Gratitude doesn’t just restore you… it re-stories you.As we move from Thanksgiving into Advent, we all long for the same four things: peace, hope, joy, and love.But how do we actually cultivate them in real life—not just as ideas on a Christmas card?In this episode of Encounter Grace, Jason and Justin unpack the surprising key the Bible and neuroscience both point to: gratitude.Not the vague feeling… the practiced habit.We explore:• Why gratitude is “ground zero” of the Christian life• How giving thanks literally rewires your brain• Why your mind runs better on joy than on anger, anxiety, or frustration• The difference between restoring you and re-storying you• Why Scripture commands gratitude in all circumstances• Two practical gratitude habits that can change your life• How thanksgiving prepares your heart for AdventYou’ll also learn simple, repeatable practices like verbalizing thanks daily and building Appreciation Memories—habits that reset your emotional state, strengthen your identity in Christ, and help you live with more calm, hope, and joy.If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or spiritually numb, this might be the episode that opens the “front door” again to a warm, grounded life with God.👉 Watch now to learn how gratitude unlocks the life God designed you for.

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When God is the perfect communicator and His Word isunchanging… why do Christians so often disagree about what He’s saying?

In this episode Jason and Justin unpack the trajectory of theology—how God’s truth is revealed and then received through five key filters: Tradition, Culture, Reason, Experience, and Personal Temperament.

You’ll see why no one reads the Bible in a vacuum, how yourbackground and personality color your theology, and why recognizing your filters can actually deepen your confidence in God’s Word rather than weaken it.

🔍 In this episode we explore:

➡️ Why sincere Christians can read the same verse and land in different places

➡️ How your theological tradition quietly sets your “starting point”

➡️ The way culture (time, place, and social norms) shapes what feels “normal” or “obvious”

➡️ Why reason is a gift from God for understanding Scripture, not the enemy of faith

➡️ How experience can both clarify and distort what you believe about God

➡️ The role of personality/temperament in what you notice, emphasize, and apply

 ➡️ How paying attention to your filters can protect you from tribalism and “us vs. them” thinking

If you’ve ever wondered, “What are my filters?” or “How canI read my Bible with better lenses?” this conversation will help you wrestle honestly, think more clearly, and love God and His people more deeply.

Ever felt like your faith just isn’t working anymore? Like what used to bring you close to God now feels dry or confusing? You’re not alone.

In this episode of Encounter Grace, Jason and Justin unpack “The Critical Journey” by Janet Hagberg and Robert Guelich — a powerful roadmap of the six stages of faith that every believer walks through on the journey toward maturity and love.

You’ll learn:
 The six stages of faith and how to recognize where you are
 Why many Christians hit the Wall — and how to move through it with grace

How God uses seasons of confusion, silence, and surrender to deepen your faith

What it looks like to live from love, not performance

Whether you’re just beginning your walk with God or you’ve been following Him for decades, this episode will help you make sense of your spiritual journey — and remind you that God is still at work, even when you can’t see it.

#faith #spiritualgrowth #spiritualformation #faithjourney

It feels like we’re shouting past each other more than ever. Politics, social issues, even church debates — conversations turn into conflicts faster than ever before. But what if there was a way to disagree without destroying relationships?

In this episode of Encounter Grace, Jason and Justin unpack how Christians can navigate polarization with wisdom, humility, and grace. They’ll explore why we’re so divided, what faithful dialogue looks like, and how to practice it in your own conversations.

You’ll learn:
 The psychological reasons behind polarization and “tribal thinking”
 What it means to practice charitable listening and emotional regulation
 Practical tools for de-escalating tension and staying relational
 How to reframe disagreement as an opportunity for growth
 Why faithful dialogue is essential for Christian witness in a divided world

 Whether you’re tired of arguments online or struggling to talk with family members who see things differently, this episode will give you the tools to build bridges—not walls.

#disagreement #conflict #politics #culture

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church—and the world changed forever. But this wasn’t the start of the Reformation—it was the tipping point. In this episode of Encounter Grace, Jason and Justin trace the story behind the moment that reclaimed the gospel from corruption and confusion. Discover what led to Luther’s bold stand, why it spread like wildfire across Europe, and how the same truths of Scripture alone, grace alone, and faith alone still call the church to reform today.

If you’ve ever wondered what really happened in 1517—or why it still matters for your faith now—this conversation will help you see the Reformation not as dusty history, but as a living reminder of the power of God’s Word and grace.

