deconstruction

Man, I love the way you write. This stuff is rich.

Holy Crappers…how did I not know you had a blog until now! I'm going back…this is amazing! This is exactly what God has been showing me and I do remember you playing keys on the floor. 🙂 I think it's hysterical how much thought mom put into carpet. You inherited that too didn't you? being able to foresee a future spill. lol. I love this…yes, you need a book. I just grabbed one out of heaven for you…

And ME TOO! I just discovered this blog…at Aim's block page and then saw the update you posted on facebook. You've gotten good at writing in your old age!;) So excited for all i hear(through Aim)is happening for you & Karen and your precious family. I'll pop in here periodically–good reading! The Clarks/Perry's seem to always have 15 cool things going on. 🙂

Thanks Aim – tonight we had dinner with mom and dad. We ate in the dining room under moms new chandelier. Afterward dad asked me if I noticed the new chandelier and surprisingly I hadn't… This is shocking right, I asked dad if he was proud of me. But otherwise, yeah, I got lots of mom in me! Love yeah!He Eliza,Thanks for the encouragement! Yeah, Karen and I are excited about what God is doing in our lives. Lots of fun stuff with us Clarks/Perrys. He is so good! I occasionally hear news from Aim about you guys and the deep South… she is so good at staying connected. I hope you guys are well. Say hi to you dad for me. Bless you.

that is outrageous!! What a great driver really, I'm impressed! lolI wish I could have seen the guys face who you told that you were the church, for I so know what your face looked like. lol

Oh my freakin goodness!!! You are such a nerd…so I shall have to go with it. That was one of the most powerful moments I had in my life….raising up and rebelling against the dictator. Seeing the look of utter embarrassment in your eyes was enough satisfaction to last me till today. lolYou left out the real shaming part though, and that is while I was peeing and it was dripping all down my legs, mom pulled up in the car! That's really where the story goes south for me…but then it get's good again when you got in trouble for not letting me pee in the bushes!!! lol lol.Revenge is near J…in one of my blogs….oh yeah!

BWHAAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! That's the dynamic brother/sister relationship I remember. I had to wonder when I was reading the blog entry why in the WORLD you ended it, Jason, before telling what happened?!!?? Were you being merciful? 😀 I'm laughing so hard picturing the scene as she was "outsmarting" her bossy big brother. Oh man. Good stuff–thanks for the laugh. Aimee, darlin, you are my hero.-Lis

Yeah, I was being kind. Our mom literally pulled up as she finished and my smug superior happiness melted pretty quick when my mom realized that Aimee only peed in her pants because I wouldn't let her go in the bushes. Lets put it this way, I got the worst of the ear spanking that day.

Jason is the first born and you unfairly criticize him. He was not acting as a dictator but as a protective figurehead who assumed and was bestowed upon, I'm sure, the responsibilities of caring for his younger syblings. Jason acted out of love as his intentions were to keep Aimee ladylike. He only wanted the best for his sister. Jason, I continue to admire you even after all these years. You are a man of whom many should emulate. Aimee, you must look upon that event as evidence of the love your brother had and has for you. Submitting to higher authority and being humble about it is what to strive for.

Ha, dude! Thats hilarious! Aim, I guess, well, you know, you totally missed it…

Well there is something to say for loyalty David! 😛

Thats awesome. I probably just cried because you guys couldn't get along. And then you both got spanked and I got a cookie for being some a "tender boy".It blows me away how brilliant I was even then… blows me away…

Jason,The Bible vs. Tradition? You wrote that when you were reading the fourth gospel you noticed that "the author – had a unique way of referencing himself" — regarding terms like "the disciple whom Jesus loved", "other disciple", "other disciple, whom Jesus loved", etc. that the author used to refer to himself. But here is a question that you may not have considered — do any of the things that this author told us about himself suggest that he was the Apostle John (as you have assumed)?When the Bible urges the readers of scripture to "prove all things" it certainly was not suggesting that they should look to the hearsay of men as their standard of truth but, rather, in accord with Ps. 118:8 they should look to scripture and trust the authority of God's word — and not the traditions of men which may be added to that word. While the term "the disciple whom Jesus loved" depicts the one-of-kind-relationship that the author had with Jesus, it is also true that no verse of scripture ever said that John had this unique relationship with Jesus. The fact is that there is not a single verse that would justify teaching the idea that John was the unnamed "other disciple, whom Jesus loved". This is why repetition of hearsay from non-Bible sources must be used to sell the John tradition. The fourth gospel does present the author’s eyewitness testimony, but the facts recorded in the plain text of scripture can actually prove that WHOEVER the unnamed "other disciple, whom Jesus loved" was he could not have been John – because that idea actually forces the Bible to contradict itself. The truth is that the man-made John tradition was a case of mistaken identity. (This, for example, explains why the Jesus' transfiguration, his prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane, and his raising of the daughter of Jairus are NOT in the fourth gospel. Only three disciples were present at each of these events and John was one of them. Thus John was able to give eyewitness testimony when it came to these key incidents and yet there is no mention of these events in the fourth gospel, because the author, "the disciple whom Jesus loved", was not John. And the missing 'John testimony' is just the tip of the iceberg.)Those who want to avoid the light of scripture on this topic (because it proves the John tradition is false) will rush to change the subject – raising this-or-that objection to divert attention from what the word of God actually has to say on this topic. On the other hand, those welcome biblical correction may want to check out presentation of the Bible facts on this topic (just scripture, no hearsay from non-Bible sources) in a free eBook at http://www.TheGospelofJohn.com that uses the evidence in scripture to show why the one whom "Jesus loved" could not have been John.A good first step in seeking truth on this issue is to just read the fourth gospel from beginning to end with this question in mind, "Who would I conclude that its unnamed author was based on just the facts stated in his own gospel?" Those who do won't come to the conclusion that the one whom "Jesus loved" was John because none of the evidence points toward John. However, those who go on further to compare the facts recorded about this author in his own gospel to what scripture tells us about John, will discover that whoever the unnamed "other disciple, whom Jesus loved" was he could not possibly have been the Apostle John. Not only did these two men behave differently, more important is the fact that there are Bible details that are reported about these two men that are mutually exclusive — they cannot be the same person or the Bible would have to contradict itself.Jim

Thanks for the input John, nice to make your acquaintance! I believe John wrote the Gospel of John because that's what my Bible says. It may be intellectually naive, but Im ok with that. The message in my blog is true regardless of the gospels author. Jesus died for a unique love relationship with each of us. You and I and yes the fella here at Starbucks, we are the "joy that was set before him." When Jesus went to the cross, he did it so that we could know him in a "one that he loves" revelation.Thanks again, bless ya!

hm hm hm ha ha hm hmhmmmmDon't you love it. I would much rather be lost in the arms of Jesus than be lost in details.What an amazing revelation Jason.So… there is a Jason shaped vacuum in the heart of God…what a big heart! He loves you too?

this is so great. I'm excited about doing the "love you best" thing tonight at dinner. 🙂 I love how you live intentionally!

awesome

Yeah I agree with Eliza…:) very cool. I love that you can do that with your computer too…makes me want to get the equip. Keem em coming!

My computer is fixed and I am catching up….cool

aaahhh…wonderful truth ….to think Jesus also had to battle for His identity…profound

crazy cool…well written, well said, awesome truth.

Oh Maddy, Your the greatest!

Thats awesome… your brother Joel was a smart one to be the first to yell about getting out of the water… really really smart one…

Great job, Princess Maddy! Josh just watched that and said, "Cool! That was good!" 🙂 We loved all the details, including how the poor princess' handcream was stolen! The NERVE!! I agree that not sitting up straight is a DEAD giveaway…c'mon. 😉 And I was relieved at the end of the story that the pathetic maid at least got a room without cobwebs, even if she did have to work, "salary". Just goes to show that even the smallest things we do–like sitting up straight!–show that we really are princesses and not maids! 🙂

Ha, thats awesome Eliza! I just passed your encouragement on to Maddy. She loved it! I too liked the fact that the maid got a nice room and worked salary…Have a Merry Christmas!

your brother Joel was the smart one? the really really smart one?

JasonI had the incredible pleasure and gift from God to be seated next to your mother this past Wednesday while returning to Minneapolis from Las Vegas. She gave me the address for your blog which I have just read for the first time.As I read what you have written for your mothers Christmas present I am not surprised by the love that I see between each line.She will have to tell you some of the details of how God orchestrated our sitting by each other for three hours but suffice it to say it was a gift from God just for me.I look forward to visiting your blog and listening to your music that I might be reminded of how the glory of God is expressed through those who love him with all their heart.your mother told me about your Christmas present to her this year while we traveled. I can assure you that it meant more to her than she could ever express. Her love for the five of you is beyond measure and is only surpassed by her love for God.Blessings to you, your family and all who you touch through your lives and ministry. I count it pure joy to be among them.Denny Wallace

Denny, Thanks for the kind words. I saw my mom yesterday before I got your message but will have to lat her know how God used her. She is an amazing lady! I look forward to hearing how you connected on the plane.God bless you and thanks again for the encouragement!

Well, since it is your blog…i guess you win. However, on my blog, when I post my version I WILL WIN! coming soon! lol.Sweet!

Holy cow, Jason! I had no idea you and Karen did that as newlyweds…Aim probably mentioned it and I forgot. Sounds like quite the adventure. So….explain the pink bunny peep. What happened to you from eating that nasty (oh, you have no idea how grossed out your female readers feel when imagining what the decomposing burger probably had in it!!!)burger? Are halucinations a normal part of food-poisoning? Bleh. Loved the story 'bout the ocean and Eva—VERY cute. Love what God whispered in that moment. Very true. 🙂 Great post.

Hey Lisa,LOL, yeah, apparently whatever kind of meat I ate gave me hallucinations for three days. I have no memory but apparently I said some crazy things over the three days after that trip.Last time I checked you didn't have a blog up and running – so it was fun to read some of your posts. I will be stopping by the next time I need to make play dough! It could happen at any moment. Bless ya

IS VERY GOOD..............................

Such a great story. Thanks for sharing.

Why is this controversial?This is an amazing intro!I'm just glad two of got to see it.

Been reading S & U so decided to connect with you here Jason. Love your thoughts about this song. The believer has a whole new belief system to consider and to live under its influence. Thanks.

Hey Bill, Nice to meet you! I just discovered your blog. I too am a Back to the Future fan, ha. You have an awesome blog with such a pastors heart. I will be visiting regularly. Yeah, living in the revelation and power of His love, there's nothing better!Blessings to you and yours!

jason: tried to post a response for several days but was told Blogger was down. Anyway, thanks for the kind words. I look forward to finishing your book and following up with the DVD series in the future. I am really loving the book.

Finished the book last night and plan to buy a copy to give to a blogging friend and also to my oldest daughter who lives in Knoxville. I am stirred.

Bill, thanks for the comments and encouragement! I am honored when the book blesses and when someone promotes it. So good to meet you bro!

If short and sinner were together I would be holy, holy, holy. I am 6'5" Just kidding of course. Good word here Jason. I like it a whole lot better with the prone to love than the prone to wander. To take your idea: if He loves me (and He does) then I can agree with that and be lover He wants me to be. Thanks.

Ha, if short and sinner were synonymous Id be a stilt salesman and do most my business Sunday after church… Yes and Amen! To live loved is my life's one true ambition!Thank-you!

Ha, just re-read my post. My statement wasn't meant to suggest that church is the best place to find sinners – haha – but that you find the "prone to wander" message at many churches…Just in case…

thank you thank you thank you!!!I always HATED the lyrics to that stanza & I actually sing my own (little rebel that I am, haha, but I do it quietly) in place when we sing that!

Ha, yes! I too have been singing different lyrics for some time… "Prone to love you Lord, I feel it! Prone to serve the God I love!"Hope you are well lady! Bless ya

brought tears! timely. thanks.(and if short & sinful went together, at 5 ft tall I'd outdo Paul as the "Chief of Sinners!") 🙂

I am well! Still don't have a vacuum, though, LOL! But God is even giving me favor in the "prison," as He did with Joseph! In the meanwhile, I could tell I'd gotten my feet a bit dusty circling 'round the desert of some old religious habits when I popped in for a quick peek to see what you were writing these days on the blog & found an OASIS of Truth that I had forgotten! Phew!!!! 🙂

Awesome, yay God! I pray for a new vacuum and all the blessing that come with it!

super hooray! I can follow THIS kind of God! GOOD NEWS! That's what He TOLD us to preach…why aren't we?! Thanks, Jason! God bless you & the fam! For this kind of good news re: a GOOD God, I'll even live without a vacuum cleaner for the rest of my life, LOL! 😀

Yeah!!! I can follow this kinda God too! I pray breakthrough over you. A fresh season filled with promise and the wonder of His goodness! Bless ya

Love what you say: David was a man who understood risk. He understood faith.

Thx, I receive the prayers 4 breakthru. I feel I am on the verge of a new season. Here's something I wrote to a discouraged friend 2day: "Had a real blessing yesterday (May 29): 4 the past 2 yrs it's been a sad day (the day guy I thot I'd marry & minister w/broke up w/me), but God chose that very day this yr to heal my heart & breathe new hope in2 me! Ps. 107:20 says He sends forth His WORD & heals us, so He'll use His word to initiate healing. The word He gave me was "what father is there of you that, if his child asked for bread, would give a stone? If you..know how 2 give good gifts 2 your children, how MUCH MORE will your HEAVENLY FATHER give GOOD THINGS to those who ask Him?" A friend said that not only would our Daddy not give us a stone when we ask 4 bread, but even when we are asking 4 a stone, our Father will give us bread! God just flooded my heart w/His joy yesterday & hopeful expectancy…He is going 2 do something just WONDERFUL & I want my story, 2 be a GOD-story…not an "I couldn't wait" story! My own earthly father, who does'nt know God, deeply desires 4 me 2 not only get married, but 2 marry a good man who LOVES JESUS, so how much more does my heavenly Abba desire for me?! This morn. as I drove 2 wk I was dwelling on those verses & how Daddy wants 2 give me Bread, not a stone, and He gave me further revelation…When satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness (which I am in, right now, but the cool thing is, it was the SPIRIT that led Jesus into the wilderness…so I know He is here with me!), the 1st temptation was "If you are the Son of God, turn these stones into bread…" In other words, "Oh, really, you are the Son of God? Is this how God treats His kids? Look at you! You're tired, lonely & hungry & your "Daddy" hasn't provided for you. Why don't you just take matters into your own hands & make bread out of stones?" That's how he's been attacking me in my wilderness! "You're really God's child? Why have you waited so long & He's not provided for you? You've trusted with a child-like heart & it's clear He's not going to give you bread. Why don't you make your own? Turn these stones into bread." In other words, doubt the Father's love & faithfulness to His Word & just take matters into my own hands…just take a "stone" and try to make it bread. I say the same thing my Jesus said, "Get lost, satan! IT IS WRITTEN, 'Man does not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD that comes out of the mouth of God!' The insinuation is, "See how you've loved & served Him & only wanted 2 do things His way…and look where that has gotten you. Others are being blessed, even compromising, and you're just waiting on Him in vain…" Ouch! But I know that the One who suffered something as horrible as the cross for ME will NEVER leave me or forsake me! "He who spared not His only Son but delivered Him up for us all, how would He not, with Him, FREELY give us ALL things?!" Simply put, my Daddy has NOT forgotten me (even if it looks/feels like it), waiting on His timing/way is NEVER in vain (even if it looks/feels like it) & HE WILL GIVE BREAD! I also love that after Jesus endured the wilderness, God sent angels to minister to Him. I believe He will do that for me! Just had to share all of that to say that He is worth the wait! Perhaps, like when Daniel prayed, the answer is on the way & we don't see the warfare going on in the heavenly realms, so we need to just put on the armor of God & stand! He's NEVER late! 🙂 This helped me a lot 2 not be mad at God, at Shane or at myself…God's not EVER going to withhold BREAD from His beloved kids! So, I can rest in that.

Bill, Yes and Amen, David is one of my favorites! I see you are teaching on the nature of God, that's my favorite thing to talk about! Lord bless!

Nina, what a beautiful letter, such crazy cool revelation! I love your heart and am honored to have a peak into what God is showing you. There's a reason its called the good news eh?! I will agree with you on this new season!On another note, I received my copy of the audio book Friday, its sounds like a real audio book, ha, well done.Lord bless!

