E761 | Don't Miss the Main Thing | What is the most important part of Christianity? | John Eldredge

[@lightinthedarkness8685]

Imagine churches loaded with people who really did know God. This knowing of God has been the cry of my heart for the last few years. I’m so hungry to know Him as He is. God bless you all who hunger and thirst for Him.

[@skyetatanka8864]

Ditto.

[@coreydallmeyer67]

Check out this powerful verse that spoke to me last week,you'll be blessed! 1 John 5:20 ❤

[@Jesusismylord1st]

🙏💯 Amen brethren Praise God Almighty . Too know Him is too love Him and oh how it warms His heart too see us seeking after Him ....

[@juliaf3cubed]

I, too, pray fervently to experience the love intimacy of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit

[@debraputnam8647]

I was a Christian for many years and from the beginning of following Jesus, God often used music to minister to me. To usher me into His beautiful Presence, to help me grow closer, more intimate with Him. Then one day I discovered VINEYARD MUSIC 🎶. It was a whole new level of intimacy with God that I had not known before. Thus my journey of Intimacy with God began & 🌸🌼 blossomed, deepened. I had no idea that God wanted a 'relationship' with people! This was a whole new concept. But the more time that I spent reading my Bible, praying, i.e. talking to God, and most importantly, God talking with me! Wow! The more time I spent with God, the more I wanted to be with Him ❣️ And He with me. This is our Love story on earth...can you imagine what it will be like when we see God face to face?!?!? ❤️❤️❤️ Ephesians 3:

[@coolnaitch]

I feel like a younger brother to you, John. I am gratefully impacted by your passion for intimacy with God. The Holy Spirit will have a chance to help me obtain the character of Christ as I focus on knowing him. Consequentially, I will be more able to fulfill the "Great commission ". I will be renewed, transformed, and equipped to be His ambassador. He will be more able to heal my mind, body, & soul. Intimacy is missing in my relationship with Him. I hope your listeners will respond to your words with diligence. May God bless you and keep you! May you continue to stay focused on fresh & profound perspectives as we strategize in this battle. I love your heart & contributions to the body of Christ.

[@vernonpurdy8607]

The difficulty for me was keeping the intimacy with God and keeping it separate from the demands of a church. They become founts of knowledge without life or a familiarity without a real trust relationship. Thanks for the reminder.

[@betijajurksta]

Nothing else really fulfills, except Jesus

[@lhutcheson9854]

Watching this in January 2025 - perfect timing today. Thank you John. Thank you Holy Spirit ❤ Your podcast describes perfectly what I have been struggling to identify over the last several years. Encountering so many who don't really KNOW God, but are nice, do good works, do the disciplines, give prophetic words, have right theology...but I don't think they intimately know Jesus. I have cried tears of relief today listening to this...it is so helpful to have words to understand what is going on in the world. I just recently discovered this channel...so timely! So grateful to Holy Spirit.

[@kenallenrealestate]

This is a very important episode. We are created for deep intimacy with God. This is what we are made for. I know in my church experience & among many Christian friends, I see a deep skepticism of anything supernatural. I suspect it has been a centuries old strategy in the making. The essence of our faith is supernatural and as Dallas Willard called it, it is a divine companionship. We need to run to Jesus over and over again and enjoy this vast friendship with our maker, our redeemer, our brother and our friend.

[@gnagdogg21]

this is the hardest thing for me. I’ve never felt like I had a super close relationship with God. I’ve learned ABOUT Him, I’ve tried hard to sacrifice, trust, and engage in disciplines with Him. But I sometimes wonder if I’m just a clanging cymbal. And HOW. HOW am I to know Him? I read His word, I do try to pray to Him, but I don’t feel Him near.

[@tammygrady3530]

Thanks for the life ring 🛟⚓️ rock of ages cleft for me, oh how I miss thee.

[@saws_n_stuff]

He made us for a relationship with him. That is our very purpose. When we understand it, and then live it, we receive the greatest blessing possible. Jesus makes that relationship possible. He is the embodiment of that relationship.

[@nevillesealy1454]

God is Speaking to those who are Listening with spiritual ears to hear (His Matt. 9:17 “🔥❤️‍🔥New Wineskins❤️‍🔥🔥” awaiting His Matt. 16:17-19 “🍷New Wine🍷”)… God Says: “🔥BE STILL & KNOW I AM WHOM, I SAY I AM!🔥”

[@robinninanyman]

I hope that the Jesus that knows my story, my wounds, the loneliness, the feelings of abandonment, my needs for validation my fears…the results of being in the war zone I hope that He would care to invite me and befriend me, even when I don’t have the courage and capacity to know Him as intimately as you are describing. My hope stands that He chooses to befriend and dine and hold also those with fears, those with scars, those who every so often look for life in other places, those who only have a tiny bit of hope and faith left Jesus come and heal some of the broken parts, come and heal a heart that hopes to be alive again. Show me again that Your life brings joy, without Your healing friendship I cannot find the living water Thank you John

[@johannaquinones7473]

Praying for you❤

[@tedfordhyde]

@robin Your words and your heart touch me and I can only imagine how deeply they touch the Lord in your honesty. Your longings will definitely be met in Him, fully.

