Jason and Brooke connect with Ian Simkins and talk about community, the role of the table in ministry, and our identity being discovered in knowing ourselves as “the one Jesus loves.”

They dive into the challenges of tribalism and division and the need for curiosity and humility in engaging with others. Themes of self-worth, identity, and the concept of being loved are discussed as they explore the impact of workaholism, the need for validation, and the struggle to find value beyond accomplishments.

The conversation addresses the practical implications of being loved, the correlation between self-love and loving others, the importance of operating from a place of rest, the concept of mystery in faith, the beauty of curiosity, and the significance of valuing interruptions.

This is the first of four conversations with Mathew Hester, focused on his book, The Rorschach God, and Jason's book, Leaving and Finding Jesus.

In this conversation, Matthew and Jason explore the idea that our experiences and perspectives shape our image of God and how this can lead to a distorted view. They emphasize the need to trust in God's goodness, as Jesus revealed, and to live in the freedom of knowing that we are loved and accepted by Him. The conversation also touches on relational theology, the nature of the Father, and the shift from a separation gospel to a gospel of union.

Jesus says to His followers, “As the Father sent me, so send I you.” And so, how did He conquer? Read John 1:35-51. 1)He went for a walk; maybe you could go for a walk in your neighbor’s world. 2) He asked questions; maybe you could ask your neighbor, “What is it that you want?” 3) He invited folks to “come and see.” 4) He valued incompetence. 5) He made people competent. 6) He wasn’t easily offended. 7) He celebrated honesty. 8) He recognized the Kingdom at hand: God’s dream planted in His neighbor’s heart. 9) He is the Kingdom at hand: God’s dream planted in the heart of Adam.

He said to Nathaniel, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending (NOT on a piece of real estate) on the Son of Man.” I think He’s saying, “I am Israel, and I am the firstborn from whom you stole the birthright. I am the presence of the Father from whom you stole the blessing. I am your birthright and blessing. I am the edge of the Promised Land: Eden. I am taking you home to the Tree of Life in the middle of the Garden. I am the Son of God, and the Son of Man. God is my Father. Man is my mother. You, Adam, will give birth to me and all things with me. I am the decision to humble oneself and join the dance.”

There is an old Jerusalem built with stones, and it’s been condemned. And there is a New Jerusalem descending from God even now. It is your birthright, and it’s filled with the blessing which includes every Jew and every Arab; it includes Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau, Cain and Abel. “For whatever you do to the least of these my brothers,” says the firstborn, “you do to me.”

10) He invited folks to come and see His heart. And sometimes a body has to be broken for a heart to be revealed.