What is God like? How does He relate to us? Why does how God describe Himself not always jive with how we might see Him? Today we begin a series on the character of God. We’re going to focus on some of the things we struggle with, and others that are hard to accept, especially in difficult times. In this episode we lay the foundation about why our view of God matters.

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James, Peter, and Paul were 3 men who had dramatic turnarounds in their lives. For Peter and Paul, it took a direct revelation from God to change their direction and understanding. It was some time before James was ready to hear and accept deeper truths about God’s grace. But aren’t we all on our own journey of understanding the depth and implications of grace?

“Just follow the red letters and you can’t go wrong!” Really? So God’s forgiveness is conditional on how well I forgive? And I’ve got to be willing to cut off body parts? Maybe we’re missing something. Maybe it’s that Jesus taught Law but lived Grace. He taught Law to the Jews, but showed them it was faith - even of the Gentiles - that was the foundation of the New Covenant that was about to begin. The grace is in the gray, not the red.

Rick and Lori give some practical steps for improving your communication and how disagreements can be handled in a way that is respectful of each partner.

Most couples say their number one issue is communication. In this episode we talk about how to listen, how connection happens, and how to prevent distance from growing between husbands and wives.

Each new year we look forward to a fresh start. Goals can be a good thing. So let’s talk about our motivation. Is it striving for perfection or pleasing others? Or is it about the process and challenging ourselves? Once again, our identity is foundational. 

On today's episode: All the things about Christmas!

The magic, the childhood memories, the events that didn't quite go as planned...

We hope to bring you laughter and more on today's episode!

“It is the simple, quiet conviction of one who has become convinced God is good, He makes no mistakes, is able to turn the horrific, the unresolved, the life-draining, into the highest good.” More goodness, comfort, and wisdom from John Lynch. If you’d like a copy of the complete piece from John, please connect with us and we will happily send it to you!

“It seems, in some manner, what is singularly most delightful to God are the choices of humans to continue trusting when there is very little indication of payoff.” This quote by our good friend John Lynch is the starting place for today’s episode. We make choices to believe God in spite of all the pain and confusion that seems endless. What might those choices look like in light of God’s goodness and our seeming flaws and failures?

As a believer, do you sometimes hear confusing mixed messages? Like all your sins are forgiven but they will be brought back up at the final judgement? Or you’re a new creation but you still have an evil, wicked heart? Our friend, David Moss, has written about this and it is our starting point for today’s episode.