In this engaging discussion, Adam Cox, a longtime friend of Jonathan Helser and author of "The God Story," shares his passion for helping others encounter God's love. They reminisce about their 25-year friendship and its transformative moments, emphasizing how personal perceptions of God shape identity and community. Adam discusses the power of storytelling in faith and mentorship's role in creative journeys. The conversation highlights the importance of belonging and identity through divine love, encouraging listeners to foster curiosity in their spiritual quests.
The podcast emphasizes the life-changing impact of transformative encounters with God, shaping personal identity and relationships.
Jonathan and Adam highlight the significance of sustained friendships grounded in faith, which facilitate communal growth and individual purpose.
Adam's book, 'The God Story,' encourages readers to see their lives as part of a larger divine narrative, inspiring engagement with scripture.
Deep dives
The Power of Transformative Encounters
The podcast highlights the profound impact of transformative encounters with God, particularly during a summer camp experience in 1998. Both Jonathan and Adam recount how they met as teenagers at a summer camp, where a moment of divine intervention reshaped their lives forever. Through heartfelt storytelling, they reveal that this encounter filled their hearts with an overwhelming sense of love and purpose, leading to a deep and lasting friendship. This foundational experience serves as a reminder of how pivotal moments with God can alter the course of one's life and relationships.
The Journey of Friendship and Ministry
Jonathan and Adam reflect on their two-decade-long friendship, emphasizing how their lives and ministries have been intertwined through shared experiences and mutual support. Adam's yearly teachings at the summer camps have deeply influenced both Jonathan and his community, helping countless students ignite their passion for God. Their conversation illustrates the significance of sustained friendships, grounded in faith and shared purpose, as essential for personal and communal growth. This journey showcases the beauty of collaboration in ministry and the wealth of wisdom gained over years of partnership.
Unveiling the Message of 'The God Story'
The podcast delves into the themes of Adam's newly released book, 'The God Story,' which reflects over 20 years of insights and teachings. The book aims to lead readers on a journey from familiarity to fascination with God, motivating them to see their lives woven into His larger narrative. Adam shares that this book is a culmination of their desire to help others grasp the depth and beauty of God's unfolding story throughout scripture. By illustrating how the story of God is intimately connected to personal identity and purpose, this work seeks to inspire readers to engage with the text in a transformative way.
The Road to Emmaus: A Metaphor for Renewal
The podcast features a powerful discussion around the biblical story of the two travelers on the road to Emmaus, serving as a metaphor for many individuals feeling lost and disillusioned. Adam and Jonathan propose that just as Jesus walked alongside these travelers, offering them understanding and hope through scripture, today’s generation also needs compassionate presence and guidance. They emphasize how the act of storytelling and recalling God’s truths can revive the weary heart and renew faith. By inviting others into meaningful conversations about Jesus, there is potential for significant personal and communal transformation.
Being Found and Formed in Community
Toward the end of the podcast, the idea of belonging to a community and the importance of familial connections emerges as a crucial theme. Jonathan and Adam discuss how being found by a loving Father is foundational to understanding one’s identity while also acknowledging that true transformation occurs within family and community. They emphasize that relationships with others can shape understanding of love, grace, and support, which are essential for personal development. This holistic approach of being both found by God and formed in community promotes flourishing for individuals and across society, reinforcing the reciprocal nature of divine love.
In this episode, Jonathan sits down with his longtime friend, Adam Cox. They reflect on their decades of friendship, and how Adam's passion for helping people encounter the unfailing love of God has impacted our community, and schools (The 18 Inch Journey).
Adam's first book, "The God Story," (co-authored by Alain Emerson) is a compelling and creative retelling of the biblical story to help you move from familiar to fascinated. It is out now and available wherever books are sold!