God gave me some even sweeter stuff, which I'll share later, but suffice it to say isn't it a relief to know the GOOD NEWS…God isn't mad at us?! 🙂 I remember reading in Hannah Whitall Smith's book, 'The God of All Comfort,' that if only all the preachers (& this was nearly 2 centuries ago!) would simply preach what they are commissioned to preach, the GOOD NEWS…!" Amen!Thanks for sharing your heart, pastor Bill!Glad you liked the audio, Jason!And….GO CANUCKS!!! :-)(actually, I don't care too much about tomorrow since the Coyotes aren't in it. 🙁 Yes, I like Shane Doan! :-D)

Just read this crazy, wild poem/prayer I had to share: Dangerous Prayers "Deliver us, O God, O Truth, O Love, from quiet prayerfrom polite and politically correct language,from appropriate gesture and formand whatever else we think we must put forth to invokeor to praise You. Let us instead pray dangerously -wantonly, passionately.Let us demand with every ounce of our strength,let us storm the gates of heaven, let us shake up ourselvesand our plaster saints from the sleep of years. Let us pray dangerously.Let us throw ourselves from the top of the tower,let us risk a descent to the darkest region of the abysslet us put our head into the lion's mouthand direct our feet to the entrance of the dragon's cave. Let us pray dangerously.Let us not hold back a little portion,dealing out our lives — our precious minutes and ourenergies – like some efficient accountant.Let us rather pray dangerously – unsafe, profligate, wasteful! Let us ask for nothing less than the Infinite to ravage us.Let us ask for nothing less than annihilation in theFires of Love. Let us not pray in holy half-measures nor walkthe middle pathfor too longbut pray madly, foolishly.Let us be too ecstatic,let us be too overwhelmed with sorrow and remorse,let us be undone, and dismembered…and gladly. Left to our own devices, ah what structures of deceitwe have created;what battlements erected, what labyrinths woven,what traps set for ourselves, and thenfallen into. Enough. Let us pray dangerously – hot prayer, fierce prayer,fiery prayer, improper prayer,exuberant prayer, and completely unrealistic prayer. Let us say Yes, again and again.And Yes some more.Let us pray dangerously. the most dangerous prayer is Yes."Regina Sara RyanWoman Prayers "Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord;O Lord, hear my voice.Let Your ears be attentive tomy cry…I wait for theLord, my soul waits, and inHis Word I put my hope.Wait and watch for God.With God's arrival comes love,With God's arrival comesgenerous redemption."Psalm 130: 1-8The Message

Beautiful! That's a dangerous prayer. Wow, so good and challenging. Beautiful.

Yes, I realized I'd gotten weary in the battle…you know, that wounded soldier stuff…& I stopped praying dangerous prayers.Thankfully, Abba knows I could only stand so much polite religion before I cried out, "whoa, what am I doing HERE?!"Back to the danger zone…and I wouldn't have it any other way!!!

Thanks for this Jason. I believe it. I preach it. But sometimes I need reassured. Side: watched S & U DVD last night. loved it!

Amen, me too! I was reassured today, "made sure" in His always-good love. So glad you got the S&U DVD! Its quite a trip eh? Sure wish I coulda gone. Next time.Blessing bro!

Will there be a next time? 🙂 just out of curiosity if you get this: who shot the video from a distance? Was there a crew along with those two?

My brother is the film maker. He has been down twice. The first to film S&U and a documentary on the trek. I was invited the second time but couldn't leave my fam or business for the 7 weeks he would be there. Plus it was pretty costly.But, who knows, if he goes again (he works with a lot of explorers) then maybe I will be able to join him.My bro, Joel Clark, is pretty crazy and has been and done some amazing things. He has a book coming out next Aug titled "Awake". You will def want to read it.

Oh, to answer the question about filming go tohttp://www.collidemagazine.com/article/367/surrendered-and-untamedI wrote an article about his trip for that online mag.

This was AWESOME! Thank you! I needed to be reminded of this!

A-MEN! It's so easy to say "God is good" when "good" things happen. All the more important is to remember that God is good… period.

A thousand times YES! Tonight I was just crying out to Him honestly & telling Him "I don't get it" in regards to so much I'd obeyed Him in & yet still things didn't work out/needs haven't been met…and all I could do was just raise my hands in weakness, brokenness & with so many questions…and just sing along with some great songs: (Gungor: "Beautiful Things," Chris Tomlin: "I Lift My Hands" (so poignant, especially the video), Twila Paris: "I Will Listen," etc.) & it's a Hebrews 13:15 moment for sure…a SACRIFICE of praise. Anyone can praise God when things are going "well" (even unbelievers!) but ONLY those who know His deep love & grace, can, by the power of His Holy Spirit, raise up feeble hands & say, "I don't get this, but even in my hurt towards You, I still love You, Father." Thank You, Abba!

Yes! That I would know more your always good love!

Good to hear from you Jason. I look at the cover of your Surrendered & Untamed and wonder how far away that is from where you write about right now. 🙂 I am glad that though I oscillate, God does not. He is faithful. Thanks for posting.

Hey Bill,Yeah, I'm preaching to the choir! Grace and more grace. Its good to write about His goodness in these seasons. There's something in there about strengthening yourself in the Lord. Thanks for the encouragement bro! Blessings!

The fan had moved away from me after difficult news in a phone call I received 2 days ago & I had cried out in the car on the way to work today, "Father, are You mad at me? What's going on?!" His only reply (I'm NOT kidding!) was, "I think you need to check out Jason's blog when you get to work…"Now I know why.Thank you!Nina Ruth 🙂

So cool Nina, may you see Him smiling over you today! May you be filled with grace today! Me too Lord!Bless ya- Jason

Wow! And yet another confirmation! Part of the reason it felt like the fan was oscillating away from me in the past few difficult days was the well-meaning advice from religious Christian friends (LOVE them to pieces but this type of false doctrine is why I stopped going to mainstream evangelical church…you know, you're a "good" Christian if you go on Sunday/Wednesday, are "involved in ministry," go to small group on Thursday, etc., you are in with God…)…anyways, I've been exhausted with the "comfort" I've received by well-meaning Christians…and never felt less loved…This post was water to my soul. I'd been fretting over all the stuff I'm "not doing" & the only thing I really need to be "doing" right now is letting Abba love me!What GOOD NEWS!Whatever else was being "preached" to me right now was certainly NOT the true Gospel, the GOOD news!Phew! 🙂

It's the good news! My one true ambition in life is to believe He loves me. I'm convinced that's what Jesus did – He believed His Dad loved Him and it was what set Him free to become Love.Pretty cool!

Awesome! I can’t wait until the project is ready! As an aside…Northern Lights is one of my “bucket list” desires…always wanted to see the real deal, in person! Hope the Bills was a blast!
Nina Ruth 🙂

I just reread this post…I needed to. Brought tears. Had been praying recently for an opportunity to share Abba’s love with a precious, wounded coworker & ended up feeling a bit like George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life” when he prays for help & gets punched in the nose at a bar…lol, he didn’t see the whole story at that point. Here I’d prayed to share w/this coworker & ended up causing hurt instead (so silly…had heard through office grapevine this guy was a “ladies man” which was absurd…that’s why it’s so funny…but when he heard that was his rep (only a few silly women had repeated that to me…& I set them straight from the beginning), he was crushed.) So much for my prayer to share Jesus’ love w/him, I thought…I went home so bummed…under total condemnation from the enmy & then, as I was praying, I heard Abba say, “I love it when you make me waffles!” I was like WHAT?!?! And He clarified w/a visual…when a kid makes their dad breakfast…I mean syrup might be all over the kitchen & the waffles aren’t the tastiest & the kitchen is a disaster…does Daddy see any of that? No! He just sees that his little girl wanted to do something for him & his heart bursts with pride & joy! I needed the reminder abt the Skinners of just becoming love by being loved by Daddy! (p.s. prayer for wisdom wouldn’t hurt, though, LOL! I haven’t seen/spoken to the coworker since this happened on Wednesday…not sure what to do)

Tell your dad he “done good.” 🙂 My grandson is too big to put on my shoulders now but looking at the picture sure makes me miss him more than I do. Good to hear from you Jason.

Good to hear from you too Bill! Yeah, its pretty special living close to my parents, my kids are super blessed. Hope you are well bro!

Awesome! I just read on Jonathan Welton’s website that Danny Silk was one of his mentors/spiritual fathers, too…and I am going to hear him speak tomorrow morning! Yey, God! I definitely need Fathering these days (who doesn’t?!)! I also highly recommend this video:http://youtu.be/nPIOkdNL-QQ

It’s called “The Gospel” & it pretty much sums up why I left the mainstream megachurch I was going to for years (and I have NOTHING bad to say about the pastor or the people…they did preach & do believe the gospel…but not ALL)…we stop at the “fire insurance” of salvation & forget that it all hinges on the relationship with Daddy God! I LOVE the end of this video where the warrior is carrying the little boy!

Blessings to you both!
p.s. guess what? I GOT A VACUUM! No more vacuuming with a dust-buster! Hallelujah! 🙂

Jason – I love this part of the journey for you guys. Even though I have heard the story before, I still well up with tears thinking of the way you pursue our Father. Blessings…I can’t pray that enough for you guys.

Loved this story jason. What a deal to know that God has got my back. yeah, good deal. 🙂 Good hearing from you.

This made me cry…in a GOOD way.p.s. just listening to Jenn Johnson in my car, singing “What can I do for You, what can I bring to You…and I heard You say, ‘you don’t have to do a thing, just stay a while with Me…”

yep.

Nina Ruth 🙂

Loved the book trailer Jason! look forward to the book! God Bless you!!!

Looking forward to the book Jason. Hoping you find a publisher soon.

Good to hear from you Jason. As you say, hopefully it will be more this year. 🙂 BTW: link to Crossroads does not work.

That is so crazy good…I got to read it again!!!! Thank YOU!

Woah. “A relationship where the son is always desperate for the Father is dysfunctional.”
That hit me like a train…. the best kind of train filled with God’s unconditional love.

I think of all the years I spent thinking I needed to be “on fire” trying to be “more desperate,” when really, it was because I was insecure and didn’t realize God had given me absolutely everything I needed already.

hahaha, that’s an awesome story!!! I forgot about the storm….What a fun read!!!

Wow. Brilliant! Just what I needed to read today. Thank you. Carrie

total awesomeness, bro! I really deeply desire to “release heaven” everywhere I go, especially my uber-wicked workplace…and I know it starts with being secure in MY identity as the Beloved with the Father…so could use an extra prayer or two regarding this matter…to receive revelation of Him in order to give it out (without even “trying”) is my prayer desire right now…so wouldn’t mind if you prayed…and if Karen & the kids and/or your sister Aimee want to put in a “good word” for me w/the King, I know He hears my prayers, of course, but this is one I need the help of the Body on…!

Man that is deep and simple at the same time, which happens to be my favorite kind of reading!!!! Amen, let it be just as he made it to be! Thanks Jason, I am refreshed by these words!

that’s powerful! when jonathan welton was speaking at a local church a while ago, he said that wherever he travels, the 3 main words he’s been hearing in the body of Christ are: Identity. Grace. Rest. I agree! And it seems these are the 3 questions we need answered & also the 3 areas the enemy most attacks…
looks like you DID meet Bob later?! And how redemptive & funny of God that you did, but perhaps now not out of desperate need but out of already knowing your identity….which only God can declare.

I’ve been tripping over this point a lot, lately & yet even this morning, He reminded me that I cannot minister to others without always being insecure/uncertain (& therefore clingy/depenent upon them & their reactions/walking in the fear of man) until I settle in my heart & mind that my Father loves me. Period. Unconditionally. Personally & affectionately, not just a theological “have to” type of love.

Yep, I DID meet Bob … at least, in Photoshop 🙂
I hear ya, my security is in knowing my Father’s love! That’s the beginning, the foundation. From there I can do all things!

Identity, grace and rest. That’s good!

Man, I have so experienced that….I remember feeling that way with Heidi Baker when we first heard her. I want to read this book, when will I be able to? And…you totally put yourself in that photo right? That’s hysterical! Yes…this left me wanting to read more…:)

BREATH-TAKING!!!!!!!!!! I don’t know what else to say! Thanks, bro!

Wow, wonderful blog structure! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging glance easy. The overall look of your website is wonderful, let alone the content!

haha, this is SO good J. I’m just giggling over here for the can you opened up with this. Hit it hard. Like all lies this one too is not more powerful than the truth, it just happens to have a lot of support. May the fruit of the Spirit grow and grow in this nourished soil and produce sons and daughters who truly LOOK like their Father! WOW! There is something about boldness via identity that makes my spirit applaud!

Hi, Mr. Clark. I go to Crossroads Church and I have a question that I thought you could answer, please. Can we lose our salvation? Thank you -Bailey, age 14 🙂

Exactly What I needed to hear..Thank you for your transparency!

“Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic post.Really thank you! Really Great.”

Jason, enjoyed the column about Bob. He has been a “pappa” to me since I was 19 yrs. old. I understand the wanting to “carry the bags” thing. Fortunately, I get to do that a lot because Bob and I spend a lot of time together these days. He is a part of our team with “Rachel’s Challenge”, an organization named after my daughter, Rachel, who was the first victim of the Columbine tragedy. Your article brought up old memories! Darrell Scott

So good, so true, so fun to read… I love Vacation!

Bahahahahahahaha… he named a little four-legged creature after her: “foxy”!

A thousand times, yes! We tend to act out what we believe…I know that if I live (die) in the unbelief & false doctrine of “prone to wander,” as a follower of Jesus, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy of despair. It’s living in Romans 7 when Jesus died to bring us into a Romans 8 experience!!! May He open my eyes completely to His fulness!
Thanks for sharing, bro!

My favorite! I may need to read this everyday for a while. 🙂

Absolutely loved S & U both the book and CD! Hope you make this into a small group study too.

Love this! I too may need to read this one every day! 🙂

[…] love.”  For those who have never read why I feel free to change those lyrics, you can read My Grandma was Prone to Love  or Adam & Eve – Minty Fresh.  I have been writing and living out this message for a […]

[…] read why I feel free to change those lyrics, you can read My Grandma was Prone to Love  or Adam & Eve – Minty Fresh.  I have been writing and living out this message for a couple years now. Its been an awesome […]

[…] I think its just the oposite, authenticity isn’t just confession but also transformation. In my opinion, confession without transformation is inauthentic, it’s hypocrisy. To admit I sin is only authentic if its followed by transformation through the power of His mercy and grace. But thats a rabbit trail for another day, or if you want to read it today you can go to this blog Mercy & Grace… […]

whhhoooooo…yessss. I like this. This is really good news. BTW- Bo’s in the morning at Starbucks at 9:00 AM Birkdale Hey Larry …haven’t seen you since your newest addition. Come by Starbucks if you hve time in the morning.

So good. As always – thanks for sharing.

what fun memories Great job!

Hit straight to the heart! Thanks, “old man!” 😉

this is a fun read

Whoa, this is a very impressive piece of writing. To be quite honest, it doesn’t sit just right with me and I don’t know why yet. Nonetheless, it is still a very impressive piece of writing.

Best.

Beautiful!
Date: Fri, 4 Jan 2013 21:37:04 +0000 To: cindy_vandruff@hotmail.com

I love how after Peter’s revelation of who Jesus is, he receives a revelation of who he is. Seeing the Father as He really is the key to seeing ourselves as we really are. Thank you for posting

And the gift keeps on giving…I needed this, too!!! 🙂

I’m sorry it missed the cut…sweet story…thanks

Just wept over His goodness in reading this. Thanks for the reminder!! 🙂

sweet stuff

Sheesh Jason you totally made ME cry!! I forwarded this to my mom & dad – I could’t have said it better, so I’ll let you do the talking for me this time!
God bless you & your family! with His love to you all, Nina Ruth 🙂

On Tue, Dec 17, 2013 at 12:14 PM, Jason Clark

Great post Jason, thanks for the check up and reminder! Love it.

You really need to validate your statements with scripture a lot better. In your point #2 above you say, “When you are not convinced in your Heavenly Father’s pleasure, you believe life’s hardships may have been sent by God to discipline or to teach a person how to be more kind, or patient, or giving or…”
Consider, though, Hebrews 12:7-11 – “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

While we should not walk around thinking God is just looking for any excuse to “zap” us, we also cannot, as many Christians have, use God’s love as an excuse to live as we please. Yes, God does love us deeply, but that love does NOT mean God cannot be either angry or displeased. Unconditional love does not equal unconditional approval.

