The GoodLion Podcast

GoodLion is starting an online young adults ministry! Aaron preaches the first message on the importance of Faith, Hope, & Love in a world desperate for all three.-GoodLion Ministries is an online young adults discipleship group that focuses on helping young people follow the way of Jesus. We meet monday nights 6PM pst, where we have sermons and discussion. If you're interested in joining, email Aaron @ goodlionnetwork@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodlionpod.substack.com

When God made the world, he called it good... and yet when we look at the world today, a lot of times it doesn't really seem very good. It's filled with pandemics and violence and racism and division. And that's just this year, when we look back at human history, it is filled with all kinds of terrible things. We've talked to on this podcast about whether or not God causes evil, and while we recommend you go back and listen to those past episodes, our short answer was no, God doesn't cause evil, but he does allow it. Like with most areas of theology, when one question gets answered a thousand more troubling questions seem to rise up behind it. So if God doesn't allow evil, Isn't that really just as bad as him causing it? How can a good God allow evil to happen? If He allows it, is that really any better than him causing the evil in the first place?Aaron and Brian dive deep into this question on the GoodLion Podcast. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodlionpod.substack.com

Ask GoodLion: How are ways that Christians “major on the minors?” Aaron and Brian discuss eschatology, Calvinism / Arminiamism debates, LGBTQ issues, and how the way we talk about these things impacts our Kingdom Witness. ----------- Ask GoodLion is a video series from Aaron Salvato & Brian Higgins, two Bible-theology nerds and hosts of The GoodLion Podcast. These guys love theology, deep thinking, and asking tough questions. The tagline of their show is “No Easy Answers.” We here are GoodLion believe the Church should be a place where talking through questions should be normal, and so we hope this series is helpful to you as you explore your faith well. Aaron & Brian are the founders of the GoodLion Podcast Network, where they serve as creative and spiritual directors. PodCast Video Content Submit A Question Join Our Discord Check Out The GoodLion Podcast Network Donate This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodlionpod.substack.com

Ask GoodLion: Are words necessary when preaching the Gospel, or is the often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi quote “Preach the Gospel.... and if Necessary use words” good advice? Aaron and Brian dive into the necessity of preaching when it comes to “preaching the Gospel.” -------------------Ask GoodLion is a video series from Aaron Salvato & Brian Higgins, two Bible-theology nerds and hosts of The GoodLion Podcast (https://goodlion.io/glp/​). These guys love theology, deep thinking, and asking tough questions. The tagline of their show is “No Easy Answers.” We here are GoodLion believe the Church should be a place where talking through questions should be normal, and so we hope this series is helpful to you as you explore your faith well.  Aaron & Brian are the founders of the GoodLion Podcast Network, where they serve as creative and spiritual directors.  PodCast (https://goodlion.io/glp/​Video Content (https://goodlion.io/glp/video​Submit A Question (https://app.sli.do/event/t9x4j93p/liv...​Join Our Discord (https://discord.gg/w8h9aHqHE5​Check Out The GoodLion Podcast Network (https://goodlion.io/​Donate (https://goodlion.io/support/​ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodlionpod.substack.com

Aaron gets invited to come onto Brenna Blain's podcast "Can I Say That?", a podcast that tackles tough topics around Christianity and faith. In the episode, Aaron speaks with Brenna about the topic of Progressive Christianity. What is progressive Christianity? What are some common held beliefs of those who would consider themselves to be progressive Christians? Why is this an important topic to study?Like most things we talk about on the show, we tried to cover it with a ton of grace and compassion, but that doesn't stop Aaron from issuing some warnings to those who feel they are drifting towards a more "progressive Christianity." He communicates reasons for why he truly believes it is not the right path to be on for those seeking faithfulness to Jesus. At the same time he tries to critique some of the extremes on the other side that often drive people to progressive Christianity.Afterwards, Aaron and Brian Higgins get together to close the episode by diving further into the topic.You may not agree with everything in this episode, but we truly hope you can sense the love we feel towards anyone struggling with their faith, and the heart we have to see people walking with Jesus despite challenges and difficulties. Wherever you fall on the Christian spectrum, take a listen to the episode and let us know if it helped you, or even if you have some pushback! You can contact us at our email, goodlionnetwork@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodlionpod.substack.com

In this episode, we dive into some dangerous territory: questions about God's sovereignty. The sovereignty of God can be an extremely challenging topic for Christians. A lot of the debate centers on the phrase "God is in control." What do we mean when we say God is in control? For many, this question leads to an even bigger one: if God is in control, does that mean he causes evil and suffering?Brian and Aaron contrast two theological views of the issue, one framed by renowned reformed pastor John Piper and the other by seminary professor Dr. Gerry Breshears. They discuss why they prefer one view over the other. The guys also get into the Biblical story of Joseph, the phrase "what you meant for evil God meant for good," and what this passage implies (and does not imply) about God's sovereignty.Then we take some hard looks at what extreme positions have to be adopted if we embrace Piper's view of God being the author behind human sins. Finally, we end with a look at prof. Gerry Breshears's framework for what it means to be "Calminian", or rather, a Christian who holds the sovereignty of God and the free will God affords to man in a healthy tension. To read more about his views, you can check out this document:https://www.dropbox.com/s/725jk999gbk6vnw/Calminian.doc?dl=0On the next episode, we will dive into the question: "isn't God allowing suffering just as bad as causing it?"All this and more on the GoodLion Podcast! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodlionpod.substack.com

