Are You Listening‪?‬ James H. Tippins

Conversations That Transform – Part 2: Finding Joy, Clarity, and Purpose in Every Word







Video Link: In this continuation of "Are You Listening?", Dr. James Tippins explores the remaining principles of how our conversations, inspired by the Word of God, can lead to transformation. Dive into the discussion as we uncover how our words can illuminate, guide, and bring peace. Learn how to nurture growth through intentional dialogue and imagine a life where every conversation is an opportunity for change. Join us for Part 2 of this enlightening series.







Podcast Notes (Part 2: Points 11-20):









* Metaphor of Light:



* Words as light that dispel darkness in others' lives.







* Proof Texts: Matthew 5:14-15; Ephesians 5:8











* Purpose in Every Word:



* Every word should build up and give grace.







* Proof Texts: Ephesians 4:29; Proverbs 18:4











* Overcoming Negativity:



* Using words to counteract negative narratives and spread positivity.







* Proof Texts: Philippians 4:8; Romans 12:2











* Example of Jesus:



* Jesus' transformative conversations as a model for us.







* Proof Texts: John 4:13-14; John 8:12











* Inviting Others In:



* Creating a tapestry of understanding and support through shared conversations.







* Proof Texts: Romans 15:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:14











* The Role of Listening:



* Effective conversations start with truly hearing others.







* Proof Texts: James 1:19; Proverbs 18:13











* Cultural Engagement:



* Thoughtful engagement with culture reflecting Christ’s love.







* Proof Texts: 1 Corinthians 9:22; Colossians 4:5-6











* Creative Purpose in Life:



* Sharing ideas and dreams to inspire and motivate each other.







* Proof Texts: 1 Peter 4:10; Ephesians 2:10











* Nurturing Growth:



* Nurturing relationships through consistent, loving conversations.







* Proof Texts: Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 3:13











* Imagine Your Life:



* Envisioning a life where every conversation transforms and brings joy, clarity, and purpose.







* Proof Texts: Ephesians 4:15; Proverbs 12:25

Video Link: In this episode of "Are You Listening?" Dr. James Tippins delves into the transformative power of conversations grounded in the Word of God. Join us as we explore the first ten principles of how hearing and speaking the truth of Christ can bring joy, clarity, and purpose into our lives and the lives of those around us. Discover how our words can be vessels of grace, build community, and foster healing. Don't miss this insightful discussion that will inspire you to use your conversations for positive change.







Podcast Notes (Part 1: Points 1-10):









* The Power of the Word:



* The transformative nature of God's Word, likened to a seed that changes everything around it.







* Proof Texts: Isaiah 55:11; Hebrews 4:12











* Transformation through Hearing:



* Faith comes from hearing the Word of Christ, renewing our hearts and minds.







* Proof Texts: Romans 10:17; James 1:22











* Speaking Life:



* Our words, empowered by Christ, have the power to build up and encourage.







* Proof Texts: Proverbs 18:21; Ephesians 4:29











* Conversations that Matter:



* Speaking with intention and love opens doors to transformation.







* Proof Texts: Colossians 4:6; Proverbs 15:4











* The Ripple Effect:



* Words create ripples of influence far beyond the initial conversation.







* Proof Texts: Galatians 6:9; Matthew 5:16











* Empowerment through Truth:



* Grounded in Christ's truth, our words offer strength and guidance.







* Proof Texts: John 8:32; 2 Timothy 1:7











* Building Community:



* Early Church's devotion to fellowship and teaching as a model for us.







* Proof Texts: Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24-25











* Healing through Words:



* Gracious words bring healing and sweetness to the soul.







* Proof Texts: Proverbs 16:24; Proverbs 12:18











* Creating Space for New Conversations:



* Intentional spaces for discussions on Church, Christian living, and culture.







* Proof Texts: Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:11











* Living Out Our Faith:



* Conversations as opportunities to live out and share our faith.







* Proof Texts: James 2:17; 1 Peter 3:15

For 26 years, I've pastored.







I have learned much... but not as much as I thought I had.







My new focus is more aligned with Scripture in being and living. Anyone can know anything... but to know God in spirit and truth is to know him through love and mind.







As GraceTruth Church, we're breaking free from the traditions that keep us from being our true selves. We believe in the power of intimacy and authenticity. It's about more than just going through the motions—it's about being REAL and understanding the ROOT of our purpose in Christ.







Imagine a place where you don't have to hide who you are. A place where you can share your struggles and triumphs without fear of judgment. That's what we strive for as GraceTruth Church. We want you to feel safe and loved just as you are.







Being REAL means being honest with ourselves and with God. It means embracing our flaws and trusting that God's love covers us completely. We don't have to put on a facade or pretend to be perfect. In Christ, we find the freedom to be genuine and to grow.







Knowing the ROOT of our purpose gives us direction and strength. Our purpose in Christ is to love, serve, and grow in faith. When we understand this, we can live with more joy and confidence. We become a light to others, showing them the same love and acceptance we have found.







We are GraceTruth Church, a community that supports each other and helps us grow. Experience the joy of being truly known and loved. Discover the freedom that comes from being REAL and knowing your ROOT in Christ.







Come as you are, and let's journey together.

In the last decade, and more so in the last three years, I've embarked on a path of deep exploration and bold exposition in areas often left uncharted or merely skimmed over by the broader Christian community. I make no apologies for this pursuit. It's a deliberate, intentional dive into the complexities and nuances of living a life rooted in Christ—a path not chosen lightly, but with a fervent desire to understand, to grow, and to challenge not only myself but also those who walk this journey with me.







