The God Experiment

Jeremiah talks about a relational mode of prayer. 

Jeremiah talks about being sensitive and responsive to God's voice. The hypothesis is that it doesn't always make sense when God directs us in our lives. The Experiment is to respond to His leading, regardless of our level of understanding. This episode also discusses how The God Experiment will no longer be a weekly podcast. 

Jeremiah and his dad talk about the challenges involved in relating to the Trinity. Topics include how we overcome the possible hurdles in our heart when relating to one Person of the Trinity, as well as the conflict between a relational approach to Christianity and the Western desire for objectivity and logic.  

Jeremiah talks with his dad about two ideas surrounding worship. The first is the view of worship as being primarily a liturgical (or Church-based) expression. The second involves the use of music in personal devotional times, including an example of singing the Scriptures aloud.

It's time to reconnect with your motivation for worshiping God. The hypothesis of this episode is that each person must find their own reason to worship. The experiment is to reconnect with the reasons why you have chosen to maintain a relationship with the Heavenly Father, and then worship Him from that place of personal understanding.

Have you reviewed your priorities recently? The hypothesis of this episode is that we are less effective and less fulfilled if we do not intentionally pursue what matters to us. The experiment is first to identify your priorities, and second determine what to do about them. 

Sometimes doing nothing is the best course of action! The hypothesis of this episode is that it can be an act of faith to wait for God to move. The experiment is to learn how to rest in God as we wait for His perfect will. Scriptures include Isaiah 30 and James 5.

Jeremiah discusses the book he co-authored with Wesley M. Pinkham, entitled "Relational Christianity: A Remarkable Vision of God," recently published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This brief introduction discusses the relationality of the Trinity, and how that translates into the foundational relationality of Christianity and human existence. 

Jeremiah reads and responds extemporaneously to the Gospel of John, chapters 11 & 12. Topics include the resurrection of Lazarus, the Sanhedrin's decision to put Jesus to death, Mary's anointing of Jesus' feet, and Christ's integrity in His relationship with His Father. 

Jeremiah talks with His friend Lewis about John 1:12. Particularly, they focus on the powerful truth that God has given us the ability to choose our relationship with Him. It is up to us to determine if we will be children of God. 

In this highly uplifting episode, Jeremiah talks about our efforts toward being good. The hypothesis is that goodness belongs to God alone. The experiment is to realize that you are not good, and can never be good without maintaining a deep relationship with the Father in which you reflect His own goodness.

In this episode Jeremiah talks about how we communicate to God as His children. The hypothesis is that we have every right to tell God exactly what we want, because we know He is our Father. The experiment is to be real with Him about the things you desire, while knowing He gives good gifts in His own timing.

Jeremiah tackles the topics of humility and repentance. The hypothesis is that there will always be internal issues for you to repent over. The experiment is to choose not to rest in your previous spiritual success, but to ask God for further transformation in your process of repentance. Scriptures include James 3 and Isaiah 55.

Jeremiah reads chapters 9 and 10 of the Gospel of John and responds. 

Jeremiah and his friend Phil explore the question: "Why did Jesus teach that loving God is the greatest commandment?" This conversation includes such topics as theodicy, existentialism, obedience, relationship, the nature of belief, and the dark night of the soul. 

In this episode Jeremiah talks about the voice of God. The hypothesis is that communications from God maintain certain qualities that help us recognize them as being genuinely divine in nature. The experiment is to review recent revelations or spiritual experiences to ensure that they were, indeed, from God, by the Holy Spirit.

Jeremiah talks about our self-conception. The hypothesis is that we should not take for granted that our current sense of identity is, in fact, God's current definition of who we are. The experiment is to tell the Heavenly Father what you think about yourself, and ask Him to speak to you anew.

Jeremiah talks about the beatitudes in Matthew 5. The hypothesis is that the beatitudes are meant to be understood relationally. The experiment is to meditate on the beatitudes to cultivate our own humility, and thereby allow God to bless us in His own way.

Jeremiah talks with his friend Phil about the ancient Greek concept of happiness, particularly as it applies to the biblical worldview. They explore the ideas that true happiness is about long-term fulfillment and growth, that God does not expect humans to be perfect, and that to remain happy we must exercise forgiveness and grace.

Jeremiah reads chapters 7 & 8 of the Gospel of John, and responds in an extemporaneous manner. 

Jeremiah talks about the importance of listening to our own advice. The hypothesis is that the advice we give to others is often just as applicable to ourselves. The experiment is to pay attention to the advice you give others and reflect upon how you should follow that advice today.

Jeremiah talks about the spiritual importance of friendship relationships. The hypothesis is that Jesus wants a deep friendship with you. The experiment is to find practical ways in which to relate to God as a friend.

The hypothesis of this episode that in times of difficulty, we might intentionally distract ourselves from taking an honest look at our current state of being. The experiment is to become aware of when we are engaging in coping behavior and determine to go boldly to the heavenly Father's throne of grace.

Jeremiah talks about changing our attitude about repentance. The hypothesis is that repentance in a relationship with God should be fun. The experiment is to recognize the Father's own joy in receiving his lost sons and daughters.

Jeremiah reads chapters 5 & 6 from the Gospel of John, and responds extemporaneously. 

Jeremiah talks about relating to life and God with an awareness of His Goodness. The hypothesis is that we must choose to be aware of what God is doing in order to live in His joy. The experiment is to notice when you feel frustrated and simply take a moment to become aware of the Father's presence.

Jeremiah talks about following the leading of God in his life. Rather than giving a hypothesis, Jeremiah presents a case study from his own life as an example of his process of listening and responding to God's voice. The experiment is to apply this case study to your own relationship with God, however and whenever applicable.

