*The GoodLion Podcast

*The GoodLion Podcast

Aaron Salvato and Brian Higgins are here to talk about Jesus, faith, and the Christian Life. A show filled with powerful interviews, fascinating theological deep-dives, and a never ending stream of questions, there’s always something to discover on The Good Lion Podcast. Check out the other great shows on the GoodLion network at www.goodlion.io Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/support

Reviews:
Theology: What is the Nature of Sin? | Brian Higgins & Aaron Salvato
*The GoodLion PodcastMarch 25, 202400:37:4243.15 MB

Theology: What is the Nature of Sin? | Brian Higgins & Aaron Salvato

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 reve...

Famous Last Words: Evanglism is for Everyone
*The GoodLion PodcastMarch 19, 202401:14:5786.22 MB

Famous Last Words: Evanglism is for Everyone

Aaron: In the summer of 2016, I shared a heartfelt sermon at camp that explored the deep meaning in Jesus' final words and the unending invitation to evangelism. This episode revisits that summer camp sermon, focusing intently on the thematic core of evangelism and the personal transformation i...

Progressive Dispensationalism, Eschatology Reimagined - With Dr. Darrell Bock
*The GoodLion PodcastJanuary 12, 202401:37:3789.38 MB

Progressive Dispensationalism, Eschatology Reimagined - With Dr. Darrell Bock

Welcome, theology nerds and seekers! On this season 9 finale, we're diving deep into the world of dispensationalism. Whether you're a seasoned theologian or a fresh-faced learner, we've got something for you! Our guests are Mike Dente, Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Paris, France, and ...

Answering Questions From Pastors About Doubt & Deconstruction - (with Johnny Zacchio)
*The GoodLion PodcastDecember 04, 202300:33:3029.27 MB

Answering Questions From Pastors About Doubt & Deconstruction - (with Johnny Zacchio)

In today's episode, we delve into a profound conversation with my friend, Pastor Johnny Zacchio. Johnny brings some pertinent pastoral questions about the subject of doubt and deconstruction, which is a significant issue for many within the church today. His questions focus on how pastors can...

Doubt & Deconstruction: Ministering to the Next Generation with Compassion and Grace (Nick Cady & Aaron Salvato)
*The GoodLion PodcastNovember 27, 202301:20:5344.89 MB

Doubt & Deconstruction: Ministering to the Next Generation with Compassion and Grace (Nick Cady & Aaron Salvato)

Hey folks, I am super excited to share with you the full audio of a workshop that Nick Cady and I put together for CGN. In this workshop, we dive deep into the topic of doubt and deconstruction. The goal of this workshop is to help Christians and ministry leaders understand this issue from an i...

Serve Like Jesus
*The GoodLion PodcastNovember 13, 202301:00:5855.82 MB

Serve Like Jesus

🎙️ Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast, where our host, Aaron Salvato, digs deep into the heart of servanthood, inspired by the incredible actions of Jesus himself. As a powerful sermon Aaron shared at the Good Lion School of Discipleship, this episode guides us through the transformative ...

Exploring The Major Views On Eschatology - Nick Cady
*The GoodLion PodcastOctober 30, 202301:22:46113.68 MB

Exploring The Major Views On Eschatology - Nick Cady

Aaron is joined by his long time friend Nick Cady, to dive deep into the fascinating theological topic of eschatology. Eschatology is a topic that often leaves many Christians feeling confused and overwhelmed. With its complexities and differing perspectives, it's no wonder why this subject c...

Returning To The King - Do you see Him merely as Savior... or as Lord? | Brian Higgins & Aaron Salvato
*The GoodLion PodcastOctober 23, 202300:44:1340.49 MB

Returning To The King - Do you see Him merely as Savior... or as Lord? | Brian Higgins & Aaron Salvato

As followers of Jesus, we often begin our journey with a fairly simplistic view of who He is - a divine savior who absolves us of our sins and provides a comforting presence in our lives. But as our faith deepens, we start to realize that there's so much more to Him. In this episode Aaron and Brian ...

