The GoodLion Podcast

People generally want to feel in control. We work, think, and plan to map out where our lives are going. But sometimes, it feels like God comes along and totally changes the plan. This can leave us confused, wondering how our lives got turned upside down, and worst of all, wondering if we ever really heard God in the first place. In this episode, Aaron and Brian talk about their personal experience with this in the past few years, how Covid has turned this into a very common experience, and how learning to trust God is worth it even when plans are changing. The guys chat through this complex topic with a hope that it will encourage people to put their faith in Christ, even when it doesn't completely make sense.This episode was originally published in 2020. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodlionpod.substack.com

Today, we're diving deep into something I know a lot of us deal with: perfectionism.That constant, nagging feeling that no matter what you do, it’s never quite enough. You pour your heart and soul into everything, trying to live up to these impossible standards—whether it's the ones you set for yourself or the ones you feel from the world around you.But here’s the truth: perfectionism is a trap.In this episode, we’ll talk about the pressure we feel to perform and to present our lives as flawless—especially in a world driven by social media and comparison culture. We’ll get real about the toll this takes on our mental health—how perfectionism breeds anxiety, sucks the joy out of life, and leaves us feeling like we’re constantly falling short.But there’s another way to live, a way that frees us from the pressure to be perfect. So, if you’re tired of striving, if you’re exhausted from trying to measure up, this episode is for you.We’re going to talk about grace, letting go, and finding peace in the fact that you’re enough, not because of your efforts, but because of who you are to Jesus. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodlionpod.substack.com

Hey everyone, it’s been a while since I've put out new episodes on this show! Life, as it does, has gotten in the way. The busyness of work, family, all the unexpected curveballs that come with being a husband and a dad, and running both an itinerant ministry and a small business.But today, something shifted. I felt this nudge, like God was saying, "It’s time to share again." So here I am, back in my little backyard podcast studio, feeling inspired to talk about what God’s been teaching me lately—through the process of raising my son, Jack.I’ve learned so much these past years. Things I didn’t see coming, things I didn’t even know I needed to learn. You know how it goes... you think you’re the one doing the teaching. You’ve got the wisdom, the guidance, the "dad lessons" ready to pass down... and then... suddenly, you realize it’s actually you being shaped. You’re the one learning. And it’s happening in the small moments—bedtime stories, scraped knees, and those sweet, chaotic days that you wish could last forever and end all at the same time.In this episode, I want to share some of those moments with you. This episode is a snapshot of fatherhood, and a glimpse at the heart of God the father for His children.So, whether you’re a parent or not, I hope today’s episode blesses you. In the process of us raising our children, God is raising us too.- Aaron Salvato This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodlionpod.substack.com

Welcome to a Q&A episode of the Good Lion Podcast. Today, we're tackling heartfelt inquiries from our listeners about the spiritual implications of sin and separation from God. Does sin really separate us from God, or is it our perception? Join us as we explore these questions through Scripture and personal reflections.🔍 **In This Episode:** **Sin and Separation:** We discuss the pervasive feeling of distance from God that sin can create, even among Christians. Can God really love us after all that we've done? We delve into what the Bible says about this divide. **Scriptural Insights:** Aaron offers insights on how sin impacts our spiritual life both now and in eternity, referencing pivotal scriptures like Isaiah 59:2. **Healing the Divide:** We explore how the perception of separation might not reflect the true nature of our relationship with God post-salvation.💡 **Key Questions Answered:** Does our sin create a literal or just a perceived separation from God? How can we reconcile our feelings of distance with the truth of God’s unchanging love?🔄 **Practical Steps to Reconnect with God:** **Acknowledge the Truth:** Reflect on the reality of the Cross and what it means for our closeness to God. **Engage with Scripture:** Reaffirm God’s promises to be near to us, especially when we feel lost. **Open Honest Prayers:** Embrace the vulnerability of the Psalms to express our spiritual struggles and desires. **Embrace Community:** Connect with others who can reflect Christ’s love and truth back to us.🙌 **Encouragement:** Even if you feel distant, remember that God’s invitation to abide with Him is ever-present. His arms are always open to welcome you back, without judgment. Thank you for joining us for another profound exploration on the Good Lion Podcast. If this conversation about sin, separation, and reconciliation speaks to you, consider sharing it with someone who might also find it encouraging. Remember, nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Let this truth guide you back to His presence this week.🙏 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodlionpod.substack.com