Thanks for the life-giving reminder, Jason!!

Jeff
I appreciate your point and the necessity to investigate ALL Scripture to have a complete picture. While it is obviously true that God loves us enough to discipline us…I am concerned with your comment “we also cannot, as many Christians have, use God’s love as an excuse to live as we please.” That comment connects behavior with discipline. I don’t believe God disciplines us based on behavior. Scripture also clearly states that God is concerned with our heart. I believe the discipline is meant to bring us to a place of blessing, of favor. God disciplines me to make my heart more like his….not my behavior. Look at the context of the passage you quoted, it cites Esau as an example as a godless man because he rejected his sonship. Not because he “sinned” or behaved poorly. He chose to put his trust and sustenance in a meal rather than the security of knowing he is a son. God disciplines for good, for righteousness, to make us more like him because it is in that place that we receive our inheritance of sonship.

I’m not implying this was your intention by any means, I just have a deep concern for the Christian mentality that once we “pray the prayer” we should get to work on our behavior in order to “live like a Christian” rather than continually putting our trust in Jesus and the Holy Spirit to make those changes for us. It’s almost as if we become sons, accept his righteousness…..then go right back to trusting in ourselves to modify our behavior rather than focus on the heart of God.

What’s in a name?
You can call it ‘angry young prophet’ but those hurt by it might name it as religious bully.

You seem to miss the key point for many commentators is not about whether Mark should be forgiven but whether he takes accountability for his actions. It seems to me that by naming his actions as being part f his days as an ‘angry young prophet’ he is underplaying the seriousness of the issue.

What are your thoughts?

I too have read what Mark has said and done. I find myself praying for him and others who have felt the weight of their “persona” crashing in on them. Mark is human like all of us. I respect him for admitting his errors, his sin, his “angry young prophet” stage, and his desire to “get it right.” Wish that all would take a lesson, especially the young guns who seem to be running off on their own. Yeah, spoken like a true 61 year old. 🙂

BTW: Are you really 63+ years old? Just started reading “Prone” and page 15 last paragraph. Check it out. Maybe 36? I’m 61 and I know you ain’t older than me. LOL Good to hear from you again jason.

You can’t be His favorite! I am!!! 🙂

Jason, this was God’s reminder for me of this truth – thank you. I witnessed to an old friend through FB last night for an hour and a half, he wants to believe like I do, but can’t get past logic. Too many questions in the way. God was using this – You are His favorite son. He would do anything for His favorite son. It was all about love….so sweetly beautiful! I sent him a prayer to pray on his own – still waiting to hear the decision! We are His favorite sons and daughters all the way…

Powerful!

Where can I get my hands on chord sheets? WOW

Thanks, I read Ashley’s question and had the same thought she did. I appreciate your needed reminder about the goodness of God.

Thank you so much for responding to me and taking the time to expand on this point. I appreciate that very much!
I have to say that while this view of God is very tempting for me to adopt, I can’t quite wrap my head around it. John Piper teaches that God ordains suffering, even plans it for our own good and His glory. I believe this because the only flip-side to it is me devoting myself to a god who has no control over my suffering. Maybe I am looking at it from an extreme “either/or” point of view. I can sometimes be a black & white thinker.

I admit this view of God that I hold doesn’t exactly lead me into intimacy with him, but that’s because my heart isn’t right. I’m a defeatist and always waiting for the crap to hit the fan. I don’t blame God for my suffering even though I believe he ordains it all. I just blame myself for being spiritually inadequate to handle it. And then I ask God to help strengthen me while I’m in that valley so I CAN handle it. Now that I’m writing about it, I realize how absurd it sounds, but no more absurd than what you propose… that he doesn’t cause the suffering, he is only goodness. If God is who you say he is, then I can’t imagine a need for hell. Your view seems incomplete. And I admit, my view seems very doom & gloom. Who wants to trust a God like mine? But what’s the alternative?

It’s all true!!!

YES!!!

This was one of my favorite parts of the book Jason. It is totally overwhelming to me that Jesus would experience this and do it because of me.

Hello, Jason! Mike Morrell asked me to contact you because he really appreciates your blog and thinks you’d be an excellent candidate for his Speakeasy Blogger Network. Do you like to review off-the-beaten path faith, spirituality, and culture books? Speakeasy puts interesting books in your hands at no charge to you. You only get books when you request them, and it’s free to join. Sign up here, if you’d like: http://thespeakeasy.info

Hey Jason, always enjoy your posts.
I’m in the middle of a series on the Prodigal Son. There is SO much here. It seems to me that the destination is not to come home to the Father but to become like the Father. That is his invitation to both sons but, in particular, the older one who the Father is inviting to enter into His own joy, His own heart. I have been posting some of it to our church FB page.

You would probably enjoy these if you have read them already, I got a lot from them especially the last 2:
Henri Nouwen – The Return of the Prodigal
Rob Parsons – Bringing Home the Prodigal
Kenneth Bailey – Finding the Lost and Poet and Peasant

May you live within the radius of our Father’s smile. Bless you bro.

Pete

Bravo. I love this. It’s so easy to start thinking that the internet is the perfect answer to our passive aggressive way of dealing with things we are to afraid to deal with face to face with the people who we actually need to say it to. Above all, yes, what is the Father saying? Thanks for this.

Awesome article! Thanks for sharing the fathers heart in everything you bring forth. Love is what transforms everything! After you spoke at our church a few months ago it sparked new revelation in my life for what the gospel truly is. So thank you for that! Here is a question for you what is more important in ones life truth or love? Interesting to think about. God bless you and your family!

Good thoughts Jason. Not sure what writer you are speaking of (and don’t want to know). It is sad when we take a situation which affects thousands of people and use it to lambaste someone. As the song says, “Words can build you up; words can tear you down…” I prefer to use the former kind.

One day we should have a conversation around this topic.

Desperation is old Covenant. Resting is Jesus’ way. We are always welcome – the door is already open.

Loved this article. Found you by way of someone sharing an excerpt from one of your writings which compelled me to find you.
I’m an aspiring author; writer, gospel teacher, etc.who’s starting REALLY late in life at getting serious about my writing gift and callings; but right on time in God’s Kingdom (my incredible optimism helps me tremendously over the late hump.)

Again, this was a marvelous article for me to read and always consider -God’s heart first- because it is quite tempting to write for readership…bread.

7 years ago I was inspired for my book title. It maybe shot down now considering this article. We’ll see. Thank-you and I’m reading and learning from you.

Hey Jason,
I am glad you are going to take a stab at unpacking that particular piece. It was one that gave me a few questions as I thought about your premise. I agree God is not controlling but am curious how you will sync this with the concept of the kingdom of God, which is normally defined as His active rule and reign. In other words, I guess my question is “Can you rule without (at least now and then) taking control?”

For example, as a pastor, I am very much a grace person but on rare occasions I have had to step in and say, “No, that is not OK, we are not going to do that!” E.g. Someone tells someone else, “you are not healed because you don’t have enough faith…”

Anyway, I am looking forward to your thoughts.

Pete

Looking forward to the articles! Personally I hope God isn’t in control ” in the way we think of control” because if he is then he isn’t a good God with all the tragedies he allows to happen. If he is “in control” the way many think he us them I suspect every christian would act like Jesus; they would tithe, love one another, always forgive etc. because God would be controlling them – making them do the right thing – correct? Did God create us so he could control us or is the idea of a need to control come from a fallen earthly perspective? I look forward to reading your articles? Thanks for taking the risk of tackling subjects that are not easy but very necessary

This is so so good. And so spot on. Thank for the perspective and the words to explain a difficult concept. Love!

Thank you for what I just read. I uphold you every Sunday morning in prayer. My husband Paul is your father-in-law’s uncle. We live in Winterville,NC.

Thanks for writing this, Im 64 now, and I just woke up wanting to place THIS into google:the difference between a young man and an old man’s dreams
and found your screed.
again, thanks for taking the time to write it.

Jason:I had an immediate reaction to, “Control, it masquerades in the religious rhetoric of holiness.” I think I understand what you are stating, but would unpack that a bit more?
-Ian

Yes yes yes!!

I would love to see your profram but dont know when or where it is aired. I live in washington state can you tell me how i can view your show

Hey Jason, I loved it the first time round and the home group DVD too. Looking forward to reading the new improved version. May our Father continue to indulge Himself in your direction bro! – Pete

BTW The purchase links are not pointing to the right places on Amazon or BN.

Met and heard you at Crossroads Church in Weddington. Wanted to stand on my chair and shout both times. You are offering the “real deal” to disillusioned believers. Dave and I are cheering you on……..

Your writing, your words, your gentleness, your wisdom! I love them all. Thank you for such insightful blogs! I will use your phrase, I don’t know but God I’s good! To you simple, to me profound. Never experiencing parental love as a child, I still struggle accepting Father’s Love for myself. For brief moments when I read your blogs I can hold on to it. Thank you!

Jason,My nephew… Nathaniel Vinke told me I should check out your blog and writings…
Our son just died about a week ago – and went to be with the lord… We got to see him for 5 days – on a vent – after not seeing him for over 6 years ( homeless and on drugs) he OD’d … We were believing for our prodical to come home and for our family to be restored… For nearly 10 years we waited on the Lord… Covered Jeremy in our prayers… The Lord gave me a vision during the wait – of Jeremy singing on a great stage – lifting praises to the King as Mary and I along with Jesus looked on from a few feet – down and in front of the platform… So after he died… I asked the Lord… “Lord… I know you’re good… With me – you know that’s a given… But what’s up with this… I didn’t get to see the vision come true… Was I just making it up?”
He then told me… Ben, I couldn’t tell you all of this then, you weren’t ready …. Come with me And let me show you something… He showed me Heven – and then pointed to the top of a giant stage…
See over there…
Yes?
There he is… There’s Jeremy – the Angel there… he’s teaching him how to play me instruments and new songs and – very soon – you will see what I have shown you… Heaven is real Ben – I am faithful – I never break my promises – I am faithful and true… You will see Jeremy singing and praising and you and Mary will be standing right here – with me…
I turned to look at Jeremy and heard him say… Dad… Don’t worry Jesus has this… And He’s got you too..

I know this may sound a bit crazy to some – but oh well… I’m with you in this Jason… There’s allot I don’t know… But what I absolute know… Is that… “God is good!”

Love you writing – thanks from pressing in and for being bold enough to be real and for sharing.
I will be checking out your books…
Praying Blessings on you and your family
Ben

Thanks for the article Jason. So true “Jesus is the whole gospel, the whole story”!

This is an outstanding show! Wow does it open up a whole new way to be in The Presence! Thanks! Looking forward to the next show! Fantastic job!

Outstanding post, Jason. Thanks for being so clear with this …

June 2017 I just finished reading this book (after reading Prone to Love) and plan to re-read both, journal in hand. I am thoroughly blown away at what God has revealed through Jason’s writing. I feel as if I have personally been escorted back to the Garden where the original lie was introduced (control) and been given the eyes to see the deception and how it plays itself out in my skewed understanding of who God is. Mind blown. I barely have words to describe the joy and hope I have for deeper revelation and intimacy with God. For freedom in my life and the trickle down effect this will have in all my relationships. I grew up with a ‘control’ narrative so it was very easy to go with that narrative about God. It’s like the curtain has been pulled back on the Wizard of Oz. I was saved 35 years ago and have been interpreting Scripture and life through the wrong lens. Thank you, Jason, for having the courage to speak truth that will truly set those brave enough to question free. Rich blessings to you, brother!

Thanks for pouring your wisdom into this chapter – it feels like it comes from a long friendship with God where your love has survived many valleys of utter disbelief. I’m going through some of that same ‘What the hell?’ kind of questioning, so it was very refreshing to have an author really grapple with these slippery questions rather than just gloss over it.

If God is love & does not manipulate or use evil. Then how do you exlain his actions in the Old Testament? Wars, rape, & the like.

I, too, have grappled with this but what I’ve had to admit to myself was that if God is love, and is all powerful, and all knowing and DIDNT stop suffering, pain, evil etc – but could in an instant if he wanted to… then he was a cruel god. The Bible says that god is a better father to us than any earthly parent. So let’s answer honestly: if you had the power to completely eradicate your child’s pain and suffering, but didn’t… would you consider yourself a good and loving parent? Would you consider a parent a good one if they didn’t use EVERY resource they possessed to help their child? I wouldn’t. As a parent myself I know I would do whatever it takes to ensure their health and safety. Why aren’t we seeing these attributes in this supposedly loving Heavenly Father?

These are the questions I asked myself after over a decade of intense pain and suffering. It was that moment when I realized that the mere fact that if this mysterious god ISNT instantly taking away the suffering of the world (because he could if he wanted to) means that my moral code for what constitutes as a loving parent/deity is higher and greater than that of the ideology and concept of the Christian god and all the theology that surrounds this topic. I was potentially a better parent than god in this respect. How could this be?

How can we say god is loving if he’s not doing something to help when supposedly he can do anything he wants anytime he wants? If he’s all powerful and does nothing, he is NOT ALL loving. He’s actually very neglectful.

If a person is loving, he/she shows up. If a person wants to have a real relationship with me, he/she shows up. In real time. Shouldn’t god be even more reliable than us fallible humans? Why do we think we have to settle for some goosebump feeling that he’s “here” instead of at the very least demanding the instant healing his Word so promised?!

“ANYTHING you ask in my name will be given to you.” -Jesus
That’s a lofty promise that’s been letting us all down for centuries. Why won’t we wake up and see that?

For some reason the Christian god doesn’t have to FULLY deliver on his promises ??‍♀️ – and our incredible minds that want comfort of belief so badly search high and low to find vague nuances of this “loving god” in anything and anywhere and have become SATISFIED by that enough to not question why we really aren’t receiving the fullness of god in Christ we have been promised. Have we become beggars to the god we long to believe is here for us?

Some well known pastor’s get around this by making the excuse that god wants us to go find him like a big fun game of hide and seek! That sounds lighthearted and fun until you are the child in dire need and your parent is instead insisting on playing a game and not attending to your needs.

I’m sorry, but your cognitive dissonance on this one is showing loudly. I am not a bitter ex Christian, I’m not angry at god. No, I’m angry at myself for believing in something that truly has zero real time evidence to support and back its claims. Especially after all the love, support, time and musical talent I gave to further the “Father’s” cause. I’m sad that it all seems like I wasted so much of my life supporting it.

I’m a human who just thinks god needs to show up physically REAL and actually be miraculous, and actually heal everyone who is suffering because his love for them couldn’t bare to see them in pain. I know if I had the power to, I would instantly eradicate poverty and sickness off this planet. Why should we expect less from some divine power we are told just spoke ONE word and light came from nothing?! Why do we keep making excuses for him when he isn’t really delivering?

Let me tell you, having done everything the Bible and god’s holy men said was needed to receive my healing and NOT receiving it from the one Person whom I believed loved me so much as if I were his favorite…. is utterly devastating. It’s more than devastating; it’s life shattering. To be expected to be ok with crumbs from his table that turn out to be happenstances that are more coincidental than they truly have any solid evidence to support coming from a divine place… when what you needed is a full on feast to satisfy your starvation, when there was no reason for me to keep this kind of unknowingly self inflicted heart break happening to me over and over and over again. I did find the answer to end that particular form of suffering – I changed my beliefs and instantly the pain of feeling betrayed by a loving father went away – because I no longer needed him to be real.

Some say pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. In this regard it was true for me. I might be in horrific pain, but I didn’t have to continue suffering the heartbreak of being let down day after day after day by who I thought of as my intimate best friend. In that sense, I rescued myself from the suffering. As far as the pain goes, I’m grateful to modern medicine to help aid in lessening it for me.

I’m very happy to have ended a great deal of the suffering that came along with the pain just by changing my mind to only know and understand things that have real evidence to support it – and no longer choose to “believe by faith without sight.” In this way, doubting Thomas is my most favorite disciple now. I appreciate his honesty in wanting to experience the REAL physical reality of it all. In that story he got what he needed (and sadly was reprimanded for it) and by that we are subliminally taught not to expect god to show up for REAL in our physical reality because somehow the Bible says I’m more blessed if I believe and do NOT see. I call bullshit on that one now after 32 years of constant “no shows.”

