The God Journey

This powerful image comes from a vision an autistic boy shared with a woman, except that he saw a large beast standing before the altar in a church building, blocking someone's view of Jesus. It sums up Kyle and Wayne's conversation this week as they look through the mailbag and respond to listeners' comments and questions. They discuss finding contentment even through brutal circumstances, especially for those who feel stuck in their journey. That comes as we let Jesus grow larger in our hearts than the beast that seeks to block our view. Podcast Notes: The video version of this podcast Get your copy of Just Love The post The Beast Between You and Jesus (#1028) first appeared on The God Journey.

They discuss how institutions prioritize image over integrity and how that harms vulnerable people. They examine cultural shifts that prize gifting and fame instead of character. They explore leadership failures, cover-ups, and the need for compassionate justice. They reflect on the cost of maintaining integrity and finding peace with yourself.

They examine military claims that political leaders are being cast as instruments of prophecy and the rise of apocalyptic rhetoric inside the armed forces. They explore the risk of widening conflict in the Middle East and concern over decisions to use force without broad public debate. They reflect on C.S. Lewis’ warning about being led into paired errors and the challenge of living kingdom values amid political turmoil.

Wayne, Tobie, and Kyle continue their discussion about the release of Just Love: How One Mistranslation Distorted the Gospel. All three express excitement about the potential impact it could have on those ready to hear it. They see a return to love-shaped justice to not only be more consistent with the through-story of Scripture, but also to a more meaningful expression of their passion and faith. In this episode, they talk about the impact this would have on our religious institutions, the connection between love and fairness, and how we're more aware of injustice when we are victims of it rather than when we're doing it. True justice comes from life transformation through Jesus rather than external systems or retribution. They discussed how the etymology of justice traces back to concepts of life energy, and how Jesus modeled serving others rather than seeking power. Podcast Notes: The video version of this podcast Get your copy of Just Love The post Love-Lived Justice, Part 2 (#1025) first appeared on The God Journey.

"The Incarnation itself was an act of justice," says Tobie van der Westhuizen, co-author of Just Love: How One Mistranslated Word Distorted the Gospel, as he joins Kyle and Wayne for a conversation about the new book prior to its release on March 3. When English translators chose the made-up religious word, righteousness, to substitute for the word justice that the original writers would have used, they unintentionally distorted the Gospel itself. Instead of focusing on love and how it transforms us into just people that reflect his kingdom, Christianity in many quarters became more preoccupied with personal piety and sin management. A true revolution could occur if the followers of Jesus embraced a life of love-lived justice through the heart rather than through obligations or legal requirements. Podcast Notes: The video version of this podcast Why House Church Isn't the Answer Pre-order your copy of Just Love The post The Beauty of Love Lived Justice (#1024) first appeared on The God Journey.

Perception is its own reality, false though it may be. The podcast begins with a brief conversation about the trajectory of life, Kyle looking forward to what might lie ahead, and Wayne glancing back in gratefulness at how Jesus has walked with him. Then, they look at perceptions—how people perceive God and how they think he perceives them. They talk about those who see God as a demanding taskmaster, those who respond to him as his wrath drives them, and what people make of unanswered prayers. How does God want us to perceive him, and what is he thinking when he looks at you? A reference from Exodus, of all places, shows us how God wants to be known. Podcast Notes: The video version of this podcast Just Love, referred to in this podcast, is a book Wayne is writing with Tobie van der Westhuizen from South Africa. We hope to have it available later this month. The post How God Sees You (#1023) first appeared on The God Journey.

They unpack why charismatic ministries repeatedly hide abusive leaders and how reputations trump victims. They contrast authentic spiritual fruit with theatrical fame and question public prophecy as spectacle. They press for centering victims, removing NDAs, accountability, and practical repentance. They also touch on discernment, Scripture over celebrity, and the cost of protecting institutions.

They debate whether people are turning to AI for spiritual hope and direction. They compare AI to a modern golden calf and explore its flattering feedback loop. They warn how digital validation can blur real intimacy and trade belonging for hollow substitutes. They call for reclaiming risky, present community and genuine connection with Jesus.

"To have faith is to trust love," which is where the bulk of Wayne and Kyle's conversation goes this week as they come through the mailbag. There are comments about relational community, how prayer changes as trust grows, and the McDonald's Toy Syndrome. They finish with one email that talks about the importance of trusting God's love and not knowledge alone. While human love can be weak and conditional, God's love is the strongest force in the universe and opens people to truth and reality. Those who desire love will recognize him when he comes; those who desire knowledge will see him as a threat. Podcast Notes: The video version of this podcast Beyond Sundays Just Love, referred to in this podcast, is a book Wayne is writing with Tobie van der Westhuizen from South Africa. We hope to have it available in February 2026. The post Trusting Love (#1020) first appeared on The God Journey.

They wrestle with fleeting versus lasting friendships and how culture shapes transactional connections. They explore the inner “yuck meter” as a guard against manipulation. They highlight the gift of active listening: calm presence, full attention, and withholding advice. They tie relational choices to a deeper sense of beloved identity and healthy boundaries.