This exploration is not a rebellion against the foundations of our faith but a quest to deepen our roots in the rich soil of Christ's teachings. As I delve into themes of authenticity in faith, the interplay between our spiritual beliefs and societal engagement, and the freedom found in Christ's sovereignty, my aim is to bring these conversations to the forefront of our collective consciousness. It's through engaging with these challenging topics that we, as a faith community, can grow to be more mindful, more authentic, and more impactful in our walk with Christ.







Together, let us question, seek, and explore the vast dimensions of what it means to be in Christ. Let this not be a journey marked by fear of stepping into the unknown, but rather by the courage to face it head-on, guided by the truth of the Gospel. As we engage in this way, let us inspire one another toward a deeper, more vibrant understanding and practice of our faith.







Exploring the Concept of Authenticity in Faith







Being true to oneself stands as a cornerstone of worship and service, echoing the scriptural call for a heart that is sincere and undivided before God. This authenticity is not merely a personal ideal but a biblical imperative that underpins genuine joy and fulfillment in life. In the pursuit of living authentically, individuals are encouraged to shed pretenses and embrace their true selves in the presence of God, fostering a deeper connection with the divine. Romans 12:9 underscores this by urging, "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good," highlighting the importance of sincerity and truth in one’s faith journey.







Non-Theological Engagement







The dialogue extends beyond the traditional confines of theology, scripture, or Christ, venturing into realms that, while seemingly secular, deeply resonate with a Christian worldview. This approach underscores the interconnectedness of faith with all life aspects, affirming the relevance of Christian principles in addressing a broad spectrum of topics from daily challenges to global issues. Acts 17:28 illustrates this interconnectedness: "In him we live and move and have our being," reminding us that God’s presence and influence permeate every aspect of our existence.







The Church and Cultural Engagement







A critical examination of the church's role vis-à-vis the wider world reveals a pressing need for leaders and congregations alike to step beyond the familiar territory of "Christian life." This venture involves not just a passive observation but an active, informed engagement with cultural and societal dynamics. Such a stance demands a robust critique of the church's current engagement strategies, urging a shift towards a more Jesus-centric understanding and interaction with the world. Romans 12:2 challenges the church to this transformative engagement: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."







Freedom and Sovereignty in Christ







The recognition of divine sovereignty serves as a liberating force, granting believers the freedom to explore and express their faith across various domai...

I Ain't Scared of No Post







We live in a world where the essence of who we truly are is often buried under the heavy weight of societal norms and expectations. It's a world that demands conformity, often at the expense of our individuality and the unique light we each carry within us. But today, I stand before you to challenge this status quo, to call into question the narratives we've been handed down, and to assert a profound truth that might seem audacious to some. A year ago I posted a short note to myself where some of these ideas were just being born.







For too long, we've been told that to focus on ourselves, to prioritize our growth and our happiness, is somehow selfish or wrong. To this, I say it's time we call out this falsehood for what it is. It's time we take a good, hard look at ourselves—not through the lens of what culture dictates, but through the understanding of who we are at our core.







My journey has been one of navigating through life without the compass of free intuition. You know the saying, "Don't trust the heart." Well, I've lived it. And in the absence of this trust, fear became my guide, my motivator, and, unexpectedly, my teacher. I learned a long time ago that perfect love casts out fear, and if I'm unable to see this, I'm still navigating through life with a blindfold on, regardless of what I believe I know.







Now, with a clearer vision than ever before, I've come to understand something crucial: If you don't love yourself, you're unable to fully embrace the love of others, let alone the love of the divine. And how can you possibly offer genuine love to those around you?







I choose life. Life chose me. I'm alive, and for the first time, I understand why.







It's with this newfound clarity and purpose that I invite you to join me in exploring how we can turn our fears into fuel. This isn't just a metaphorical concept; it's a practical, tangible strategy for personal development and for instigating real change in our lives and in the world around us.







Together, let's discover twelve ways to harness this powerful force, transforming our fears from shadows that haunt us into lights that guide our way. This journey is not about dismissing fear, but about understanding its role, embracing it, and ultimately, learning how to use it as a catalyst for growth, creativity, and transformation.







So, let's dive deep into the complexities of human psychology, societal conditioning, and the transformative power of fear. It's a journey that promises to be as challenging as it is rewarding, but I assure you, it's one worth taking. Together, we can turn fear into a fuel for our development and the betterment of our world. Let's embark on this journey, not just as individuals, but as a community committed to change.







1. Recognize Fear as a Signpost, Not a Roadblock. Fear is not the enemy; it's a guide. It signals areas of our lives that require attention, growth, or change. Acknowledging fear as a signpost empowers us to confront our anxieties head-on, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.







2. Embrace Vulnerability as Strength. Vulnerability is often mistaken for weakness, yet it's the foundation of courage and change. By embracing our fears and vulnerabilities, we open ourselves to genuine connection with others and our own authentic selves, catalyzing personal and communal transformation.







3. Reclaim Your Narrative. Society scripts narratives that dictate who we should be, often miring us in fear of nonconformity. Reclaiming your narrative means acknowledging ...

A rose.







Strong, vibrant, centered, open, fully bloomed, receiving the eyes and attention of others, absorbing the morning dews as new ideas of a created world ready to be discovered.







Beside this vibrant bloom are closed buds, ready to be understood, heard, and seen. But ultimately, we know that there are the blooms long gone, brittle stems of what used to be. And all of these guarded by a stem, with thorns, that transcend life itself, holding the fragile together, a friend.







But the ROOT is what I do not show. The source, the life, the breath from which it all flows.  This is me. I am in the soil. The flower is my life, my voice, my mind... may it grow for others to be empowered to rise from their own place from the Earth and live.

Original Poem: James Tippins May 2023