Re-Centering on Jesus: Purpose, Hope, and Regaining Childlike Wonder | Brian Higgins & Aaron Salvato
*The GoodLion PodcastOctober 16, 202300:59:2654.42 MB

Re-Centering on Jesus: Purpose, Hope, and Regaining Childlike Wonder | Brian Higgins & Aaron Salvato

In this episode, Brian and Aaron reunite after a long time off from recording together. The two friends help each other rekindle their fervor for Jesus and share their journey with the listeners. Amidst the bustle of their lives, which includes navigating changes in their careers, evolving responsi...

Why Does Yahweh Seem So Angry in the Old Testament? - (GoodLion Classic Episode)
*The GoodLion PodcastJuly 10, 202301:24:3677.46 MB

Why Does Yahweh Seem So Angry in the Old Testament? - (GoodLion Classic Episode)

This week we're thrilled to revisit an important conversation with one of our longest-running and most cherished guests, Dr. Gerry Breshears. Gerry, a beloved Seminary Professor and mentor to many, joins us again to wrestle with the difficult but essential topic of God's judgment and wrath....

Jesus' Death: Failure or Victory? - (Classic GoodLion Episode)
*The GoodLion PodcastJuly 03, 202300:27:3425.25 MB

Jesus' Death: Failure or Victory? - (Classic GoodLion Episode)

For this special classic episode, Aaron delves deeply into a provocative claim made on NPR's This American Life. In a conversation with host Ira Glass, Princeton historian Elaine Pagels argues that Jesus's death on the cross was an "utter failure." This piques Aaron's curiosit...

Getting Honest About Depression and the Christian Church - With Wesley Towne (Classic GoodLion Episode)
*The GoodLion PodcastJune 26, 202301:20:2573.64 MB

Getting Honest About Depression and the Christian Church - With Wesley Towne (Classic GoodLion Episode)

Join Aaron and Brian as they tackle one of the hardest topics facing Christians and the church today: depression. In this honest and illuminating episode, they sit down with pastor Wesley Towne who has spent years ministering to those struggling with mental illness. This episode was recorded shor...

A Raw Conversation On Sex Scenes, Christians, and Media - (GoodLion Classic Episode)
*The GoodLion PodcastJune 19, 202301:46:4397.71 MB

A Raw Conversation On Sex Scenes, Christians, and Media - (GoodLion Classic Episode)

Welcome to a classic two-part episode of The GoodLion Podcast! It's a marathon not a sprint as Brian and Aaron dive into the complex issue of violence, sex and nudity in media. The popular show Game of Thrones sparked many conversations about how Christians should consume media with sex scen...

Shame, Sin, & What Tim Mackie Taught Us About Righteousness - (Classic GoodLion Episode)
*The GoodLion PodcastJune 12, 202301:10:2664.49 MB

Shame, Sin, & What Tim Mackie Taught Us About Righteousness - (Classic GoodLion Episode)

Aaron and Brian welcome you to revisit two early episodes from Season 1 that set out to deeply explore the meaning and importance of righteousness. These episodes were part of their initial ‘Righteousness’ mini-series where they sought to understand what righteousness truly means and how it should ...

GoodLion Update: School of Discipleship Ministry Reports, Great Things in Store for the Podcast, & an Update on Aaron's Seminary Journey
*The GoodLion PodcastJune 06, 202300:19:4918.15 MB

GoodLion Update: School of Discipleship Ministry Reports, Great Things in Store for the Podcast, & an Update on Aaron's Seminary Journey

In the season finale of Season 9 of the GoodLion podcast, we take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey we've been on, and share with you some awesome news. As we dive behind the scenes, we express our heartfelt gratitude to our steadfast listeners, both old and new, for accompanying us on t...

Learning From Jesus: The Wisdom Warrior (Michael Bowles)
*The GoodLion PodcastMay 30, 202301:10:4264.74 MB

Learning From Jesus: The Wisdom Warrior (Michael Bowles)

Michael Bowles returns with fresh insight on the ancient motif of the wisdom warrior. As Aaron and Michael discuss, Michael traces the wisdom warrior path embodied by exilic prophets like Jeremiah and Daniel who navigated Babylonian captivity through wisdom above violence. Michael reveals how Jesus...

