Gary Wilkerson Podcast

Failure so often comes to us by the mercy of God as his open invitation for us to enter into his healing process. In this episode, Nate Larkin rejoins Gary Wilkerson to discuss how God uses our vulnerability to not only heal us from our addictive sins but also help others heal and grow spiritually as well. When we become quick to recognize our failings within loving relationships, we will awaken to new spiritual life.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp282c

Healing is what every believer is seeking for the addictions that seem to constantly pull them back into embarrassing old habits. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson is joined by Nate Larkin to discuss how his own journey into emotional and sexual healing has happened through close community and inspired the creation of the Samson Society.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp281c

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 12 | Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. These parables emphasize the surpassing value of Jesus Christ and the necessity of prioritizing him above all else in life. Gary and Joshua draw parallels with biblical figures like the rich young ruler, Zacchaeus, and the Apostle Paul, highlighting the transformative power of encountering Christ and the importance of surrendering everything to follow Him. The discussion also touches on the urgency of the gospel message, the balance between God's kindness and severity, and the call to be salt and light in the world, sharing the treasure of Christ with others.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp280c

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 11 | In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss the parable of the pharisee and the tax collector. They emphasize the need for humility and repentance before God, rather than self-righteousness. The tax collector, who humbled himself, went home justified before God. However, they caution against remaining in a state of defeat as a Christian. Rather, we should walk in the joy, peace and victory that comes from finding our identity in Christ's righteousness alone. This requires both a renewing of our mind with God's truth and allowing God's love to transform our hearts.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp279c

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 10 | Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West dive into the Parable of the Good Samaritan, exploring its profound implications for Christian living. They highlight how the parable challenges religious self-righteousness and reveals the true nature of loving one's neighbor. The discussion emphasizes the importance of internal transformation by God's love, which enables believers to extend genuine compassion to others, rather than merely adhering to external religious practices. Gary and Joshua stress that true neighborly love flows from a heart filled with gratitude for God's mercy and love.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp278c

Navigating the Path to the Unreached - Part 6 | Gary Wilkerson and Mark Renfroe dive into World Challenge's approach to missions, which intertwines compassion ministry and collaboration with indigenous believers. They discuss the effectiveness of this strategy in raising the credibility of the gospel and empowering local Christians to reach their communities. Mark shares a compelling story from South Asia, where providing cows to poor families and partnering with a local pastor led to many Muslims committing their lives to Christ. This episode highlights the transformative power of combining practical compassion with strategic collaboration in missions to the unreached.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp277c

Navigating the Path to the Unreached - Part 5 | Gary Wilkerson and Mark Renfroe address the common question, "I'm just one person, what can I do when it comes to missions?” They outline practical steps for Christians to cultivate a heart for the nations and get involved in reaching the unreached. These steps include praying intentionally for the nations, growing in knowledge about global missions, engaging with people from different cultures in our own communities, going on short-term missions trips, and partnering with indigenous missions organizations. Gary and Mark also discuss the importance of a kingdom-centered approach to missions, rooted in Christ's lordship and the goal of God's glory among the nations. They challenge listeners to overcome the mentality of individual insignificance and to take steps, both big and small, toward participating in God's global mission.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp276c

Navigating the Path to the Unreached - Part 4 | In this thought-provoking episode, Gary Wilkerson and Mark Renfroe dive deeper into the stark reality of the unreached world. They examine the uneven distribution of missions resources, with only 3% allocated to reach the 3 billion individuals in unreached people groups. Mark shares a powerful parable contrasting the spiritual risk of lostness with and without gospel access. The discussion also highlights the surprising growth of Iran's underground church, from spiritual apathy to openness, despite intense persecution. Gary and Mark challenge listeners to evaluate their missions priorities and consider how they can play a part in reaching the unreached.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp275c

