The God Experiment

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.

Jeremiah talks about two principles that are necessary in your ongoing relationship with God. The hypothesis is that openness and honesty provide the necessary personal foundation for your proper responses to God’s communication. The experiment is to first gauge your openness and honesty and ask the Father for more.

The hypothesis of this episode is that hurts and offenses in our lives build up to a critical point and will spill out to hurt others unless we are willing to address them. The experiment is to ask God to help you forgive and let go of the poisons of your past hurt.

The hypothesis is that hurts and offenses in our lives build up to a critical point and will spill out to hurt others unless we are willing to address them. The experiment is to ask God to help you forgive and let go of the poisons of your past hurt.

Jeremiah talks about simply being with God. The hypothesis is that the deepest kind of relational connection with the Father is based on the unadulterated desire to be close with Him. The experiment is to practice spending time in God’s presence, and also to examine our motivations for doing so.

In this episode Jeremiah talks about a fundamental choice we make in every difficult situation we face. The hypothesis is that when we face times of affliction, we either choose to soften or harden our hearts, and that this choice has massive repercussions in our relationship with God. The experiment is to think about the last few times you’ve faced affliction, and take on the responsibility to keep your heart open before God.

In this episode Jeremiah talks what it means to be a witness. The hypothesis is that being a witness is a powerful spiritual truth predicated on the experiences of what you have seen and heard of God in your life. The experiment is to share what you’ve witnessed to the people close to you in order to personally clarify your understanding of these experiences with God.

In this episode, Jeremiah talks about the power of expectations. The hypothesis is that our expectations often end up defining our reality, and therefore directly affect our actions and reactions. The experiment is to ask God to show you where you harbor negative expectations, with the intent to be liberated from them.

Jeremiah talks about the ongoing spiritual concern for growth. The hypothesis is that every spiritual experience or understanding we find in our relationship with God can be deepened. The experiment is to ask the Father to bring further depth and clarity to every aspect of our spiritual lives.

In this episode Jeremiah talks about the organic nature of a relationship with God. The hypothesis is that planning out your spiritual life is a recipe for stagnation. The experiment is to examine where you’ve developed expectations regarding God’s promises, and to replace them with a daily exercise of listening to God.

In this episode Jeremiah talks about the goodness of God as it relates to the future of human society. The hypothesis is that God's personality defines the Kingdom, and that this results in the best of all possible governmental systems. The experiment is to dwell upon the goodness of God's traits and recognize the goodness of His rulership as King.

In this episode, Jeremiah talks about not being embarrassed when asking God for help. The hypothesis is that it is not an act of doubt to ask for more clarity, and that is is a positive thing to doublecheck on what you think you heard from God. The experiment is to approach the throne of grace and ask the King for more guidance.

Jeremiah talks about how we must put in the work to properly accept God's blessings. The hypothesis is that it is too easy to expect the negative and reject the positive. The experiment is to put in the effort to accept God's love as it is expressed in compliments and blessings.

Jeremiah speaks with Craig Gruenberg about his new book, "But is it Worship?" They touch on the main ideas in the book, and also discuss the foundational perspective of its approach, which speaks to the importance of being free to ask questions in a relationship with God. "But is it Worship" is now available on Amazon.com, so check it out!

In this episode, Jeremiah talks about a positive attitude we can choose to have, regardless of our circumstances. The hypothesis is that we are invited to live in the faith, hope, and love of a relationship with our Father and Redeemer. The experiment is to accept this invitation and live in the dreamworld that is the life of the Heavenly Father.

Jeremiah talks about a simple principle that governs how deep our relationships will get. The hypothesis is that the act of sharing your questions, confusion, and challenges will lead to deeper relationships. The experiment is to choose to be vulnerable and allow people into your process of seeking God and finding your way in life.

In this episode, Jeremiah talks about earthly tumult, and the peace of knowing that God is God. The hypothesis is that the shared recognition of God as the all powerful King of kings will bring a ceasing of striving and war. The experiment is to first decide to stop conflict in your own life by knowing that God is God, and then pray for the entire world to recognize the peace of His Kingship.

Jeremiah reviews the book "Letters to a Devastated Christian," by Gene Edwards. The book contains a number of letters written by the author to a Christian who had been traumatized by his participation in an authoritarian Christian church. The book addresses why authoritarianism appears in many different Christian circles, as well as what the devastated Christian should do about it. 