🔥 Exploring Hell: The Big DebateIn this Q&A episode of the Good Lion Podcast, we take on one of the most challenging theological topics: hell. With a listener's heartfelt question as our starting point, we delve into how the intense debates around literal vs. metaphorical interpretations affect our faith journey.🤔 Reconciling God's Love & Justice How do we reconcile the concept of eternal separation from God's presence with His boundless grace? Are flames and darkness symbols of something even more troubling than the imagery itself? We explore how these views shape our understanding of God's love, grace, and His invitation to an abundant life.📚 Recommendations for the JourneyWe recommend a book that thoughtfully engages with these questions (Erasing Hell, By Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle), offering a compassionate approach to understanding the theological complexities. No matter where we stand, God's grace is an open invitation, urging us toward a life overflowing with love, peace, and the promise of a new heaven and earth.🌊 Navigating the Waters Together We offer encouragement and guidance as we navigate these turbulent waters. The unyielding grace of God calls us to a life rooted in His kingdom and away from separation.Join us as we seek clarity and hope in the unchanging love of God, always embracing His grace and the joy of journeying together.You're listening to the Good Lion Podcast!---📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Books: Skeletons in God's Closet by Joshua Ryan Butler Erasing Hell by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle Articles and Talks: Tim Mackie’s Talks on Hell (provided via The Bible Project) Podcast Episode:Previous episode with Johnny Zacchio discussing doubt and deconstruction.Support Good Lion Ministries:To support our work and help us provide more resources like this: Support us here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodlionpod.substack.com

In a recent episode, Aaron dove into the concept of "hell on earth"—where the destructive forces of sin, death, and selfishness play out in daily life. This episode is a Q&A that answers a listener's profound question: "How can our actions contribute to or alleviate these hellish conditions?"🔍 Unpacking the QuestionOur daily choices can either build or tear down. Lies, gossip, and manipulation erode trust and foster pain. Selfish, self-serving behavior causes division and leaves behind a legacy of brokenness. Whether it’s our own sin, others’ actions, or the fractured world itself, suffering has deep roots.🌱 Finding SolutionsWe analyze how we can identify suffering's roots and leverage Saint Augustine’s "two daughters of hope" to reclaim joy through Jesus’ transformational mission: Anger: Righteous anger against the world’s injustices. Courage: Courage to challenge injustice, love neighbors, and shine a light into the dark places.🛤️ The Path ForwardAaron will guide us through practical steps to escape despair, encouraging us to: Recognize the patterns that create "hell on earth." Walk into Christ’s promise of abundant life through the courageous path of faith. Live out humility and justice, shining light where there is darkness.Join us as we reclaim hope and find joy in living beyond the despair of the world.🔗 Links & Resources📖 Scriptures Referenced John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Isaiah 61:1: “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives.” Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”🎧 Podcast Episodes"Hell In The Heart": Aaron’s previous exploration of the concept, setting the stage for this Q&A.🌐 Websites & Ministries Good Lion Ministries: Visit goodlion.org for more articles, episodes, and resources dedicated to helping Christians follow the way of Jesus.🙋 Submit a QuestionGot a question you'd like us to explore? Email [email protected] to submit it for future episodes! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodlionpod.substack.com

In this episode of the GoodLion Podcast, we navigate the delicate intersection between the terrifying specter of hell and the radiant hope found in Christ.In this special "Ask Good Lion" segment, host Pastor Aaron Salvato explores the questions surrounding the fear of hell and how it interacts with divine justice.We first delve into how Christians can confront the concept of hell without succumbing to paralyzing fear, finding solace in the boundless mercy and love of Jesus.The journey continues as we unravel the idea of divine justice: If hell wasn't made for humans, why do some people still end up there, and how do their choices affect this cosmic narrative? 🌠Join us as Pastor Aaron tackles these profound and weighty topics with grace and wisdom, providing a glimpse of hope amidst the shadows.You're listening to the GoodLion Podcast. 🎙️ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodlionpod.substack.com