Battling Intrusive Thoughts (Aaron & Brian) - Strategies for the Christian to resist and overcome thoughts of doubt, discouragement, & fear and re-center on Christ.
*The GoodLion PodcastMay 22, 202300:41:1537.77 MB

Battling Intrusive Thoughts (Aaron & Brian) - Strategies for the Christian to resist and overcome thoughts of doubt, discouragement, & fear and re-center on Christ.

Struggling with Intrusive Thoughts and Doubts? You're not alone. Most Christians experience doubt from time to time, but for some the struggle with intrusive thoughts that breed uncertainty can become all-consuming. In this episode, Aaron Salvato answers a question from listener who struggles...

Responding To Tough Pushback Around Christian Sexual Ethics | Pieter Valk - Pt 2: "Is Gay Sin Worse Than Straight Sin?" and More Challenging Questions From Pastors.
*The GoodLion PodcastMay 08, 202300:56:3751.85 MB

Responding To Tough Pushback Around Christian Sexual Ethics | Pieter Valk - Pt 2: "Is Gay Sin Worse Than Straight Sin?" and More Challenging Questions From Pastors.

This episode is the second part of an interview with Pieter Valk. In part one of the interview, Pieter laid out his heart and his vision for helping gay people follow Jesus and find love, support, and belonging within the church while adhering to the theological orthodoxy and commitment to the hist...

Compassionate Sexual Orthodoxy - Pieter Valk Pt 1: Navigating Brokenness, Shame, and Helping LGBT People Turn To Jesus
*The GoodLion PodcastApril 28, 202300:52:1847.89 MB

Compassionate Sexual Orthodoxy - Pieter Valk Pt 1: Navigating Brokenness, Shame, and Helping LGBT People Turn To Jesus

Pieter Valk joins Aaron Salvato for a very intriguing conversation on sexuality. Pieter is a same-sex attracted Christian and ministry leader who is also committed to the historic Christian sexual ethic. This is a challenging path to walk, as it requires faithfulness and obedience to the teachings ...

The Dangers of Theology Gone Wrong - (Dr. Gerry Breshears) - Disunity, Division, & Deconstruction
*The GoodLion PodcastApril 19, 202300:42:4839.19 MB

The Dangers of Theology Gone Wrong - (Dr. Gerry Breshears) - Disunity, Division, & Deconstruction

In part 2 of our short series on theology, Dr. Gerry Breshears (Western Seminary) helps us understand the dangers of theology gone wrong. Gerry is an amazing theological mind and a fan favorite of the show. In part one, we defined theology and talked about why it's essential for discipleship. I...

WHY does theology matter for discipleship? (Dr. Gerry Breshears) - Defining Theology, Learning How it Helps us as Disciples, and Exploring How We Can Work Together... Even When We Disagree
*The GoodLion PodcastApril 10, 202300:47:1443.25 MB

WHY does theology matter for discipleship? (Dr. Gerry Breshears) - Defining Theology, Learning How it Helps us as Disciples, and Exploring How We Can Work Together... Even When We Disagree

In today's episode of The GoodLion Podcast, we're chatting about something super close to our hearts: what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and how theology shapes that journey. With the launch of our humble little ministry, the GoodLion School of Discipleship in Yukon, Oklahoma, we'r...

The Creativity Of The Minister - Riley Taylor | Exploring the God-given call to harness creativity for good.
*The GoodLion PodcastMarch 30, 202301:16:3670.13 MB

The Creativity Of The Minister - Riley Taylor | Exploring the God-given call to harness creativity for good.

In this episode Aaron sits down with his friend pastor Riley Taylor to discuss the importance of creativity in ministry. Aaron and Riley share a background in filmmaking and youth ministry, and have always believed in using their creative skills to enhance their ministry work. Riley explains that...

The Theology of Heavenly Treasures | Materialism, Heart Locations, & Answering the Question "What did Jesus Mean by Store Up Treasures in Heaven?"
*The GoodLion PodcastMarch 23, 202300:26:2724.23 MB

The Theology of Heavenly Treasures | Materialism, Heart Locations, & Answering the Question "What did Jesus Mean by Store Up Treasures in Heaven?"