Jeremiah talks about how important it is to properly relate to God regarding His blessings. The hypothesis is that it is disastrous to give the credit of God's activity to a human being, whether yourself or someone else. The experiment is to examine and increase your own recognition of God's moving and blessings in your own life.

Jeremiah talks about an attitude in God that can free us from the indecisiveness of confusion. The hypothesis is that when we truly put a decision in God's hands, we will be empowered to take action. The experiment is to look for where you feel unable to make a decision because you don't know God's will and then put it in God's hands and take a step.

The hypothesis of this episode is that how we treat people in need has a deep impact on our relationship with God. The experiment is to take on God's perspective, pray for those who are oppressed, and find practical ways to help people in need.

Jeremiah talks about making better decisions. The hypothesis is that our first reaction in any situation is often not reflective of God's principles. The experiment is to practice putting aside our initial reactions in order to formulate better responses based on God's Word.

Jeremiah speaks with regular contributor Lewis Brown. Topics include the relational exchange that God wants with his people, the resurrection of Jesus as a foretaste of the redemption of creation, and the biblical view of the role of prophecy in the Church. Cool stuff!

Jeremiah talks about the importance of grace in our relationships, particularly when misunderstandings occur. The hypothesis is that our lack of grace in the face of misunderstandings has the potential to severely damage our relationships. The experiment is to exercise grace by giving people the benefit of the doubt.

If there were one priority you could pursue right now that would have an outsized affect on your spiritual life, what would it be? The experiment is to choose to do something like meditate, invite God in, write things out, or forgive, in order to transform your relationship with God.

In this episode, Jeremiah reads Psalm 66 and provides some encouragement. The hypothesis is that even in the darkest, most difficult times in our lives, God is moving. The experiment is to read Psalm 66 and recognize that God has acted on behalf of his people in the past, and will continue to do so today.

To learn more about The God Experiment, visit our website: www.godexperiment.org 

In this episode, Jeremiah talks about intentionality and free will. The hypothesis is that your choices are directed by your personal values and principles. The experiment is to take ownership of your life by intentionally identifying your God-given personal values and choosing to live by them.

In this episode Jeremiah talks about authenticity. The hypothesis is that Christians who are authentic have an other-centered attitude. The experiment is to practice self honesty while being committed to the success of others.

In this episode Jeremiah talks about a principle that stands at the heart of any intimate, close relationship. The hypothesis is that vulnerability takes courage, and that such courage comes from God. The experiment is to practice vulnerability, first in your relationship with the heavenly Father, and second with others who are close to you.

Jeremiah talks with his friend Dari about her spiritual story. This wide-ranging conversation also addresses spiritual hunger, finding the heart of God, Jesus' perfect salvation, and knowing that God and His love are behind our every success.

Jeremiah discusses an experience of cleansing that is available to us in God. The hypothesis is that Jesus intends to cleanse us in order to achieve a deeper relationship with us. The experiment is to seek the experience of the washing of the water by the Word of God.

The God Experiment is dedicated to exploring the practical aspects of Christian spirituality. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/thegodexperiment

Jeremiah talks about God's Kingship and Christ's Lordship. The hypothesis is that seeing Christ as Lord and God as King are important aspects of their personalities that we must understand if we are to know them completely. The experiment is to spiritually wrestle with these concepts, in order to recognize our own personal responses to Jesus being the Lord of lords and King of kings.

Jeremiah interviews his uncle-in-law, Doug Britt, about his spiritual story. This conversation includes Doug's recounting of meeting God for the first time, his passion for the Word of God, his experience in baptism, the importance of not pursuing God alone, and the mechanics of the devotional life. 

In this episode Jeremiah talks about a powerful relationship tool. The hypothesis is that we must help each other process emotions and thoughts prior to offering solutions. The experiment is to listen for where others may need help in ventilating their thoughts and emotions, as well as practicing ventilating your own thoughts and emotions with God.

In this episode Jeremiah reviews and responds to the book “Forgotten God,” by Francis Chan. The book is about the Holy Spirit, and particularly about how the Holy Spirit has been neglected in the Western Christian Church. Regardless of the nature of your relationship with the Holy Spirit, this review should help you strengthen and deepen your relationship with Him.