As we continue this series of talks on sin and Hell, originally delivered by Aaron Salvato at the Good Lion School of Discipleship, we will explore the daunting idea that hell can, in a way, manifest here and now, through our actions and inactions. 😨How do personal sins contribute not only to our individual downfalls but also to societal injustices that echo the horrors of hell? 🤔Join us as we unpack these complex themes, challenging ourselves to recognize and uproot the sin within our own lives. 🌱Pulling from insights from Joshua Ryan Butler's book, the Skeletons in God's Closet, we take a closer look at the ways Hell can take root in our hearts. 📖And stay tuned, as in our next episode, we will address questions from our listeners, shedding further light on this dark yet vital topic. 💡If you would like to submit a follow-up question, you can do so by emailing us at [email protected]. 📧 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodlionpod.substack.com

Today, on the Good Lion Podcast, we explore the mysteries of sin, wrath, and the enigmatic concept of hell, a topic that stirs the soul and challenges the heart. How do we reconcile a God of infinite love with the doctrine of eternal punishment? What is hell? Is it merely a place, or could it be a present reality, as tangible as the air we breathe? In this episode, Aaron shares part of a lecture on sin and hell that was originally taught at the Good Lion School of discipleship with the goal of helping young Christians navigate these tumultuous waters. Through biblical texts and personal reflection, we explore the intricate dance between divine justice and mercy. Why would a loving God create a realm of eternal suffering? Is hell intended for humanity, or does its creation serve a different divine purpose entirely? And, are the flames of hell literal, or merely a metaphor? 🔥These are questions that haunt believers and skeptics alike. As we unpack these themes, prepare to be challenged, comforted, and perhaps even confronted by an issue we tend to avoid. You're listening to the Good Lion Podcast. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodlionpod.substack.com

In this episode (Part 2 in our series on the nature of Sin and Hell), Brian and I do something we rarely do – we disagree. We dive into the question: If the serpent hadn't shown up in Eden, would Adam and Eve have still sinned? It's a thought-provoking debate that not only questions the inevitability of sin but also challenges us to consider the dynamics of temptation and will.But our conversation doesn't stop there. We go beyond the debate to explore the broader implications of the Fall. How does this event shape our understanding of redemption, grace, and our journey with God? We're talking about the big stuff here – human nature, divine providence, and the complexities of our relationship with the Almighty.Join Brian and I as we navigate this respectful yet spirited debate. It's a journey back to the Garden of Eden, exploring, questioning, and learning together. Tune in and be a part of this enriching conversation!#TheSerpentsRole, #AdamAndEveDebate, #OriginalSin, #BiblicalTheology, #ChristianDialogue, #EdenDiscussion, #TheologicalDebate, #SinAndTemptation, #DivineProvidence, #GraceAndRedemption, #HumanNature, #ChristianPerspectives, #GardenOfEden, #FreeWillInScripture, #FaithAndUnderstanding, #ScripturalInsights, #RespectfulDisagreement, #TheologyPodcast, #ChristianDiscourse, #BiblicalNarratives----CHAPTERSIntro (00:00:00)The Debate: Would Adam and Eve Still Sin Without The Serpent? (00:00:58)Brian: Yes Because of Human Curiosity (00:01:11)Aaron: No Because of Human Innocence (00:03:39) The Consequences of Rebellion: A Deeper Look (00:09:53)The Role of Rebellion in Sin: A Conclusion (00:11:44)The Parenting Analogy: Understanding God's Perspective on Sin (00:13:55)God's Response to Deliberate Rebellion (00:20:07)The Hope in the Midst of Sin: A Gospel Presentation (00:30:22) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodlionpod.substack.com