Grace and Gratitude w/ Gary Thomas

Show notes

About This Episode Aaron Smith sits down with Gary Thomas, bestselling author of Sacred Marriage and a teaching pastor, to talk about his journey into marriage ministry and his new book, The Life You Were Reborn to Live: Dismantling 12 Lies That Rob Your Intimacy with God. Gary unpacks three of those lies in depth. Apathy toward the church keeps us from the community and growth God designed, and a WWII Czech-resistance story reframes why we give our all to Christ's bride. Demanding a sin-free life now ignores that every biblical character except Jesus fell, and struggle keeps us humble and dependent. And entitlement steals our joy, a truth Gary illustrates with Dostoevsky's gratitude in a Siberian labor camp. It's a rich conversation about grace, gratitude, and the joy that follows.

About Gary Thomas Gary Thomas is a bestselling author and teaching pastor whose books include Sacred Marriage and The Life You Were Reborn to Live: Dismantling 12 Lies That Rob Your Intimacy with God. Married 41 years, he is a leading Christian voice on marriage, intimacy with God, and dismantling the spiritual lies that rob believers of joy.

In This Episode Into marriage ministry — Gary shares the journey that led him to write and teach about marriage. The local church — Why apathy toward the church is a lie, and why it is essential for community and growth. Our job isn't to get away safely — A WWII Czech-resistance story about giving our all to Christ's bride. Struggling with sin — Every biblical character except Jesus fell, and struggle keeps us humble and dependent. Entitlement — Dostoevsky's gratitude in a Siberian labor camp versus the assumption that God owes us comfort. Compassion — How recognizing our own sin makes us gentler toward others. Spiritual adventure — Why a sense of adventure keeps faith vibrant, and the value of multi-generational ministry. Grace and joy — Gratitude for God's grace leads to a joyful life.

Resources from This Episode Gary Thomas website: garythomas.com Gary Thomas books: garythomas.com/books Instagram: @garythomasbooks Shop Marriage After God books and devotionals Full show notes and blog post

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