The Joshua Tongol Podcast

Is the Bible Inerrant? | Is God Violent?

In February 2013, Joshua Tongol was invited to speak to a community in New York. Aside from his preaching, he requested for intimate gatherings where people can discuss topics that are usually not brought up in the "church." For several days, in these gatherings, many questions came up. Nothing was too sacred to mention in these meetings. The purpose was to ask the "WHAT IF?" question and to also offer alternative explanations of certain ideas. Whenever a "new" idea was proposed to the community, the question was asked, "IS IT POSSIBLE?" No one, including the speaker, claimed to have it all figured out. But all were invited to participate in the conversation. Sadly, many religious fundamentalists (Christian and non-Christian) tend to be very dogmatic concerning certain theological doctrines. Yet there is much diversity among them. That being the case, IS IT OK TO QUESTION? Questions to think about: -What do you really believe? -Why do you believe? -Can your "truth" withstand scrutiny? -Can you listen to a different opinion other than yours without being offended? -Can you disagree with another person and still unite in love? -Can you feel safe enough in a gathering to share your heart without having to feel judged or condemned? Josh has always envisioned gatherings where people can come together--with all their differences--yet still unite in love. Try to have an open heart and mind. And no matter what you may have been taught about God and/or the Bible...don't forget to THINK for yourself. Bless you on your journey...

Are Your Beliefs (or Religion) Based on FEAR? | Letting Go of Fear-Driven Religion

Sadly, much of what we call "RELIGION" today (or even a "RELATIONSHIP with God") is driven by FEAR. And fear has been used to control the masses. There is so much religious dogma being used to keep people ignorant and fearful. That being the case, many religious folks end up not thinking for themselves. Or, at other times, valid questions are suppressed by the religious authorities. There are 2 things that mainly drive people: LOVE and FEAR Questions to think about: Why do you believe in God? Why do you do good to others? Are you afraid of God? Would you believe in God if there were no hell or punishment? The way one answers these questions will reveal what really drives the person's beliefs. Listen as Joshua shares the problems of Fear-Driven Religion and how we need to rediscover the God of love. Soundtrack: "Perpetual Tranquility loop" by Trix-Music

Are We Really Preaching the FINISHED WORK of Jesus Christ? (Full Message)

To watch some parts of the message on Youtube click here: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMj0H8ZFGuewnUzyGeWTnvDlIgmavsLa_&feature=mh_lolz Jesus is came to save ALL. Did He fail? Or did He succeed? Did He potentially save the world? Or did He save the world? Jesus said, "IT IS FINISHED." But why is the "gospel" preached today as though it is UNFINISHED? Is it possible that many interpret "salvation verses" out of context without interpreting them in light of the FINISHED WORK ON THE CROSS? What if the world was ALREADY RECONCILED? Would we focus so much on trying to ESCAPE THIS WORLD and damn the rest of humanity who don't believe like us? Or would we learn to live with and love on one another because the KINGDOM is already here and now? Sadly, much of what is believed as the "gospel" has created so much division, intolerance, hatred and wars. Ironically, many Christians cannot even agree with each other, yet each group thinks God is on their side and against everyone else. It's time to question, challenge and rethink what the GOOD NEWS really is for the world that God loves. This sermon will create a huge paradigm shift for many people if they are open. Please listen to the entire message (7 parts) in order to get the full context of what Joshua is saying. Here are the things that will be covered in the message: -Are We Really Preaching the finished work? -Does God accept you before you believe? -The secret that religion does not want you to know -Is Adam greater than Jesus? -Does God give us a choice? -The difference between believers and unbelievers -Do all roads lead to God?