#ReformationDay #MartinLuther #ProtestantReformation #GospelTruth #ChurchHistory

What is Christian Universalism—and does the Bible support it? 👀

In this episode of Encounter Grace, Jason and Justin tackle a listener question about whether God’s love could extend beyond death and eventually bring everyone into salvation through Christ.

We explore this in four parts:

1️⃣ Definitions – What’s the difference between Universalism, Inclusivism, and Christian Universalism?

2️⃣ The Case For – What Scriptural arguments seem to support it?

3️⃣ The Case Against – What does the Bible actually teach about judgment, salvation, and eternity?

4️⃣ Implications – Why it matters for how we understand God’s love, justice, and the urgency of the gospel.

From Hebrews 9:27 to John 3:16, we dig deep into Scripture to separate cultural comfort from biblical truth—and to see what God’s character of both love and justice reveals about eternity.

If you’ve ever wrestled with questions about hell, heaven, and God’s love, this episode will challenge and encourage you to think biblically.

#Heavenandhell #Godislove #Faithandculture

In this episode of Encounter Grace, Jason and Justin explore how to move beyond simply reading the Bible for information or inspiration — toward experiencing spiritual formation and deep communion with God. Many Christians open their Bibles looking for a quick “spiritual boost,” but what if Scripture offers more than that? From learning facts about God to becoming more like Him, discover how your posture toward God’s Word can lead to real transformation, freedom, and flourishing. We’ll walk through: The 5 stages of Bible reading: Information → Inspiration → Communication → Formation → Communion. Practical postures to bring into your quiet time. How Scripture reshapes your mind, heart, and character. Why dwelling in God’s Word leads to worship and deeper intimacy with Him. 🍊 Just like an orange offers more than juice, the Bible offers more than verses — if you know how to look for it.🎧 Watch or listen now to discover how to read the Bible for life change.

Check out Ep. 148 - Theological Triage - Ordering our Beliefs for True Unity – https://youtu.be/gVmzgU7kLrc

#BibleStudy #SpiritualGrowth #BibleReading #QuietTime #SpiritualFormation #Discipleship

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In this episode of Encounter Grace, Jason and Justin explore how to move your daily time with God from a checklist to a life-giving encounter. Discover the three timeless practices that keep your heart burning with love and purpose: Scripture, Prayer, and Meditation. Learn how each one draws you into deeper communion with God and transforms your inner life. Whether you’re just starting or want to rekindle your devotional life, this episode offers encouragement, clarity, and a fresh invitation to meet with God… and be changed. #QuietTimeWithGod #DailyDevotions #SpiritualDisciplines #ChristianMeditation #ChristianLife #GrowInFaith

In part 2 of our discussion on forgiveness, Jason & Susan walk through step-by-step Christian forgiveness: meet with God, list people and specific offenses, name the emotions, confess bitterness, choose to forgive out loud, relinquish resentment, and pray to bless your offender. They unpack forgiveness vs. reconciliation vs. restored relationship/trust (forgiveness = unilateral decision of the will; reconciliation = two-way; relationship restoration = wisdom over time), and show how grace breaks Wounds–Lies–Vows–Strongholds (WLVS). 

Listen in and move from wounds & bitterness to freedom & flourishing in marriages, families, churches, and teams—and engage real spiritual warfare with grace.

#EncounterGracePodcast #Forgiveness #HowToForgive #ChristianForgiveness #BiblicalForgiveness #Reconciliation #RestoredRelationship #WLVS #EmotionalHealing #SpiritualFormation #SpiritualWarfare #CorrieTenBoom  #FreedomInChrist #Gospel #Discipleship #ChurchLife #MarriageAndFamily #Relationships #Grace #Healing #FaithInRealLife

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In light of Erika Kirk’s public decision to forgive her husband's killer, we’re revisiting this foundational conversation on biblical forgiveness. Jason and Susan unpack what forgiveness is (a willful choice to release the debt) and what it isn’t(not forgetting, not a feeling, not pretending it didn’t matter). Starting with God’s heart (Ex. 34; Ps. 51; Ps. 103; Mic. 7; 1 Jn. 1:9), they explore why forgiveness is the “currency of the Kingdom,” why it’s hard, and why it’s necessary for real healing—plus a preview of Part 2 on practical steps and the difference between forgiveness, reconciliation, and restored relationship.

#EncounterGracePodcast #Forgiveness #Grace #BiblicalWisdom #ChristianPodcast #Gospel #FreedomInChrist #Healing #Reconciliation #Discipleship #FaithInRealLife #SpiritualFormation #EmotionalMaturity #TraumaHealing #Jesus #CharlieKirk