In this episode, host Aaron Salvato dives deep into the theology of "Treasures in Heaven" as described by Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount. As Christians, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands of life and forget the deeper meanings behind Jesus' teachings. Aaron div...

How can we serve when we are busy and overwhelmed?
*The GoodLion PodcastMarch 16, 202300:15:1814.02 MB

How can we serve when we are busy and overwhelmed?

In this episode, we answer a question from one of our students at the GoodLion school of discipleship on the topic of servanthood, which is an essential element of Christian discipleship. At the heart of servanthood is the concept of selflessness, which requires us to put the needs of others before...

Love & Holiness - The Character of Yahweh (2nd Hand Seminary) | Jon Markey, Austin Palmer, & Johnny Golightly
*The GoodLion PodcastMarch 01, 202301:23:4076.6 MB

Love & Holiness - The Character of Yahweh (2nd Hand Seminary) | Jon Markey, Austin Palmer, & Johnny Golightly

In this episode, host Aaron Salvato and three of his classmates from Western seminary sit down to discuss theological concepts surrounding the love and holiness of God's character. Aaron frames this episode as an experience of"secondhand seminary", a gateway into learning and diving deeper into one...

The Anonymity Of Pastoral Work - Nate Holdridge
*The GoodLion PodcastFebruary 20, 202301:34:3386.57 MB

The Anonymity Of Pastoral Work - Nate Holdridge

In this episode, Aaron is joined by guest Nate Holdridge to discuss the anonymity of pastoral work. While pastoral work may seem like a public job in this age of celebrity pastors, Nate argues that embracing the anonymous aspects of this work is a better path, and essential for the pastor's soul. ...

Devotions, or Devoted? - Aaron Salvato & Brian Higgins | Classic Episode
*The GoodLion PodcastFebruary 10, 202300:47:3643.58 MB

Devotions, or Devoted? - Aaron Salvato & Brian Higgins | Classic Episode

In this classic episode from season 2 of the Goodlion podcast, we join hosts Aaron Salvato and Brian Higgins on a deep dive into the Christian idea of "devotions." We explore the tension that many of us feel when it comes to devotions, often seeing them as just another chore. However, we discover t...

Healing From Covid Division - Terry Michaels
*The GoodLion PodcastFebruary 03, 202301:24:3677.46 MB

Healing From Covid Division - Terry Michaels

In this episode Aaron chats with pastor Terry Michaels, senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Austin Texas, for a conversation about a wound that's been inflicted on the church in recent times - division. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about challenges that tested the unity of the church, with masks and v...

True Repentance Requires A Broken Heart
*The GoodLion PodcastJanuary 11, 202300:24:5722.86 MB

True Repentance Requires A Broken Heart

As Christians, it is easy for us to come to God only when we want to escape the consequences of our sin, rather than coming to Him with a genuinely broken heart of repentance. Aaron reminds us that a true desire for repentance and change must come from a deep sense of sorrow for our sin and a recog...

Crying Out To The Father - A study of God's Fatherhood
*The GoodLion PodcastJanuary 03, 202300:47:5343.85 MB

Crying Out To The Father - A study of God's Fatherhood

The GoodLion Podcast is excited to bring you this special episode featuring a sermon from Aaron Salvato. Aaron recently preached at Calvary Chapel Vista on Psalm 86, a psalm that speaks to the fatherhood of God. In this sermon, Aaron delves into the tenderness and care with which God relates to us a...

What Exactly IS the GoodLion Podcast?
*The GoodLion PodcastDecember 14, 202200:32:2029.6 MB

What Exactly IS the GoodLion Podcast?

The GoodLion Podcast is a show that explores the intersection of faith and culture. Hosts Aaron Salvato and Brian Higgins have been doing the show for 8 seasons and have built a loyal audience of young adults and youth who are hungry for authentic conversations about spirituality and the world arou...

Wake Up To The Mission (Evan Wickham) - Resist Apathy pt 6
*The GoodLion PodcastNovember 03, 202201:13:2467.2 MB

Wake Up To The Mission (Evan Wickham) - Resist Apathy pt 6

Evan Wickham and Aaron Salvato discuss the "Mission of God" and what it means for followers of The Way of Jesus. They discuss their shared background growing up as pastor's kids in evangelical culture, and how easy it is to become apathetic to the mission of the Church. Evan gives some great insigh...