Jason, keep digging, seeking and searching while trying to make sense of it all. Your persistence is def a beautiful personality trait – but don’t lose sight of realizing that sometimes maybe there are no answers to this question within the Christian context that truly satisfies rationale because it truly is all circular reasoning. But once realize this we are free to start to look for answers outside of the Christian bubble and begin to see things in a way we never were able to before. That’s when a whole new adventure opens up to us! So keep on keeping on!! You will get there if you don’t stop. ❤️

Lots of love to you on your journey❤️

If everything you were saying was irrefutably proven false but you still found value in following the Christian prescription anyway, would you tell the world or just continue living your own life in peace?

Another way of asking this is, can you really be a Christian if you’re not busy converting others to Christianity?

Great post Jason! I appreciate the great value for your kids building their own prayer life.
My favorite though is, "I had to leave for a meeting. But before I left, I found Karen in her office and with as much accusation as I could muster said, “You started this!” She just smiled."
Ha! Not hard to visualize! 🙂

What a powerful post Jason. I so appreciate your sharing on your kids ( any kids) building their own personal prayer life.
Thanks buddy !!

This is good. Really good.

May God’s love overwhelm you in your life and writings! Blessings

The only word to describe the imagery of this story is beautiful. I worked in a coffee shop for several years and I always wondered if the content of people’s conversations. Thank you for sharing yours, my heart is smiling.

It may also be known as "that angelic nectar." I’m not sure who theologically accurate that is, however.

Thank you, Jason.
This is something that God has been teaching me over and over, getting me to know it down to my bones. This was just another well-timed reminder and confirmation.

That’s good stuff!

Thank you, Jason, God richly bless you for this email of "a family story.org." May the Father lead you, guide you, protect you and prosper you!

Karen Houseberg Moody
P.S. I pray for the peace of Jerusalem daily and am VERY GRATEFUL OUR PRESIDENT STANDS FIRMLY FOR ISRAEL. Some people don’t think much about this, but Jesus and all his disciples are JEWISH! I love Jesus with all my heart! And we will live eternally with him. I recieved a copy of what the artist called "FIRST DAY IN HEAVEN" It is FULL of JOY! Perhaps I can attach it to your email address and send it to you! Oh we just have one son, and he’s working in North Carolina–near Charlotte–so we miss him a lot, and I just read that you and your wife Karn live in North Carolina! God bless you abundantly, Karen

I thought I would come begging
To be a slave within Your reach
But You clothed me as Your heir
Kissed my face and washed my feet

Such a powerful word! I’m literally teaching on moving from an orphan to a son this weekend using the account of the two sons in Luke 15. Definitely will be using some of this. Thank you for your obedience to keep declaring truth no matter how many feathers it ruffles.

Hey Jason, I have been feeling this way for over 3 months. I have been feeling deep dark depression and suicidal thoughts. Like the guy said, I know He loves me in some area of who I am, probably my spirit. But I haven’t felt it, but really quite the opposite. My soul doesn’t seem to believe He loves me. I feel He has forgotten me as I am still single and have no person in sight but a great longing for a relationship. If he wants me to feel, to know his joy, why has he chosen to withhold this from me? Please don’t mention waiting. I’ve waited enough. I’m older than most people who complain of waiting on God for this. If He doesn’t want to do this for me, what in hell am I waiting for?

Great stuff mate! Amen–let’s become.

Wow this is so right on brother!!! Love this!!!!

Hi there,
I’m reading the book [I’m in chapter seven about the whipping switch]. I have some questions that the book does not seem to address (at least not so far) and I’m wondering if you have an article here on your blog that addresses it. The book references the term "sovereignty" repeatedly but I’m unclear of how you define sovereignty. If my grid for sovereignty was ‘God is in control’ and you’re saying that’s skewed, then how does God’s sovereignty manifest in the Earth? This is unclear after 7 chapters. The book seems to talk about Sovereignty allot without explaining how you define it (unless I missed something). Are you suggesting that He doesn’t make things happen in the Earth and manifest His sovereign will? To me, it seems like the book is suggesting that God is so adverse to control that He is hands-off of our lives and is just a nice guy that wants to be our best-friend. Also, in chapter seven (7), the book references Authority versus Control–the book says that they’re different (even though we tend to view them to be hand-in-hand) but the book doesn’t clearly delineate what Authority is versus what Control is. Are you saying Jesus has Authority–He has power over the world–but because of love He’s totally hands-off lest he should step into control? If God’s authority does not involve control, then how do you suggest His authority manifests in the Earth? I guess I’m having a hard time rectifying how God is our Protector, our Deliverer, our Strong Tower, God Almighty, etc. with the idea that He is not in control of His kingdom. The book makes some great points but I keep finding myself tripping over these details. If you have any other articles or resources you could point me to, that would be helpful. (I’m a lawyer and I guess this is the way my brain works.) -AB

"You see, our heavenly Father doesn’t see her as a liar. He sees her as stunningly honest. So if she lies, she is not acting like how our Father sees her. As a parent, it is my privilege and charge to empower her into that truth."
SO GOOD!

Awesome word! Great encouragement. It’s not just about my kids changing the way they think but me changing as well

Amen!

Phew… i believe there will be more to the story. His heart remains open to you, and the Love in you may shine in on him more.
Look forward to meeting you in Rochester later next month.

I love that you connected with him. This was not happenstance. Can’t wait for him to read your book.

You never fail in reminding us of the greater depths of our God, Love. Thanks for this timely reminder, Jason! I appreciate you, brother!

Bravo… so true. Keep telling us these wonderful truths Jason. You are right. I have proven it.

Awesome stuff! Thanks! Keep it coming.

Thanks for speaking truth! Proverbs 16:6-8. By mercy "and truth" iniquity is purged.
Bless you for faithfulness to the Word!

Great words here. Saved from the past, saved into the future.

I believe in God’s Mercy and His Grace. I also believe that He can heal us forgive us and set us free from sin and the desire to sin. But what, if any, responsibility do we have towards sin in our life after having professed that Jesus is the son of God and he came and died and rose again as a sacrifice for our sins? Do we have a need to examine our life and our hearts when we sin and repent/turn away from sin? It seems to be a new doctrine of Grace that can sometimes go hand in hand with an I’m OK your OK type message to the church. That is to say we are no longer under any laws or rules. Once saved always saved. I hope what I am asking is clear. It does not come from a place of anything but to seek understanding.

Thanks Jason. It is so easy to stumble across the line and find myself being "realistic". I too, after many years of following Jesus, realized that my old realistic approach was in opposition to what I believe about my loving and compassionate Father. I am praying for you today for continued courage, stamina and favor in your ever growing sphere of influence. Thom Corrigan

Thanks for the post. ❤️

Oh my heart. Outstanding. Profoundly resonating. Thank you.

From a Tar Heel born & bred to a relative newcomer, thanks for the well-written and thoughtful post, Jason. My life/ministry seasons have changed dramatically in the past year or two as I felt led by the Lord to leave an associate pastor’s role without another transparently open door and as I have become a grandfather at the age of 57. But God is beyond good, as I know He is to you as well. Keep up the great work!

Thank you for this great reminder. The years of “silence”, as I call them, can be much more profound than the years exposed. We appreciate your ministry and books.
Joy and Bob Oostra
(Your SoCal family)

There isn’t enough information here. One day you just “chose to believe “? What led up to that decision? What has changed since?

How has believing inspired action, birthed revelation, or yielded miracles in your life?

In what ways has the Spirit been leading your life now vs. when you were living the realist life?

And how the heck did moving to NC disappoint Dave Ramsey? That’s a really confusing comment man.

bill (cycleguy) on May 2, 2014 at 11:32 pm (Edit)
Have to admit Jason this is new to me and for me to think about. I have always said God is in control. But after reading your book and this post, I can see how that can be misconstrued into manipulation and puppetry. Like I said, this is a radically new thought for me. Thanks for challenging me.

Clark Grey Howell on May 3, 2014 at 6:30 pm (Edit)
Sovereignty does not equal control where authority is delegated or usurped.
Too many decades were wasted buying into the Satan’s lie (that Father, because of His action or inaction, is responsible for this world’s injustices) before digesting the truth of that first statement. Now a part of the mission is to eradicate the lie from all who are willing to resolve the cognitive dissonance created by trying to concurrently hold God is love, God is in control and He allows injustice/ evil to persist.

Once I grasped the nature of delegated authority and Holy Spirit power in me God was no longer to blame for persistent injustice–we Christians are. That bit of truth changes everything and for everyone.

Thanks for the post.

Steve Scheffler on May 3, 2014 at 7:36 pm (Edit)
Wow, so well said! I too have been guilty of pouring the lie into the cup of disbelief. It was truly giving our God a poor excuse in His manner of Lording over all things. The Bible actually tells us that He is seated at the right hand of the Father UNTIL ALL HIS ENEMIES are under His feet. We are, the Church that is, the FEET that He has washed. We are the MESSAGE to a DYING world! We must see that everything in the hands of man will continually move him towards his own demise. It is destined that way because all that man does MUST FAIL! The Tree of the KNOWLEDGE of GOOD and EVIL is the power behind all decisions made by man. That is why man is CAPABLE of doing GOOD. But man’s GOOD is perhaps the worst enemy of God’s BEST! Tribulations of every sort will continue UNTIL Christ is truly LORD over all. By our giving up our rights and citizenship of this natural realm and coming under the divine authority and Lordship of our Savior, believing and praying that the WILL of GOD be done in the earth just as it is being done in heaven, we will see the world delivered of its bondage. The CREATION longs for the BIRTH of the SONS of the Kingdom. The Creation KNOWS that when that happens, and only when that happens will the creation itself come into the liberty that all mankind longs for. “Be in us Father to be the Saints from another realm that depict through our lives the great freedom from bondage of sin that only YOU can bring!” Thanks for sharing this great truth! I am all the more convinced that you are right and I’ve been very wrong for a very long time.

CL on May 21, 2014 at 1:51 pm (Edit)
Hi Jason! I agree that God does not cause suffering. I agree that He is love, that He is always good. I agree that He works all things to our good. I tend to believe though that God does ALLOW (not cause) suffering. I believe He has the authority to stop suffering but doesn’t always (which seems to contradict your saying He is not in control). Partially due to man’s free will and the natural result of a fallen world. I can see how an unbeliever would see that a God who sees suffering coming but doesn’t stop it couldn’t possibly be loving. I have my own conclusions of how these two can coexist: a loving God who allows suffering. We see in Job that God allows Satan to cause suffering for Job. There are scriptures in the NT that talk about how suffering matures us, perfects us, produces endurance, etc. I interpret that as He loves us enough to allow suffering to happen to us because it will ultimately draw us to Him, make us more like Jesus, give us the endurance to continue in the faith to the end (which would ultimately be best for me). That He can use those circumstances to bring about His perfect will. And that perfect will is always loving and always good.
I sincerely wonder though your view on this. I’m not asking to debate you, but because I’m really trying to learn. I’m still working it all out in my heart. Thank you!

Cassie M
cassiemcnaney@yahoo.com

Love this, thank you. I hear that “God left him” hypothesis all the time which He would never do.

wisdom kwabla
facebook.com
willywizzy63@yahoo.com

thank God for this motivating, soul inspiring and life changing revelation through you. God bless you. OUR GOD IS GOOD.

Eric Mann
gravatar.com/ericpmann
epmann@gmail.com

This is awesome Jason. As a confirmation, the Lord gave me a song a little while back that spoke (briefly) of this, but He has given you the full album (and it is such a revelation!). You continue to inspire and challenge me, and I really look forward to seeing more of your work. Bless you and your family bro.

spbill80
seechristinme.wordpress.com
spbill80@hotmail.com

This is timely…Thank you so much for sharing this, I cried reading it… On the 6th of March 2013 I had a dream in the dream I was talking over the phone to my earthly father; he was telling me how much he loves me He said “As the Father loves the Son, so do I love you” and I started crying asking for forgiveness for not loving him the way he loves me and the scene changed… I don’t know what all this means but I have a feeling that The Father wants me to know and experience His love for me as I do I am going to change my mind (repent) about myself about my love for Him.
Blessings
Sheena Ps. I can’t wait to read your new book about the Father’s love

Brent (brlokker@gmail.com)

So good, Jason! This insightful post reminds me of Psalm 23:1:
“You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” (CEV)

Or, “The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need.” (ERV)

Or, one of my new favorite versions: “The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough.” (TPT)
Let’s all experience the deeper places of love and security in Jesus!

Lonnie Shields (Lonnieshields007@gmail.com)

When I was in the hospital recovering from a severe car wreck that would force me into retirement, I awakened in the dark one night to the voice of the Holy Spirit whispering, “You must intentionally find things to give thanks for or the losses you are experiencing will overwhelm you…” It was transformational!

What about Job?

“Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? No one else on earth is like him, a man of perfect integrity, who fears God and turns away from evil.” Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Haven’t You placed a hedge around him, his household, and everything he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out Your hand and strike everything he owns, and he will surely curse You to Your face.” “Very well,” the Lord told Satan, “everything he owns is in your power. However, you must not lay a hand on Job himself.” So Satan left the Lord ’s presence.”
Job 1:8-‬12 HCSB

This passage sounds a lot like God instigating and allowing tragedy?

Thank you so much for this enlightening
article about GOD’S LOVE.

oh, a thousand times thank you for the cool drink of Living Water, bro! I have a friend whom I frankly love…just as he is, messy & wonderful (like me) & all…his name is Chris & a few days ago he ventured to tell me (like coffee shop man), thinking to engage me in an argument, that he “hates organized religion” etc. etc.

I AGREED with him, most vehemently! ?

I told him that Jesus loved hanging out w/sinners…prostitutes & foul-mouthed fishermen…and the only people He ever “cussed out” were the “religious.” I told my friend that in a way, I envy him, for when people like him come to know Jesus, they just know HIM, and with such a pure-hearted faith, whereas I’m in the process of having to UN-learn a lot of stuff to make room for Him, as He really is.

He doesn’t really “get” it yet & there truly has been spiritual warfare & wariness since our conversation a couple of days ago…but please join me in praying that Chris meets Jesus…which is to meet Love, and that even in my recovering Pharisee/good-girl messiness, he would see Love & feel safe with Jesus in me.

all of His Love to you, Karen & the kiddos!
Nina Ruth ?

Comment from 2012

I love this Jason. We are not called to be lawyers but witnesses. What you had you gave to him. Why debate as if God is not present, why argue about Light when we can simply reveal Light? You brought the ever-present Jesus into your Now expected Him to reveal Himself. How simple and wonderful it is to reveal Jesus!
Love,
Steve R.

Comment from 2012

Yay! This is so good! I shared it in Facebook!

Your brother shared a link to this on Facebook. So glad I clicked on it. Very encouraging. Good reminder not to get caught up in the cares, needs, obligations all around us. Reminds me of a little booklet called, “Tyranny of the Urgent.” So easy to get focused on what the world considers “urgent” rather than on what Father wants us focused on.

Thank you for sharing!

Nate- “that’s the best message I’ve ever heard on that parable.”

Wow! true to your mantra- the always good, loving Father. ” Steward love , not need”- liberating thought in our prayer life. “Stewardship is knowing the Master;… “become His Love” Yes!!! What a life vision!

Your article reminds me of something I read many years ago about a mother who wrote each of her brood a letter telling each one of them that they were her favorite. I followed suite and did the same with my four children. In one way or the other each of them is my favorite. I always thought John was being a little inclusive but still just glad that he feels like a favorite. I know I do and for no reasonable reason. I am not as gifted, prosperous, “together” as many others that seem that they would have such a high degree of favor. But when I sit down to enter into His Presence, get an insight into His Word or when I step out to minister Truth and love to someone and feel totally unqualified for the task and He shows Himself Strong I feel downright favored. In answer to bk, at some point I walked away from Trust, didn’t even know it until I was in a pit. A missionary got my attention when she said she didn’t always have clarity but always trust. Was so helpful. Like you I think my Good Good God would have managed to correct the Book of John’s author if He wanted to.

Wow! A monumentous postscript to your book God is Not in Control! Thanks for leading us in the pursuit of our Always Good, Always Loving Father.

I LOVE THIS JASON! SO GOOD MAN! SO GOOD TO READ IT AGAIN YEARS LATER AND KNOW IT MORE TRULY IN ME THAN EVER BEFORE!

Excellent, true, and encouraging.

Yes! Turn it off!!!

Agree wholeheartedly Jason. We never watch the news. I don’t like being ignorant but neither do I enjoy getting drenched in negativity. Thanks for writing.

