Encounter Grace Podcast

Why do the opening pages of the Bible matter so much—for our faith, our lives, and the world we’re trying to love well?In this episode, we introduce a new Encounter Grace segment, “Why This Matters,” where we slow down and revisit foundational truths that quietly shape everything else. And there’s no better place to start than Genesis 1–3—the introduction not only to Scripture, but to reality itself.We explore how these three chapt...

We all want change—but most of us don’t know where to start. Big goals feel overwhelming, and trying to change everything at once usually leads to nothing changing at all.In this first episode of our new year-long series, 1 Habit to Change Your Life, we start with the foundation: how habits actually work—and why they quietly determine the shape and direction of your life.Drawing from everyday experience, brain science, and lived wi...

In this episode of Encounter Grace, Jason sits down with Dr. Matthew Bingham to explore his deeply insightful book, A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation. Together they unpack the biblical idea of “heart-keeping,” the difference between spiritual formation and sanctification, and why the Puritans still offer such a practical, refreshing vision of everyday discipleship.

Dr. Bingham walks through the class...

What if the key to transforming your relationships is simply learning to recognize the type of conversation you’re actually in?

In this episode of Encounter Grace, Jason and Justin unpack the big ideas from Charles Duhigg’s book Supercommunicators and explore why some people connect instantly—while others constantly talk past each other.

You’ll learn:

✨ The 3 types of conversations happening in every relationship
✨ Why communicatio...

Your memories are shaping your faith more than you realize.

Curt Thompson says we don’t actually remember the past — we remember the last version of the past. And those remembered stories become the scripts that guide our reactions, relationships, anxieties, hopes… even how we hear God.

In this episode of Encounter Grace, Jason and Justin explore how God meets us inside our memories to bring healing, reframing, and lasting spiritual ...

Gratitude doesn’t just restore you… it re-stories you.

As we move from Thanksgiving into Advent, we all long for the same four things: peace, hope, joy, and love. But how do we actually cultivate them in real life—not just as ideas on a Christmas card?

In this episode of Encounter Grace, Jason and Justin unpack the surprising key the Bible and neuroscience both point to: gratitude.

Not the vague feeling… the practiced habit.

We explore...

When God is the perfect communicator and His Word isunchanging… why do Christians so often disagree about what He’s saying?

In this episode Jason and Justin unpack the trajectory of theology—how God’s truth is revealed and then received through five key filters: Tradition, Culture, Reason, Experience, and Personal Temperament.

You’ll see why no one reads the Bible in a vacuum, how yourbackground and personality color your theology,...

Ever felt like your faith just isn’t working anymore? Like what used to bring you close to God now feels dry or confusing? You’re not alone.

In this episode of Encounter Grace, Jason and Justin unpack “The Critical Journey” by Janet Hagberg and Robert Guelich — a powerful roadmap of the six stages of faith that every believer walks through on the journey toward maturity and love.

You’ll learn:
 The six stages of faith and how to r...

It feels like we’re shouting past each other more than ever. Politics, social issues, even church debates — conversations turn into conflicts faster than ever before. But what if there was a way to disagree without destroying relationships?

In this episode of Encounter Grace, Jason and Justin unpack how Christians can navigate polarization with wisdom, humility, and grace. They’ll explore why we’re so divided, what faithful dialogue...

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church—and the world changed forever. But this wasn’t the start of the Reformation—it was the tipping point. In this episode of Encounter Grace, Jason and Justin trace the story behind the moment that reclaimed the gospel from corruption and confusion. Discover what led to Luther’s bold stand, why it spread like wildfire across Europe, and ...

What is Christian Universalism—and does the Bible support it? 👀

In this episode of Encounter Grace, Jason and Justin tackle a listener question about whether God’s love could extend beyond death and eventually bring everyone into salvation through Christ.

We explore this in four parts:

1️⃣ Definitions – What’s the difference between Universalism, Inclusivism, and Christian Universalism?

2️⃣ The Case For – What Scriptural arguments se...

In this episode of Encounter Grace, Jason and Justin explore how to move beyond simply reading the Bible for information or inspiration — toward experiencing spiritual formation and deep communion with God. Many Christians open their Bibles looking for a quick “spiritual boost,” but what if Scripture offers more than that? From learning facts about God to becoming more like Him, discover how your posture toward God’s Word can lead ...

In this episode of Encounter Grace, Jason and Justin explore how to move your daily time with God from a checklist to a life-giving encounter. Discover the three timeless practices that keep your heart burning with love and purpose: Scripture, Prayer, and Meditation. Learn how each one draws you into deeper communion with God and transforms your inner life. Whether you’re just starting or want to rekindle your devotional life, this...

In part 2 of our discussion on forgiveness, Jason & Susan walk through step-by-step Christian forgiveness: meet with God, list people and specific offenses, name the emotions, confess bitterness, choose to forgive out loud, relinquish resentment, and pray to bless your offender. They unpack forgiveness vs. reconciliation vs. restored relationship/trust (forgiveness = unilateral decision of the will; reconciliation = two-way; re...

In light of Erika Kirk’s public decision to forgive her husband's killer, we’re revisiting this foundational conversation on biblical forgiveness. Jason and Susan unpack what forgiveness is (a willful choice to release the debt) and what it isn’t(not forgetting, not a feeling, not pretending it didn’t matter). Starting with God’s heart (Ex. 34; Ps. 51; Ps. 103; Mic. 7; 1 Jn. 1:9), they explore why forgiveness is the “currency o...

Revelation often feels like the intimidating “new kid in class”—mysterious, overwhelming, and maybe even a little scary. But what if it’s actually God’s personal invitation to communion with Him? In this episode, Jason breaks down the heart of Revelation into a simple bumper-sticker truth: God wins. We suffer. Don’t compromise. From throne scenes to suffering saints, from apocalyptic imagery to timeless encouragement, this conversa...

Why do we so often feel stuck in the same destructive patterns? In this episode of Encounter Grace, Jason and Justin unpack the WLVS process—Wounds, Lies, Vows, and Strongholds—from Marcus Warner’s Understanding the Wounded Heart.We’ll explore how unhealed wounds can shape the lies we believe, the vows we make to protect ourselves, and the strongholds that keep us in bondage. More importantly, we’ll walk through a biblical process ...

God doesn’t just want to be known about—He wants to be known personally. In this episode, we explore the heart of conversational prayer: living in ongoing relationship with a God who reveals Himself as merciful, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. Drawing from Scripture and insights from Dr. Todd Hall, Dr. Jim Wilder, and Dr. Karl Lehman, we’ll look at why secure attachment with God transforms us, the barriers...

Masterpiece Cakeshop owner Jack Phillips tells about the day his life changed, when he declined a request to create a cake for a same-sex wedding. He shares what happened right away, as well as all along the way to the Supreme Court 5 years later. Alliance Defending Freedom attorney Jake Warner sheds light on the national freedom of speech, freedom of religion outcomes of this special case. Throughout this conversation, Jack and Ja...