Wake Up To Your Need For Christ - Resisting Apathy pt.5
*The GoodLion PodcastOctober 26, 202200:23:5321.87 MB

Wake Up To Your Need For Christ - Resisting Apathy pt.5

So often we turn to things like money, stuff, safety and security to give us what we need. In doing so, we often grow apathetic towards our true need: Christ.  In this episode, Aaron gives a message pointing us to the reality of our need for a savior. We need to wake up to the reality that w...

Wake Up To Holiness - Resisting Apathy pt.4
*The GoodLion PodcastOctober 13, 202200:33:4330.87 MB

Wake Up To Holiness - Resisting Apathy pt.4

A dive into the concept of God's Holiness and the call for Christians to be Holy. What does Holy even mean? How can we be asleep to this reality? We explore how failing to understand Holiness can cause us to be apathetic in our faith, and discuss how to turn things around and wake up to the call to...

To The Christian Who Has Lost Their Passion - Resist Apathy pt3
*The GoodLion PodcastOctober 04, 202201:08:5563.11 MB

To The Christian Who Has Lost Their Passion - Resist Apathy pt3

Brian and Aaron respond to a message from a listener who 1. admits her struggle with apathy, and 2. also shares some beautiful insight on how to resist it! In this episode we try our best to acknowledge just how easy it is to lose our passion for God, but also just how possible it is to find our wa...

Wake Up To The Love - Resisting Apathy pt.2
*The GoodLion PodcastSeptember 22, 202201:22:5075.85 MB

Wake Up To The Love - Resisting Apathy pt.2

Part 2 of GoodLion's series on "Resisting Apathy." The first step to waking up from the slumber of apathy is recognizing God's story and where we find our place in it. But the next thing we need to discover is the love of God. The love of God is one of the most central themes in the entire Scriptur...

How To Break Free From Apathy - Uche Anizor | Apathy Series
*The GoodLion PodcastSeptember 14, 202201:22:2775.49 MB

How To Break Free From Apathy - Uche Anizor | Apathy Series

In this episode, Aaron speaks with professor Uche Anizor, author of the book "Overcoming Apathy: Gospel Hope for Those Who Struggle to Care". They discuss the struggle many church kids face, namely, growing up in a Christian environment and feeling "on fire for God", and then developing apathy in th...

Wake Up To The Story - Resisting Apathy pt.1
*The GoodLion PodcastSeptember 07, 202201:10:5764.97 MB

Wake Up To The Story - Resisting Apathy pt.1

Part one of a new series by GoodLion Ministries called "Resisting Apathy". Aaron and Brian speak into the problem of apathy in the Christian life, noting how it is a problem that is born out of complacency and a disconnect from Christ.  Christian apathy is defined as a lack of interest or co...

Is the Bible The Word of God, or is Jesus? - Evan Wickham
*The GoodLion PodcastAugust 22, 202201:28:5581.41 MB

Is the Bible The Word of God, or is Jesus? - Evan Wickham

Years ago I heard one of my mentors, Evan Wickham, use a phrase I found compelling. He said: "Jesus is what God has to say." It was powerful and it stuck with me. Over the years I've been mulling over this phrase and thinking about how it intersects with one of the debates that's being had within C...

Community - A Mess Worth Making
*The GoodLion PodcastAugust 16, 202200:24:2122.3 MB

Community - A Mess Worth Making

Brian Higgins shares with us about the necessity of community in the Christian life. We are currently living through a post-pandemic cultural moment where many Christians are finding it hard to regain community. We also know many young people who've graduated out of youth group and now are trying t...

Can a Sin Be Unforgivable?
*The GoodLion PodcastAugust 09, 202200:53:1848.8 MB

Can a Sin Be Unforgivable?

Is it possible for a sin to be so bad that Jesus himself can never forgive you? This is a question that’s haunted many Christians, especially in light of the scriptural passage on the “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.” What does all of this mean? Today on the GoodLion podcast, we explore the answer. --...