[@RestoringHonor]

I love the pause. I almost get a pavlovian response and can sense a lightening and a joy in my spirit the moment I hear the music

[@wildblue7832]

“The feast is about the intimacy and we mature into it. “ Thank you - now I understand more about the parable. Thanks John. I’ve been watching lots of videos about geo engineering the weather and seeing chem trails all over the place on a daily basis. I’m overcome with grief and need to take it to my Heavenly Father. This was helpful because the world is on spin dry. I agree that we are living in a love story set in a war. How can that not be sad?

[@sonyafunk8909]

John, you are seriously the father I never had. You are my Jedi Knight in regards to keeping Jesus close to my heart through this crazy war-torn human experience. This was a FANTASTIC episode. You speak to my heart that staying close to Jesus is good, warranted, and allowed. Thank you. It warms my soul to think of you guys and gals at the outpost. Kindred spirits. ❤

[@WildatHeartOfficial]

That's kind of you. Thank you.

[@LindaMarie9]

Thanks for saying this❤❤❤

[@Mr53000]

My spirit bears witness, brother. And so does the Holy Spirit. Thank you.

[@j2jenison]

Thank you for these words, John. I find myself in the same category of those who have left a toxic church and now searching for a new spiritual home. My last church even did really well with "authentic community" but I believe now that the leaders truly did not know Jesus. I've been following your content and doing the daily pauses for the last few months. I've also been interested in discovering ancient church traditions, but none of them have given me what Jesus has given me. Since about 6 months ago, during my time speaking with Jesus and lingering in his presence I've been having a bodily sensation and vision of Jesus himself holding my hand, cupping it with both hands like you do when you are listening to someone share something really hard. Sometimes I am holding his, like when I am professing my love for him. I have never experienced a relationship like this before. Not long ago if a Christian told me this was what their "quiet time" was I would've thought they were crazy. But now, there's a longing within me for the presence of Jesus that I just can't shake, nor do I want to. I crave feeling his hands holding mine, bringing me comfort in my moments with him. You've been a help in my understanding of this intimacy. So, thank you.

[@jaydemarco5570]

John thank you for being that unwavering leader that has consistently pointed us back to the real source of all things and our true purpose over and over again through decades of my life! Love you my brother Jay D

[@teriward6160]

ONCE AGAIN this is exactly what I needed to hear, what a gift! I asked Holy Spirit the morning before I watched this "Do I have this whole thing wrong? Is it harder to walk with you than I was believing?" Background....I have been listening and reading a lot also on the rise of the disciplines (which I appreciate and see the value for) It was leading me down a path of thought that was grounded in don't think I am doing enough, I think Im getting it wrong AGAIN THANK-YOU JOHN....this was a rescue

[@donalddayton1818]

"Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

[@skyetatanka8864]

That is so TRUE & APPRIPO

[@131maymay131]

Foundational stuff here. Please share with everyone you know. We have really drifted from the basics.

[@RCGWho]

The last 20 odd years, I've heard a relentless number of commands, demands, and assumptions that we should all be in community. We should all have an amazing friend group. When church people dont know God and the majority are just members of social clubs climbing the ladder, it spells rejection, offense, and hurt for the outcasts. I struggled while raising my children with the bitterness from this rejection. This absence of this community everyone demanded that i must have. I wasted so many years struggling with this issue of isolation and loneliness instead of just serving God and knowing Him and simply praying about the friendship issue. I set this example of expectation of being accepted into the community in front of my children so they felt rejected and hurt, too. I wish pastors would emphasize the pursuit of God and loving and serving outcasts insread of making being in cool cliques the end goal and calling it community. Its sort of like demanding people be married. I can't just snap my fingers and produce a community; I can pursue God and be filled by Him. We aren't commanded to have a hip friend group. We are commanded to love and seek God.

[@jeffdavis7543]

My sentaments exactly. The yearning seeking soul will find this peace only thru the prince of peace. Praise Jesus!

[@michaelj4351]

Thank you for that saying. Intimacy with Jesus helps a lot when life is difficult: we have then the new way of seeing eveything.

[@leonalirangues3340]

Amen, Father, hold us. We are your children! Thank you.

[@marymayo3705]

We are inundated with so much information about how to live and be and what we need to do,but it leaves out the one essential, ultimate element, and it fosters chaos . Thank you for your calm voice of clarity.

[@juliecousin2695]

Thank you! Thank you! I needed to hear this. It has prompted me to assess my relationship with Christ. I’m going to share this video with others and I pray they view and consider it with all seriousness. Matthew 7:21-23 is a warning to all believers. Don’t be deluded by your good works, knowledge of doctrine, or even how God may be using you. Know Jesus and love for others, good works, and sound doctrine will inevitably follow. Thank you brother and may God continue to bless you, your family, and ministry.

[@natesuppon9650]

I agree with it. And i do wish teachers would explain what intimacy actually is. Because my biggest struggle is connecting deeply with God and people

[@Deba7777]

That's so good! It's like you're turning your head just a tad to a different angle, then you see the MAIN thing! Thank you so much for this & all your decades of ministry! God bless you and your family! Glory to God!

