The Beginning

This message offers a profound and expansive exploration of how our perception of God can influence our lives and relationships. Jason emphasizes that understanding God as a triune entity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is essential for grasping the fullness of God's love and relational nature. By starting with the premise that "God is Love" and viewing God as a family in perfect unity, Jason presents a compassionate and intimate vision of the divine.&nbsp;This perspective encourages believers to see themselves as part of this divine family, loved and accepted unconditionally. It challenges the view of God as a distant, singular judge and replaces it with an image of a relational, loving, and inclusive God. This shift can profoundly affect how one lives, interacts with others, and understands their own worth and purpose.&nbsp;Jason’s insights into historical and theological foundations, such as the Nicene Creed and the writings of early Church Fathers, add depth to his arguments, showing that this relational understanding of God is not new but rooted in Christian tradition.&nbsp;By addressing common misconceptions and inviting a re-evaluation of how we see and relate to God, Jason opens the door to a more fulfilling and transformative spiritual journey. This approach aligns with the belief that our view of God directly impacts our emotional and spiritual well-being, influencing how we experience love, trust, and connection in our lives.

God/Perichoresis

<p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; font-family: &quot;.SF NS&quot;; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;">In this episode Jason is reframing the Christian understanding of God and Jesus as a story of love, rather than one of fear, judgment, or punishment. Jason explores how many people, including himself , have experienced a distant, legalistic view of God and how that perception distorts the true essence of Christianity. He argues that the cosmos was created out of love, and that understanding God’s relationship with humanity through this lens reveals a deeper, more intimate connection between God, Jesus, and ourselves. Jason also critiques the common portrayal of God as punitive and instead presents Jesus as someone who not only rescues but also invites us into a loving, ongoing relationship.
<p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; font-family: &quot;.SF NS&quot;; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; min-height: 16px;"> 
<p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; font-family: &quot;.SF NS&quot;; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;">He draws on personal reflections, biblical scripture, and theological analysis to emphasize that we are all part of a love story, chosen by God before creation, and that recognizing this can transform how we live and experience our faith.

We Are In A Love Story

Jason Wilkins dives into the complex and often misunderstood concept of “picking up your cross” within Christian teachings. The episode begins by addressing the common beliefs about being born again, becoming a new creation, and the struggle between our old and new lives.&nbsp;Jason explores the varying interpretations of “picking up your cross” across different Christian denominations, sharing his personal experiences with the concept and how it impacted his life. He critically examines the traditional view that this means denying oneself, giving up personal desires and passions, and constantly striving to be more like Jesus.&nbsp;Through a thoughtful analysis of biblical texts, particularly the statements made by Jesus in the Gospels, Jason argues that the phrase “pick up your cross” was directed specifically at the disciples, who faced real physical danger. He suggests that the broader Christian community may have misunderstood and overemphasized this statement, leading to harmful doctrines and unnecessary self-denial.&nbsp;The episode also sheds light on John the Baptist’s statement, “I must decrease so He can increase,” providing historical context and clarifying its true meaning. Jason highlights the importance of recognizing our inherent value and the love God has for us, rather than seeing ourselves as enemies of God needing constant correction.&nbsp;Jason concludes by encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves and the relationship God desires with us, without the burden of a misconceived need for daily self-crucifixion. He advocates for a life where one’s desires and accomplishments are celebrated as part of God’s plan, emphasizing rest and trust in God’s guidance over self-denial.&nbsp;This episode challenges traditional teachings, offering a refreshing perspective that aligns with the loving and relational nature of the Trinity, and invites believers to live fully in their identity as beloved children of God.

A Different Lens with Jason Wilkins

The Beginning

God/Perichoresis

We Are In A Love Story

Do We Die To Ourselves?