Ep 1085 | Godwin Gets Re-Baptized by Accident & We Are the Wellspring of God’s River of Life

Summary

Podcast Summary: Ep 1085 | Godwin Gets Re-Baptized by Accident & We Are the Wellspring of God’s River of Life

Podcast Information:

• Title: Unashamed with the Robertson Family
• Host/Author: Tread Lively
• Episode Release Date: May 2, 2025

Overview: In Episode 1085 of "Unashamed with the Robertson Family," hosts Phil Robertson, Jase Robertson, Zach Dasher, and special guest John Godwin delve into a heartfelt discussion surrounding John’s unexpected re-baptism. The episode explores themes of faith, personal transformation, and the profound impact of living a life inspired by Christian principles. Alongside personal anecdotes and theological insights, the conversation emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit as a life-giving force within believers.

---

1. Accidental Re-Baptism of John Godwin ([00:31] - [01:11])

The episode kicks off with an amusing recounting of John Godwin’s accidental re-baptism. Zach Dasher narrates the mishap where his water bottle exploded, resulting in a spontaneous sprinkling of John.

• Zach Dasher: "He got re-baptized." ([00:43])
• John Godwin: "I feel so clean." ([01:07])

This light-hearted moment sets the tone for a deeper exploration of faith and renewal.

2. John Godwin's Transition to Retirement and New Career ([01:25] - [02:12])

John shares his recent retirement and his shift to a new career as a crappie fishing guide. Discussing his long tenure at the paper mill and Duck Matter, John highlights his passion for fishing and his excitement about this new chapter.

• John Godwin: "I'm on my third career." ([01:51])
• Phil Robertson: "Do you use the crappie magnet?" ([02:02])

His enthusiasm underscores the theme of embracing new beginnings with faith.

3. Technical Anecdotes and Studio Setup ([02:12] - [08:18])

The hosts engage in a humorous discussion about the podcast studio’s ambiance. They debate the correct spelling of "ambiance," share stories about their interactions, and emphasize the importance of creating a welcoming environment for meaningful conversations.

• Phil Robertson: "It's called ambiance." ([02:20])
• Jase Robertson: "We used to on the show." ([02:25])

These exchanges illustrate the family’s camaraderie and their commitment to fostering a positive space for faith dialogue.

4. Impact of Zach Dasher's Son-in-law's Baptism ([08:18] - [16:54])

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Zach Dasher’s emotional recounting of his son-in-law’s baptism. Zach describes the profound sense of joy and spiritual affirmation he felt upon witnessing this milestone.

• Zach Dasher: "I had my eyes welled up with tears." ([09:17])
• Zach Dasher: "They were all crying." ([18:38])

John Godwin reflects on the transformative power of faith, emphasizing that true belief transcends intellectual understanding and is rather a heartfelt surrender to Jesus.

• John Godwin: "You can't just hammer stuff into people." ([12:03])
• Zach Dasher: "Jesus told the woman at the well, the worship won't be on that podcast studio or this podcast studio." ([09:13])

This segment underscores the episode’s central theme of personal spiritual renewal and the ripple effect of genuine faith.

5. Faith, the Holy Spirit, and Theological Insights ([16:54] - [39:41])

The conversation delves into a rich theological discussion about the Holy Spirit and its role as the "wellspring of God’s River of Life." The hosts draw analogies from biblical texts, such as Genesis, Ezekiel, and Revelation, to illustrate how the Holy Spirit revitalizes believers and empowers them to impact the world.

• Phil Robertson: "Revelation 12:11, that the way they overcame him was by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony." ([18:59])
• Zach Dasher: "It's Jesus's story that makes the difference." ([18:15])
• Jase Robertson: "You don't find a light and then put a bowl over it." ([31:28])

Phil Robertson connects these themes to the prophetic visions in Ezekiel and Isaiah, highlighting how the Holy Spirit transforms barren places into thriving environments, much like a river flowing from a temple.

6. Inspiration from Persecuted Christians ([46:01] - [47:43])

The hosts express admiration for persecuted Christians worldwide, sharing stories that highlight unwavering faith in the face of adversity. They reference Todd Nettleton’s book, "When Faith Is Forbidden," as a source of inspiration and encourage listeners to support ministries that aid these brave individuals.