[@billwoods6759]

Dear Lord Thank You for the wisdom you bestow on this wonderful man. ❤

[@rbrad313]

John God bless you. Agreed. Many Catholics and other traditions may struggle to know Jesus. “I in them” … was Our Lord a gnostic? An abstractionist? No…He was the perfect union of body and soul, spirit and matter…this is the Eucharist. What greater intimacy can we achieve with Jesus than to “eat His Flesh and drink His Blood”?

[@mid-nebraskadisposalinc6388]

We can't have true intimacy with God without being known by him.

[@cecilialugo6188]

HE KNOWS US MORE THAN WE WILL EVER KNOW HIM

[@desertcrab6331]

Well John, we both know when God places a burden on our hearts, due to the deep things he shows us, we must speak to it. I'm so glad you obeyed His leading and sat down to expose the Father's heart through yours. You are illustrating what you are talking about. This IS, the main thing, and you know what? It is the epicenter of ALL of my struggles. How did I not make this connection? It was at the epicenter when I left the Institutional Church for good 17 years ago, my life was forced to commit to an institution and not the true Bride of Christ. Your very livelihood was at stake in your 'faith mission'. The line that divides the two is invisible, I've seen too many on the other side unawares and the refusal to address it openly was more than I could bare. The Lord found me, I didn't find Him. Rather, He pulled me out of a pit, dusted me off, and said follow me. At that moment, I was completely alone and lost in a man's world that was so evil I had no capacity to even conceive, let alone act out. While the reason for that might sound divine on the surface, the real source of my convictions came from the brutal beatings of a rageful father who chose the only boy to keep the family in line. Then add to that complete neglect and never taught me how to fix things, hunt, play catch, watch my athletic prowess, nothing. It was my all consuming passion to win his approval. Didn't even know what a checking account leger was. Then, while thinking you are worthless and find yourself being hunted by a hot girl, you marry her thinking surely there is no other woman on earth this stupid. Five decades later, you wake up in that SAME pit to a still small voice calling your name. This time, He is NOT helping me out. He is saying I have the ability now to pull myself out. I have been chasing the heart of the Father all this time. He IS my father, the only One I have ever known who loves me for who I am. I woke up in that pit again, but being there was an answer to my prayers and my Father came through. He DID what it takes to be a good dad, He was very patient and allowed me to learn as I went by all the mistakes I made. Each devastating loss, every betrayal, He stood by my side. They were the best and worst of times, each and every one. After the funeral to any and all ministry I ever engaged in was over, I drug myself into a self imposed desert where I lost the sense of His presence I had enjoyed in the heat of battle. I was beaten to a pulp, I KNEW the power of the ministry I left on the table because it flowed through me. I had submitted myself to the wrong authority. That was a brutal death to me, I had no idea it was simply a taste of the deaths to come. It has been 17 years in this desert, never in a million years could I conceive of what I found 'in me'. I get it, no wonder I couldn't see it. It was all hidden in my subconscious and I had to pray and experience it over, and over, and over, and over again until I could see it. Even when I thought I saw it, I was just scratching the surface. I had to lose everything to rid myself of ALL the distractions to see it, I am that dense. This has nothing to do with me at all, this is ALL about the Father's Heart for us. You just cannot imagine the length, depth, width, nor height. It is impossible to see it all. Like praying for patience, I prayed a simple prayer for decades upon decades. I wanted answers as to why I could not deal with conflict. So, I asked the Lord to help me see others as He sees them. Be careful, you know NOT what you ask. None of us needs training how to see bad in others, but can you see good? That takes discipline, exercise, and muscle memory. Seeing the bad can be done lying in bed. Don't make the mistake and let the bad overwhelm you, God desires redemption. You have to look past it to see the good and it has taken me years to realize the dividends of such a venture. Also, remember not to take on God things, you are not created for that. You job is to be present and obey your Father like John is doing here. The wind is blowing from a different direction in this desert, it is cool and refreshing. My search is over, it is time to heal. No better place than in the lap of my Father. I LOVE how John tries to explain the love of God and His humor. If you don't understand the humor of God you are not spending enough time with Him. Are you kidding? Read the bible, that is the wildest stuff I have ever read. You know WHY we must know the Father heart of God? Because that is your ARMOR. It was the armor of a young lad named David who, through experience, had no fear standing up to a giant of a devil when he defied the name of his Father. It is important because we are ALL warriors and need to take our places on the front lines of God's battle, not the political schemes of this world. We are Ambassadors of our King, we represent the Kingdom of God on this earth as sons of God. The fall, is about restoring intimacy. Restored intimacy creates warriors. The war? Read Ephesians 6, it's NOT with flesh and blood. What are our weapons? Are they made by man? All weapons made by man were done so from technologies revealed to us by devils. What IS the knowledge of good and evil? Let me ask you a basic question. Is not everything you are seeing today NOT an attack on the 'created' order of God? They cloak God from our sight with lies by murdering babies, perverting our children, creating divisions in societies, all devilry. Now, they want us to believe aliens are among us. How nice, so cute and cuddly. I'm sorry, if I was an alien I would not care about destroying and perverting society to worship me, I would just laser the whole lot. They are NOT aliens folks, they are devils of the highest order. What has been hidden is about to come out guys, are you on the front line or sitting on your couch? Now you might begin to realize the assault men have been under for centuries. Guys, it's not what you know, it's what you DON'T know. Were you there? Then how do you know? Are you getting truth from man or God? To get truth from God you need to rest on His chest. What is God doing in the midst of battle? Look outside your window, watch the news, what is REALLY happening in the world today? Can you not see the destruction of this war in our own country? All assistance is going elsewhere and NOTHING is being done to help our own citizens. Does that not appear to be an enemy of the people in charge? Wake up! STOP thinking about conventional war, we are well past that. BE CAREFUL, disinformation is expected in war. Look closer, this is NOT what it appears. Look in the skies at night, you'll need inferred to see it. The devils are inside the wire and in command of operations. Do you have ANY idea what is on the horizon? No weapon of man can stop this, what is God up to? Is this a real Second Coming or is it engineered by devils? Are Christians actually praying in their own demise? Everyone accepts the realities they have been given, but how do you KNOW? Where are the Sons of Issachar today to tell us the real times in which we live? They are YOU my friend, can you hear that still small voice in the midst of battle chaos? Do you have eyes to see and ears to hear? It is in our faces! But, can you SEE what God is doing? If not, time is getting short. The cross was to redeem mankind from the fall and restore intimacy, but this story is not over. We were redeemed from the effects of Babylon and the 'control' of principalities, and given full authority on this earth. Fear not, Jesus said, for I have overcome the world and ALL authority has been vested in Him. That doesn't mean they have no affect over us because they still do, but post cross we all possess the authority Jesus won on the cross. The power over the 'fear' of death. This has ALL the appearance of a devil in panic, a final showdown before judgement comes with a final decree. A 'fury' of hate and malice towards God's greatest creation. The ultimate goal to get humans to worship devils in alien suits. Stop believing what I or any other man is telling you, what is God telling you? You'll never know if you don't have intimacy. You have to have that before you can experience all God has for you. Be it war or peace, it will be the same to you. I will leave you with one final thought. I was born for a time like this. It took me six decades to pass my training, now I realize I am part of God's Special Forces. I was born for this, I cannot thank God enough for all the pain. I want to jump out of planes with no parachute, bring them on. I will laugh them all the way to hell. Have you heard of my dad? He can beat up your dad! Forget Moses, I have no intention to cover God's glory. I think God is saying, once again, let MY PEOPLE, GO. I will not accept no for an answer, ask my Dad if you have any questions.