Navigating the Path to the Unreached - Part 3 | In this eye-opening episode, Gary Wilkerson and Mark Renfroe discuss the sobering reality that over 7,000 people groups, comprising more than 3 billion individuals, remain unreached with the gospel message. They highlight the various challenges and obstacles that make these groups difficult to reach, such as geographic, linguistic, cultural, and religious barriers, as well as the scarcity of missionaries and resources dedicated to this cause. Gary and Mark emphasize the need for Christians to have a global faith, marked by a willingness to sacrifice, take risks, and die to self, in order to see the gospel proclaimed and embraced among these unreached peoples.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp274c

Navigating the Path to the Unreached - Part 2 | Delve deep into the complexities of faith, doubt, and the responsibility of Christians to reach out to those who are spiritually lost. Gary Wilkerson and Mark Renfroe emphasize the importance of understanding and compassion in evangelism, challenging listeners to consider their own beliefs and biases. They explore the notion that many people who seem lost are actually on a journey towards faith, and that Christians have a crucial role in guiding them through love, patience, and understanding. This episode encourages a reevaluation of how Christians perceive and interact with non-believers, advocating for an approach that combines truth with graceView the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp273c

Navigating the Path to the Unreached - Part 1 | Gary Wilkerson and Mark Renfroe delve into the profound challenges and urgent necessity of global missions, focusing on the regions most remote from the gospel's reach. They discuss the staggering reality of unreached people groups, emphasizing the difference between being simply lost and being utterly without access to the message of Christ. Through personal anecdotes, statistical insights, and a passionate appeal for increased missionary efforts, this episode shines a light on the critical work of spreading the gospel to every corner of the earth, inspiring listeners to consider their role in God's global mission.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp272c

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 9 | In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West dive deep into the "Parable of the Marriage Feast" from Matthew 22:1-14, unpacking its themes of invitation, rejection, and divine generosity. They discuss the significance of being called to God's Kingdom and the importance of extending this invitation to others, highlighting the balance between God's love and judgment. Through personal reflections and theological insights, they offer a compelling view on evangelism, obedience, and the transformative power of God's love in Christian life.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp271c

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 8 | In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West delve into the profound lessons of this timeless teaching, exploring themes of comparison, gratitude, and divine generosity. Listeners are invited to reflect on their spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and the dangers of comparison. Through insightful discussion, Gary and Joshua seek to illuminate the path to a deeper understanding of God's grace and how it shapes our daily lives. Join us as we uncover the hidden treasures within Jesus's parable and apply its wisdom to our contemporary struggles and joys.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp270c

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 7 | In this episode of the Gary Wilkerson Podcast, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West dive into the heart of forgiveness with an insightful discussion on the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant from Matthew 18. They tackle the complexity of forgiving others and oneself, emphasizing forgiveness as not only a vital aspect of spiritual growth but also a reflection of understanding God's limitless mercy towards us. Through a blend of biblical exploration and practical advice, the conversation illuminates the challenging yet transformative power of forgiveness in healing wounds, mending relationships, and fostering a loving community. This episode serves as a compelling guide for anyone seeking to navigate the intricacies of forgiveness in their faith and life, reminding listeners of the profound impact forgiveness has on both the giver and the receiver.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp269c

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 6 | In this episode of the Gary Wilkerson Podcast, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West explore the Parable of the Tenants from Matthew 21, unpacking its messages about lordship, judgment, and the Kingdom of God. They discuss the metaphor of Jesus as the cornerstone, emphasizing its relevance to personal faith and the call to produce spiritual fruit. This discussion invites listeners to reflect deeply on their spiritual journey and the transformative power of accepting Christ's lordship.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp268c

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 5 | The Bible discusses wealth far more often than many people realize, especially when it comes to the unique struggles that people can be vulnerable to with riches. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss the scriptures' complex understanding of not being attached to money without espousing the ascetic's life either. This parable explores greed and generosity as well as maturity with our material possessions as one particular evidence of our spiritual state with God.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp267c

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 4Several times, the gospels portray people arriving at the gates of heaven and crying out for God only to be told that he doesn't know them. No fate could be more shocking and grim for someone who calls themselves a Christian. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss these sobering passages of the Bible and how they should inform believers' lives. If we earnestly desire to be in God's presence, we will be prepared like the wise virgins of this parable for Christ's return.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp266c

