journey  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support

In this episode, Brian and Aaron reunite after a long time off from recording together. The two friends help each other rekindle their fervor for Jesus and share their journey with the listeners. Amidst the bustle of their lives, which includes navigating changes in their careers, evolving responsibilities in parenthood, and returning to local ministry work, they delve into the question of how to maintain a genuine connection with Jesus. They reflect on their experiences, the transformations they've undergone, and how their faith has played a crucial role in all these. Throughout the episode, they discuss the challenge so many people in ministry face: keeping your eyes fixed on Christ in the middle of creating weekly church services, crafting meaningful content, and the pitfalls of being a 'professional Christian.' They also examine the transformative power of the Gospel and the importance of reminding ourselves of it regularly. As they share their experiences, they underscore the role of Jesus in guiding us through life's challenges and inviting us into deeper relationships and responsibilities. They also share about how easy it is to lose your childlike sense of faith/wonder, and how Jesus calls us to reclaim it. This episode is aimed to help listeners reconnect with Jesus, to serve as a reminder of His teachings, and to inspire them to keep their faith strong in the face of life's changes. Tune in for a heartfelt chat about faith, change, and navigating life with Jesus at the center. Topics Covered:  🙏 Maintaining Connection with Jesus amidst Life's Changes  💡Adapting to Change: A Discourse on Faith and Responsibility  🤖Will we be replaced by AI robots!? 🎙️The Pressure of Creating Weekly Church Services  📖 The Transformative Power of the Gospel  🤱Parenthood and Faith  🎈Regaining Childlike Wonder in Faith --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support

Welcome, theology nerds and seekers! On this season 9 finale, we're diving deep into the world of dispensationalism. Whether you're a seasoned theologian or a fresh-faced learner, we've got something for you! Our guests are Mike Dente, Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Paris, France, and Professor Darrell Bock from Dallas Theological Seminary. We discuss everything from the distinctions between Israel and ethnic Israel, the Church, and political Israel, to progressive and traditional dispensationalism. We're unraveling the complex tapestry of God's divine program, one thread at a time. We dive into the pivotal covenants God has made, and seek to understand how these manage His divine program. We also discuss the interplay between covenantal theology and dispensationalism, and what this means for our understanding of the Bible's multi-dimensional nature. We also explore the complexities of identifying God's people (is it Israel, or the Church?), examine the reconciliation of one people of God, and discuss the mission of redemption for Jews and Gentiles alike. We also address the relevance of prophecy update church services… Yes, we're going there! We dig into the ethical implications of judgment and rapture in the dispensationalism context, offering insights on compassionate interpretation and the importance of living out your faith. Plus, we discuss the potential dangers of viewing those who do not share our faith as enemies rather than a mission field. In the second half of the episode, we ask Dr. Bock to engage with an article by Scot McKnight, as well as the teachings of NT Wright. You definitely don't want to miss this! Chapters  (00:00:00) - Intro: What is Progressive Dispensationalism?  (00:09:35) - Exploring Covenantal and Dispensational Theology  (00:25:36) - Who are God's People?  (00:38:04) - Newspaper Theology & Prophecy Updates: Helpful, or Harmful?  (00:48:22) - Is the Amillennial View a Theologically Liberal Interpretation?  (00:57:50) - Engaging with Scott McKnight: "The Late Great Dispensationalism?"  (01:16:05) - N.T. Wright and Inaugurated Eschatology (01:23:36) - Common Grace and Cultural Engagement for the Dispensationalist --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support

This week we're thrilled to revisit an important conversation with one of our longest-running and most cherished guests, Dr. Gerry Breshears. Gerry, a beloved Seminary Professor and mentor to many, joins us again to wrestle with the difficult but essential topic of God's judgment and wrath. Our listeners know this is a subject close to Aaron and Brian's hearts, and Gerry provides his gracious yet challenging insights. We examine how God's wrath in the Old Testament fits with His love in the New. We also look at Greg Boyd's cruciform hermeneutic, and Gerry helps us consider whether this is a helpful interpretive framework or if it raises concerns. As always, Gerry's wisdom, humility and grace permeate the discussion as he guides our GoodLion community through these complex issues. Whether you're wrestling with these hard questions for the first time or looking for a fresh perspective, this classic conversation with one of our longtime favorites is bound to stretch, encourage and inform. Join us for another profound and provocative episode that aims to renew and reshape the way we see God. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support