If in the power of the Holy Spirit we submit to the likeness and character of God, what He both desires and commands, who is in control?

Thank you for this. I have read “God is not in Control” and loved it. But I still need these updates. I respond deeply by connecting to God’s heart of love. God is revealing himself to me slowly.

Love Love Love??‍♀️

That was beautiful Hope and something I seriously needed to hear!! It reflects so much of our lives!! Jesus loves so well !!

With every blog I am overwhelmed by God’s goodness. I have an emotional response. Obviously there is some deep work and healing that is happening through your words. ❤️

Amen brother. Oh how I need that transition from Orphan to the child of God. I have never viewed test from God like this but rather from an ungracious perspective of trying to somehow earn a promise or his favor or love. Thank you for the relief of the Gospel.

Hi Jason! A friend sent me to check out your blog. This was an interesting post – I’ve always found this passage of the Bible puzzling and challenging. Curious as to whether you could share some Scriptural references that support your thoughts and suggestions on how to interpret it? I love digging around in my Bible and making connections!
Thanks and have a great day
Steph

Great insights, Jason! Happy 4th to you and your family, my friend.

Dude…!

God does not see people in their sin. People cannot see God because of their sin.
I know God can see me. I want to see him to get to know him.

Love it, Jason! What a testimony of God’s love & grace.

As ever, raising the bar within the Body so those outside the Body will desire to enter in. Thanks, Jason.

I love this parable… I call it the Loving Father parable. Papa’s total love and acceptance of both His boys so encourages my heart and is a message the Church desperately needs to grasp. SHE is so incredibly loved. When She gets it, look out!! Appreciate your heart!!

Awesome!

I litterally had to rescue something from the toilet this morning by hand. I got mad at my four year old, who was mad at her sister and threw the object in on purpose. I grabbed her arm, swatted her and sent her to time out. Right now shes my most stubborn child so its easy to be the most stubborn parent w her. I felt bad and wondered what other way i could have responded to the “toilet” incident. It wasnt the first time either. No one wants to stick their hand into the toilet. Murky water or not. I was more upset about that than the actual “sin”. However i really need to take his grace cause all morning i have been thinking about it and feeling bad. Thanks for the message.

Love your perspective on God, bro. Keep up the good work!

Oh, man, I thought you were gonna keep going with the “soap is inherently clean” concept and talk about how God made us inherently perfect and how even when life drops us in the toilet, even if we ourselves jump in the toilet, it doesn’t change our essential nature as perfectly made beings created in the image of God. And that no matter how many times we find ourselves in the toilet, God will reach in and pull us out and keep using us.
Still a good story 😊.

I can confirm…my rations of Q-tips were dwindling…along with my patience. But not telling me was the kindest thing you could have done. Especially since I became violently ill after eating a few green mangos…or maybe it was from the candied sausage.

It really was a great trip though.

Please pray for me😢😢😢😢only GOD can work things out for my good, bring restoration, forgiveness and reconciliation. I know this and I trust the LORD JESUS🔥Just need to feel the LORD’s love wrapped around me🔥GOD bless you and thank you for praying🔥

Wanting to respond but so blown away left speechless. I decided to come back later (you know, after coffee when maybe I could gather a comment worthy response) I said, “Lord if there are words you want me to say at some point today put them on my heart and maybe I’ll get back to it later. Immediately I heard “Ghostwriter. Holy Ghost writer.” Thats it. I have read your books. You are part of a collection of writers who have in Randy Clarks words given me an “upgraded perspective”. Truly grateful. My circumstances are begging me to be distraught but your words today have put praise in my heart. We serve a Living God who has given us a Living Word. His Love truly is immeasurable.

Jason,

I love your posts. Your writing always hits me to my core and moves my heart. This post was no different.

I think your focus is spot on. If we live our lives to not sin, we are missing out on so much. We are much better off living lives of passion with a sense of purpose to move hearts and minds toward Jesus.

Your writing reminds me of Mark Batterson when he says “We need to stop living our lives as if the purpose is to arrive safely at death.” Let’s live out something extraordinary.

Keep it up man.

Great writing man! And that dialog about Aslan brings me to tears every time. He truly is not safe. Not at all. But so good!

I am experiencing the Holy Spirit in a new way lately. I’d love to chat with you about it.

This is really beautiful!

Love the live-loop; cool!

Oh man, yes, Jason; amen!! SO….GOOD! Pure, unmixed, UNBALANCED Grace. I love hearing from people that are on the pure Grace wavelength, Jason. What an astounding revelation; it definitely seems “too good to be true”, and that’s when I KNOW it’s actually God and His grace.

“When something sounds too good to be true, it’s most likely either the lies of men… or the Truth of God.” -Holy Spirit

I’ll for SURE be sharing this one on social media. Keep up the good “work” (believing) of the truly “too Good to be true” News, brother!!

Nice write up!!! Really good overview of God being love and giving us a choice.

Have it spelled out like that helps so much. Thanks Jason. Great write up.

Awesome, just awesome. Thank you

Hi Jason, I’ve always struggled with Calvinism, knew in the core of my heart that free will is essential to a love relationship. Thank you for this clarity. Jesus came to restore our hearts to wholeness, to make us whole and holy by His love. We choose.

Good message man. So worth the effort!

Universalism and Love (Father’s love) are mutually exclusive. Perfect. Thanks, Jason.

I really appreciate this a lot. It has really blessed me, thank you.
I wanted to ask you because the question is lingering in my mind… Do you believe in a literal hell, not just the effects, like condemnation and shame and so on but a literal fiery place of eternal torment? I’m certainly not promoting a message of turn or burn lol, but feel it’s a valid question to ask.

As a recovering Calvinist I often struggle with the simplicity of grace and the love of God. Much of what you write is challenging because it is so different from what I have always been taught but I am so thankful for it. The theological questions that you tackle are thought provoking and help draw me out of my comfort zone. I am not sure exactly what I believe about many of these questions anymore but I do know that the Fathers love for us is what matters. Thank you so much for always pointing back to the love of Christ. Every time I read anything you have written I find myself really examining what I believe and all the old arguments start coming to mind. Somehow your timing is perfect and just before I fall down the rabbit hole of reading old books I don’t understand and questioning the entire meaning of life as we know it…you remind me that none of that is the point. Thank you for always pointing to Christ and encouraging us to rest in his love. Keep up the good work!

Jason,

Thanks for being willing to take a big bite on a big topic that continues to perplex Christians through the centuries. Basically, the idea goes “How can a loving God send anyone to hell?” or “How can hell exist as a place of eternal torment if God is Love?” Every generation has struggled with this question.

Unlike perhaps a lot or your blog readers I grew up in the permissive, rebellion culture of the 60’s and early 70’s (I fully gave my life to Christ in Dec. 1974 at age 17). My home Presbyterian church was “liberal,” following the popular theology that educated, enlightened people did not believe in anything the Bible says that could not be proved by science. Thus Jesus was not really resurrected from the dead, Mary was no virgin, all of Jesus’ miracles were redacted into the text in the third century, … sex outside of marriage was good and healthy, drugs are fun… hell does not exist as a place of just punishment. My youth pastor tried to talk me out of my faith by reading Nietzsche visiting the Edgar Cayce center in Virginia Beach.

So I approach this topic not as a “recovering Calvinist” (I truly wonder how many who claim this have actually read “The Institutes”) but as one “on guard” towards the slippery slope of a prejudicial “love only” reading of Scripture. I am with you on your hermeneutic of Love. God is Love and His Love is always good. YES! God revealing Himself to me as Father in 2012 during our sabbatical year was absolutely life changing. This is what I preach and teach today everywhere I’m given opportunity. It’s something God is doing today, revealing Himself as Papa. But even given this call on my life now, my life altering experience of God flooding my heart with His love in 2012 (and continuing today), I dare not let this experience and revelation prejudice my view of Scripture to the degree that I deny anything of what it actually says.

The liberal/progressive theology of today was birthed when 19th century theologians like Ruldolf Bultman and Paul Tillich asserted their intellectual “competence” over the doctrine of the Holy Spirit’s inspiration of Scripture. They denied the veracity of the text, implied they “knew better” than such “primitive understandings” of God and led the world’s mainline Protestant ministers then their churches by the thousands down the path of unbelief and subsequent rebellion and apostasy. I chose, as a 17 year old, to resist this trend and follow the path of faith and obedience. After graduating college with a degree in biopsychology I chose an “evangelical” seminary, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, to train for ministry. There we were taught well the the whole of Scripture, that every word in every book, Old and New Covenants, are divinely inspired. And if inspired by the Holy Spirit, “without error” or “infallible” and thus authoritative over my heart, mind, and soul.

So, back to the topic of hell as a “place” and not just a condition of one’s soul. As a Christian, I am required to go to the whole of Scripture, to references that even challenge what I want to hear, and obediently submit my heart and mind to what the Bible says, trusting that this word is indeed Father’s Word. Biblical obedience is willful “hearing”, both the Hebrew and the Greek words mean “Listen, Hear”. So when I don’t understand something or simply just don’t like it, I must stop, look, and listen to what my Father is saying and ask Him to reveal its meaning, not just for me but the text’s implication to everything happening in our world today. Sometimes I am stupefied. Frequently awed, and always humbled. And our Good Father speaks.

So, does hell exist as a physical place of eternal punishment? To find an answer to the question I have to be willing to submit my prejudicial assumptions, be they “loving” as I think they may be, or “judgmental,” as others may accuse me, to the whole of Scripture. Since I don’t know my Bible nearly as well as some great Bible believing scholars, I pulled off my shelf this morning Wayne Grudem’s seminal text “Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine,” Intervarsity Press, 1994, 1264 pages. I wish I had this text while in seminary in 1983 as it is perhaps the best text out there on topics like this. Chapter 56 “The Final Judgment and Eternal Punishment” is worth the cost of the book by itself (I paid $39.95 some time ago). It’s compelling, true to the Biblical text, and his scholarship and faith are admirable.

Is hell a place? Just look up the word hell: “Gehenna (fire) or “Tartarus” in Greek and see it is a place one can be “thrown into,” e.g. Mat 18:9 if a person causes a “little one” to stumble. Even in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus refers to hell as a place (Mat 5.22,27, 30), and in the Greek word “Tartarus” in 2 Peter 2:4. Do a study on the word “punishment” or the word “judgment” or “fire” and perhaps the idea of what is “final justice”. It’s all over the New Testament, The Gospels, Paul, and Revelation. Jason, you are right, this is not a topic we like today and those who preach “hell” to inspire fear and obedience in their churches may well not be motivated by love. But we do need to always read the whole Bible, not just the parts we like.

Two final thoughts. First, ask God what He wants us to know today, what He is revealing to you about Himself right now. Then read His Word. Recently I started reading an unmarked translation of the Bible I used many years ago. I set on my side table my favorite Bible with all my highlighting and marginal notes, so now I will look at each sentence and paragraph without a “highlighted” prejudice. And wow, I see Father’s love all over the entire Bible, not just in John now. New eyes.

But second, maybe think twice about your (and my) aversion to anything that suggests “judgment”. On July 8, 1741in Enfield, Massachusetts, a preacher named Jonathan Edwards preached a message entitled “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” This title is repulsive to many today but his sermon ignited the fire of what is now known as the First Great Awakening in America, the spiritual revival that is attributed to our nation be founded as a Christian republic. Upon hearing Edwards explicit description of hell being read in monotone, people fell to the ground, repenting of their gross immorality and/or lukewarm hearts, and literally hundreds of thousands became believers in few short years. Today, too many “grace” preachers are falling away from their faith… it’s all over Christian news right now. Why? Perhaps they very warnings in Scripture about sin and judgment have been so overlooked that Satan is enticing many into sin, and consequent unbelief.

Let’s humble ourselves and come to God’s Word, our Loving Father’s love letter, and trust Him for what we don’t understand or just have a hard time receiving. After all, a Loving Father does discipline his children (Hebrews 12) and it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace

Jason, I love your heart. Too, I appreciate Allen Kemp’s response. This post is more an appeal to reason than an exegesis of the relevant scriptures. Similarly, the NT Wright video is a position appealing to history not exegesis. Of course, that’s an effort out-sized for a short blog post. Nevertheless, it is the searching of the scripture, led by the Guide in All Truth, that must rule our understanding. Where there are truths misunderstood, we must come at them with reason and history and trust of our teachers subjugated.

Hopefully, your post will make us all seek Holy Spirit for the truth irrespective of what position we hold beforehand.

Blessings in overflow, Clark.

Cant help but laugh. I am in a study with a group of women and we have said more than once that God could use a good PR person. Eugene Peterson said “Salvation is God’s work, not ours. Incompetence may be the essential qualification, lest we presumptuously start taking over something we have no way of comprehending, let alone controlling. Our sight is limited, our steps tentative. That is how we best traverse the landscape of faith-humbly rather than capably.”

It amazes me how often I encounter people using the Bible, or their interpretation of it, to supersede other things God has expressed very clearly and much more frequently elsewhere in Scripture. The Bible is not an authority over God, just over us. It is a conversation between God and humanity and we should always be seeking to clarify what God is trying to say to us. Good words, Jason!

If there was no hierarchy in the church this issue would never arise. There is no hierarchy in the Godhead and hence none in the Ekklesia. Headship but not hierarchy.

My understanding is that the early church meetings were structured like the Jewish synagogue with men on one side of the meeting house and women on the other. Paul was simply instructing the women to ask their questions or make their comments to their husbands after the meeting instead of verbalizing their comments from one side of the church to the other. He was trying to avoid chaos not set up a clerical hierarchy.

I posted your article on my Facebook page and got a comment regarding the use of ‘dumbass husband’ in your story. They quit reading after they saw that. Which is too bad because you have many good points. I do think that death and life are in the power of the tongue and that it would be a better choice to speak life about people. I think we need to be careful not to label or curse those we come in contact with. The Lord has been showing me that we would have such a better life if we would control our tongues and watch what we say to each other, our thoughts, and our messages. God bless you.

Jesus is the Logos.
Maybe you can write an article one day explaining how Jesus was not God’s final solution for mankind? 🤔 The Holy Spirit is…

Amen, I love it! Great illustration with the 3D pictures, Jason. Very well done. My revelation of Grace has been very similar to what you describe.

Jason,

I Love your “love lens” messages. I can’t get enough of this teaching right now where I’m at with my walk.

My question to you is have you thought about doing a weekly podcast? Putting these written messages to voice media would reach a whole new audience in my opinion. As I drive to and from work, to appointments, or to kids sports commitments I love listening to podcasts and frankly you just don’t publish enough of your preaching (lol). Besides you totally have a radio voice.

P.S. Vanguard, North Tonawanda needs you to visit again soon!

This is really good Jason ❤️

Amen!! I love it. Your perspective and revelation of pure, undefiled grace and love in the context of Jesus as perfect theology is always a breath of fresh air!

Thank you. Your reminder of the simplicity and power of bringing Father’s love and attention to another is so timely and profound in this season of rushing to get stuff done. I will chose to slow down enough to listen and see what He is doing and try to do that.

Your tender, honest reminder that Father is waiting for the opportunity to reach in love to others through us – being available and sensitive to His voice. May I be so sensitive and obedient the next time He interrupts my plans.

Slow me down Lord,
Ease the pounding of my heart…
that I may hear and respond.

Bless you and Merry Christmas!

I can’t seem to be able to pull up the article, “What the Hell” but I hope it is not too weird for me to comment here because it keeps coming back to me. I start out by saying I am a fan. So I say this in love. When I read the line, about the Word not being part of the Trinity the Spirit in me said Yikes. So I will just quote two scriptures and if I have misunderstood please set me straight. John 1:1. In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Ephesians 6:17 b the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Although mysterious, the Word is alive and connected with the Triune God. Looking at the Word through a new lens I believe that more and more.

Romans 8:38-39

Hi Jason,

There are two things in these verses that stand out to me, ‘creation’ and ‘in Christ’. These indicate to me that the subject of these verses is Christians (believers).

The Old Testament refers several times to ‘eternal sleep’, through that lens of God’s love, I lean towards an annihilation theology…

Side not on the subject of the’God love lens’, God forgives ’unknown’ sin…

Hey Jason,

Great article, so many people are having a difficult time understanding God’s love in relation to eternal punishment, the two appear to be an oxymoron, one may even wonder if God is schizophrenic. Thank you for having the conversation. I have never found being scared of Hell a good motivation. I do however, find having a relationship with a loving father very enticing. We need more brave pioneers like you to push the conversation forward. We need to be careful of losing the story of the Bible in exchange for systematic theology. (The Blue Parakeet, by Scot McKnight is one of the best books I’ve read on this).
Cheers my friend.