[@marie-soleildauphinais9530]

I don't have words to express all my gratitude for this podcast. This is the essence of our life. Thank you so much 🙏

[@cecilialugo6188]

I just subscribed to your email teachings... I've come into a very deep communion with God. I asked him to help me with my relationship with him. And the power of the presence God engulfed me with ❤️ love. I never had an intertwined relationship, and I now am so Joyful . I sing a new song to my king every morning that he places in my heart...I hear my father's voice.. I love my life even through trials and tribulations ❤I've been given a new heart with Gifts.

[@ArthurGann]

This is how we know him, if we keep his commandments. If you love me you will keep my commandments. Our repentance plays the prime means to close fellowship with God

[@christiangibbs391]

"For Such A Time As This" Amen 🙏 Praise God 😇 I don't know if you read these comments John, but I just want to encourage & Thank You for your ministry 🙏 The significance of authentic & genuine Godly Men, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, to shape & transform culture, from the inside out, is needed more now, than ever 🙏❤️ Zechariah 4:6 "Not by Might, Nor by Power, But by My Holy Spirit" Says the Lord Almighty 🙏

[@WildatHeartOfficial]

Thank you so much!

[@less5851]

Amen John, Amen!

[@tedfordhyde]

I don't know how I missed this after 9 days of being posted online. This is truly phenomenal and this is what I needed to hear. It's like God had you make this podcast for me personally! Thank you and God bless you all!

[@brianyoung4863]

He has an app called pause 😊

[@skyetatanka8864]

THIS was exactly what I've needed & been seeking. It validates & articulates the missing piece. I have been seeking Jesus intimately, but still haven't had any real internal transformation such that others would notice (being Salt & Light). I'm a good & helpful person like many folk try to be. I talk ABOUT God the father, son & HS but it's still head knowledge. I have persued in so many ways and still haven't had that real connection. My head is probably getting in the way. In general, I don't seem to be very good at intimacy & relationships; actually some types I am, it's the expectations & communication level/ skill lack, that is frustrating... Anyway, I'd really like to have a deeper relationship with Jesus & really experience His Spirit instead of just head knowledge...

[@jeffdavis7543]

Sky my experience exactly. We truly have a God encounter experience and are elevated to a new found relationship with a God we previously cussed and hollard at not realizing He wants intimacy and communion with little, insignificant me, that reality at first kind of startled me into a slow down and realize GOD IS GOD awareness and that launched me onto the path of life that was right under my nose. It's not been easy wrestling this flesh into submission, but God is faithful not to put on me more than I can handle. So as one older brother would admonish just stay in the boat and trust trust Jesus!

[@eaglea657]

Acts 2:38 ❤our beginnings❤

[@Thatlili102]

Everywhere I go it seems Intimacy with God is the topic! I'm even reading a book about it! It's def something in the pulse of teaching right now. It is something we've lost in all the commotion and Christian commercialization of content.