For this special classic episode, Aaron delves deeply into a provocative claim made on NPR's This American Life. In a conversation with host Ira Glass, Princeton historian Elaine Pagels argues that Jesus's death on the cross was an "utter failure." This piques Aaron's curiosity. He decides to explore the topic further, questioning leading scholars and theologians about whether Jesus's crucifixion really was a failure as Pagels suggests. Aaron brings on apologist Thomas Fretwell and his friend Wavey Cowper to share revelatory insights and historical context. They examine what Jesus and his earliest followers truly understood about his death on the cross. Was Jesus's crucifixion the Roman Empire successfully squashing a would-be revolution? Or was it the enactment of God's eternal plan of salvation for humanity? Join Aaron and his friends as they pick at Pagels' thesis - and explores the far-reaching implications of Jesus willingly enduring the ultimate human failure, in order to achieve the ultimate divine victory. Through thoughtful discussion, historical evidence and theological reflection, they aim to provide you with a fresh perspective on the death and resurrection of Christ. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support

Join Aaron and Brian as they tackle one of the hardest topics facing Christians and the church today: depression. In this honest and illuminating episode, they sit down with pastor Wesley Towne who has spent years ministering to those struggling with mental illness. This episode was recorded shortly after the tragic loss of Pastor Jared Wilson, bringing the topics of depression and struggle into sharp focus. Wesley shares openly about his own journey, helping remove some of the stigma that prevents many Christians from facing mental health issues. Aaron, Brian and Wesley tackle some tough questions with compassion: What does depression really look like for believers? How has the church both helped and hindered those struggling? And ultimately, what hope can we find in Jesus for those in the midst of these battles? This episode pulls no punches, offering wisdom and insight from someone who has walked this path. We pray Wesley's transparency and perspective provides both comfort and challenge - reminding us that in sharing our struggles, we find the healing we seek in community. Join us for this honest encounter with a subject that affects so many. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support

Welcome to a classic two-part episode of The GoodLion Podcast! It's a marathon not a sprint as Brian and Aaron dive into the complex issue of violence, sex and nudity in media. The popular show Game of Thrones sparked many conversations about how Christians should consume media with sex scenes. These episodes, recorded in 2019, tackle that debate head on with nuance, depth and understanding. Brian and Aaron explore whether Christians should watch sex scenes and potential impacts on the soul. They discuss the complex factors at play, from Biblical principles to practical effects on one's heart and mind. While some argued for a simple "yes it's sin" approach, our hosts Brian and Aaron believe complex issues deserve complex conversations. These episodes mark a turning point in the show where Aaron and Brian found their groove as co-hosts, leaning into the heart of The GoodLion mission – seeking answers to complicated issues while avoiding simplistic responses. As Aaron points out, one of our guiding mantras has always been "no easy answers," drawing us to dive deep and point listeners to the God who is not safe, but who is very good. We hope these classic episodes spark meaningful discussion and thought-provoking reflection as you wrestle with how to engage media in a way that honors God and your conscience. Brian and Aaron hope these episodes speak to you, challenge you and ultimately point you to how to follow Christ well in our postmodern culture. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support

Aaron and Brian welcome you to revisit two early episodes from Season 1 that set out to deeply explore the meaning and importance of righteousness. These episodes were part of their initial ‘Righteousness’ mini-series where they sought to understand what righteousness truly means and how it should impact the lives of Jesus followers. In Part 1, Aaron shares his reflections on righteousness and clips from Dr. Tim Mackie of the Bible Project that shed new light on its original Hebrew meaning. Hearing Tim's insights was a major revelation for Aaron that changed how he understood the concept. In Part 2, Brian and Aaron are joined by pastor Bryan Stupar for a thought-provoking conversation about righteousness and how it relates to struggle with guilt and shame. They examine Jesus' interaction with the woman caught in adultery, seeking to apply the lessons to our own lives. Aaron also recounts a personal story that helped righteousness come alive for him in a fresh way. Though the audio quality may not match their current podcast standards, Aaron believes the content remains powerfully relevant for listeners today. So join Aaron and Brian on this nostalgic journey back to the first season of the GoodLion podcast as they explore two defining episodes in their quest to understand the true meaning of righteousness! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support