Adopted Into the Life of God Sermon Jam

Humanity's adoption into the Triune Life of God. Ephesians 1:4-6 says, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." Romans 8:15 says, 'For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." ' Soundtrack: "Horizon" by leleka Photo by Remedios Tongol

You Belong to God Sermon Jam

Why is there a tension among Christians between what they believe in their HEADS and with what they believe in their HEARTS? Why are so many afraid to live from the heart? Have you ever experienced REJECTION? If so, why is it so painful? Why is acceptance so important? It's time to question, challenge and rethink what the GOOD NEWS really is for the world that God loves. Soundtrack: "The Hope Will Return" by FeelyGranyx Photo by Remedios Tongol

Real Faith for Health and Finances

Do you ever struggle with your health and/or finances? What is faith? When do you know when you have it? How do "feelings" play a role in exercising faith? How important are our thoughts, words and actions? Does consciousness and positive/negative thinking have an effect on the world around us? Is "Christianity" the only worldview that has a grasp on healing? Is "all truth God's truth" no matter what spiritual tradition you may find it in? What is the connection between Quantum energy and healing? These are the questions that Josh Tongol answers in this podcast. Be encouraged by the stories, and be empowered to live an abundant life.

The Adoption and Inclusion of Humanity | Joshua Tongol

Location: Grace Communion International, Crossway How INCLUSIVE is the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Did Christ embrace ALL of humanity or only SOME? Do ALL RELIGIONS lead to God or is CHRISTIANITY the only way? Or have we misunderstood it altogether? What did Jesus mean when He said, "It is finished"? The "CONDITIONAL God" ("I love and accept you only IF you love and accept me") being preached today looks very different from the UNCONDITIONAL love of God that we all know in our hearts. Sadly, much of what is believed as the "gospel" has created so much division, intolerance, hatred and wars. Ironically, many Christians cannot even agree with each other, yet each group thinks God is on their side and against everyone else. It's time to question, challenge and rethink what the GOOD NEWS really is for the world that God loves. This sermon will create a huge paradigm shift for many people if they are open. Please listen to the entire message (5 parts) in order to get the full context of what Joshua is saying. Here are the things that will be covered in the message: -The tension between our head and our hearts The "God of conditions" -Is God's love different than ours? -God's dream before creation (i.e. adoption) -Understanding the love within the Trinity -Understanding the union of God and humanity in the incarnation -"Born again" and historical reconciliation -"Separation" between God and man -The Parable of the Loving Father -What's the difference between believers and unbelievers? -Living as children of God

Was Jesus FORSAKEN by the Father? | Is God Too Holy to Look on Sin?

WEBSITE: http://joshuatongol.com/ FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/joshuatongolpage TWITTER: http://twitter.com/JoshuaTongol Is God too holy too look on Sin? Was Jesus forsaken by His Father on the Cross? These are two of the building blocks that make up the evangelical penal substitutionary theory. Why does it matter? How we understand the crucifixion shapes our understanding of who God is and what He is like. And ultimately, our understanding of God's character also shapes our lives. Problems with these ideas: -Based upon a "legal" understanding of holiness and the gospel -Distorts the unity within the Trinity -Goes against common sense -Creates a distorted view of an untrustworthy Father Recommended resources: "On The Incarnation Of The Word Of God" by Saint Athanasius "Stricken by God?" by Brad Jersak and Michael Hardin "The Jesus Driven Life" by Michael Hardin "A New Kind of Christianity" by Brian McLaren "Jesus and the Undoing of Adam" by C. Baxter Kruger "Parable of the Dancing God" by C. Baxter Kruger "Kingdom, Grace, Judgment: Paradox, Outrage, and Vindication in the Parables of Jesus" by Robert Farrar Capon "Razing Hell" by Sharon Baker Soundtrack: "Fleeting Scenes" by ADG3 Studios (Adrien Gardiner)

