The GoodLion Podcast Aaron Salvato & Brian Higgins

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.

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🔥 Exploring Hell: The Big Debate

In 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 Journey

We 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!



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📚 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.


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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 Question

Our 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 Solutions

We 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 Forward

Aaron 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 Question

Got a question you'd like us to explore? Email goodlionnetwork@gmail.com to submit it for future episodes!


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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. 🎙️

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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 goodlionnetwork@gmail.com. 📧

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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.

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