Episode 114: Gary Thomas- Lies that rob intimacy with God

Have you ever felt restless in your walk with Jesus—like something is missing, even though you’re doing all the “right” things? You’re not alone. Many Christians feel stuck in cycles of striving, doubt, or spiritual burnout, wondering why their faith doesn’t look or feel like the abundant life the Bible promises.

In this episode of the Eyes on Jesus Podcast, Drew and Tim are joined by bestselling author Gary Thomas (Sacred Marriage, Sacred Pathways) to unpack his newest book, The Life You Were Reborn to Live. Gary reveals the 12 subtle lies that quietly shape how we think about God, ourselves, and the church—lies that rob us of joy and intimacy with Christ. By exposing these deceptions and embracing biblical truth, we discover what it really means to live fully alive in Jesus.

Gary shares powerful wisdom on:

• Why recognizing your rescue in Christ changes everything
• How entitlement kills joy and gratitude fuels worship
• Breaking free from consumer-driven Christianity to embrace sacrificial service
• Practical ways to renew your mind daily and spot spiritual lies
• The role of wisdom and peace in shaping a flourishing life
• What it looks like to live with no regrets, fully alive in God’s Kingdom

Listen on Spotify now- https://open.spotify.com/episode/0BU2P0a1hr1qwaI5hMqxbP?si=7Y_P7-_ZSoyzwfkCVZLwtA

Watch on YouTube- https://youtu.be/vjtqHNTYC_4

Below is an AI generated blog post based on the episode

Title: Embracing the Gospel: A Journey from Self-Centered Salvation to Intimacy with God

Introduction

In a recent episode of the Eyes on Jesus Podcast, hosts Drew and Tim sat down with renowned author and speaker Gary Thomas to discuss his latest book, The Life You Were Reborn to Live: Dismantling 12 Lies that Rob Your Intimacy with God. Throughout their conversation, they explored the deep-seated misconceptions many Christians hold about their faith and the transformative power of understanding and embracing the gospel more fully.

Understanding the Gospel Beyond Self-Centeredness

Gary Thomas opened the discussion by challenging the conventional gospel narrative often taught in churches — that Jesus lived, died, and rose again solely to forgive our sins and secure our place in heaven. Although truthful, this version is incomplete, focusing too heavily on the self-centered aspects of salvation. Thomas emphasized that the gospel also entails being enlisted into service for God’s kingdom, living a life devoted to His purposes rather than our own comforts and desires.

Confronting Common Lies in Our Faith Journey

One of the core discussions revolved around the lies that can hinder our relationship with God. Gary highlighted the lie of entitlement, which often leads to dissatisfaction even among believers. The antidote, he suggested, is recognizing that being rescued by Christ is an immense, undeserved gift that should inspire gratitude and worship, rather than entitlement.

In the same vein, Tim noted the damage done by self-service salvation — a gospel tailored to personal convenience and comfort. Such an approach cheapens the profound and sacrificial nature of Christ’s work and offers a shallow, transactional faith experience. Instead, the gospel should be lived as a lifestyle, a journey of sacrificial service to God and others.

The Role of Scripture and Wisdom in Overcoming Deception

Both Drew and Gary stressed the importance of scripture as the ultimate guide in discerning truth from lies. By understanding the Bible’s teachings, believers can align their lives with God’s word, rather than the world’s deceptive messages. Gary advocated for a voracious pursuit of wisdom, likening it to gathering treasures that will equip us for godly living and helping others.

Finding True Peace in Christ

In today’s fast-paced world, peace often feels elusive. Drew and Gary discussed how peace is frequently misinterpreted as situational, reliant on external circumstances aligning perfectly. Instead, true peace is found relationally—in a deep, abiding connection with Christ. In a compelling metaphor, Gary illustrated Jesus as a protective presence during life’s storms, providing assurance and calm irrespective of external chaos.

Conclusion: The Call to Action

As the podcast episode drew to a close, the hosts reflected on what the church could look like if believers fully embraced these truths. A church grounded in the gospel would embody sacrificial love, joy, and peace, free from regret or misplaced priorities.

Gary’s message is clear: understanding and living out our faith in its fullness can transform individual lives and the church as a whole. His latest book offers a beacon of guidance for those seeking deeper intimacy with God by clearing away the clutter of lies and misconceptions.

Listeners and readers are encouraged to explore Gary Thomas’s work, apply these truths in their daily lives, and embrace the abundant life they were reborn to live. To learn more about Gary’s insights, visit his website at garythomas.com or purchase his new book from major retailers, including Amazon.

Call to Action

Join the Eyes on Jesus Facebook community to continue this vital conversation. Share the podcast episode with others who might benefit and keep your eyes on Jesus as you pursue a life of discernment and devoted service to God’s kingdom.