Today, we're diving deep into something I know a lot of us deal with: perfectionism.That constant, nagging feeling that no matter what you do, it’s never quite enough. You pour your heart and soul into everything, trying to live up to these impossible standards—whether it's the ones you set for yourself or the ones you feel from the world around you.But here’s the truth: perfectionism is a trap.In this episode, we’ll talk about the pressure we feel to perform and to present our lives as flawless—especially in a world driven by social media and comparison culture. We’ll get real about the toll this takes on our mental health—how perfectionism breeds anxiety, sucks the joy out of life, and leaves us feeling like we’re constantly falling short.But there’s another way to live, a way that frees us from the pressure to be perfect. So, if you’re tired of striving, if you’re exhausted from trying to measure up, this episode is for you.We’re going to talk about grace, letting go, and finding peace in the fact that you’re enough, not because of your efforts, but because of who you are to Jesus.

Hey everyone, it’s been a while since I've put out new episodes on this show! Life, as it does, has gotten in the way. The busyness of work, family, all the unexpected curveballs that come with being a husband and a dad, and running both an itinerant ministry and a small business. But today, something shifted. I felt this nudge, like God was saying, "It’s time to share again." So here I am, back in my little backyard podcast studio, feeling inspired to talk about what God’s been teaching me lately—through the process of raising my son, Jack. I’ve learned so much these past years. Things I didn’t see coming, things I didn’t even know I needed to learn. You know how it goes... you think you’re the one doing the teaching. You’ve got the wisdom, the guidance, the "dad lessons" ready to pass down... and then... suddenly, you realize it’s actually you being shaped. You’re the one learning. And it’s happening in the small moments—bedtime stories, scraped knees, and those sweet, chaotic days that you wish could last forever and end all at the same time. In this episode, I want to share some of those moments with you. This episode is a snapshot of fatherhood, and a glimpse at the heart of God the father for His children. So, whether you’re a parent or not, I hope today’s episode blesses you. In the process of us raising our children, God is raising us too. - Aaron Salvato

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.🙏

Delving into the intense theological debates on hell, the podcast explores the reconciliation of God's love and justice. Recommendations are given for further reading to understand the complexities. Encouraging navigation of these turbulent waters with unyielding grace, the podcast offers clarity and hope in the unchanging love of God.

Explore how selfish actions contribute to 'hell on earth' and the importance of identifying suffering's roots. Learn how to reclaim joy through hope and courage, and take practical steps to escape despair. Embrace God's love for freedom and fullness, shining light in a dark world.

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. 🎙️

Exploring the roots of sin and suffering, the podcast delves into how personal sins contribute to societal injustices. Drawing insights from Joshua Ryan Butler's book, the discussion highlights the ways Hell can take root in our hearts. Stay tuned for the next episode addressing listener questions on this dark yet vital topic.

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.

In this episode (Part 2 in our series on the nature of Sin and Hell), Brian and I do something we rarely do – we disagree. We dive into the question: If the serpent hadn't shown up in Eden, would Adam and Eve have still sinned? It's a thought-provoking debate that not only questions the inevitability of sin but also challenges us to consider the dynamics of temptation and will. But our conversation doesn't stop there. We go beyond the debate to explore the broader implications of the Fall. How does this event shape our understanding of redemption, grace, and our journey with God? We're talking about the big stuff here – human nature, divine providence, and the complexities of our relationship with the Almighty. Join Brian and I as we navigate this respectful yet spirited debate. It's a journey back to the Garden of Eden, exploring, questioning, and learning together. Tune in and be a part of this enriching conversation! #TheSerpentsRole, #AdamAndEveDebate, #OriginalSin, #BiblicalTheology, #ChristianDialogue, #EdenDiscussion, #TheologicalDebate, #SinAndTemptation, #DivineProvidence, #GraceAndRedemption, #HumanNature, #ChristianPerspectives, #GardenOfEden, #FreeWillInScripture, #FaithAndUnderstanding, #ScripturalInsights, #RespectfulDisagreement, #TheologyPodcast, #ChristianDiscourse, #BiblicalNarratives ---- CHAPTERS Intro (00:00:00) The Debate: Would Adam and Eve Still Sin Without The Serpent? (00:00:58) Brian: Yes Because of Human Curiosity (00:01:11) Aaron: No Because of Human Innocence (00:03:39) The Consequences of Rebellion: A Deeper Look (00:09:53) The Role of Rebellion in Sin: A Conclusion (00:11:44) The Parenting Analogy: Understanding God's Perspective on Sin (00:13:55) God's Response to Deliberate Rebellion (00:20:07) The Hope in the Midst of Sin: A Gospel Presentation (00:30:22)

In this episode, Brian Higgins and I dive into a topic that's foundational yet often elusive – the nature of sin. This isn't just another rundown of wrongdoings; it's a profound theological exploration that invites you to rethink what you know about sin. We attempt at peeling back the layers to reveal sin not as a mere catalogue of missteps, but as a deep, underlying corruption that affects every part of our being. Drawing from the rich tapestry of Scripture, we start in the Garden of Eden, uncovering insights about God’s intentions and mankind’s fall. We then navigate through the complex terrain of the Seven Deadly Sins, seeing them as symptoms of a much deeper spiritual ailment. This episode is designed to challenge and deepen your understanding, bridging the gap between ancient biblical texts and our contemporary struggles. It's an invitation to engage with one of the most pivotal concepts in Christian theology and to discover the radical necessity of grace in our lives. #BiblicalTheology, #UnderstandingSin, #ChristianDiscourse, #FaithExploration, #ScriptureInsights, #SpiritualJourney, #TheologyTalk, #DeepDiveFaith, #GenesisContext, #SevenDeadlySins, #SpiritualCorruption, #FallenNature, #GraceAndSalvation, #ChristianPodcast, #SinAndRedemption, #GardenOfEdenAnalysis, #FaithfulReflections, #ChristianLifeChallenges, #DiscipleshipFocus, #ScripturalWisdom --- (00:00:02) Introduction to the Nature of Sin (00:00:53) Welcome to the GoodLion Podcast (00:02:55) Understanding Sin: A Deeper Dive (00:05:53) Sin as a Dark Destructive Force (00:07:55) Sin as Rebellion: The Genesis Account (00:19:59) Sin as a Symptom: The Seven Deadly Sins (00:29:24) Sin as Rebellion and Personal Responsibility (00:36:13) Conclusion and Farewell