Surface Tension

Craig and Alex sit down with Vincent Dioguardi to hear his "God Story."

From near death experiences, to overcoming addiction and homelessness, Vincent attributes his miraculous life to the one who loved him when nobody else would.

Craig poses the question: What if the reward or payoff of something is scary, or isn't something we actually want?

Surface Tension is brought to you by https://www.goministryinternational.org

Craig and Alex, upon returning from a weekend men's retreat, discuss seeing God, themselves, and others through a new lens.

The challenge for us is not only recognizing God's reality, but how to consistently walk in it.

Finding our true purpose and living it out is contingent on having an accurate view of God, knowing how he sees us, and knowing how he sees others.

Craig and Alex discuss the 20 "hidden idols of the heart" as outlined by Tim Keller.

The 20 idols are as follows:

“Life only has meaning/I only have worth if…

    1.    I have power and influence over others.” (Power Idolatry)

    2.    I am loved and respected by _____.” (Approval Idolatry)

    3.    I have this kind of pleasure experience, a particular quality of life.” (Comfort idolatry)

    4.    I am able to get mastery over my life in the area of _____.” (Control idolatry)

    5.    people are dependent on me and need me.” (Helping Idolatry)

    6.    someone is there to protect me and keep me safe.” (Dependence idolatry)

    7.    I am completely free from obligations or responsibilities to take care of someone.” (Independence idolatry)

    8.    I am highly productive and getting a lot done.” (Work idolatry)

    9.    I am being recognized for my accomplishments, and I am excelling in my work.” (Achievement idolatry)

    10.    I have a certain level of wealth, financial freedom, and very nice possessions.” (Materialism idolatry)

    11.    I am adhering to my religion’s moral codes and accomplished in its activities.” (Religion idolatry)

    12.    This one person is in my life and happy to be there, and/or happy with me.” (Individual person idolatry)

    13.    I feel I am totally independent of organized religion and am living by a self-made morality.” (Irreligion idolatry)

    14.    My race and culture is ascendant and recognized as superior.” (Racial/cultural idolatry)

    15.    A particular social grouping or professional grouping or other group lets me in.” (Inner ring idolatry)

    16.    My children and/or my parents are happy and happy with me.” (Family idolatry)

    17.    Mr. or Ms. “Right” is in love with me.” (Relationship Idolatry)

    18.    I am hurting, in a problem; only then do I feel worthy of love or able to deal with guilt.” (Suffering idolatry)

    19.    my political or social cause is making progress and ascending in influence or power.” (Ideology idolatry)

    20.    I have a particular kind of look or body image.” (Image idolatry)

Craig and Alex sit down with Jenna Nelson to hear about what it looks like to create emotional safety with God.

In a world that doesn’t feel particularly easy to navigate as a young person, Jenna shares her God story, giving both hope and insight for followers of Jesus, young and old, alike.

Craig and Alex sit down with Dan Roberts, a faith giant, to discuss his God story. 

Dan, a proud father of four and great nephew of Oral Roberts, has worked in both ministry and industry. In addition to owning technology, background screening, and insurance companies, he founded a staffing agency, Premier Staffing, which was later re-branded as “HireCall,” with the intentional play on words of answering God's “higher call.”

Dan recounts multiple near death experiences, reminding us that God is alive and working.

Craig and Alex discuss the directionality of spiritual fruit.

Craig and Alex discuss Peter's denial and restoration.

Craig and Alex discuss the question: "What if the next play Jesus called for us was a timeout?"

Craig and Alex discuss what it looks like when we aim our "cannons" at ourselves, at others, or even straight up in the air.