Across the Counter

Imagine Heaven | John Burke | Episode 59

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1974170/open_sms] Join us as we sit Across the Counter from John Burke, the New York Times bestselling author of "Imagine Heaven.” In this ATC Episode: • John embarked on a 35-year exploration into over a thousand near-death experiences (NDEs). During our conversation, he reveals the compelling commonalities he found between these NDEs and biblical teachings, discussing the fears he faced about potential backlash and how he overcame them to publish his transformative book. • Explore the fascinating intersection of near-death experiences and scientific skepticism with us. We delve into the debate around the adequacy of scientific theories that attempt to explain away NDEs. Highlighting key cases like Pam Reynolds', where verifiable observations were made despite no recorded brain activity, we discuss the implications of such experiences on our understanding of the afterlife and the enduring nature of the soul. These discussions are not just academic; they offer significant insights into the profound spiritual dimensions that these experiences suggest. • What if our three-dimensional experience is just a shadow of a greater reality? In this episode, we dive into the profound implications of near-death experiences on our perceptions of life, death, and spirituality. We explore themes of unconditional love, life reviews, and the absence of judgment, sharing diverse testimonials from people of various religious backgrounds.  • Hear about encounters that transcend cultural and religious barriers, like a woman from Tehran who met a being of light she identified as Jesus. Through these compelling stories, we reflect on the inclusive nature of God's love and the transformative power of these experiences, offering a richer understanding of faith and spirituality. Connect with John: Instagram: @johnburkeofficial Buy His New Book: Imagine the God of Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God’s Revelation, and the Love You’ve Always Wanted https://a.co/d/eRnqPpyH The Balance of Gray [https://thebalanceofgray.com] Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now! Listen on: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1785509143]   Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0FwHKB00ZMInmQ2eGWnKJH] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/atcpodcast]

Little Gardens of Eden | John Mark Dyer | Episode 58

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1974170/open_sms] Join us as we sit Across the Counter from YWAMer and content creator John Mark Dyer. In this ATC Episode: • Can you imagine leaving behind a stable corporate career to follow a series of vivid dreams? That's exactly what John Mark Dyer did, leading him to dedicate over a decade to Youth With A Mission (YWAM). Through captivating stories, John Mark shares how YWAM's Discipleship Training School in Hawaii transformed his life and empowered countless young people to respond to God's call with immediacy and enthusiasm. This episode unpacks not just his journey, but the mission and vision of YWAM in breaking down traditional barriers to missionary work. • Discover how understanding and embracing God's love can shift one's spiritual journey from rigid rule-following to a profound personal connection with the divine. We explore the adventures and risks of cross-cultural missions, the role of media in spreading theological insights, and the importance of short-term missions as stepping stones to long-term commitment.  • John Mark addresses common concerns about young missionaries making mistakes and highlights how faith can thrive amidst taking risks and stepping out in trust.  • Hear about how we can create "little gardens of Eden" through our actions and trust in God's direction, even amidst imperfections. This episode promises to be an enriching exploration of faith, transformation, and the power of community. Connect with John Mark: Instagram: @johnmarkdyer  The Balance of Gray [https://thebalanceofgray.com] Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now! Listen on: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1785509143]   Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0FwHKB00ZMInmQ2eGWnKJH] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/atcpodcast]

The New Evangelicals | Tim Whitaker | Episode 57

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1974170/open_sms] Tim Whitaker from the New Evangelicals round 2. The Balance of Gray [https://thebalanceofgray.com] Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now! Listen on: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1785509143]   Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0FwHKB00ZMInmQ2eGWnKJH] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/atcpodcast]

1946 | Sharon "Rocky" Roggio | Episode 56

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1974170/open_sms] Join us as we sit Across the Counter from documentary filmmaker Sharon Roggio. In this ATC Episode: • Growing up as a queer individual in an evangelical family in South Philadelphia, Sharon Roggio, also known as Rocky, faced unique and challenging experiences. This episode uncovers her journey, from the origin of her nickname to navigating life as a lesbian with a pastor father. • Through her award-winning documentary, Rocky reveals a possible  mistranslation in the Bible concerning the word "homosexual," aiming to reshape the dialogue around LGBTQIA+ inclusion in Christianity. We explore her relationship with her father and the broader implications of biblical misinterpretations. • We dig deep into the ancient contexts of biblical texts, questioning long-held interpretations of marriage, sexuality, and gender. The conversation spotlights the significance of eunuchs and highlights how "clobber passages" have been historically used to suppress marginalized groups. Connect with Sharon: Instagram: @rockyroggio Website: https://www.1946themovie.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYBTiDjGUUvJGCh7awW_niHtxMo_dLlpTT2F83iANM6n_0LgAICf5FmXas_aem_0hXCGBro3X0q8_RlSHOFhw [https://www.1946themovie.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYBTiDjGUUvJGCh7awW_niHtxMo_dLlpTT2F83iANM6n_0LgAICf5FmXas_aem_0hXCGBro3X0q8_RlSHOFhw] The Balance of Gray [https://thebalanceofgray.com] Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now! Listen on: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1785509143]   Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0FwHKB00ZMInmQ2eGWnKJH] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/atcpodcast]

Manna | Chris Renzema | Episode 55

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1974170/open_sms] Join us as we sit Across the Counter from Christian artist Chris Renzema. In this ATC Episode: • Authenticity takes center stage as we navigate the complex landscape of the Christian music industry. Reflecting on personal experiences, we discuss the challenges of staying true to one’s unique voice amid a facade that often stifles genuine expression. • Through heartfelt anecdotes, we explore the distinction between creating art for mass consumption and art that resonates deeply with individuals. Live shows, we discover, are a testament to the power of authenticity, proving that genuine expression can touch hearts even when it defies mainstream norms. • As we delve deeper, the conversation shifts to the broader challenges of artistic expression and commercial success. We address the pressures of balancing personal fulfillment with the demand for commercial viability, emphasizing the importance of redefining success to foster more authentic creations. From stand-up comedy to music production, and even contemplating book writing, we share our personal definitions of success—rooted in being proud of our work and truthful in our artistic journeys. Tune in for a rich episode filled with insights, inspiration, and a sincere exploration of what it means to be an artist in today's world. Connect with Chris: Instagram: @chrisrenzema Website: https://chrisrenzema.os.fan/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabGzbzj9H9dCfcFJ0mEiFwe3HRENFe-cq5JNq0l_1TQgYKhSae2w0zU1AU_aem_hySjfe0iN0edOSs5uZRgUg [https://chrisrenzema.os.fan/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabGzbzj9H9dCfcFJ0mEiFwe3HRENFe-cq5JNq0l_1TQgYKhSae2w0zU1AU_aem_hySjfe0iN0edOSs5uZRgUg] The Balance of Gray [https://thebalanceofgray.com] Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now! Listen on: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1785509143]   Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0FwHKB00ZMInmQ2eGWnKJH] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/atcpodcast]