Jason,

Thank you. Since coming face-to-face with Jesus almost 30 years ago, I’ve wandered through much of our Western, theological landscape, often wrestling with these tough questions and sometimes getting myself into trouble for it. Until a few years ago, I was largely unaware that our Orthodox brothers and sisters, as well as the early Church Fathers had so much to contribute to the conversation. Having a few trusted friends to discuss things with openly, has been a gift. The Gospel is more beautiful and mind-blowing to me than ever. Your writing has contributed to that.

Much Love,

Well written (as per usual) and I can appreciate your point of view. Your teachings have always intrigued me, made me think and often had me saying, “YES, finally someone that gets it!” (I once wrote a post titled God is NOT in Control, only to find out about a year later that you existed and had a book by that name!) I haven’t had enough of a brain to chew on this particular topic yet, but I intend to chew on it for a while, if for no other reason than to seek understanding and fine-tune my own theology.
My favorite part of this whole post though, was this: “I love it when I can sit with someone across a meal or coffee and seek understanding without having to agree. It’s a powerful family that can disagree and still love one another.” THAT is what is so vital, and something we have always believed as a family. Appreciate you (and your fam) and we’re so thankful to have you (in a small way) in our lives!

Mate ..I just read this and my 💓 breaks for you and your family…. By what I’m reading you’ve lost fellowship with friends…. Regardless of the topics of discussion etc(my thoughts are very similar), to lose that is so so sad…
I guess it touched me because I’ve traveled similar roads and lost friends because I believe God is better than I think.
So, I write this merely to say that from my family to yours, we love you guys although never having met….. and I’ll pray for you and for his grace to cover each situation that arises
Keep sharing, Keep loving and keep walking in the manner you have been….
…
Also… Your responses to people on social media are out standing… You display grace and kindness with each comment…..

Be encouraged…

I’ll subscribe to your posts (my wife already has been)… And I’ll continue to hold you up to Jesus for strength

Hey Jason

Thanks for having the ‘nads to write about this. I think we are at the point in this current Reformation to look at every aspect of what we believe and why. Asking ourselves who taught me this and is it actually biblical has been a big thing in my life these past few years. Hell is one of those issues I have yet to tackle publicly yet have done so personally. Thanks for being a leader who leads and digs into the hard questions. Ultimately it boils down to God is Good. Period. Our job (if that is a job) is to find out what that looks like.

Blessings from Canada!

You and I share a mutual friend, Elizabeth Lopez. I am far from a deep thinker but the work of Dr. Chris Green has greatly influenced my thinking in the same direction as presented in this article. His sermons are online at Sanctuary Church. In Tulsa. He’s a professor at Southeastern.

It’s my favorite to put people together! I hope you’ll have an opportunity to check out his body of work. I’m looking forward to reading your article that follows this one, right now!

Thank you so much for courageously sharing the truth! I see so many sweet Christians that are tormented not experiencing Abba, Jesus and Holy Spirit’s Peace, Love, Joy, goodness! It is sad now their kids are going through hell too. I feel like I can relate so much as it was a family story for us too, always encountering God’s amazing Grace and sweet love, ectascy Joy….then all of that crashing down because of the fear of eternal punishment. Jason you have been such a blessing from the Lord to all of us! Thank you and please continue to share. Our family loves you all and appreciate your heart for the Love, Goodness, Glory of God to be revealed to Poppas Sons and Daughters! It is time that we start living loved, knowing all that Jesus finished on the cross for us. My Father Tony who experienced an NDE and saw Jesus, and came back to share about the bliss, peace that he could never forget would say, we are loved more than love can even imagine. Bless you Jason and family. We are so grateful for more of God’s kids sharing this glorious pure gospel with the world.

“When we walk in a revelation of our Father’s love, even the hard stuff is easy.” Amen! I’m finding this so true right now, as I’m dealing with some hard stuff. I always find that when I’m focusing on Good News and grace-based messages, it does indeed make it easier. Thank you for sharing.

Hey Ryan,

Praying great joy and grace over you right now in some of the hard stuff. Praying Father’s perspective. Lots of love to you bro!

Jason, I wonder if your god lens isn’t just a pair of rose colored glasses. People have always made gods to their own liking. Historically, God has eventually pulled out His gun and shot them. I can’t help but believe that what God says about himself trumps all of our “god lens” observations. I know this sounds harsh, but it takes a bright light to cut through all the smoke you’re generating. I know God loves you and I know you want to love Him but can you love Him even if He offends your sensitivities? I don’t expect this to stay on your site for long but that’s ok. It was to you.

A nice piece of writing once again my friend! Thank you!

(song lyric)

“Even when I don’t think I deserve it, Jesus, you smile on me”

Remember that echo chant we did as kids, “God is good, all the time., all the time, God is good.”

Sherlock Holmes told Watson once, “You see, but you do not observe.” Sometimes Christians read, but do not hear…

“God is only good, all the time.”

“A good-getting-better gospel”: love it and can so totally relate personally! Great articulations of many truths here; well done!

“And it began in my heart. My head wrestling all the way with Bible verses…”

My current status…thank you for putting it into beautiful writing. If it feels too good to be true it must be GOD!

Lots of Love, Light and Life on this, Jason!
There’s so much freedom in being able to say, “I don’t know, but I sure hope so.” The willingness to diligently search out the deep things of God while still embracing mystery, is a beautiful thing. This topic is not new or radical. Our Orthodox brethren have been pondering it for a long time. Just having the conversation is a breath of fresh air.
Loving where you’re at and what you bring to the table.

Thanks, brother!

That’s so right. He’s definitely better than we think!
I recently read ‘Prone to Love’, after following your blog for some time. Definitely resonates with the conversations we’re having with family and friends. Not being familiar with your music, I checked out the ‘Heaven’s Crush’ video. Good stuff! Pleasantly surprised to see Scott Crowder on the project. Got to know him through The River. His House Tours were a lot of fun. Great guy!

Thought #1 when reading this article: In order to give you first have to receive. You cannot give what you don’t already have. Perhaps this is why God first loved us and God first gave to us.

Thought #2: I was reminded about what I read in Mark the other day where Jesus said a prophet is not honored in his home town, and that he was “unable” to perform many miracles while there (paraphrasing). This was an astonishing statement. Jesus was God and if the wind and the waves obeyed him, surely he could make the people believe. What do you mean he was unable to perform many miracles? (This was something I put on the shelf a long time ago). Then I thought about your message of God is sovereign love, not sovereign control, and Jesus, who was the perfect reflection on the Father was never controlling. He could have performed miracles against their will, but if God is not “controlling” then perhaps He doesn’t tend to work with closed minded people. I haven’t thought about this statement enough to present it as an absolute, but I think this is similar to what you are saying here, God wants us to be open minded, does He not? Can a closed mind be renewed? I dare say not. Can a closed mind “see” when God is doing something new? Reference somewhere in Isaiah (in the 40’s somewhere).

Thought #3: I forgot, I will have to go back and read the article again. Oh yeah, I listened to your message about time travel this morning on my way to work. Being open minded, I thought the idea was pretty fascinating. If God is outside of space and time and we can pray to Him, then we may be able to pray about and for things not just in the present and in the future, but also the past! Like. I can pray for Simon Peter? Yes! Maybe? Who knows? Only God knows, but I’m sure He loves it anytime we pray for someone else, regardless of the year they are/were in. Incredible!

Jason, this was so good. It is truly the journey that Rich and I are in the midst of. “death of a vision” may sound poetic; but it is very painful. It is only as we bury ourselves in His Love that we can begin to see His heart and His plan. Old Man Dreams become a passionate desire to see His Dream realized, knowing the cost and His faithfulness. 2020 is our year to have “Old Man Dreams” for our family, for the ministry of The River, and for ourselves. Thank you for sharing.

I love that you included this prophetic song!
Haha
Sooo good!

Wow..yes…exactly. This is where I am right now! Hope deferred makes the heart sick; that completely nails how I feel in this horrible season (that is dragging on & on I might add) of life. It truly does make you feel awful when you try & try & seemingly get no where. Thanks for helping me realize I’m not totally crazy, just perhaps I was “taught” wrong.

I couldn’t agree more. The photo I saw of a pit full of dead Jewish corpses from the haulocost being shifted around to make room for more corpses. Above the photo were the words, “God is in Control.” What stark evidence of the control He has left in our hands.

I was so disappointed the article ended! I am riveted! Bring on Part II!

Amen brother! I believe there are so many Christians out there who have no connection with Jesus. Without connection we can’t truly experience his goodness and love. We can fill our minds with biblical promises but unless we actually experience God’s goodness and love these are just words and ideas.

Times can be hard but we need to spend less time looking through our worldly eyes and turn our gaze to Jesus. Only by building intimacy can we glimpse the true character and nature of God. God does not control. If he did we would all be robots.

I read the entire book “God is Not in Control”. I have heard that God is in control all my Christian life and I have never felt comfortable with that. I have sought Him for years over this wanting to know the truth.Now I know. Thank you for this beautiful book. It is life changing. I believe God brought it into my life.

This is awesome Pastor Pete!
Excellent and hopeful words for this time and all times.

Well spoken. Recently I discovered that fuge is a word meaning to put to flight. Refuge finding recourse in our trials. A safe place with our Father. So simple. Run to Him. Not away. He is always desiring us.

This was excellent! So many good illustrations and points about the control narrative people use to talk about God. Looking forward to more episodes!

What a beautiful realization of how God sees you! I too find that joy sneaks up on me at unexpected moments. I want more!

One of the most beautiful and profound words I have ever read. Thank you for expressing my life so well. I am your age and have had the before and after but somehow have not managed to express it so masterfully as you have here.

Thanks for having us. Loved every minute of it!

Haha
I can’t unsee this!
Thanks!!!

Well written bro, all sin is paid for.
What are your thoughts on church discipline?

For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 5:3‭-‬5 ESV

Bless ya!

Hey Matt,

This is a sticky question simply because “church discipline” has almost as many definitions as “Christian.” It can mean almost anything…

Recently, on Facebook, for fun, I posted a hashtag that read “Stuff Jesus Never Said.”

I wrote, “Let’s play a game ‘The Bible loves You’ #StuffJesusNeverSaid Your turn, go.”

As of today there are over 250 responses from Christians around the world spanning subjects like the nature of God, women in ministry, evangelism, church attendance and on and on…

These 250 plus responses essentially note the abuses of scripture and more to the point the abuses of those who taught it to them.

My point, I believe in “church discipline.” But in my 46 years, I have rarely seen it done well. Discussing “church discipline” online is like discussing Big Foot. There have been sightings but he’s an elusive fella.

I love Danny Silks book, Culture of Honor. He writes about church leadership and specifically, healthy church discipline. He gives a few beautiful stories of what can happen when the goal is repentance and the fruits thereof. He notes that when honor is at the heart of a leader when disciplining, there is always a doorway to repentance, transformation and reconciliation. I think everyone should read it. Especially leaders.

The scripture you posted has context. Paul is actually correcting the elitist and arrogant attitudes in the church leaders because their hearts aren’t broken but instead they are acting proud.

“And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this?” 1 Cor 5:2 NIV

“And you’re so above it all that it doesn’t even faze you! Shouldn’t this break your hearts? Shouldn’t it bring you to your knees in tears? Shouldn’t this person and his conduct be confronted and dealt with?” 1 Cor 5:2 THE MESSAGE

Paul is addressing a leadership that is so outside union with their Father that they are blinded to the son who is now living like a desperate, insecure, and destructive orphan in their house.

I think it’s important in reading this verse to understand that Paul is first addressing leadership for their lack of mourning, for the hardness of their hearts. They are not operating like Fathers but like CEO’s.

He was addressing how far their hearts were from our Fathers heart.

Jesus revealed our Father’s heart perfectly. He leaves the 99 for the one, He celebrates the discovery of the lost coin, He sells all He has for the treasure in the field…

Jesus, on a cross, revealed our Father’s heart toward all of Hs kids, all of us.

If discipline isn’t about a father walking in humility, desiring the best for his child while mourning the fallen mindset, it will become punishment and there will be no life in it.

All discipline should be restorative in nature or it isn’t Godly. It isn’t like Jesus.

If we leave the revelation of Father behind while reading this scripture, we will, and have, come up with some pretty punitive, retributive and ultimately abusive “disciplines.”

Now, let me address the verse you posted by posting one of my new favorite paraphrase versions.

“As you meet together and I meet with you in the spirit by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ present with us, such a person is to be released from your midst and handed over to the Accuser, let the accusation consume his flesh until the light of day, the revelation of Jesus Christ rise for him again to rescue his spirit from the deceit of his sin.” (1 Cor 5:4-5 The Mirror)

Here are my brief thoughts to this scripture read through the lens of a Father.

First, Satan is the accuser (1Timothy 4:13), not God, not me, not you, nor anyone else. Yes, accusation exists in this world, we have all felt it, but it’s nothing to do with us. Accusation and all that comes with it (condemnation) is not, nor should it ever be something we partner with. Especially as fathers and mothers, as leaders.

Second, Because God is love He has given us free will. Without the freedom to reject His love we don’t have the freedom to receive it. We aren’t robots. God is a Father and wants friendship with His kids. A loving relationship.

There were two trees in the Garden of Eden. We still have two trees today. There is no condemnation for those in Christ. But if we chose to reject our union with Him, we literally choose condemnation. Not from Him, that’s impossible, there is no condemnation in Christ. Condemnation is simply the fruit of our rejection.

Matthew 6:22-23 reveals how this works “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”

Third, “Hand him over to the Accuser..” is essentially the same thing the Father did when His prodigal hearted son demanded his inheritance while leaving His father’s house, his fathers grace, wholeness, and life…. The father, loving his son and valuing his free will, released him to his fallen mindset pursuits.

Then, and this is important, the Father stood on the porch waiting for evidence his son had repented so He could run to him and restore him.

That is how a Father hands over a free-willed son who systematically rejects His disciplines. He releases him to the fruits of His fallen mindset knowing that his love and kindness are powerful and that when his son has chased his rebellions ambitious ego to its conclusion, he will remember and return to the arms of His Father.

No condemnations, no accusation, simply a value for free will with a faith in love winning in the end.

That’s how I read this scripture and how I believe we are called to discipline.

Love ya!

Thanks for taking tbe time to reply bro!
A wise answer
IMO church discipline can only be administered properly if the struggling one has a close and deep relationship with the church fellowship who loves them. This may not be that common anymore.
As far as sin goes I believe no one goes to Hell because of their sin, all sin is paid for. Yet our sin may bring hell to earth.
Failing to believe and receive Jesus and thus being born again a new creation leads to condemnation.
Bless ya!

Francois is a gift to mankind. The insight he reveals is freeing and satisfying! If you don’t have a Mirror Bible, please treat yourself! It is actively being translated and will alter your understanding of God lovingly forever! If you’d like to support his work, you can do that, too! Blessings!
http://Www.mirrorword.net

You articulated this so well. Great job!

Good word from a mother with a rebellious son. God calls those things that don’t exist as if they did.

Excellent! Thank you!

Such a great example of taking advantage of every opportunity to love your neighbor as yourself, from someone that knows they are loved that is!
So much more than a mini sermon. Thank you Lloyd, for the lesson in taking opportunities to share the inclusive, immersive, unconditional and possibly offensive love of God!

This gives me such hope. Thank you.

Wow what a thought!

I love this

Very timely!

Great great stuff! There’s no us and them in all!! Just love the depths of the revelation of our God’s love, mercy and grace! Thanks for continuing to help challenge our thinking and clearing our lenses to better hear, see and know our always good and loving God!!

I’m honored to be a part of A Family Story! Thank you for sharing!

Abigail, that is beautiful and insightful beyond your years. I know your mom and dad are so proud. Keep it up, kiddo!! Hope to see you again soon…just hope not under the same circumstances!!

I loved this and I believe we are all connected. I have spent most of my lifetime with a dualistic mentality and could never go back to that. Even the belief of “believers and nonbelievers” and “saved and unsaved“ doesn’t resonate with me anymore. We were all created differently and we have spent lifetimes using our differences as an excuse to divide us. What if the diversity god created in us was to keep us from lacking any good thing?
With all that is going on in the world right now I sure wish we could grasp the understanding that we are all one and the kingdom of god is within each of us.