[@JimBillyRayBob]

This "personal relationship with God". Intimacy with God. Is something I could not even begin to wrap my head around until recently. It sounded too good, too convenient to be true, but I've learned that sentiment is actually proof that it IS true. I like to listen to old pop, rock and country love songs, and marinade in the knowing while listening to them that those feelings that came up for me way back when, and still do today, are actually pointing me to intimacy with God, not whatever girlfriend I had at the time. Here's a good one: Lookin' for love in all the wrong places. It's not that it was the wrong person or people. It's that this longing points to God, not any person at all.

[@wendellst2266]

John I have great respect for you my brother, and have had for a very long time….honestly…I’m quite shocked to hear you question the spiritual reality of C.S. Lewis’ faith. With all the self-proclaimed heresy hunters loose on the internet… that remark was truly beneath you.

[@soulhealer777]

That's a really good message; thanks John! And so true. Well explained. 🙂

[@africanwidow]

Hi. Thanks for bringing this to us this week! It was important. 🌞

[@pidedpiper2832]

Wow. This really makes sense, in such a simple way. Intimately connected To each other, we experience oneness with God and then everything Makes sense.

[@natesuppon9650]

I like this man of God. I had a thought... If we are judging another persons intimacy with God and thier relationship. Would that be a sign of not knowing God Superiority complex.( I know God better than you!!!!). The more i seek Jesus the less i realize i know about Him. And the more i realize He loves me completely fully accepted. And He is the one that sets our relationship. Hes our Father were His sons

[@theresacuenca8784]

The longer I know Him, 65+yrs. the Simpler He grows… He IS my Loving Father, and, like me, LOVES any time our children will spend time with me, nothing special, even just taking a walk & admiring the wonder of Creation !

[@chuckconkling3614]

Thank you ! We need this intimacy with Jesus. I need it! Thank you!

[@lpenni8673]

Thank you John, LOVE THIS talk!!! Amen! ❤❤❤

[@lucaswest8495]

Good word. I needed to be reminded of that.

[@Done-q2b]

I'm on my way home❤. And I'm subscribing to your channel sir. GOD bless us all in Jesus Christ name with the Holy Spirit in us Amen

[@LookingupforJesus396]

Center of the target 🎯💞

[@tammynewville716]

An individual seeking Christ!!❤

[@carlabeiters3933]

MUCH appreciated.

[@johannaquinones7473]

Omg I am so thankful I found you❤ I feel the same apprehension having been enamored by the talks of that famous psychologist, but ultimately had to abandon it completely as it enticed my mind but depleted my soul.

[@chazdk1]

Amen!!!!! Thank you!

[@helloharborhouse]

So timely. Such confirmation. Yes and Amen. Thank you!

[@laurahamilton5965]

Thank you so much. Indeed what a marvelous love story, the prodigal son. Such intimacy!

[@stephenariela8683]

Knowing you Jesus….there is no greater thing….. Hymn by Graham Kendrick! Appreciate your ministry. Would love to get over there sometime to talk with you guys!

[@lpenni8673]

Thank you John ❤❤❤❤ LOVE THIS!!!

[@jimtownsend8010]

This is such great stuff. I cant believe it doenst have more views

[@theresacuenca8784]

The he deeper you go in God, the SIMPLIER His WILL. & plan for humanity IS! Look at JESUS, HE IS WHAT THE FATHER INTENDED FOR US ALL! Believe what Jesus taught, Receive HIS CLEANSING BLOOD/NATURE BE FILLED WITH HIS SPIRIT, this enables Us to turn BACK to our Father & UNITE WITH HIM! THE Greatest DO OVER IN THE UNIVERSE! DONT MISS THIS INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY !

[@theresacuenca8784]

Jesus said to His followers, “I’d y have seen/KNOWN The Father, you HAVE SEEN THE FATHER!” Do exactly what Jesus said, not the traditions & doctrines of MEN, that He warned would “Make the WORD/Promises & power Of GOD, to NO EFFECT!” I don’t know where you are in your spiritual journey, after more than 65 years, I have found it much simpler than you would think . Follow Jesus, ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE Garden & your FATHER!

[@jesussmart]

appreciate the heart behind this! so needed

[@FaithHopeLove2011]

Thank you John. This is much needed. I needed this.

[@patrickyates4708]

What you say "we" have missed, I'd have to say for myself I have not missed. I get it, and I wonder how many others watching feel the same. This message, (that God wants us to experience a true relationship with Him, his love, intimacy, a union with him, to know him) I get it. Other listeners, do you get it also?

[@bjones5791]

no.Sounds impossible.If c.s.lewis missed it,i'm pretty much hopeless.There's just no way to "connect" to God.17 years into this and thousands of hours of Bible reading,church going,volunteering,missions,etc,yet what John is talking about is still out of reach.Life was fun and full before Christ in a lot of ways,but once i knew hell was real and i was going there,i accepted Him as the Gift of Life.But since then,i just cannot get into the zone of intimacy you guys seem to just "be" in.Where the Lord talks to you and is truly your best friend.Even writing this response makes me want to eat a bullet,but i'll drag on til the end hoping that at some point God decides He'll touch my soul like that.Even a CHANCE of such an event/life of hearing Him wanting me is enough to keep going.And yes,i've read it all,been "delivered",live a clean life,married to a good woman for 13 years,in fellowship,and all the right disciplines.WOW.Can't believe i typed all that out with one finger!....Have a great week.My name's Brent,i'd truly appreciate your prayer for the breakthrough of intimacy with God in His fullness.I truly do need that.I guess i'm just jealous/envious when i see men like you and John having it so tight like that with Father God.🙏🙏