In the season finale of Season 9 of the GoodLion podcast, we take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey we've been on, and share with you some awesome news. As we dive behind the scenes, we express our heartfelt gratitude to our steadfast listeners, both old and new, for accompanying us on this spiritual path. A Ministry Update: First, a ministry field report: we're thrilled to announce that GoodLion Ministries has been expanding its reach with the establishment of the GoodLion School of Discipleship in Yukon, Oklahoma. This new venture is a multi-church ministry effort where young adults can immerse themselves in the study of theology, discipleship, and the teachings of Jesus. This progression from a podcast to a local community has been welcomed with overwhelming love and support, and we're just getting started! As we look back on a fruitful first semester and look ahead to the next, we invite you to join us on this educational journey by visiting www.GoodLion.school, where you can check out what we are doing and support our mission. A Summer Break, Classic Episodes, and Higgins Returns for Season 10: We will be taking a break for June and July, but In our efforts to consistently deliver meaningful content, during the break we'll be dusting off and re-sharing some of our best episodes from the early seasons that you may have missed. In addition, we're delighted to share that Brian Higgins, our much-loved co-host, has been helping us record more episodes for next season. His presence has always been crucial to the podcast, and we can't wait to have him back around. If theology piques your interest, next season we've already recorded some engaging episodes on eschatology featuring the renowned professor Darrell Bock, as well as friend of the show Nick Cady. We're also looking forward to incorporating lessons from the GoodLion School of Discipleship into our podcast. Personal Note and Request from Aaron: Friends, as we wrap up this season, I come to you with a personal appeal. After much prayer and consideration, I've decided to pursue a Master's Degree in Applied Biblical Leadership under the mentorship of Professor Gary Breshears at Western Seminary. This journey means a lot to me, yet it has presented some financial obstacles. I've always tried my best to support myself as much as possible through working with my hands and mind, but recently I lost my main side client that was helping me pay for Seminary tuition. In light of this, I am humbly reaching out for your assistance to make this vision a reality. If you feel led, contributions can be made at GoodLion.org/help. All donations will directly support my seminary payments. I have no expectations of anyone other than Christ. I am simply just throwing out an ask and seeing if the Lord speaks to anyone about helping. I fully trust He will provide in whatever what He chooses, and I would ask that if you don't feel led to help, please just keep me in prayer that the Lord would lead, guide, and provide! Thanks for reading, praying, and listening. Love you all and excited for next season! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support

Michael Bowles returns with fresh insight on the ancient motif of the wisdom warrior. As Aaron and Michael discuss, Michael traces the wisdom warrior path embodied by exilic prophets like Jeremiah and Daniel who navigated Babylonian captivity through wisdom above violence. Michael reveals how Jesus, the ultimate Wisdom Warrior, defeated Satan through the weapon of truth and the victory of the cross. Aaron and Michael discuss how seeking wisdom instead of vengeance transforms how we engage cultural conflict. They reflect on how Jesus deployed logic, reason, humility and surrender rather than force as core tactics of His nonviolent resistance. Michael reveals how wisdom warriors combat injustice through yielding fully to God's peace. Learn to cultivate wisdom in daily life from the original Wisdom Warrior, Jesus. Michael teaches us wisdom warrior tactics: be calm in conflict, seek to end fights before they start, return good for evil and appear weak yet remain protected by God. Thought we wrestle with how to fight today's battles... Jesus' shows us His weapon of peace rather than a spirit of vengeance. Michael shows how daily wisdom begins with surrendering to God's alternative path of Shalom through the cross of Christ. Jesus, the true Wisdom Warrior, calls us to lay down our swords and take up His weapon of wisdom to make peace. Enter the realm of the wisdom warrior on this thought-provoking conversation with guest Michael Bowles as he traces the motif from Old Testament types to its fulfillment in the ultimate Wisdom Warrior, Jesus Christ. ------ Michael is a California transplant living in the Pacific Northwest with his wife Lauren, their son Cove, and daughter Cambria. Prior to the move, Michael served as a pastor in Los Angeles for seven years, working in various capacities including pioneering new faith communities and pastoring youth and young adults. Currently, he works for the gospel-centered transitional housing provider ABSOLUTE Ministries and serves on the worship and teaching teams at Stone Church Auburn. Michael is also a fellow thinker at Western Seminary in Portland and runs a blog titled Along the Road, where he shares his theological reflections, biblical insights, and cultural commentary. He offers a perspective of a God who is FOR humans and the natural world, assuming the posture of a fellow traveler on the journey of life. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support

