The Reckless Pursuit

Have you ever asked yourself, “why do bad things happen to good people?” DO you find yourself being mad at God in times of crisis or feeling like He has abandoned you? How do you feel about asking God for healing?

If you have ever gone through any kind of tragedy, you know these questions all too well. That’s why this week, we invited Thomas Jay Oord, Author of God Can’t on the show to address this common, yet so deeply painful topic. Thomas’ book speaks life into our tragedy and paints a picture of God that we can relate to in a more intimate way.

Topics we talked about:

Sin and judgement.

Why do bad things happen to good people?

does God punish me?

guilt vs shame.

demonic entities vs Spiritual forces.

Does God allow bad to happen to his children?

Victim blaming for lack of healing.

faith and it’s relation to healing.

GUEST INFO:

Thomas Jay Oord is a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multidisciplinary studies. Oord is a best-selling and award-winning author, having written or edited more than twenty-five books. A twelve-time Faculty Award winning professor, Oord teaches at institutions around the globe. A gifted speaker, Oord is known for his contributions to research on love, open and relational theology, science and religion, and the implications of freedom and relationships for transformation.

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RESOURCES:

Visit Thomas Jay Oord Online: http://thomasjayoord.com

Find Thomas on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThomasJayOordPublicFigure/

Grab a copy of Thomas’ book, God Can’t (affiliate link): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1948609126/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thereckless07-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1948609126&linkId=11ed6ecc64f2dd277751b4d8025fb0bb

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WEEKLY QUESTION/s:

• Do you think a loving parent allows their children to suffer and die when stopping it is possible?

We’d love to hear from you! send your response to [email protected] or find us on social media! Links below!

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JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

If you'd like to keep the conversation going, we want to invite you, our reckless listeners, to join The Reckless Community! Follow this link and ask to be a part!

http://bit.ly/trp_community

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CONNECT:

Web: http://therecklesspursuit.com/

Facebook: http://bit.ly/trp_fb

Youtube: http://bit.ly/trp_youtube

Twitter: http://bit.ly/trp_twitter

Instagram: http://bit.ly/trp_insta

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ITINERANT

Enjoy history, folklore, and campfire stories? Check out Itinerant: Biblical History Beyond the Bible: http://itinerantpodcast.com

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PROJECT OUTCAST:

A visual representation of the mission here at The Reckless Pursuit.

Find more info here: https://therecklesspursuit.com/projectoutcast/

---

Hey listener! If you don't mind, take a moment to subscribe/rate/review our show! It will only take a moment, it keeps you updated whenever a new episode airs, and it would help us out a ton!

What does it mean to deconstruct parenting? Is God really a “good” father? Is He a father at all? How do we view God after we deconstruct?

This week we are talking with Karl Forehand, author of Apparent Faith about his deconstruction process and what it was like as a parent. We discuss the goodness of God and how God is bigger than our doubts. Karl shares his story of telling his children that his beliefs were changing and how unity came through honesty.

This week we talked about:

• Is God in control?

• How God loves us.

• Is God good?

• Deconstruction as a parent

GUEST INFO:

Karl Forehand has 20 years of experience as a pastor and counselor. Through the years he has counseled people in marriage, career, spirituality and general life struggles. This has not only provided experience within his own belief system, but also an appreciation for all beliefs.

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RESOURCES:

Karl’s Website: https://karlscoaching.com

Find Karl on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karl.forehand

Apparent Faith (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/2Qq3qzz

Quoir Publishing Link: http://www.quoir.com/apparent-faith.html?fbclid=IwAR3klUWAUUnqGEDl2X86ZDqlmYLsICn3O0I9E1eQy39Fr8zmSXvyixZIaiE

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WEEKLY QUESTION/s:

• Go back to your inner child and ask this: What is it like to trust, to love, and to just be?

We’d love to hear from you! send your response to [email protected] or find us on social media! Links below!