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 3 The parable of the talents is another very popular teaching story from Jesus, but it's meaning often becomes skewed as church leaders try to encourage believers to volunteer or as Christians try to evaluate the success of their spiritual lives. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West explore the misinterpretations of this parable. Together, they delve into Christ's intended meaning for this story that is so intricately linked to other parts of the gospel. View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp265c

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 2 | The parables that Jesus told people in the gospels can sometimes sound strange or feel difficult to understand. Those parables, however, hold eternal truths and great instruction for believers in all times and cultures. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West walk through one of the best entry points for understanding Christ's parables: Matthew 13 and the Parable of the Sower. This story is one of the greatest places to examine our own hearts and ability to receive God's instructions and promises.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp264c

The Life-Altering Parables of Jesus - Part 1 | The parables that Jesus told people in the gospels can sometimes sound strange or feel difficult to understand. Those parables, however, hold eternal truths and great instruction for believers in all times and cultures. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West walk through one of the best entry points for understanding Christ's parables: Matthew 13 and the Parable of the Sower. This story is one of the greatest places to examine our own hearts and ability to receive God's instructions and promises.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp263c

How can we determine if revival is genuine? How may we be discerning without becoming cynical? This week, Joshua West joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to discuss how believers can tune our spirits to God's voice. Joshua and Gary explore what being wise and yet also 'poor in spirit' practically looks like for each one of us.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp262c

How does our attitude during prayer affect how God responds? This week, Joshua West joins the Gary Wilkerson Podcast to explore how the gospels describe Jesus' healings and the way people approached him as either a miracle-maker or the Son of God. When we come to the Lord with our felt needs but without a clear picture of who he is, he may still heal and provide, but we miss a critical aspect of how God wants us to engage with him. Do we desire to see who Christ is more than an answer to our prayers? View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp261c

Having family or loved ones struggling with addiction can be very difficult emotionally and spiritually. In this session, Gary and Kelly Wilkerson speak at Teen Challenge about their testimony for how God has given their marriage strength and how he carried them through the times when their children were in the grip of addiction.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp260c

The American church caught a glimpse of what revival might look like at Asbury in 2023. What would we be willing to do in order to see revival spread across our country? In this episode, Gary Wilkerson is joined again by Matt Brown to talk about a vision for revival in the United States. Even more importantly, what would the modern church need to do or see changed in order to really see an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on this generation.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp259c

How do we tell the truth and yet also be loving to those around us who will feel criticized or judged by the truth? In this episode, Gary Wilkerson is joined by Matt Brown who is an evangelist to the next generation and an important voice in our times about how to balance love and truth to an unbelieving world. Gracefully holding both of these aspects of God and spiritual life in our hearts is a life-long work that we must wrestle with in order to mature.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp258c

In this "Best of" episode, we join Joshua West and Gary Wilkerson to discuss identifying legalism or extreme grace in our personal worldview as well as finding the correct, biblical balance.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp257c

In this "Best Of" episode, we join Joshua West and Gary Wilkerson as they talk about why we have to watch out for any distortion of the gospel. They explain that an understanding of truth has to begin with a biblical understanding of Christ and salvation.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp256c

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 12 | So many organizations and people seem two-faced. They say they believe in one thing, but their actions say otherwise. It can be incredibly discouraging to witness and make people feel as if they can't trust others. Christians, more than anyone else, should be people of conviction who boldly stand for the truth and don't waver. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss what a life of conviction looks like and how we become someone firmly rooted in our beliefs. View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp255c

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 11 | How do we cultivate of a mentality of gratitude throughout life? Why is it important that we do so? Certainly, it makes us more pleasant for other people to be around, but that's not the real reason why God cares about our gratitude. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West delve into the reasons why the Bible calls God's people to be thankful. They discuss how Christ-followers can be honest about their pain and struggles without grumbling against God.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp254c