In this episode Jeremiah talks about how our relationships affect our identity. The hypothesis is that our search for meaning will go unfulfilled if we do not deepen our relationship with God and with others. The experiment is to find a greater sense of identity and purpose in God and in the relationships He has given you.

The hypothesis is that we can do so many important things, but that if we are not careful, they can take us away from a genuine relationship with God. The experiment is to discover where we are anxious and troubled, and let it all go while simply spending time with Jesus.

In this episode, Jeremiah talks about a creative principle involved in reading the Bible. The hypothesis is that we will not understand the full message of the Bible unless can see ourselves as its villains. The experiment is to read your favorite story in the Bible and recognize how you might be similar to the "bad guys."

The hypothesis is that God's glory is an aspect of who He is, and that it can be experienced and shared with humanity. The experiment is to take any experience you've had with the radiance and love of God and to glorify Him with it.

In this episode, Jeremiah speaks with his friend Darrell about how the personal heart for God is more important than the exact form of seeking Him. The conversation includes a Scriptural review of the establishment of David's tent, as well as a discussion of denominationalism, God's priority of relationship, and the human desire for knowledge.

The hypothesis of this episode is that contemplating Jesus' humanity helps us to relate correctly to our own humanity. The experiment is to meditate on the newborn Jesus—to imagine this little child so full of promise—in order to connect with Jesus, our older brother.

The God Experiment is dedicated to exploring the practical aspects of Christian spirituality. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/thegodexperiment

The hypothesis of this episode is that God is patient with us in our process of spiritual growth because He is a good Father. The experiment is to look closely at our lives in order to see clearly God's acts of grace and patience toward us.

The God Experiment is dedicated to exploring the practical aspects of Christian spirituality. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/thegodexperiment

Jeremiah examines the quest for personal authenticity. The hypothesis is that coming to a place of authenticity is a process of removing the things that are not us. The experiment is to first determine your willingness to follow Christ into authenticity, and then to be on the lookout for your actions and reactions that are not reflective of who you truly are.

The God Experiment is dedicated to exploring the practical aspects of Christian spirituality. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/thegodexperiment

The hypothesis of this episode is that honoring our fathers and mothers has a great impact on our relationship with others—particularly on our relationship with the Heavenly Father. The experiment is to sort through our hearts, emotions, and thoughts in order to forgive our parents, love them, and see them as beings made in the image of God.

The God Experiment is dedicated to exploring the practical aspects of Christian spirituality. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/thegodexperiment

Jeremiah has a conversation with his father, centered on the story of the disciples bowing down to Jesus after He walked on water (Matt. 14:33). In this story, the disciples worshiped Jesus in a spontaneous and personal response, which expressed a witness of who He was as the Son of God. We, too, must find our personal experience of knowing Jesus afresh, and bowing down to Him in a personal way. 

Jeremiah talks about the subtle power of apologizing. The hypothesis is that initiating an apology is an effective way to bring reconciliation to a relationship. The experiment is to initiate forgiveness on a consistent basis with your friends and family.

The God Experiment is dedicated to exploring the practical aspects of Christian spirituality. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/thegodexperiment

The hypothesis of this episode is that a genuine understanding of Christianity is predicated on reconciling a number of seeming contradictions. The experiment is to learn to be ok with the paradoxes of the godly life, and discover the right balance in our understanding of God's principles.

The God Experiment is dedicated to exploring the practical aspects of Christian spirituality. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/thegodexperiment

In this episode Jeremiah talks about thankfulness and worship. The hypothesis is that genuine worship emerges from a lifestyle centered in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. The experiment is to search your heart to discover, and strengthen, your desire for a consistent relationship of worship toward God.

The God Experiment is dedicated to exploring the practical aspects of Christian spirituality. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/thegodexperiment

In this episode Jeremiah talks about an important attitude we must have in our relationship with God. The hypothesis is that an expectant hope in God is a spiritually healthy and creative approach to God in all seasons. The experiment is to replace our anxiety and uncertainty with the hopeful watching and waiting for God to move.

The God Experiment is dedicated to exploring the practical aspects of Christian spirituality. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/thegodexperiment

In this episode Jeremiah talks about the foundational priority of Christianity. The hypothesis is that knowing God is the basis of the Christian faith. The experiment is to examine whether our spiritual life is truly founded on a relationship with God.

The God Experiment is dedicated to exploring the practical aspects of Christian spirituality. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/thegodexperiment