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JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

If you'd like to keep the conversation going, we want to invite you, our reckless listeners, to join The Reckless Community! Follow this link and ask to be a part!

http://bit.ly/trp_community

---

CONNECT:

Web: http://therecklesspursuit.com/

Facebook: http://bit.ly/trp_fb

Youtube: http://bit.ly/trp_youtube

Twitter: http://bit.ly/trp_twitter

Instagram: http://bit.ly/trp_insta

---

ITINERANT

Enjoy history, folklore, and campfire stories? Check out Itinerant: Biblical History Beyond the Bible: http://itinerantpodcast.com

---

PROJECT OUTCAST:

A visual representation of the mission here at The Reckless Pursuit.

Find more info here: https://therecklesspursuit.com/projectoutcast/

---

Hey listener! If you don't mind, take a moment to subscribe/rate/review our show! It will only take a moment, it keeps you updated whenever a new episode airs, and it would help us out a ton!

How do you love yourself? Why does self love matter? Did Jesus teach mindset? And what did He mean when He said narrow is the way or do unto others?

This week we are talking about the value of self love and showing others self love. We also talk about what it means to inflict “self harm” and how self harm is much more than just a physical action. We talk about depression, suicide, and how we can better view our mental health through our faith perspective.

Last week was suicide prevention week. We had it on our hearts to address this topic, not to talk about loss or death but to focus on life. When we focus our gaze away from death and onto life, we begin to see life manifest around us.

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RESOURCES:

It’s All Worth Living For (By Levi the Poet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYyOzMP4R4c

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WEEKLY QUESTION/s:

• In what way can you better show yourself, love?

We’d love to hear from you! send your response to [email protected] or find us on social media! Links below!

---

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

If you'd like to keep the conversation going, we want to invite you, our reckless listeners, to join The Reckless Community! Follow this link and ask to be a part!

http://bit.ly/trp_community

---

CONNECT:

Web: http://therecklesspursuit.com/

Facebook: http://bit.ly/trp_fb

Youtube: http://bit.ly/trp_youtube

Twitter: http://bit.ly/trp_twitter

Instagram: http://bit.ly/trp_insta

---

ITINERANT

Enjoy history, folklore, and campfire stories? Check out Itinerant: Biblical History Beyond the Bible: http://itinerantpodcast.com

---

PROJECT OUTCAST:

A visual representation of the mission here at The Reckless Pursuit.

Find more info here: https://therecklesspursuit.com/projectoutcast/

---

Hey listener! If you don't mind, take a moment to subscribe/rate/review our show! It will only take a moment, it keeps you updated whenever a new episode airs, and it would help us out a ton!

Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight. Straight or gay, trans or Bi, God is love and love is kind.

We have done a terrible job at the greatest commandment. We have turned our backs on and cast out those who dress different, have a different skin color, or who love in a unique way. We have taken a few scriptures and used them as a weapon against our fellow brothers and sisters.

Some might say it is “calling out sin”. Others may argue “they are accepted but not affirmed”. But every single person needs emotional support. How? By listening and learning to see past someone's sexual orientation into the heart of the created being, just as God does.

This week, David Hayward, “The Naked Pastor” is back to talk about how to love and listen to those who we have deemed as outcasts or unloveable. We discuss different sexual orientations, gender identities, and even skin tones and religions. David shares his story and how he came from a Pentecostal upbringing to realizing that God is an inclusive God who looks deeper than our surface: He looks at the heart.

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GUEST INFO:

David was baptized Anglican as a baby, came to faith in a Baptist church when he was a teenager, changed to Pentecostal in his late teens, married another Pentecostal named Lisa, was ordained Presbyterian, pastored a Vineyard church, went Independent, and planted others. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, as well as a Diploma in Religious Studies and Ministry from McGill University in Montreal.

In 2010 he left the professional paid clergy after almost 30 years of ministry. He is passionate about how people can find and follow their own spiritual path with courage and joy, as well as in how people can freely gather and form community in healthy ways.

From david - “I help people lose their faith without losing their minds. I help people undress their religion to the core essential of their own unique spirituality. I call this spiritual independence”.

Visit David’s Site: https://nakedpastor.com

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RESOURCES:

Visit David’s Community: https://thelastingsupper.com

Support David! Visit The Naked Pastor on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/nakedpastor

Find David’s Books: http://www.amazon.com/David-Hayward/e/B006GARC8Q/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&tag=nakedpastor-20

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WEEKLY QUESTION/s:

• Do you know a gay or transgender person? If so, would you be willing to take the time to listen?