In this episode Jeremiah talks about living in constant communion with the Father. The hypothesis is that the beautiful and wonderful things we receive from God are not objects, but rather aspects of God's very being. The experiment is to find ways to stay in close connection to God in His love and salvation.

Jeremiah reads chapters 3 and 4 of the Gospel of John, and then provides some responsive commentary. 

Jeremiah talks with mastering engineer Kevin Gray. This wide ranging discussion includes Kevin's story of meeting God, aspects of his ongoing relationship with the Lord, the need we have for other believers, and the heart to worship the heavenly Father. 

Jeremiah talks about the power of holy communion. The hypothesis is that communion is an expression of an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ in which He gives to us of Himself. The experiment is to participate in the sacrament of communion.

Jeremiah talks with his friend Lew about including God in our relationships—responding particularly to the statement that Jesus entrusted Himself to no one (John 2:24). In doing so, they examine the intricacies of maintaining godly relationships in the Christian context. 

Jeremiah talks about doctrine as the beginning point of a relationship with God. The hypothesis is that our introductory knowledge of Christian ideas should lead to a relational knowledge of God Himself. The experiment is to choose a Christian doctrine and ask God to deepen it for you.

Jeremiah reads the entirety of chapters 1 & 2 of the Gospel of John, and then responds to them in an extemporaneous manner. 

Jeremiah interviews Pastor Josh of River City Church. The conversation begins with Pastor Josh's story, and includes such topics as humility, Church leadership, the need for solitude and silence, discipleship to Jesus Christ, spiritual formation, and definitions of Christian success. 

The hypothesis of this episode is that there is often a gap between what we say and what we do, regardless of our best efforts. The experiment is to be honest with ourselves about where our actions do not line up with our beliefs, and to attempt to close that gap in our speech and actions.

Jeremiah talks with his dad about the religious and relational approaches to Christianity. They agree that God makes a way for everyone to know Him, both in and out of the liturgical context. This conversation includes such topics as listening, worship, creativity, and the challenges of a relationship with God. 

In this episode Jeremiah talks about self-honesty. The hypothesis is that we must first hold ourselves accountable for our problems, reactions, and emotions. The experiment is to explore and examine our reactions to discover their roots, and to bring them to God to ask for help and transformation.

Jeremiah talks with his friend Charles about his spiritual story. This conversation includes such topics as: spiritual experiences, worship, the person of Jesus, dedication to God, and the Church. 

We must put in the spiritual work necessary to make the theory of God into a personal reality. The hypothesis is that it is normal to go through cycles of crisis in which we discover the limitations of our faith, and that such times are the perfect environment in which to turn the theory of our beliefs into internalized truth. The experiment is to engage in activities that strengthen our understanding of the person of God, expose our own level of faith, and bring everything we think and feel back into the hands of our Heavenly Father.

Jeremiah speaks with his friend John about his salvation experience and the recent formative moments in his relationship with God. This discussion includes such topics as the Person of Jesus, Christian identity, the importance of grace, issues in the Christian Church, and the pivotal necessity of helping others.  

Do you avoid revealing your love of God in certain situations? The hypothesis of this episode is that the fear of people's reactions should not stop us from revealing the light of Jesus Christ in our lives. The experiment is to be honest about where you are afraid of revealing your experiences with God, and to work toward exposing your faith in personal ways.

Jeremiah talks with his friend Lauren about the concept of "toxic positivity." This intriguing idea suggests that knee-jerk positivity and the prioritization of problem-solving are not healthy ways to address someone's emotional needs. Rather, we should assume a Christlike approach which validates people as being worthy of our time and attention, and expresses our love and support through committed listening.

Jeremiah talks about the destructive nature of making decisions based on fear. The hypothesis is that fear clouds our perception and causes us to make choices that are not reflective of who we truly are. The experiment is to ask ourselves “Am I making choices based on fear?” and then to ask God to replace our fear with His love, faith, and trust.

Jeremiah talks about the challenges we face when we determine to do God's will. The hypothesis is that when we give something to God, we must know that we are merely stewards of it from that point on. The experiment is to examine the things you've given to God and ensure that you are not still trying to hold on to them.

In this episode Jeremiah talks about responsibility, obligation, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. The hypothesis is that we should only carry the burdens that Jesus places on our hearts, and to only act upon the gifts that God has given to us. The experiment is drop any obligations that go beyond the will of God in your life, and to recognize that you are only responsible for what God has given to you.

Jeremiah talks about how we should relate to human emotion. The hypothesis is that we must we willing to mourn when it is a time of mourning, and that we should not avoid negative emotion. The experiment is to give yourself permission to feel what you feel, and to talk to God about it.

Jeremiah talks about being good stewards of our hearts. The hypothesis is that all of us, in one way or another, have lost heart in our relationship with God. The experiment is to ask Jesus Christ for healing, and to entrust our beings to Him completely.

In this episode Jeremiah talks about the importance of vetting human opinions in your relationship with God. The hypothesis is that we cannot take any human ideas on spiritual matters as being true until we find confirmation of it with the Father. The experiment is to examine where you may have been influenced by human opinion, particularly about other people, and seek God for His clarity.

The hypothesis is that we cannot see the new thing God wants to do in our lives if our perception of today is rooted in the past. The experiment is to first examine yourself to determine whether you believe that God can do something new, and second, to seek Him and converse with Him about the new thing.

In this episode, Jeremiah talks about how important it is to take care of people. The hypothesis is that however we treat those in need is exactly the way we treat Jesus (Matt. 25). The experiment is to ask God to show you whom to help, whether physically or spiritually.