Does Sin SEPARATE You From God? | Challenging Penal Substitution

WEBSITE: http://joshuatongol.com/ FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/joshuatongolpage TWITTER: http://twitter.com/JoshuaTongol Does sin SEPARATE you from God? Is there a great chasm dividing humanity and God because of sin? Is there something a person must do in order to remove this separation? Many Christians have been taught that sin separates us from God. In fact, when some people share the Gospel (GOOD NEWS), they begin with the idea of man being separated from God first. But is this where one should begin? Moreover, this whole idea of "separation" is one of the building blocks of the Evangelical penal substitutionary theory. Please watch this video to see to the problems with penal substitution: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gb1akUaNig Problems with SEPARATION? -It's not Christian -Rooted in pagan dualism and not the Scriptures -Has caused many Christians to suffer mentally and emotionally -Denies the purpose of the incarnation and the finished work of Jesus Christ Recommended resources: "On The Incarnation Of The Word Of God" by Saint Athanasius "Stricken by God?" by Brad Jersak and Michael Hardin "The Jesus Driven Life" by Michael Hardin "A New Kind of Christianity" by Brian McLaren "Jesus and the Undoing of Adam" by C. Baxter Kruger "Parable of the Dancing God" by C. Baxter Kruger "Kingdom, Grace, Judgment: Paradox, Outrage, and Vindication in the Parables of Jesus" by Robert Farrar Capon "Razing Hell" by Sharon Baker Soundtrack: "Perpetual Tranquility loop" by Trix-Music

Was Jesus PUNISHED by the Father? | Challenging Penal Substitution

WEBSITE: http://joshuatongol.com/ FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/joshuatongolpage TWITTER: http://twitter.com/JoshuaTongol What is wrong with the EVANGELICAL GOSPEL? Penal substitutionary theory is at the heart of the evangelical gospel. BUT what if it is WRONG? (Please not that this video is not necessarily meant to give a full-blown alternative theory to the atonement. Rather, it is meant to  merely provoke questions, create dialogue, and point out the problems of penal substitution.) Why does it matter? Our understanding of the Cross shapes our understanding of how we view God. And how we view God shapes the way we live. Problems with penal substitution: -Divides the Trinity -Distorts forgiveness -Contradicts the life and teachings of Jesus Christ -Misunderstands justice -Never found in parabolic form Recommended resources: "On The Incarnation Of The Word Of God" by Saint Athanasius "Stricken by God?" by Brad Jersak and Michael Hardin "The Jesus Driven Life" by Michael Hardin "A New Kind of Christianity" by Brian McLaren "Jesus and the Undoing of Adam" by C. Baxter Kruger "Parable of the Dancing God" by C. Baxter Kruger "Kingdom, Grace, Judgment: Paradox, Outrage, and Vindication in the Parables of Jesus" by Robert Farrar Capon "Razing Hell" by Sharon Baker Soundtrack: "Ambient Night" by Eugene Serov (SZ Music)

Being the Church (Organic Church)

Are you tired of "going" to church? Sick of superficial, ministry-based-only friendships? Bored of passively listening to sermons at a service? How does the New Testament describe the body of Christ? Let this audio be a challenge and encouragement to those who attend institutional churches. Are you looking for something more? I have been accused of being against the church. That is simply not true. Listen to what it means to BE THE CHURCH.

Will the Real Gospel Please Stand Up?

What is the real Gospel? Sadly, the Gospel today is no longer GOOD NEWS. In many ways, the "good news" being preached today is really BAD NEWS. Many ministers today are preaching an angry, violent, and judgmental God where GOOD NEWS has lost it's meaning. The gospel of grace has turned into a gospel of performance. The God of peace has turned into a God of violence and hatred. And the God of unconditional love has turned into a God of "I love you IF..." This sermon will create a huge paradigm shift for many people. Some will get upset, while others will be liberated. Please listen to the entire message (6 parts) in order to get the full context of what Joshua is saying. Here are the things that will be covered in the message: -What is not the Gospel -A challenge to penal substitutionary theory -What (or Who) is the Gospel? -Adoption -Identification -Who is born again? -Why did Jesus come and die? -Jesus is greater than Adam -"Receiving" Christ -Saved by whose faith? -Biblical repentance -Why preach the Gospel?

Healing Training and Challenging Sacred Cows

According to Dictionary.com, a "sacred cow" is "an individual, organization, institution, etc., considered to be exempt from criticism or questioning." Throughout the body of Christ there have been many ideas that have been left unquestioned. It is time to challenge them.

Love, Dating, and Relationships

Is there such a person as The One? Should we kiss dating goodbye? How far is too far? Listen as Joshua Tongol answers questions such as these.

Is Tithing for Today?

Is tithing biblical? A more important question might be: is tithing Christian? Understand what giving looks like under grace.

The Fast that God has Chosen

Is fasting for today? How should we understand fasting under the new covenant?