We’d love to hear from you! send your response to [email protected] or find us on social media! Links below!

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JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

If you'd like to keep the conversation going, we want to invite you, our reckless listeners, to join The Reckless Community! Follow this link and ask to be a part!

http://bit.ly/trp_community

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SUBSCRIBE:

Join our mailing list and get access to our Final Five's and tons more!

https://therecklesspursuit.com/subscribe

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CONNECT:

Web: http://therecklesspursuit.com/

Facebook: http://bit.ly/trp_fb

Youtube: http://bit.ly/trp_youtube

Twitter: http://bit.ly/trp_twitter

Instagram: http://bit.ly/trp_insta

---

ITINERANT

Enjoy history, folklore, and campfire stories? Check out Itinerant: Biblical History Beyond the Bible: http://itinerantpodcast.com

---

PROJECT OUTCAST:

A visual representation of the mission here at The Reckless Pursuit.

Find more info here: https://therecklesspursuit.com/projectoutcast/

---

Hey listener! If you don't mind, take a moment to subscribe/rate/review our show! It will only take a moment, it keeps you updated whenever a new episode airs, and it would help us out a ton!

No, the hardest word in our language to say and yet only two letters. A word that brings with it the fear of abandonment, denial, and even a bit of resentment. But it is one of the most important words we must learn to say.

This week, we are talking about the power of saying no. We discuss how to say no to:

• Your family

• Your Friends

• Your Spouse

• Your church circles (for those of us still in church)

• Spiritual Authority

• Temptations

• yourself

But don’t worry, it’s not all a bunch of rejection! We also talk about how to know when to say “no” as well as when to say yes and how to tell the difference between wanting to do something vs. feeling obligated.

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WEEKLY QUESTION/s:

• What have you struggled to say no to?

We’d love to hear from you! send your response to [email protected] or find us on social media! Links below!

---

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

If you'd like to keep the conversation going, we want to invite you, our reckless listeners, to join The Reckless Community! Follow this link and ask to be a part!

http://bit.ly/trp_community

---

CONNECT:

Web: http://therecklesspursuit.com/

Facebook: http://bit.ly/trp_fb

Youtube: http://bit.ly/trp_youtube

Twitter: http://bit.ly/trp_twitter

Instagram: http://bit.ly/trp_insta

---

ITINERANT

Enjoy history, folklore, and campfire stories? Check out Itinerant: Biblical History Beyond the Bible: http://itinerantpodcast.com

---

PROJECT OUTCAST:

A visual representation of the mission here at The Reckless Pursuit.

Find more info here: https://therecklesspursuit.com/projectoutcast/

---

Hey listener! If you don't mind, take a moment to subscribe/rate/review our show! It will only take a moment, it keeps you updated whenever a new episode airs, and it would help us out a ton!

What does it mean to listen? To stop talking and take the time to hear other people around us? Why is it so hard? What if we gave people a chance to share their hearts and instead of judging their motives, tried to truly understand where they came from and where they are at. Now that would be life-giving.

This week, we are talking with Seth Price, the creator, and host of the podcast, “Can I Say This At Church?”. We cover a handful of topics from deconstruction and staying involved in church, hell, doubt, and of course, learning to listen.

There is a reason we are told to be slow to speak and quick to hear. People are willing to share their stories and their heart so long as there is a nonjudgmental ear waiting to listen. Seth does an amazing job of this and shows us how to break through our preconceived notions of others by giving their voice validity and meaning.

GUEST INFO:

Seth Price, Host of “Can I Say This At Church?”: https://www.canisaythisatchurch.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanISayThisAtChurch/

CISTAC Honest Discussions Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/canisaythisatchurchhonestdiscussions/

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WEEKLY QUESTION/s:

• What are you doing for my children to ensure that a church that matters exists when they are your age?

We’d love to hear from you! send your response to [email protected] or find us on social media! Links below!