“What if the diversity God created in us was to keep us from lacking any good thing?” LOVE THIS thought!

We are so proud Abigail.
Love Aunt Angela and Uncle Craig.

This is beautiful, Abigail.

Refreshing to hear grounded pastors who are receiving broader understanding through people like Dr. Baxter Kruger and Brad Jersak. All creation is groaning waiting for our revelation as sons and daughters of God. It happens through teachers like that and discussions like this! It’s all about the love of the Trinity that we are included and others are, too. Thank you for this interview! As my husband and I are relatively new to Charlotte, am excited to find more extended family! Hope to meet you, Derek and Sarah, soon! Thanks, Jason and Thomas!

I’m enjoying these articles so much. I understand that this article is addressing our relationship with God and that he doesn’t control us within it. What about things like the weather? This has come up with my family in the past few days as we were discussing this article. Also, can we give control to God of our lives by choice? There is so much to learn! I have ordered your book and maybe you answer some of these questions in there.

God Is (Not) In Control is on its way and I think you’re gonna love it! This article was pulled from that book and edited to work as an article. The book expounds on the subject and includes the weather 🙂

As to giving God control, you can try to do it. But what I think you will discover is that He won’t take it because that’s not who He is. God has never asked me for control but He daily invites me to trust Him.

If you are asking, “can I walk under His authority,” yes! And living under His authority looks like Jesus, living confidently as a beloved child, and confident in love. It looks like self-control, the evidence that Holy Spirit is thriving inside you. It looks like obedience, and loving your enemies, and laying your life down for a friend; all natural expressions of living in the authority of His love.

Then there are those who live firmly in the master-slave sovereign control paradigm. They can’t seem to control themselves and believe they need God’s control. Much like the Israelites who rejected Moses’ relational God, they demand rules. And God is so good He will step into our control paradigm and provide rules. But it doesn’t change His nature or the fact that Jesus was, is, and will always be the revelation of a relational God.

Love that the fam is having such awesome convos. Grace!

Thank you for the detailed reply! I am just so hungry to learn more and more about who God really is after knowing an alternate version of him my whole life. He has been revealing these things to me and your articles and podcasts are confirming them in my heart. It’s an awakening! Thank you!

So thought-provoking! It makes So much sense!

Thank you for reminding me how loving and sweet the Father is toward me when I draw near to Him. It makes me special when I know this. I need more stories to show me how the Father relates to me . Keep it up pastor with more blogs.

I’ve just heard the intro, and I’d like to give 5 stars and leave a review! haha. But where do I do that? I’m just listening on your website.

Okay, now I’ve listened to the podcast. Mind blown so many times I need a nap! haha. That was awesome. I have a thought I’d love to run by you. My friend and I were talking on the subject of “why did Jesus have to die” recently and she put forth an interesting thought. She said, what if it was like in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. It wasn’t Aslan who required Edmund to die for being a traitor, it was the White Witch. So, Aslan made a deal with her and chose to die himself to take Edmund’s place, to pay for Edmund’s consequences with his own blood. Could it be the same with Jesus? Us humans, when we don’t believe in God’s love for us, his good nature, we essentially kind of “make a deal” with the devil and believe his tricks, live Eve. And now the devil commands us to pay the consequences with our death. Jesus, in his love, makes a new deal with the devil and says, I’ll die for them instead. I know this might be a simple way of explaining it and potentially totally flawed, but it does change the whole narrative. I was brought up to believe that God requires death as a punishment for sin. It’s quite different if it was actually the devil who required it and God only ever died to save us from THAT, not to enact his own requirement for death. This is all new to me and I’m trying to wrap my brain around it, so I would appreciate your thoughts. Thank you for this awesome, inspiring podcast.

I’m still in awe of this and it has dramatically helped myself and my inner circle to step into a whole new world. Thank you!

Ahhh, thank you so much for addressing this and bringing some clarity to this topic. I am the friend who had the Narnia question! I have been eating up your blogs and podcasts since Tineke introduced me to them about a month ago. They have been a source of life to me after a long period of just questions and ponderings and wondering if the ‘revelations’ I was receiving were actually Holy Spirit or just heresy 🤪. I’m a Preacher’s Kid and have been ‘saved’ and serving in the church setting for nearly my whole life (since I was 3) but in this last couple of weeks I have felt reborn! Like I’m meeting the Jesus that I always knew was there, but couldn’t see, for the very first time and man he is GOOD!

Yes!! So good! My spirit leaps within me as I read this!!

I appreciate reading the different stories and view points and words from A Family Story.
It is my sincerest and most earnest prayer that those who take the name of Christ, not judge and bash our President but pray like the Bible instructs us to do.

I was completely overcome with love from Holy Spirit during this podcast, just totally overwhelmed beyond words. The love that flows from this man is a gift. Thank you for this! I will be listening many times.

Wrote down lots of great notes from this. Thank you! I love that line, “What’s the gospel in one sentence? God’s up to something and he wants you in on it!” So fun! What a fun Father.

I appreciate your message so much, Lloyd. The first few articles I read on here were written by you, and I had a complete transformation. I literally went from hating myself and believing I should hurt myself to completely overwhelmed by God’s love and believing I’m enough. It happened in the blink of an eye when the words being whispered to me by Holy Spirit matched up with the words I read from you. Boom! Love! Unbelievable love! And it has overflowed within me ever since. That was back in May. A life transformed. Thank you for your faithfulness to share his love with others.

Wowowow
So thankful for your testimony!
Oh he’s so good!!!
Haha😂😄😍❤️🤩

I love this! I too had trouble focusing on the here and now. God drew me towards photography and I’m having so much fun with this new hobby. This helps me stay grounded in the now. I’m like a little child. Awed by His beauty around me that I was never noticing because I would never slow down enough to see it.

Bro!!! Omgsh I loved this! So well written and so freeing! Let’s go!

Oh my goodness, I’ve got shivers and I haven’t even made it past Jason’s introduction yet! haha!
This is so wild. My friend and I were talking a couple days ago about your work and how much we love it, especially the stories! I love the theology stuff, but it’s the stories that transform me – there is power in the stories. We decided we should write to you and tell you “we’d love to hear more stories of people’s experiences with knowing God this way!” and then before we could, this podcast came out. How perfect! How beautiful! We don’t even have to ask because God is just THAT good. I can’t wait to hear the rest now.

Cool guys! I’ve never heard it put that way, but I guess we “rethought” church many many years ago! haha. This podcast closely describes our experience with the Ekklesia, meeting in homes (or wherever) for most of my life. I can really attest to the power of each person being “a leader.” The experience is so rich when the full revelation is brought in bits and pieces through each person present until the whole revelation is revealed. We get to collectively be in awe of what God is saying to us all together. It’s exciting to hear that more people are experiencing the amazing intimacy and freedom that comes from allowing the Holy Spirit to lead the gatherings. I have been excited about my church experience for so many years, but it often falls on deaf ears or people are afraid of it because of reasons discussed in this podcast (especially accountability – people are so afraid of not having someone in charge, but JESUS is in charge and he’s WAY better at leading his church than any of us could be!) All of this to say, it’s validating and exciting to witness this revelation taking off! May Julie and Mark be blessed as they share their story!

Holy moly, this was awesome! This really helped to put everything in a nutshell and I wrote down a lot of notes. Thank you so much, Steve. You have a lot to offer.

You asked for ideas about who to have on the podcast. I’d love to hear more from Steve. It was easy to understand and clear. I’d also love to hear from Lloyd Clark. I believe that’s your dad, Jason? His articles on this site are the first few I read and the ones that changed my whole world in an instant. I’d love to hear his story and thoughts and experiences. Every article I’ve read from Lloyd has impacted my heart in a profound way. He has a truly important voice.

Now, I think I can officially say that I have listened to every episode. What an enlightening journey! Thank you Jason and Thomas!

This was freaking amazing!!! I did not want this to end!!! Life changing information!

Love this! Thank you, Lloyd!

Love love love!

I’d be interested in hearing what type of things Eric and crew did with the youth to “show them the goodness of God.” It sounds like it was very effective. Thank you for sharing this interview!

Excellent podcast 👍

Love love love love love love love!!!! I’ve already backed it up and listened to several parts twice, but I still want to listen to it all over again right now. What a passionate guy! So great. And I can’t tell you how excited I am to hear from your dad! yay!

There are so many wonderful quotes in here that I wrote down. These little nuggets are so encouraging to me.

While I was listening, I had a thought about your comment, Jason, when you suggested that people in the Western church wonder why God would keep things a mystery and why did he hide himself. In that moment, I asked, yeah, why would a parent “hide themselves” from their child, or not reveal everything about themselves? But it was an easy answer, really. At least for me, I revealed more things about myself, my life, my past, my beliefs to my children as they got old enough and mature enough to grasp it. I mean, it really is a form of protection to not overload a child’s brain when they are young with content that they can’t possibly grasp. That would be setting them up for failure. I love my kids too much to give them information overload, especially on more sensitive topics that might hurt them in the process of understanding. I’ve always been quite open with my kids, but I have found it does take a level of maturity to know when to reveal more and when they are ready to hear it. I’d imagine God is even better at that than I am. His sensitivity to us is incredible, and even when he does reveal more, he does it in such a gentle way, as he did on the Road to Emmaus, not shocking them and giving them a heart attack to see his resurrected body, but teaching them first when they were calm and open. And later when their hearts were attune to him, they could recognize him now without fear. It’s a beautiful example of tender parenting.

Hi Jason! I hope you are well. I loved this timely, relevant and poignant piece. It needs to be shouted from the roof tops🙏🏽

Thanks for sharing this Jason. My wife loves The Message. When the Living Bible and the “Good News for Modern Man” New Testament (CEV) came out when I was in high school I so loved them as they made the Bible come alive and address me personally. It has to be like when the first Bibles were printed in The 15th C in the vernacular of the people and not just read by Latin speaking priests. Life changing. World changing.

But there is no substitute for what came off the pens of the original writers. We should all have a more literal version like NASB or NKJV in one hand, an NIV or ESV or NRSV in the middle (hand- haha) and our fav paraphrase in the other hand.

The “lens” in which the translator(s) use is a huge factor. One should read the intro to their translation to understand what the translators were working towards. I am loving how God speaks to me with my rather limited knowledge of Greek and Hebrew but Bible apps really help.

Thank you, Jason, for making it so clear and true to me how deeply God love us (me) and how well Jesus showed us.
I have no words, other than I thank God for you.

I have used many translations over the years. Currently have a NKJV and an ESV I bounce between primarily. K have enjoyed checking verses out in the CJB also lately. I have dipped into paraphrases but never to ssriously. Just wondering how the ” ministry of reconciliation” fits in with “no separation” in your view? Thank you!

“If life could have been found in scripture, we wouldn’t have needed the incarnation, God in a human body.”

– Exactly!!

The whole point of sitting down and opening up the Bible is to actually hang out with God through the experience, which I find is also so true of almost any activity I do where I open myself up to encountering him. A walk through the forest, a cup of tea on my deck, listening to the words of a song (often not “Christian”), snuggling with my children… I could go on! God’s Word is Jesus, who meets us wherever we are. My eyes began to open widely when I first read the Message paraphrase and it left me realizing that my “life of freedom” for the past 38 years was a life of bondage to religion. That eye-opening experience led me here to A Family Story where I read “We are So Worth the Blood of Jesus” and my life was completely changed in an instant. Encounter has the power to set free, whereas religion sucks all the power out of you.

Thank you for the seeds you plant, Lloyd!

Thanks for the comments…

Here’s a comment from a long time friend who had no problem saying how he truly felt😃
“The Bible, any version thereof, is itself a paraphrase. Yes, even the King James Version, the version the apostle Paul “would have used.” There were no stenographers or dictaphones and every insistence that this version or that is the unadulterated Word is pure fantasy at best and delusion at worst. Then, add to that the intellectually dishonest methods of hermeneutics taught as the right and proper method of understanding what God meant based on the insistence of an unadulterated version and proper interpretation techniques (itself a hubristic proposal) and the self-righteousness and sanctimony becomes over-powering. But it gets worse. Get a fundamentalist engaged and you’ll know just how pedantic and pointless it has become. Despite their insistence, there is no such thing as orthodoxy. Every attempt to define it is an exercise in controlling everyone else. After 25 years (ending about 25 years ago) my well-intended attempts to enable leaders of churches and Christian organizations to become even more effective as leaders, I gave up. Time after time after time after time I encountered nearly no one who wanted to become more effective. They wanted to demonstrate to their peers and their communities that they were right and everyone else was wrong. (There were exceptions but very, very, very few.) …The pursuit of orthodoxy is a cruel and dark way to live. I’m ecstatic that I gave it all up…”

here’s some of my own additional thoughts…

I too believe that all meticulous attempts at interpretation are themselves paraphrases, whether they’re put together by a group of theologians or by individuals.

The only authentic word of God is a person, Christ himself and in his physical departure, the Holy Spirit was imparted with the promise that he would lead us into that same incarnate authenticity, (truth.)

Authenticity is not a concept, a construct, a doctrine or a theological view; it is the very person of Christ, the living word, in me, and transformation the fruit.

I no longer fear getting it wrong. Or miss-interpreting scripture. Here I am, with Holy Spirit in me, correcting, admonishing, adjusting and encouraging from the inside out…Not so I can win a theological debate, but so that my life reflects the authentic Christ within. You can’t get it wrong. Ha ha!

Theres nothing safer than the love of God. The only trust worthy safe place is this union, this oneness, this intimacy…
The only unsafe place is fear, fearing it can’t be this easy, fearing that I may get it wrong.

I’ve been wrong about many things in regards to religion, and I’ve been dogmatically wrong. This I know. Truth lives in me and I can trust him to get it right. I just get to go along for the ride, abide in his love…nothing to prove… nothing to fear.

And regarding separation, nothing can separate you from the love of God. Nothing! We were only aliens in our minds. The lost coin was lost but it never lost its original value and inscription. In the incarnation God took on our humanity completely, even identifying with our sense of separation, “my God my God why have you forsaken me…”
When Jesus died, he took humanity with him into his death, reconciling our alienated mindsets; when he rose mankind arose reconciled to God, our original identity intact.
And when he ascended we ascended and are right now seated with him. We have been reunited in this place of oneness… restored to our original design and value.

And Thanks Tineke, I just saw your note, couldn’t have said it better❤️😍🤩

Thank you for this encouragement!

I’ve just come back to read this article for a second time. The first time was several months ago at the beginning of my profound spiritual transformation. It was amazing then, but I love it even more the second time. I found myself shouting “yes! That is so good,” several times as I read it. Thank you for thIs powerful retelling.

Your response fills me with joy and gratitude and excitement to experience the revealing of this amazing God who loves us!

Great response! I love you my brother

God lens and rose colored glasses. I must preface this all by saying I am biased as I love all things red colored! Both these “offenses” aren’t offenses at all but a differing of how we see God in light of our personalized experiences. To me this is a debate on views that doesn’t offend but seeks out to explain where and how we see each other. That can never be wrong to seek out another’s point of view to help us all understand where we are at so that we might come together in community and come out stronger together. Thank you Jason for modeling this!

As the great uncle to Ethan and Madi — the way too far away to get to know them well gruncle — I am amazed at the talent these two possess. Then again, the Clark family of parents, aunt and uncles (all from my wife Barbie’s side) are overflowing in talent, so it stands to reason that the genes and environment would cultivate it for the next generation. That said, this music is beautiful. Thoughtful lyrics. Lilting melodies and voices. Catchy, memorable tunes. Great musical movements and instrumentation. Amazing throughout.

Way to go, family! Proud to be related to you.

Gruncle Jack

I love your posts and have read all your books. The goodness of God is a message that I proclaim everywhere I go. And I totally am ok with the Father being even better than I think. My question about this post and what you are saying, is how does Luke 16:19-28 fit into that? Jesus seems to be sharing a parable about a man who didn’t accept the way and was in torment in the after life. Would love your thoughts on this.

This sure sounds like universalism to me – and that goes against everything that the Bible declares. Certainly Jesus died for all humanity, past, present, and future, but it wasn’t a universal “get into heaven free” card. Jesus never declared that. If universalism is what it’s all about, then, as soon as Adam & Eve sinned, why not just send Jesus to die for our sin and get it over with. If we have no choice, and/or our choices have no consequences, then why put a tree in the middle of the garden in the first place and tell Adam that he cannot eat from it, for the day that he eats of it, he will surely die? Why offer that choice if it really means nothing? And what was the serpent thing all about? Telling Eve that there really wouldn’t be any negative consequences for her rebellious action? Are you kidding me? If you are saying that Jesus came and paid the price and everybody goes to heaven – no matter what – then God is NOT better than I think – at all! And heaven will be a very scary place to go! What about God’s will being done?