• Jase Robertson: "We believe in long-term discipleship relationships." ([46:08])
• Zach Dasher: "His stories inspire us to see our own lives in a new light." ([46:25])

This discussion reinforces the importance of steadfast faith and the global impact of living out Christian values.

7. Conclusion: Jesus as the Son of God and the Flow of the Holy Spirit ([47:43] - [57:02])

As the episode nears its end, the conversation circles back to affirming Jesus as the Son of God. The hosts dissect passages from John 7, emphasizing Jesus’ divine authority and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit within believers.

• Phil Robertson: "Revelation 22...a river that flows out of the temple that brings life to everything that it touches." ([39:40])
• John Godwin: "You can't hide it. That's why he said, you don't find a light and then put a bowl over it." ([31:28])

The episode culminates in a profound affirmation of faith, illustrating how the Holy Spirit acts as a life-giving force that empowers believers to influence their surroundings positively.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Zach Dasher ([09:09]): "So as I went to set it down, it exploded this way. And I literally sprinkled you, John."

• John Godwin ([12:06]): "And what he did was it just shows you do not, do not say things aren't possible with God because."

• Phil Robertson ([18:59]): "The way they overcame him was by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony."

• Jase Robertson ([31:28]): "If you live for God in your closet, in your bedroom, in the secret places of your mind, oh, it's coming out in a public way."

• Zach Dasher ([33:32]): "And so this is a very interesting thing. This incarnated God in the. In the. In the one we know as Jesus."

Key Insights:

1. Personal Transformation: John Godwin’s accidental re-baptism serves as a metaphor for the often unexpected and transformative moments of faith that can redefine one’s spiritual journey.

2. Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is portrayed as a dynamic and life-giving force within believers, similar to a river that nurtures and transforms its surroundings.

3. Faith in Action: The hosts emphasize that genuine faith is demonstrated through consistent actions and living out one’s beliefs, which in turn influences and inspires others.

4. Global and Personal Impact: Inspired by persecuted Christians, the conversation highlights the global ramifications of steadfast faith and the importance of supporting ministries that aid those in need.

5. Theological Depth: Through biblical analogies and in-depth discussions, the episode underscores the interconnectedness of Old and New Testament teachings, illustrating how ancient prophecies and visions resonate with contemporary Christian experiences.

Concluding Thoughts: Episode 1085 of "Unashamed with the Robertson Family" offers a blend of personal anecdotes, theological exploration, and inspirational stories that collectively underscore the enduring power of faith. From John Godwin’s unexpected re-baptism to the profound discussions on the Holy Spirit’s role, the episode invites listeners to reflect on their spiritual journeys and the transformative impact of living a life rooted in Christian principles.

Whether you’re a new believer or a seasoned follower of Jesus, this episode provides rich insights and heartfelt stories that reaffirm the unshakeable foundation of faith and the endless possibilities that arise when one lives unashamedly for God.

Transcript

[Phil Robertson]

At New Balance, we believe if you run, you're a runner, however you choose to do it. Because when you're not worried about doing things the right way, you're free to discover your way. And that's what running's all about. Run your way. @newbalance.com Running.

[Jase Robertson]

I am unashamed.

[John Godwin]

What about you?

[Zach Dasher]

Welcome back to Unashamed. I just baptized John Godwin.

[John Godwin]

Well, you did.

[Jase Robertson]

He did.

[Phil Robertson]

He got re baptized.

[Zach Dasher]

He's here on the podcast. Let me show you. Let me show you what happened. I said, I wish that this had happened on camera. So I picked up my water bottle like this by the top, but the top wasn't secure. So as I went to set it down, it exploded this way. And I literally sprinkled you, John.

[John Godwin]

You did.

[Zach Dasher]

Do you feel more.

[Jase Robertson]

Do you feel more of a splash?

[John Godwin]

I feel so clean.

[Jase Robertson]

You look like a new man.

[Zach Dasher]

So, God, Gavin is here with us today. And John, we expected you on the first podcast.

[Jase Robertson]

Yeah, man.

[Zach Dasher]

Nobody said anything, but I was. I thought John was supposed to be here. I was thinking. I thought, well, I guess he had. You know. He's retired, John. You retired?

[John Godwin]

I retired December 31st.

[Zach Dasher]

So how does that feel as a retired man?

[John Godwin]

Well, I've been fishing every day.