Mission Drift, Political Extremes, and Wisdom in the Negative World - Mike Doyle
*The GoodLion PodcastAugust 01, 202201:13:1067 MB

Mission Drift, Political Extremes, and Wisdom in the Negative World - Mike Doyle

In a cultural moment that is growing hostile towards the Church, it's becoming easier than ever for Christians to slip into mission drift.  “Without careful attention, faith-based organizations will inevitably drift from their founding mission. It’s that simple. It will happen.” - Peter Gree...

Tim Keller, the War on Winsomeness, & Responding to the "Negative World."
*The GoodLion PodcastJuly 19, 202201:22:5175.98 MB

Tim Keller, the War on Winsomeness, & Responding to the "Negative World."

Many Christians now sense the world has shifted. While culture was once positive towards Christianity, we now see a world that has shifted from openness, to indifference, and now hostility. A negative world. Which begs the question... how do we respond to this idea of the negative world? How ...

Abortion, Christians, & The Value of a Life (with Ryan Lynn) / Rebroadcast
*The GoodLion PodcastJune 25, 202201:28:4181.2 MB

Abortion, Christians, & The Value of a Life (with Ryan Lynn) / Rebroadcast

Abortion is a hot button topic that is often debated by both Christians and non Christians. Ryan Lynn (Founder of the Speak Life Collective) is here to challenge us on how we can think through this divisive topic as followers of Christ. In this discussion, Aaron and Brian dialogue with Ryan about th...

Living In The Negative World - (Mike Doyle)
*The GoodLion PodcastJune 08, 202201:01:3156.32 MB

Living In The Negative World - (Mike Doyle)

Throughout our lives many of us have heard older generations harken back to a time when Christians were accepted, praised, and embraced by the culture. Everyone went to Church on sundays. People seemed to hold a Christian worldview and morality, and it was rare to find someone who didn’t believ...

The Way of Jesus vs The Way of Peter - #FiresideTheology
*The GoodLion PodcastJune 01, 202200:16:0114.68 MB

The Way of Jesus vs The Way of Peter - #FiresideTheology

Defensive violence, wounded Healers, and how radical enemy-love changes the world! So often as Christians we feel we must defend Jesus and lash out at those who are against Him. Too often we take the path of Peter and chop off the ear of someone who needs healing from Christ. In this episode, Aaron...

Brian and Aaron Become Dads - (Season 8 Premiere)
*The GoodLion PodcastMay 24, 202201:08:0762.37 MB

Brian and Aaron Become Dads - (Season 8 Premiere)

The GoodLion Podcast is back for season 8! Brian and Aaron sit down for a heart to heart about a recent big change in their lives: becoming fathers!  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodlion/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/s...

Pastoring In A Ukrainian War Zone - Benjamin Morrison (Season 7 Finale)
*The GoodLion PodcastMarch 30, 202201:31:2783.73 MB

Pastoring In A Ukrainian War Zone - Benjamin Morrison (Season 7 Finale)

With war raging between Russia and Ukraine, we wanted to take a moment and connect with a pastor in the thick of it. Friend of the show and CGN pastor Benjamin Morrison is currently doing ministry in the midst of a war zone... and he has a ton of perspective to offer us.  We cover things lik...

Hypocrisy Hurts Our Witness. Humility Heals It - Nick Cady
*The GoodLion PodcastMarch 24, 202201:08:4262.9 MB

Hypocrisy Hurts Our Witness. Humility Heals It - Nick Cady

Aaron talks with Nick Cady all about the problem of Christian hypocrisy, how it is harming the church, and how it shatters the witness of the Christian Church. Nick speaks from the heart and shares about a book he wrote called "The God I Won't Believe In: Facing Nine Common Barriers To Embracing Ch...

Love, Not Fear - Advancing the Kingdom | GoodLion Theology Class #6
*The GoodLion PodcastMarch 17, 202200:25:2823.33 MB

Love, Not Fear - Advancing the Kingdom | GoodLion Theology Class #6

Fear is the enemy of love. The idols of safety and security can push us to live the Christian life from a posture of fear. If we are to advance the Kingdom of God, we must realize that we are called to a radical way of love that is courageous and bold.   In  the final episode of our cla...