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JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

If you'd like to keep the conversation going, we want to invite you, our reckless listeners, to join The Reckless Community! Follow this link and ask to be a part!

http://bit.ly/trp_community

---

CONNECT:

Web: http://therecklesspursuit.com/

Facebook: http://bit.ly/trp_fb

Youtube: http://bit.ly/trp_youtube

Twitter: http://bit.ly/trp_twitter

Instagram: http://bit.ly/trp_insta

---

ITINERANT

Enjoy history, folklore, and campfire stories? Check out Itinerant: Biblical History Beyond the Bible: http://itinerantpodcast.com

---

PROJECT OUTCAST:

A visual representation of the mission here at The Reckless Pursuit.

Find more info here: https://therecklesspursuit.com/projectoutcast/

---

Hey listener! If you don't mind, take a moment to subscribe/rate/review our show! It will only take a moment, it keeps you updated whenever a new episode airs, and it would help us out a ton!

Deconstruction means asking questions. Asking questions means what you believe now might not be what you used to believe. Changing what you believe means people are going to call you a backslidden heretic. This week, we are talking about how to deal with people who aren’t exactly supportive of your new questions.

Faith is a personal thing and when we begin to question our previous beliefs, people who still hold to those will often act out of defense. Why? Because they inadvertently feel as if you are doubting them. It is our human nature to want to be accepted and deconstruction tears at that very thing. Our desire for truth shakes our acceptance and pushes us out of our comfort zone.

But not everyone will agree with you and not everyone will support you. But no matter how someone questions you remember that it is our of defense and continue to respect them wherever they are in their faith journey. It is exciting to share your new perspectives and understanding but the ultimate goal is to find God for ourselves and who He is to us.

WEEKLY QUESTION/s:

• Why do we feel like we need to have all the answers?

We’d love to hear from you! send your response to [email protected] or find us on social media! Links below!

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JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

If you'd like to keep the conversation going, we want to invite you, our reckless listeners, to join The Reckless Community! Follow this link and ask to be a part!

http://bit.ly/trp_community

ITINERANT

Enjoy history, folklore, and campfire stories? Check out Itinerant: Biblical History Beyond the Bible: http://itinerantpodcast.com

---

CONNECT:

Web: http://therecklesspursuit.com/

Facebook: http://bit.ly/trp_fb

Youtube: http://bit.ly/trp_youtube

Twitter: http://bit.ly/trp_twitter

Instagram: http://bit.ly/trp_insta

---

PROJECT OUTCAST:

A visual representation of the mission here at The Reckless Pursuit.

Find more info here: https://therecklesspursuit.com/projectoutcast/

---

Hey listener! If you don't mind, take a moment to subscribe/rate/review our show! It will only take a moment, it keeps you updated whenever a new episode airs, and it would help us out a ton!

Is there a literal Hell? Is it a lake of fire that never goes out? Is eternal torment really God’s way of handling people who refuse to accept Christ? Doesn’t that seem a bit harsh? Where did this whole idea even come from? Is hell in the bible or did we just make all this crap up?

This week we are talking with Matthew Challenor. Matthew was born and raised in a Baptist household but once he reached his early twenties, walked away from the church. After a spiritual encounter, he found his way back as a follower of Christ but then ended up in the hospital with what everyone believed was a heart attack.

After some extensive testing, Matthew was diagnosed with extreme stress and this, along with some already pressing questions lead him into deconstruction. The pressures of living up to God’s supposed standard were replaced with an understanding of God’s love.

One of the areas Matthew found himself deconstructing was Hell. The idea that a good God would send people into a pit of eternal torment didn’t seem to add up according to God’s character. So Matthew began researching where the idea of hell came from and where we misconstrued it along the way.

GUEST INFO:

Find Matthew Challenor on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthew.challenor.5

WEEKLY QUESTION/s:

• If you are in deconstruction, what is your “anchor”?

We’d love to hear from you! send your response to [email protected] or find us on social media! Links below!

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JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

If you'd like to keep the conversation going, we want to invite you, our reckless listeners, to join The Reckless Community! Follow this link and ask to be a part!

http://bit.ly/trp_community

---

CONNECT:

Web: http://therecklesspursuit.com/

Facebook: http://bit.ly/trp_fb

Youtube: http://bit.ly/trp_youtube

Twitter: http://bit.ly/trp_twitter

Instagram: http://bit.ly/trp_insta

---

PROJECT OUTCAST:

A visual representation of the mission here at The Reckless Pursuit.