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 10 | Spiritual attack and demonic forces are contentious topics in the church. Some maintain that such things are very distant from the mundane considerations of modern believers, while others see spiritual evil in everyday hardships. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss spiritual evil and the goodness of God as well as how those two aspects of the supernatural intersect with believers' ordinary lives. Scripture is frank about the existence of spiritual forces, but how should we interact with them?View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp253c

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 9 | The Christian church is described in the Bible as the body of Christ or branches on a vine, but often we don't have that kind of close relationship with one another. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West talk about how authenticity in relationships can be messy and frustrating but also leads to genuinely close friendships as well as spiritual growth in a community. They explore the questions of what stands in the way of close relationships and how to we address those barriers.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp252c

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 8 | Jesus proclaimed himself to be the way, the truth and the life. He offered his followers the most authentic life, one which grappled with reality while being empowered to overcome. This makes it all the more tragic when Christians are accused, sometimes rightfully, of being frauds or hypocrites. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss how believers' authenticity is needed to reach a world desperately longing for something genuine.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp251c

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 7 | Surveys in America show that around 80 percent of people are reporting exhaustion and burnout. Discussions rage back and forth about what the solution is, and Christianity has answers, but rates of stress and fatigue are often just as high or even higher in churches. This is wildly at odds with Christ's invitation for the weary to find rest in him, so what are we missing? In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss how biblical rest leads to godly peace and how both are necessary for the church to see revival.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp250c

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 6 | What would it look like for believers to live with true shalom and offer that to an anxious world? Our modern culture is deeply troubled by strife and stress, so how do believers remain afloat in what often feels like stormy seas? In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss what biblical peace looks like, where it comes from and how Christians can spread it around themselves wherever they go. Such an otherworldly peace will almost certainly be what draws distraught people to God and brings revival to our nation.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp249c

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 5 | Forgiveness is a key element of Christianity because of Jesus's work on the cross, but forgiving our fellow sinners can feel much more complicated. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West talk about how popular culture understands forgiveness, how the church has historically misunderstood forgiveness and how the Bible talks about forgiveness in a nuanced way.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp248c

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 4 | True biblical generosity is a transformative experience for both the giver and the recipient. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West explore the ways that generosity has been warped and misunderstood by both popular culture and sometimes even the church. They also dive into how the Bible actually defines being generous and how much bigger God's picture of giving is than our narrow definition. Our Lord's commands for generosity are freeing and a blessing to those who obey.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp247c

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 3 | Modern culture is consumed by self-branding and self-promotion. It feels like a necessary evil of life in the current age, but what if the exact opposite may be essential for God to move? In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss when it's appropriate to be known for our godly work and when our insidious desire for glorifying ourselves gets in the way. Gary and Joshua explore how we can discern what is in our own hearts when we're recognized for the good we do in the world. View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp246c

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 2 | What is love? It's such a simple seeming question, and yet the answer is more complex than we might guess. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss how believers should define love and how that understanding redefines our entire lives. Love that has its source in God will radically transform our hearts and minds and will inevitably spill out into all of our choices and interactions with other people. The love and loving truth of Christ is the example that God wants his children to reflect in a dark world.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp245c

A Move of God in Our Generation - Part 1 | Having the same mind as Christ means to adopt true humility, but what exactly does that look like? In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss what exactly it means to be a humble believer. They also explore why the virtue of humility is absolutely essential for the modern church to see a major move of God. The Father will not bless any church movement that glorifies itself or exalts believers over the Lord. It's only when we truly focus on God's glorification and submit ourselves to his ways that he will bring revival.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp244c

For almost as long as the Bible has circulated, church leaders and Bible scholars have written books to give people access to their knowledge about the scriptures. In this week's episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss all of the resources available to modern believers who want to grow in their knowledge of hermeneutics, systematic theology and church history. With these tools, we can come to a fuller and more thorough understanding of what God is telling us about himself in his book.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp243c

