What Did He Mean by That?

🎙 Episode Title: How Do We Respond to God Authentically?

📅 Release Date: April 17th, 2025

🎧 Host(s):  Dr. Christopher Cali, Pastor Chris Heimerle, Ashley Cali, & Robby McKinney.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we explore the difference between experiencing genuine emotion in worship and falling into emotionalism—living from one emotional high to the next. The conversation centers around the triumphal entry of Jesus, how people responded emotionally during that moment, and what that reveals about our own spiritual reactions today. We ask the big questions. What happens when emotion doesn’t lead to depth? Can we trust our feelings in our faith journey? What about people who don’t “feel” anything during worship? From theological reflection to personal experiences, this episode invites you to examine the role of emotion in your relationship with Christ—and how we can pursue both emotional expression and rooted faith.

Key Discussion Points:

· Emotionalism vs. Genuine Emotion in Worship
Exploring the difference between healthy emotional responses and being swept up in emotionalism without depth.

· The Role of Emotion in Our Faith Journey
How emotion can be a catalyst to deeper faith when rooted in truth, rather than the end goal in itself.

· Stoicism and Expression in Worship
Addressing different personality types in worship—why a lack of outward expression doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of inward response.

· Biblical Commands to Express Emotion
Scriptural examples that encourage us to lift our hands, shout, and sing—even if it's outside our emotional comfort zone.

· Returning to the Emotion of Your Salvation
Reconnecting with the emotion of your initial salvation experience as a way to reignite awe, gratitude, and humility.

Takeaways:

· Emotion in worship isn’t wrong—it’s biblical. God created us as emotional beings, and when our emotions are aligned with truth, they can be a powerful part of worship.

· Not everyone worships the same way. Outward expression doesn’t always equal inward devotion. God sees the heart.

· Scripture should guide your feelings, not the other way around. Let God’s Word shape your understanding of emotional experiences.

· Be aware of the crowd mentality. Just like the people who shouted “Hosanna” later cried “Crucify Him,” it’s possible to be emotionally swept up without real conviction.

· Revisit the wonder of your salvation. The emotion you felt when you first met Jesus is worth remembering—and reigniting.

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