Brenna Blain (host of the Can I Say That? Podcast) shares her story about the unique challenges of being a same sex attracted woman of faith. She tells us about her testimony of following Jesus, what led her to embrace an orthodox view of sexuality and faith,  the important role that sensitive/empathetic youth ministry can play in a SSA child's life, and answers questions like "are all Christians called to be straight?" It's a nuanced conversation and we hope it helps you in your walk with Jesus and your pursuit of growing in understanding about this extremely important topic.  Hosts: Aaron Salvato & Brian Higgins For more GoodLion Podcast find us on apple podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...​) or anywhere you listen!  Or check out our website https://goodlion.io/glp/​ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodlionpod.substack.com

No one wants to admit they are weak. Our culture puts a high value on strength. But even the strongest among us have weaknesses. Everyone does, even though we all try to mask it. In this episode, Aaron and Brian open up about their own weaknesses and vulnerabilities, how they have effected them in life and ministry, and most importantly, how they have found strength in Christ in their moments of weakness.1 Corinthians 12:9-11“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodlionpod.substack.com

Aaron sits down with his old friend Jordan and her boyfriend (now fiancé since the time of this recording!) Hip-Hop and R&B artist Jon Keith to discuss dating, sex, and waiting for marriage to engage in sexuality. In this culture it's harder than ever for couples to wait, and many don't even really have a theology for "why" they should wait or what the purpose is. Many people who have struggled and made mistakes in this area are constantly battling guilt and shame and finding it difficult to feel right with God. In this episode, Jordan and Jon Keith have a candid and open discussion about the reality of the struggle of sexual sin, temptation, porn,  guilt, shame, hope, redemption, and repentance. They describe what it looks like to follow Jesus in today's sexually saturated culture, and what it looks like to walk through this struggle as a couple. It's a great discussion and we hope it points you to Jesus and helps you follow him closer in your romantic relationships!––The GoodLion podcast is a show by Aaron Salvato and Brian Higgins, the founders of CGN’s GoodLion Podcast Network. Each episode, their goal is to ask hard questions, push past easy answers and always look to Jesus, the God who is not safe but is very good. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodlionpod.substack.com

The way to win is not through violence, revolution, or political power. The way to win is through the person of Jesus, and for Christ followers our strategy is laid out all throughout scripture.This is how you win:Remember that our leader Jesus has overcome the world, the battle is already won. (John 16:33)Do not use violence as a method of bringing about God’s kingdom. He who lives by the sword dies by the sword. (Matthew 26:52)Remember the Kingdom of God was never meant to be brought to bear through violent revolution. The kingdom is “not of this world!”(John 18:36)Go and make disciples! Preach the Gospel. Preach the Gospel. Preach the Gospel. Help people learn what it means to follow Jesus. This Is The Way. (Matthew 28:16-20)Love your enemy. Pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:43-48)Be willing to lay down your rights and liberties for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 9-11)EXPECT to be persecuted (John 15:20) and instead of complaining when it happens, count it all joy. (Matthew 5:11 + Colossians 1:24)Overcome evil not with more evil, but with good. (Romans 12:21)Be literally willing to go the extra mile for anyone, even your enemies, for the sake of winning them over to Jesus. (Matthew 5:41)Avoid being consumed with conspiracies and endless arguments. Point people not to theories, but to WHO you know to be absolute truth. (Isaiah 8:12 ) (James 4:1-2) (John 14:6)Lead a quiet and humble life. Work hard and don’t stir up trouble, work to win the respect of non believers.(1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)Devote yourself to prayer! (Colossians 4:2)Confess your sins to one another and pray for each other! Repent and help others repent. (James 5:16)Be willing to speak truth to power even when it inconveniences you. (Mark 6:14-29)Never. Stop. Forgiving. (Matthew 18:21-22)Make peace. (Matthew 5:9)Do justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly with God. (Micah 6:8)Speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves,ex: the vulnerable, the poor, and the needy. (Proverbs 31:8-9)Don’t put your trust in earthly rulers, they cannot save you and they WILL fail you. (Psalm 146:3-7)Make your identity LOVE. Be KNOWN for how you love. (John 13:35)---We've never seen people more divided in our lifetime. For those of us who are disciples of Jesus, we urge you to start asking these questions:1. How can I personally help heal this divide?2. How can I reach someone for Jesus who's views are opposite of mine?3. How can I let go of bitterness towards those I feel are my enemy?4. How can I help radicalized people on both sides of the political spectrum find their hope not in earthly leaders but in Christ?5. How can I be a person of peace?6. How can I stand up for what is right while also working hard to reach those who I believe are wrong?These are the questions we must be asking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodlionpod.substack.com