The Bible is not a simple book. It describes God who is, in many ways, a being far beyond our ability to understand. It contains dense eyewitness narratives about earth-shaking events during Jesus' lifetime. All of this can lead some people to believe that there are contradictions in scripture. In this week's episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss how to make sense of some of these seeming contradictions in the Bible. They also explore what paradoxes exist in scripture that Christians must make peace with through their faith. To mature as a believe, we must learn how to wrestle with these portions of the Bible. View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp242c

Simply being sincere in our belief in God is not enough if we don't actually know what the Bible says and who God is. This week, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss how important it is for believers to know the whole counsel of scripture. If we know who the God of the Bible really is, our faith and spiritual discernment will be strengthened. It's hard work to grow in our knowledge of scripture and God, but there is nothing more worthwhile in our lives.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp241c

The Bible was created in several literary types of writing. So even while taking scripture literally, believers should understand the modes through which God is communicated his will and commands. In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss which literary types are included in scripture and how readers should approach them in order to best understand what God is saying.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp240c

What would a biblical stance on the end times look like? Where does Israel fit into our ideas of God's people? In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West explore answers to these questions and how believers should approach apocalyptic portions of scripture. Dispensationalism is a popular American view of the Bible, and it offers a very particular interpretation of Israel's place among God's people and how to interpret verses about Christ's second coming. Some dispensationalist viewpoints are less biblical than others, however, and Gary and Joshua are here to define and explore this particular lens on the Bible. View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp239c

Who do we say that Jesus is? What do we believe about God's character and commands? Our most honest answers will reveal a great deal about us and our view of the Lord. This week, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss how our experiences and willingness to study scripture will create a particular lens through which we understand God's law and nature. As sinful people, we will have incorrect ideas about the Bible and the Lord, but part of our calling to spiritually mature is to identify the assumptions we make when we think about God and challenge them against scripture. View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp238c

For almost as long as the Bible has circulated, church leaders and Bible scholars have written books to give people access to their knowledge about the scriptures. In this week's episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss all of the resources available to modern believers who want to grow in their knowledge of hermeneutics, systematic theology and church history. With these tools, we can come to a fuller and more thorough understanding of what God is telling us about himself in his book.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp237c

We've probably all heard a person claim that the Bible says something that it clearly doesn't. How does this happen? In this episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss the difference between exegesis and eisegesis. Exegesis is searching for the Bible's meaning, regardless of what we wish it would say instead. Eisegesis is imposing our thoughts and desires onto our interpretation of the Bible. Reading scripture correctly requires great humility because we must allow God to correct our thoughts about him and his commands. View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp236c

Simply being sincere in our belief in God is not enough if we don't actually know what the Bible says and who God is. This week, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss how important it is for believers to know the whole counsel of scripture. If we know who the God of the Bible really is, our faith and spiritual discernment will be strengthened. It's hard work to grow in our knowledge of scripture and God, but there is nothing more worthwhile in our lives. View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp235c

When we hear the word ‘hermeneutics,' we may be tempted to dismiss it as a term for Bible professors or pastors, but it's important for all believers. In this week's episode, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss what exactly hermeneutics are and how every Christian should know how to use this biblical discipline. As we continue to study scripture and see how it reveals God's nature, we will find the Bible an increasingly deep and beautiful text.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp234c

Studying the Bible is a key part of believers' walk with God. How do we read scripture with the most clarity, though, and tune into what God wants as we do so? This week, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss how Christians should approach God's Word and the tools or methods available to help illuminate scripture. The Bible is the main way that Christians can know God and understand his nature, so it is critical that we develop reliable study habits.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp233c

The Fascinating, Life-Altering Word of God - Part 1The Bible is the most important book in all of human history. It is God's letter to humanity, and yet we so often struggle to read it or fail to place much importance on it. This week, Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss the nature of scripture. The Bible is perfectly reliable, entirely unified and the most important portrait that we will ever receive of God. It is the means through which an unapproachable, unknowable God chose to approach humanity and made himself known.View the show notes: https://wcm.link/gwp232c