[@RestoredToJesus]

@@bjones5791 hey Brent, I just want you to know that I am praying for you right now. I have never before responded to a comment on KZbin, but really felt it was important to encourage you a little. I’m 73 years old and was saved 46 years ago. One of the ways I got to understand what “intimacy“ with God means is to begin with the word “know” means. It’s kinda like the way I know my wife and she knows me. I certainly know about her, the things she likes, the things that make her happy, the things that upset her, and how to communicate with her. There are also some things that I am, not so sure of, I wish I could read her mind sometimes😊. But the longer we’ve been together the more I know her. Not just about her. But know her. It’s been kind of the same with my walk with God. Your desire to know him more rarely includes just the emotional connection, like romantic connection with your wife but it’s more Like living life together, playing together, working together, just sharing life together. What helps me personally the most is when I spend time on meditating in God‘s word, and thinking about him, and not just getting knowledge of what the Bible means. The fellowship that I have with other believers who are like-minded in our discussion of the things of the kingdom of God. It really is possible to know God intimately and I really believe you’re on your way. It is written “if you seek me, you will find me, if you search for me with all of your heart“ if there is someway for us to connect personally, I would love to talk with you about this. Our father knows you, intimately, and he has a desire for you to know him. That’s how I know that you’re on your way to intimacy with our father, like you’ve never experienced before. I pray that the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you the spirit of revelation and the knowledge of him. With his love, Mike.

[@leonalirangues3340]

I agree Patrick. For me, it's been all about the journey towards union, towards faithful love. I am not sure there is any way to quantify who is or isn't getting the central message of the Gospel that Jesus calls us each by name and says to each of us today: "Who do you say I am?" Meaning each one of us personally has to respond and be in a personal relationship with Him. Yet, I also get the point that by taking a look around at what is happening at some churches and in society in general that indicates a problem. Some folks are caught up with end times, others with political sides, others with their personal ticket into heaven, others with a prosperity/transational gospel that focuses getting one's material dreams fulfilled. It's not all about getting into heaven. If I have accepted Christ as my saviour, then it is WAKE UP time. Heaven is upon us, now. We have to respond to God's call and live it His love, now.

[@sibyllezion]

@@bjones5791C.S. Lewis didnt miss it. So you are not pretty hopeless, too. Did you convert out of fear to go to hell? Perhaps thats in your way, my friend. Hell is the absence of God in last consequence. The absence of His joy. The absence of His life and truth and attachment. Have you been told that, before you converted, all about you has been bad? Like, evil? So, did you try to become someone else after conversion? In the midst of your life? Laying all down youve been before, like, your whole personality? Are you alienated from yourself? Thats not how it works. Thats not what reconciliation and restoration is all about. You are created by God, not Satan. Still, still- as far as your ways may have hed you astray, you were created by God. And there were parts where under the layers of animal skins, covering the original nakedness, this glory shone through. You are loved. You always were. Its just..if we dont follow him, see, we end up under the curse of self-rule. Disconnected. Fallen. Jesus death reconciles your relationship with the father. Back to the state we were in before all the drama happenend. He reconfirms you. Do you still try to pay back your guilt? Are u still afraid that failing will have rude consequences, brutal consequences? Are u covering your face in fear of being found? Seen? You cannot pay back the guilt. Its impossible. Thats why Jesus did it. You cannot reconcile the broken relationship with the father, thats why Jesus died for you, so that it is reconciled. Many of us, friend, have experienced severe punishment coming along with mistakes. Beating, love withdrawal, devaluation. Belittling. Rejection. Violence. Have a look at your story, pls. Is that what a father is like? Not so God. Not so God. Ill pray now, a - for I am a woman- more motherly prayer. Abba, father of all glory, beauty and comfort. See your son. See him, Lord of redemption. See the one you have carefully and beautifully made. See his personality, his flaws and quirks, his passions and desires. See his heart, Lord, and wash away all that he condemns as evil that is meant to fill him with life. Bring the message, Lord Jesus Christ the Nazarene, of how much you bless and love him. Reconcile with his past, Lord, by sanctifying and purifying his story from all traces of darkness that still hold him back from you. Call him into your light, bringing the message that you are the one who touches the leprosy, that you do not shy away from our so, so broken hearts. Fill him, Lord with your new life. with your new heart. Let your heart begin to beat within his chest, Lord. Show him, show him your love, Lord. Lord, provide acceptance. Let the consequences of work righteousness go and be substituted by your tender touch. Holy Spirit, be His guide, His source, His light, His reminder of who Jesus truly is. Touch that heart and remove the hands covering the face in fear. Take away the hands from his ears and the veil from his face and let him see, Lord, that there is no screaming. That there is no wrath in your face. That there is no danger to hide from, when he comes to you. Take the hand of your son, Lord. Bring the seal ring. Bath him, comfort him, touch him. And show him that working through his failure with you will never, ever lead to condemnation, but only back on the right way to green pastures and still waters. Jesus, I ask for a revelation of the good shepherd to Bjones. And keep away all bullets far from him, for he is created for life, and abundance, and your touch and closeness and not for death. In your name, Jesus Christ the Nazarene, in your holy, precious name. Thank you for hearing that prayer.