I really appreciate what you share, I always look forward to opening your emails… their very good. I do have a question however…Do you believe there is a Great Salvation to gain and fiery hell to avoid?

Love love love this story. These are God stories. They could happen more often if we would let go….

Thank you for the story of God being a part throughout of it all. I have one question/concern though and this is why you chose to leave your house without a mask – “Yesterday, I left my house, mask less, at the exact, right time.” I am unsure why that is a positive? Mask less at the right time – unsure how this works into your story of God?
Again, I really enjoy the emails and the readings, podcasts from you guys so it is not my intention to detract from the story, I just want to understand how going mask less and interacting with other mask less people in the story, is a good thing? Over 200,000 people in the US have dies from Covid and is facing a second wave because people don’t wear masks…

“No one was upset by racial division or masks!” I am confused about this too, why the lack of masks is a good thing? I struggle to see God giving this a thumbs up, he gives us wisdom even if we don’t accept it. There is a virus that kills people and it is very very real.

So.. It feels like the twilight zone. First: “the best news becomes irrelevant if someone feels excluded”, say what now? That’s blatantly heretical. The gospel gives us plenty of literally spelled out situations of people not wanting to know Jesus, the gospel or the truth etc. Partly because people don’t want to sacrifice, they usually want comfort and ease. So by God’s own words are people going to feel excluded. So francois du toit says the Bible is irrelevant. That’s not my opinion, that’s the logical conclusion of his own words.
Secondly: that’s not what the Bible says in those verses…
That’s why translations are done by teams of scholars, not by some novelist. There’s no resonating.
I was interested in this bible, but the things that man believes and what I’ve read from his project.. How can this be ok? None of this is OK… Yes God is love, but also righteous, so that means there’s a measure, meaning it’s not inclusive.

Gosh, I feel like I’m going to be the odd one out here, but I just want to say how encouraging, heart-lifting, spirit-filling and hope-inducing this article is. Thank you to Michael and Jason for spreading the Good News of how all-encompassing God’s love is – He truly is better than we were taught. After having discovered Him in this way (inside of me all along!), I can never go back to the old way of fear and condemnation. I pray that everyone would have their eyes opened to His goodness. His compassion sees waaaaay beyond behavior and into the very heart of every person, knowing that negative behavior is birthed out of a wound that needs to be healed, not punished. May his love pour out of us in the same way.

Thanks! I’ve downloaded it and started reading. I’m looking forward to hearing more from Randall. I was so intrigued by his podcast interview with you guys. I wrote about two page of notes and read them regularly. The work you are all doing is so important. It would be very lonely without your stories and words of hope to draw encouragement from.

The Mirror translation is a Blasphemous joke and I pray for the salvation of Francois and all who have been deceived by his teachings. While very appropriately named as it deifies man and asks the reader to merely understand that you are already a good person, needing nothing more than to “realize” they are a good person to be in God’s good graces. Stick with the the KJV bible for accuracy, if you struggle with its High Late Medieval English, use a modern version to help you understand its words. Long story short Man is a FALLEN creature who needs Christ to Save him. Man is DEAD in his sins, Blind to all goodness and it is only through the works of God that man is drawn to him so that Christ’s righteousness may be counted towards him. Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. incase you become confused with corrupted scripture.

Good word Jason and very timely.

Bang on, Jason!
Keep speaking the truth in love.

Hallelujah! I’m so thankful that my Heavenly Father does not leave, reject, abandon, turn away or disfellowship me. He is my constant. Thanks for the great article! It is so worth celebrating this good news.

When I was working on my doctorate, we spent a lot of time on this verse. The phrase was translated from the Greek. I don’t believe Jesus cried out in Greek since Aramaic was his native tongue. He certainly could have cried out in Greek, but why would he?
Many scholars believe that the phrase he cried out was in Aramaic and was incorrectly translated. The phrase in Aramaic is very similar to the Greek phrase but the Aramaic phrase is a declaration meaning, “For this I was born!”
No matter the rationalization, I don’t believe the Father ever turned His back on His Son!
Obviously I wasn’t there so I don’t know but you stated, Scripture confirms a loving Father, not a leaving one!

Earlier this year, earlier in this journey, when it became apparent that meeting God as Love left more questions than answers, I asked him something out of desperation. I asked, “Is it okay that we don’t have all the answers? It is it okay that we know less now than we used to when we ‘had it all figured out?’” Thankfully, he was patient with my desperation and he said “… why do you think it says ‘And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.”

I thought, ohhhh, I get it now!!! And then I remembered what you said, Jason, about asking the right questions. And so instead of staying in my self-righteous assumptions of knowledge, I asked the right question. “What is faith?” And he said, “Trust.”

I thought, that makes sense! “Okay, what is hope?” He said, “Trust.”

Riiiiight. That’s true. “Well, then, what is love?”

He said, “Trust.”

Wow! I got it. Trust IS the through-line.

Hallelujah! The Good News!

I think Allen makes a great point that may have been missed. The Bible is an extremely reliable source in aiding one’s growing understanding of the nature of God. As he is a graduate of Gordon-Conwell, he indubitably understands ‘hermeneutics, systematic theology, christology and exegesis’. Allen is also a student of Dr. J. Vernon Magee with that ‘Stop, Look and Listen’!! Lol.

No, I think any movement w/in the christian rank that opposes the notion of eternal torment (or a designated place for this) contradicts scripture.

That is Allen’s point. Adherence to the whole word of God. That is Allen’s gentle warning…even. Allen is not disputing the Love of God; he is merely concerned with scriptures being twisted, omitted or disregarded. Nobody wants to ‘preach another gospel’ and sleep well at night???

Incidentally, hell and death are not the final repository for those who refuse God’s record of his son—hell and death are cast into the Lake of Fire. (See Revelation)

One can interpret these unpleasant thoughts any way they see fit. I, however, would not sleep well at night if added or subtracted anything to the 66 books of the Bible written by the Triune God, through the scratchy quills of men.

Revelation 22:18 & 19:

“For I testify unto everyman that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book (or tree) of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Verse 20: He which testifieth these things, saith, ‘Surely I come quickly’. Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus.

A Boom Boom Boom 💥!!!!!

Grace set me free from so much guilt and shame but then it was all heaped back on in a different form by well meaning preachers / pastors. “not reading the bible enough, not praying enough, not serving enough, stop sinning, not reaching the lost souls going to hell enough, not fervent enough,” etc. Over time, the guilt and constant condemnation and never ending repentance caused me to drift away from church and the bible. Don’t know where I stand today but I still struggle with all of the above.
Thanks for your message and not adding any “buts” or balancing to grace.

Great article Jason!

The other day, I heard the Lord say, “The spirit of the crusades is alive and active.”

End justifies the means religion and end justifies the means politics. Horrible stuff!

Father, save us again, that our identity would be as sons and daughters of love, not just as sons and daughters of thunder so we accurately represent You to others.

Happy new year bro.

“I don’t know how to be human without the one who became human for me.” This is so true. I was just saying this to a friend the other day who was questioning whether God or Jesus even exist. And after affirming that as a legit and important question to ask, I said, “I just have to believe he exists because I wouldn’t know what Love looks like without him.” There was more to it, but that stood out to me listening to your podcast today, along with about 10 pages of other things I wrote down.

Thank you, Jason and Derek, for taking the time to do this valuable work. You are treasures. We are surely missing Thomas, he left big shoes to fill, but Derek, you are already blessing us with your beautiful insights, especially the “belonging before becoming.” Powerful!

Thanks guys, my friends and I will be waiting on the edge of our seats for episode two. Our little Taco fan club is growing here in Canada! Haha

Wow was that a prophetic piece! The western church and it’s prophets took their swords to the capital yesterday. No wonder Jesus hasn’t returned, we are still a bunch of goats. It’s the church that isn’t ready not the world.

Thank you and your ministry for helping me to open my eyes to the Father’s love. I’m finally starting to lay down my sword.

THANK YOU!!! And YES YES YES!!!

Thank you. You very clearly put words to my own persepective and feelings. It grieves me, the chasm WE are creating in this time. I pray we remember the we are indeed, “one in Christ Jesus”!!!

Well said, brother!

Thanks for this conversation. I enjoyed it!

Tom

Mike, I’m having some problems breathing. Starting to panic. My lungs are very heavy. Please pray for me.
Blessings Sue Edwards

Oh yayyyyyyyyyyyyy! I’m listening right this second!

Thank you for this very Canadian intro! haha

Okay, now after listening to this, I realize I might be considered a stalker! haha. No, this was so enjoyable you guys. As you know, I’ve been eagerly anticipating getting to hear from Lloyd because his articles are what God used to speak my love language and open my eyes to his true nature of Love. This was absolutely delightful to listen to. I hope you’ll do it again soon. Loved the story about the Clark Boys. Had a similar experience when someone punched my brother during a hockey game once. I was in the stands and I almost lept on the ice to beat him up. haha. In reality, that’s kind of how I feel when I see anyone attacking ya’ll on social media. I’m like, oh boy, do you wanna GO, people?! haha. Thankfully, Holy Spirit kicks in and I feel compassion for them. This was amazing, thank you so much, and HELLO!? A shout-out!! My day just got so much brighter. Fyi, I know my name is crazy. It’s Dutch, and it’s pronounced Tina-kuh.

Tina-kuh
What a sweet read this morning. Thank you!
And what a joy to have a fellow Canadian sticking up for us🤪
It’s been fun sharing life with you guys!
Yeah, Looking forward to meeting you and your family and friends some day soon.
Thanks again for all the encouragement!

Thanks, guys! This was a lot of fun. Some key take-always for me were:

“We have the choice. When there’s chaos around us, we don’t have to let that chaos within us.”

And “Every choice you make is either fear or love based.” — wow, to ask myself before I do something, ‘am I doing this from a place of fear or love?’ That could shake things up!

Brilliant! Thank you, Allen, for being on the podcast and sharing your insights about creativity.

This is what I’m talking about! As a person that was raped and found my way to Christ and eventually forgiving and praying for him. That is the power that we need in our lives for others! God can move the mountains, we need to walk with him while He does it. Thank you for this article.

This is huge battling to wrap my mind around it .

Awesome interview and our Papa is only GOOD.

I have only just found Rethinking God with Tacos and I’m afraid that as a Brit and a vegetarian, the drooling over tacos is a bit lost on me. However what I do love and resonate with are your guest speakers and I was so blessed to hear Don Keathley on your show. Don’s teachings have changed my life and the fruit is freedom, love and mercy. The Gospel !
May you guys be blessed in all that you do and thank you for bringing these Life speakers all together in one place. I’m working my way down the list 👏👏👏

What cognizant christians will take away from ‘the whole world is automatically reconciled to Christ’ suggests the whole world —all humans—are saved for eternity; even if they are not aware nor even have accepted Christ. This is misleading and borderline lie. As your human father said to you, ‘don’t make stuff up son’.

By grace are ye saved. Grace saves. Love is the motivation behind the grace.

You r changing the nature of God and Christ by omitting scriptures regarding punishment and eternal torment.

Let every man be a liar but God be true. I think you and Derek are courting disaster by preaching another gospel—just a thought …

Scripture is important…much of it will be played back ‘on that day’.

Thanks you so much for this interview, Kathyrn, Jason and Derek! I have loved getting to know you through facebook over the past few months, Kathryn! I have really enjoyed your thoughtful, deep and probing questions.

One thing that really stood out to me during this podcast was the part about covenants. I just love how God begins to birth an idea in me (and in discussions with my taco girls) and then confirms it through others. That was really insightful.

On the topic of certainty, I thought it was interesting to think back on my own journey and be reminded again that while I let go of certainty about doctrine and theology, what I gained was absolute certainty of God’s goodness and love for me. That was a trade-off that I would make a million times over. Back when I thought I had all the answers, I did not have security in his love for me, because the God of the Bible was unpredictable and willing to hurt his children to glorify himself. Let’s just say, I’d rather never know another thing about theology ever again if it means I have the deep inner knowing of his good love. Thanks for the beautiful reminder and all of the great points of discussion you had in this episode!

This was so fascinating and interesting to digest! I love her approach to renewing the mind by actually going into the emotional pain instead of suppressing it. That is how God worked in me and transformed my entire lift last spring. It was hard, it hurt, but in sitting in the pain, I was able to understand it and learn from it and heal from it instead of it controlling me like it had for my entire life. Good stuff right there! I’ve ordered the book, looking forward to reading more in detail. Thanks for this, guys!

This was excellent! So so so much I could relate to. Kim has an amazing story and such a beautiful perspective on things. I love how strong and bold she is, and how she is empowering women through her example. Thank you for giving us this gift.

This is awesome! Thanks so much! I agree we ALL have God in us.. and that we are ALL born from above. How can I stand in judgement of someone if I have never walked a day in their shoes? Or seen life through their filter of perception? Truth is I can’t…but what I can do is learn to love people without any conditions or exclusions. I have been on a fascinating journey over past 5 years or so of self evolution and I still have a long way to go. SO much inner work left to do but SO grateful for all I get to experience “good or bad”, I have learned from it all. I can’t tell you how many masks (figuratively) I have removed over the past few years and I would never and could never go back. Once you experience freedom there is no undoing it or unseeing or unfeeling it. I have never felt more empowered. One of my big life lessons is that if you want people to change then look within and change yourself. Self awareness is KEY! You will see you no longer NEED others to do the evolving. Be the change you want to see in the world 🙂

Oh my, that is so awesome, thank you for being so vulnerable.
Yes, it’s on us to BE the change!

Very good Jason! We are taught (conditioned) as we grew up in church to just believe our Papa is both evil and good. And, as we grow older, struggle with understanding the split-personality of a Unconditional loving Father. Thank you for being among the “awakened” believers that spread the actual good news of an always-good, always-loving Father God that is tearing down every delusional false thought that the mind of man has perpetrated upon His children.
I am blessed to have come across the Rethinking God with Tacos podcast. I enjoy the conversations and love learning more of shared views of a good Father. Blessings to you and your family and crew at A FamilyStory!

Thanks for the interesting points of view, guys. This brings me back to my childhood a bit, as it’s very similar to the way of church I grew up in. I recognized a lot of the teaching. It’s hard not to throw the baby out with the bathwater during this de/reconstruction process, so it’s good to hear from all different people within the family and have food for thought. Thanks!

First, I want to mention that I am not coming from a verbal-plenary-inspiration standpoint but still a scripture-is-inspired-by-God standpoint. This thought occurred to me as I read…
Is it possible that God did actually tell Abraham to sacrifice his son, but the test was not whether or not Abraham would do it, but whether or not Abraham would question God about it? Abraham challenged God about Sodom and Gomorrah but not this. Why not? God called Abraham his friend. Was the “test” an inquiry by God about the nature of their relationship? Was God “testing” the limits of the kind of relationship that God could have with Creation? God seems to constantly overestimate the kind of relationship God is able to have with humans throughout the OT. But the gap of understanding is too big, until Jesus. So maybe God did ask, but only to see if Abraham would challenge it, and *then* Abraham put his blinders on and it took an audible cry from God to stop him. The “now I know you fear God” part could be something else God learned about Abraham despite God’s original intent being far different.
I’m not necessarily contesting your interpretation. I just think it’s useful to explore every angle of these stories from a variety of different lenses because the light hits different every time. Great article!

Dale my friend, so sweet to see you show up here! What a beautiful story, our adoption, our transformation! Thank you thank you thank you

Thanks Jason. I remember reading, many decades ago, an article written by either CS Lewis or Watchman Nee about retroactive prayer. Many times I prayed for healing and restoration for people many days after they requested prayer knowing God was in both time spaces. And then I forgot. Thank you for this reminder!

New testament doesn’t endorse any of these presentations that you described here. Only time someone fell down was a sign of judgement, like in case of Ananias and Sapphira. Apostle Paul didn’t laugh hysterically on the streets. In acts people though they were drunk since they spoke in so many tongues. The very same people who brought this so called blessing in had the most outrageous heretical teachings that aren’t found anywhere in the scriptures. Don’t be fooled anymore. This is sincere warning.