Struggling with Intrusive Thoughts and Doubts? You're not alone. Most Christians experience doubt from time to time, but for some the struggle with intrusive thoughts that breed uncertainty can become all-consuming. In this episode, Aaron Salvato answers a question from listener who struggles with random sudden thoughts that cause them to question if their faith is real. Aaron shares his own experience with disruptive intrusive thoughts as a young teen and how he overcame them. He discusses how God sees those who doubt and affirms that grace is bigger than any issue of the mind. Then, Join Aaron and Co-Host Brian Higgins as they tackle the thought intrusions that can erode our trust in spiritual truth. From reading Scripture and questioning long held beliefs to processing Christian behavior in culture, they uncover how to engage doubts wisely. Brian shares from experience, urging listeners not to suppress their questions but courageously chase answers. "There are good resources out there," he notes. But the deepest antidote lies in experiencing Jesus in a personal way that transcends logical proofs. Aaron articulates how doubts that lead us to truth can strengthen faith, while doubts pursued solely to alleviate uncertainty rarely satisfy. Jesus meets us where we are, inviting us higher. "Show me yourself in a way I cannot deny," Aaron encourages listeners to pray. Tune in for this honest yet hopeful discussion of what it truly means to doubt your doubts in pursuit of the One who desires to reveal himself. Escape the echo chamber of your mind and find peace beyond the unending "why's" through the presence of God himself. Does wisdom on wrestling with doubts sound like just what you need this week? Listen to this thought-provoking episode of the GoodLion podcast today. Key takeaways include:• Intrusive thoughts are a normal part of the human condition, but can be especially distressing for Christians.• Doubt does not mean your faith is invalid; it can push you towards deeper understanding.• You are not your thoughts; learn to let them come and go without getting trapped in them.• Focus on God's unconditional love and mercy rather than your own mental struggles. Listen in for empathy, wisdom and hope and reminds us that God sees beyond our doubts to the spirit within that seeks Him. This episode provides perspective and practical tools to help those wrestling with intrusive thoughts that breed discouragement in their faith journey. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support

Pieter Valk joins Aaron Salvato for a very intriguing conversation on sexuality. Pieter is a same-sex attracted Christian and ministry leader who is also committed to the historic Christian sexual ethic. This is a challenging path to walk, as it requires faithfulness and obedience to the teachings of Jesus around sexuality, often leading to a life of singleness and celibacy. In this episode, we will dive deep into Pieter's journey and discuss the complexities of his beliefs. We will explore the theology of sexual temptation and how it relates to same-sex attraction. Pieter will share his personal experiences and offer practical wisdom on how we can love and support those who are struggling with this issue. We will dive deep into the topic of sexual brokenness and how it effects everyone, no matter their orientation. We will also answer a very challenging question: does God intend for people to experience same-sex attraction? This is a difficult and often controversial topic, but Pieter approaches it with compassion and grace. Pieter's unique perspective challenges the modern narratives around LGBTQ issues and offers a fresh perspective. In this two-part series, we will discuss Pieter's ministry and his heart for the Church to create a more compassionate and faithful community pursuing orthodoxy and the Way of Jesus together, no matter what our sexual struggles are. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support