[@pattyblevins2765]

Years ago I watched a video of a man telling how he would pray and read the Bible an hour every morning before going to work. He said one morning he was praying as usual and the next thing he was in the spirit - outside somewhere with Jesus. He said Jesus wasn’t religious at all and he was horsing around with him like guys do. I know how my husband and his brothers would act when younger. Jesus is our elder brother. Jesus calls us family. Sometimes you just need to go do something fun. One time I told the Lord I need to do something fun and my grandson got a new red sporty car and took me for a ride : ) God answered my prayer. Sometimes you need laughter 😂 it’s the best medicine. We are to enter the kingdom of God as children. Children love to play and laugh. Talk to God about it. Tell God what’s on your heart. Sometimes I just start saying hallelujah and praising God and feel His presence. Listening to Terry McAlmon’s music on KZbin I will feel God’s presence.

[@bridegroomgeneration]

Very confirming to me! Thank you ❤

[@The_Soundrops]

Love this episode! Thank you.

[@less5851]

Amen John

[@barbarapease9686]

Thank you so much gor this message..WOW..ive missed it lately.

[@DaveKerwin77]

Thank you, brother.

[@abpgrace]

Yes!!!

[@allibreshers2886]

I feel the urgency of this need but still left with the lingering question of how?

[@laurencarmichael2231]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Veracity24U]

Nice studio. I wish I had a studio ! 😊 Just saying.

[@Danny33777]

29:46 ❤

[@jacobcannon1493]

I appreciated the clear reminder and call back to knowing Jesus personally and walking with Him is indeed Eden. However, I was distracted by host judging others as not knowing Jesus presented as a matter of fact. I think this is a mistake that needs corrected for me to take this content seriously.

[@WildatHeartOfficial]

Thank you for this feedback.

[@sunnyelizabeth2910]

Thank You❤❤❤

[@Ingrid-zu7tp]

Be assured tje man who wrote "Chronicles of Narnia"did know Jesus personally. Cane tjrough your book "ways of tje heart"to my heart belief in intimacy

[@jeremiahchristensen1581]

Hi John! I was really bummed to hear your take on those authors! I am a part of the same ancient Christian Church as they are, so im pretty sure based on the details you shared that I know who they are. You didn’t seem to want to name them or the Church, so I will honor that and not either (beyond a first name). I’m disappointed that you were so quick to judge. The culture of our Church tends to be more traditional and I would even say “masculine” in spirit, so there is an (I believe healthy) tendency to not see the public stage as the place to share our intimate treasures of personal experience with God. I would imagine this isn’t a new concept for you as it seems to come up in your field of “Men’s work”. An example that comes to mind would be Robert Bly in Iron John warning of being “the man with too much mercury” who (among other things) overly exposes his personal life in public. I can assure you my own experience and that of many others I’ve spoken to in our realm of the faith, is one of deep encounter with Christ! We believe that God is not only knowable, but that the whole purpose of this life and our faith is to be transformed into his likeness, and image through this intimacy! We also believe that the emotional component of humans, is an essential aspect of us, but not our deepest component. Therefore emotional experiences with God are seen as good but that there are more important and deeper ways of knowing God. I have experienced this myself. Thank you (if you get the chance to read this) for the opportunity to defend my tradition. Also if it interests you, the writer Martin has other podcasts he’s done where he is more open about his experiences. He also has devoted a large chunk of his life to “Men’s Work” and I think if you had the chance to talk with him you’d find a lot in common. Blessings to you and your work!

[@WildatHeartOfficial]

Hi Jeremiah, thank you very much for this feedback. The podcast wasn't about whether one agrees or disagrees with John about unnamed authors-or even if they think they know who the authors are. It's not about defending a particular church movement or denomination. These are actually distractions that cause us to feel protective about a particular movement or author or belief. And in doing so, we miss the main thing, which is why the title of the podcast is Don't Miss the Main Thing. John's entire focus is on union with God. That is what it all comes down to. Not knowing more about God or holding up a particular practice or belief...no matter how good those other things or movements may be. The podcast was meant to prompt self-reflection in us all. To consider whether the main thing in our lives is a desire to know and love God intimately. That's the main thing. Nothing matters more.

[@papiwe1]

Yes

[@virginiamcguire5892]

❤

[@michaelbabbitt3837]

Bingo.

[@leonalirangues3340]

So amen, to intimacy with Jesus Christ. But not sure we can judge who has that intimacy when even by our nature we fool ourselves and gravitate towards self-worship, which is why we need to be in communion with others and in a continuous journey of discernment as we walk along side Jesus in daily prayer, read His Word, and participate in the sacrament of communion. Then, ultimately, the gauge I use to reflect on my intimacy is life. How am I carrying on in my new life in Christ? Thanks for sharing from your heart. Also, I was confused by the opening. Were you saying that C.S. Lewis did not have an intimate relationship with Christ or his biographer. From my deep listening and reading of Lewis, I cannot see how anyone can say he had many moments of intimacy but like all of us, as he states himself, was on a journey with Christ. It is the journey that is the intimacy, not just a feeling one has. Feelings come and go.