Find more info here: https://therecklesspursuit.com/projectoutcast/

---

Hey listener! If you don't mind, take a moment to subscribe/rate/review our show! It will only take a moment, it keeps you updated whenever a new episode airs, and it would help us out a ton!

Have you ever felt like you weren't worth God’s love? Do you ever wonder if God is punishing you for some sin you committed or question if you can lose your salvation? What if you commit the “unpardonable sin”?

This week, we are talking about what sin is and how to overcome the fear of it. Sin is less an action and more a mindset. If you constantly focus on what you have done wrong you will inadvertently trap yourself in that mental state.

We have spent way too much time over the years teaching people to be afraid of their “sin nature” and have left people trapped in a new form of law. But Christ came that we can operate in grace. We have freedom from sin, sp let’s start living like it!

Am I a dirty rag?

Is it a sin to doubt God?

Are we born into sin?

Do we really sin every day?

Does God punish me for my sins?

Have I committed the “unpardonable sin”

Can I lose my salvation?

WEEKLY QUESTION/s:

• What kingdom are you operating under, the kingdom of fear or life?

We’d love to hear from you! send your response to [email protected] or find us on social media! Links below!

---

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

If you'd like to keep the conversation going, we want to invite you, our reckless listeners, to join The Reckless Community! Follow this link and ask to be a part!

http://bit.ly/trp_community

---

CONNECT:

Web: http://therecklesspursuit.com/

Facebook: http://bit.ly/trp_fb

Youtube: http://bit.ly/trp_youtube

Twitter: http://bit.ly/trp_twitter

Instagram: http://bit.ly/trp_insta

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ITINERANT:

If you enjoy campfire stories, history, and folklore, check out Itinerant: Biblical History Beyond the Bible. :http://itinerantpodcast.com

---

PROJECT OUTCAST:

A visual representation of the mission here at The Reckless Pursuit.

Find more info here: https://therecklesspursuit.com/projectoutcast/

---

Hey listener! If you don't mind, take a moment to subscribe/rate/review our show! It will only take a moment, it keeps you updated whenever a new episode airs, and it would help us out a ton!

We all have some strange questions about God. Some of them are more serious and some of them are weird Frankenstein monsters that we have sown together based on pieces of religion we have picked up along the way. But no question is a bad question. Well, unless they are actually damning beliefs disguised as questions. And that’s what we are talking about today!

This week, we are talking about all those questions we find ourselves asking about God, what they mean, and how to break those cycles of self-doubt and fear. God is a God of grace and love yet we still find ourselves in terror after almost every action. It is our belief that God doesn’t want you walking on pins and needles around him. After all, what kind of parent would that be?

Want a head start? Here are the questions we address:

Does God punish me when I sin?

Does God use me to do His bidding?

Does God have a plan for me? What if I miss His calling?

Does God change His mind?

Is GD God’s name in vain?

Is God a big man on a throne?

Is God mad at me when I don’t spend time with Him?

Does God demand our worship?

RESOURCES:

Do you like Biblical History? Do you enjoy a new perspective? Then check out Cody’s new podcast, Itinerant: Biblical History Beyond the Bible. Available now!

http://itinerantpodcast.com

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WEEKLY QUESTION/s:

• What are some questions you have always wondered about God? And how have you been wrong?

We’d love to hear from you! send your response to [email protected] or find us on social media! Links below!

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JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

If you'd like to keep the conversation going, we want to invite you, our reckless listeners, to join The Reckless Community! Follow this link and ask to be a part!

http://bit.ly/trp_community

---

CONNECT:

Web: http://therecklesspursuit.com/

Facebook: http://bit.ly/trp_fb

Youtube: http://bit.ly/trp_youtube

Twitter: http://bit.ly/trp_twitter

Instagram: http://bit.ly/trp_insta

---

Hey listener! If you don't mind, take a moment to subscribe/rate/review our show! It will only take a moment, it keeps you updated whenever a new episode airs, and it would help us out a ton!