In this episode, Joel and Lynn explore God's gamble in extending us grace and guaranteeing the end from the very beginning. What does gambling have to do with grace? What’s the risk? It’s all on the table, no negotiating. What’s the guarantee? “I know your secrets, you need to know mine” Lynn. "Grace is the conduit through which God comes to us. We are born alienated from God. God know us intimately, that’s not intimidating, that’s freeing” Joel.

James and Jolene both came from strong LDS families and faithfully followed the path marked out by their performance-based religion. They lived tranquil lives in a Mormon bubble in Arizona and everything was great, until James, an attorney, could no longer ignore his spiritual discontent or troubling aspects of Mormonism. Jolene, and accountant, likewise was committed to making it work, until she also started noticing some cracks in the wall. Jolene thinks she has found answers in a Mormon splinter group, but as we end this candid and humorous episode she confesses this only made their marriage and lives worse. Listen to part 1 of their story here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/

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After marrying Brian (a Mormon) against her family's wishes, both Karen and Brian walked away from faith for a time. However, with the birth of their daughter, they decide to find a church that is neither Baptist (her background) nor Mormon (his background). Karen and Lynn share candidly about the stress and pressure they felt in a performance-based religious system, and contrast this with the refreshing freedom of knowing you are loved by God for who you are and not what you do. This story has a happy ending. Karen and Brian Culbertson now lead a church for people burned out by religion (details on this church in the show notes). Listen to part 2 of her story here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/ Search on all our podcast episodes here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/search-all-podcasts

Totally against the advice and wishes of her parents, Karen decided to marry her high school sweetheart, Brian. (See episodes 87 and 88 for Brian's story). He and his whole family were members of the LDS Church. As their friendship grew more serious the concern of both their families increased. Karen walked away from her faith for a time, and in this winsome and often humourous interview, Karen shares the struggles and regrets she went through as a result of her decision. Her story has a happy ending, but we don't get to find out how it works out until part 2. Karen Culbertson is now a licensed counselor and pastor's wife. She is grateful for the grace of God that brought healing to her life and marriage. Listen to part 1 of her story here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/
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Melonie followed a windy road to truth and Jesus, but today she is so grateful she walked it. Disenchanted with certain aspects of the religion of her whole life, Melonie wanted, more than anything else, a close and personal relationship with Jesus. When she was excommunicated from the Mormon Church - despite her testimony of Jesus, Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, she found new freedom to explore truth and a closeness to Jesus she had always longed for. She learned of Jesus and his grace through worship music which God used to help heal her heart. Her spirit resonated with the truth of John 3:16-17 which helped her embrace Jesus and his amazing gift of grace and forgiveness. Listen to her story and get links to some of the music that stirred her soul here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/ New - Search every podcast episode here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/search-all-podcasts

Melonie grew up only knowing the faith of ancestors that went back generations to the early LDS pioneers. When it came time for college her father took her to BYU with instructions to find a returned LDS missionary. Within a couple of years she was married in the temple, faithfully engaged in various callings, and starting a large family. But the more she learned about the system, the more questions arose, and the once unshakably solid foundation started to develop cracks. Where would her choices to pursue truth lead? Listen to her fascinating story here: http://unveilinggracepodcast.com/ New tool! Search all podcast episodes here on any key word and find just what you're looking for fast. https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/search-all-podcasts

Brian was raised Mormon, now he's a Christian pastor. His transition path is a windy one where God weaves grace in and out of Brian's story. In this episode which starts with Brian in Africa with the Masai Mara tribe, Brian shares his messy, sometimes reluctant path to ministry. It's a fast-moving and humorous story of hope, and a grace that brought meaning and healing to his life. Listen to it here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/.

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Brian was raised Mormon, now he's a Christian pastor. His transition path is a windy one where God weaves grace in and out of Brian's story. In this episode Brian shares the first part of his journey with Joel and Lynn. From believing Mormon to agnostic Mormon, to seeker, God showed up and made His presence know to Brian during a visit to the Masai Mara tribe in Kenya, Africa. It's a fast-moving, fascinating story of hope and encouragement. Listen to it here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/. NEW! Use our Search page to find any word or phrase from any episode and immediately listen to that spot in the recording. It's blazing fast! Try it here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/search-all-podcasts

In the moving conclusion to Michelle's story she talks candidly about losing her marriage, her identity, her church, and finally, most importantly, losing her trash. The result is a new story, a new identity and a new family. Michelle answers the question so many people in performance-based religions are asking - How do I find real hope, true peace and the security that I'm loved and accepted by God, regardless of my religious performance? Listen in, be encouraged and experience a grace that heals. https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/

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Michelle leaves her Christian community, leaves the man who wanted to marry her, and joins the Mormon Church thinking she'd finally found her forever family. It wasn't to be. Her 30 years of faithfulness to the LDS religion brought heartache, abuse, confusion and divorce. But God was pursuing her heart and the light began to penetrate. This is the messy middle of the story, but even here grace is bringing healing to her very hurting heart. Listen to it here: https://unveilinggracepodcast.com/