[@conan1939]

I had to relisten to the part about CS Lewis because I was confused too. I think John was talking about the biographer. I always thought Lewis's portrayal of Aslan is a wonderful portrait of intimacy with Jesus.

[@WildatHeartOfficial]

Hi Leon, John's comment pertained to his impression about the writer of a particular book on C. S. Lewis...not about C. S. Lewis. And yes, the core message of the podcast wasn't to judge others...but to be self-reflective regarding our own intimacy with God. Thanks!

[@prestonhall4130]

It would be helpful if you gave us the names of those authors in the beginning so we could listen deeper to get a better context on their journey to go along with your understanding of them. This helps us make our own conclusions with God rather than living on the surface of a thought or an assumption about another that could lead to some form of gossip. Naming names invites us to humbly honor them so that we know we are talking about someone made in the image and likeness of God, (even if we have questions about their journey) and not some idea attached to the thought that might miss what God is doing in their life. This then, allows us to live in the Light so that nothing remains in darkness or left to guesswork. It would be appreciated!

[@WildatHeartOfficial]

Hey, thanks very much for your comments. We appreciate it. John shared the true story as an example, like a modern day parable. The point wasn't about who it was or whether the listener would agree after their own research. The point was to cast light on a phenomenon happening around the world with believers. The story was kept general as a gateway to help us focus on an issue-and then look inward at our own hearts to and if we are more focused on knowing about God or "God and" than actually union and intimacy with God-knowing God-above all else. That's where the research and curiosity should be directed. Anything that gets in the way of that could be an unhelpful rabbit trail.

[@Stall-FedCalves]

John, why did you change your ministry's name?

[@WildatHeartOfficial]

We changed our name to Wild at Heart to connect with more people. "Wild at Heart," a book read by millions, is widely recognized, but research showed us that only 10% of people who had read Wild at Heart were familiar with Ransomed Heart. This change has helped us reach a broader audience while keeping our mission the same. Thanks for asking.

[@RCGWho]

When you say Papa, is that based on the Shack?

[@toddcorley312]

So many people if you don’t say it like I want to hear it if you don’t talk like I want you to talk then you’re just not close enough to God according to what? Your opinion… So many times I would get done preaching somebody would come up and say you didn’t say anything about Jesus … You didn’t pray right you didn’t say a certain word… You didn’t even mention the Holy Spirit etc. etc. people will come to God in their way just leave them alone let them work out their own salvation

[@jonnalevan7414]

I'm much better at communing with Jesus than I am with digging into Scripture. I listen to podcasts and am exposed to much Biblical content. But I'm convicted that I'm not a "good scholar." I could blame my ADHD for this, but I think it is an excuse. I know I would be a better help to others armed with a deeper understanding of Scripture. I find myself jealous of Theology-rich teachers and wondering how it sticks so easily to their brains, when mine sticks so easily to hearing God in my day-to-day.

[@brightpage1020]

Is it forgiveness?!?

[@nathanfilbert2649]

I am curious, at the 'individual', 'personal' level (YOUR experiencing in distinction with participating in the experience of God as not 'a body' in the Body of Christ but a part of His Body) - grafted into the vine of the communal participation AS His Body vined (theosis - humility, obedience, ascesis & continual prayer) you sense that you know & are known by Him?

[@BrianLassek]

I can't speak for John, but he has written about a lot of that in "waking with God". Though not necessarily about the contrast.

[@manbooks]

It's not really hard. Those who know God love. Those who don't know God don't love. I Jn 4:7-8. There is an itinerant preacher by the name of Dan Mohler who drives this message home. Those who know Him don't need to say anything. They are saturated with His presence.

[@davenarloch1478]

Rev 3:20…. A part of 7 letters to the church. No reference to the human heart. I am not a fan of this type of reference, not a salvation verse.

[@myronmire4463]

I just want to share with everyone, I got the Strongest Strong’s Exhaustive concordance published by Zondervan for the BIG WORDS you know! But I thought to myself ( inspired ) by the LORD. To look at his little words ( Jesus is) the word. And knew them ( for he was taught ) by Priests and Singers of the Torah. He said look at my (little) words… So I started with SAY SAID… REMEMBER…IF AT ALL YOU GET IT RIGHT ? Using the first time rule of the different Hebrew words and the verses associated with them and the ROOT WORD OF EACH WORD; I am still Amazed at his ability to reveal himself in the little things. He Verifies his Words 3 ways, by scriptures, by pictured graft of his language and the ROOT WORD just adding the word numbers together. You can also take the number of times it is used. And the number itself will always align with his theory Goodness and thought process Love to lead you to the truth. For example the word say is used 1057, times and it is baka ,בכא, you could say something like house open hand of the Father, balsam tree; some sources:baku-shrub:-mulberry trees (4x fruit)>ref. 1058, baka,בכה, to weep, wail, cry, sob, mourn; to weep for, mourn for; this can refer to ritual mourning as well as personal sorrow:-wept(51x “ (my) father is a wall “, weep(26x “(my) father rejoices or (cause of joy “ You can do the verses, just by taking the names of people,places,events and actions and the Root Word for 1057, 23, “(my) father has gathered “ The First Words to Man was Genesis 1:28 So God blessed them ו God said

[@daleydebra]

❤