[Jase Robertson]

Oh, really? Are you. Have you been catching any?

[John Godwin]

That's a silly question.

[Zach Dasher]

You don't go to not catch fish.

[John Godwin]

I started doing I'm crappie garden now.

[Jase Robertson]

Oh, so you're not really retired?

[John Godwin]

Career. 62 years old. I'm on my third career.

[Jase Robertson]

Oh, really?

[Zach Dasher]

How long were you at the paper mill?

[John Godwin]

20, 21.

[Zach Dasher]

21 years. How long were you at Duck Matter?

[John Godwin]

25 years.

[Zach Dasher]

And now you're going to be crapp fishing the rest of the way?

[John Godwin]

Been crappie fishing guide for three months.

[Jase Robertson]

Oh, really?

[Phil Robertson]

Are you using the crappie magnet? Do you use the crappie magnet?

[John Godwin]

You better believe it. I am the crappie magnet.

[Jase Robertson]

Oh, there we go.

[Zach Dasher]

That's a biblical bold. So, John, tell us why you're joining us on the second podcast instead of the first podcast.

[John Godwin]

Well, studios change along with life.

[Jase Robertson]

But God, when you've been on our podcast before, the night here, it was down at. I got a technical question. Did we use subtitles for Godwin in previous episodes?

[Zach Dasher]

We used to on the show.

[John Godwin]

No, no.

[Jase Robertson]

God, how did you feel when they put subtitles up on the show and you were supposedly speaking the English language?

[John Godwin]

Yeah, I don't know why people don't understand Godwin.

[Jase Robertson]

Yeah, I don't either. I've told people how to do it. You you got to get like a lawnmower in your mind. A chainsaw. Well, but it's like. And I used to pull, crank it. It's like God wasn't getting up in the morning because we sat side by side for years. Filmed that call. And it's like. And they were. I tell you what, boy, the fish are biting. So once you kind of get that in your mind, it becomes easier.

[Zach Dasher]

Oh, yeah. So you went out to the southern layer, which is about 25 minute drive from here.

[John Godwin]

I just went on a ride about.

[Jase Robertson]

How was it? Is.

[John Godwin]

It looked good.

[Jase Robertson]

The studio's still there.

[John Godwin]

It's. Well, I didn't go inside. I pulled up and my usual collage of trucks and I said, they changed the time or it ain't here.

[Jase Robertson]

Yeah.

[John Godwin]

So I called Beth and she said, it's up here. Which makes logical sense, but would have.

[Jase Robertson]

Saved you a lot of time.

[John Godwin]

Yes, but I wouldn't have got to go and see the outdoors. And they growed a little bit.

[Zach Dasher]

Yeah, everything grows.

[Phil Robertson]

Do you guys like filming a duck commander, or was that a good move for you? I mean, because that saves you a lot of time.

[Zach Dasher]

Oh, it's. Yeah.

[Jase Robertson]

Do we like filming here? Yeah. Somebody built this nice.

[John Godwin]

Well, it makes studio.

[Jase Robertson]

I never figured out the fireplace because. And then we have a fire behind me, but it produces zero heat.

[Phil Robertson]

It's. It's called ambiance.

[John Godwin]

Yeah.

[Zach Dasher]

Or. Or ambience, if you.

[John Godwin]

Would you. Would you define that for me?

[Phil Robertson]

Ambiance.

[Jase Robertson]

Yeah.

[Zach Dasher]

Jace, do you have a dictionary that you can look it up? Will you see what Noah Webster says about. Check this out guy. Watch this.

[Phil Robertson]

If he can lift it, we don't need.

[John Godwin]

Good.

[Zach Dasher]

Gary, I know you use every word in the English language from a hundred years ago, 1952.

[John Godwin]

That is awesome.

[Jase Robertson]

Where'd you find that unashamed listener?

[Zach Dasher]

Because we look up a lot of words on the. On the Google search.

[Jase Robertson]

They said, I actually think Missy bought this for me.

[Zach Dasher]

Well, taste your stories.

[Jase Robertson]

Yeah.

[Zach Dasher]

You talking about. I don't know what's true anymore. Zach, he comes, he tells more stories.

[Jase Robertson]

No, this story, I was. I was mis remembering if that's a word.

[John Godwin]

Stories change.

[Zach Dasher]

No, sounds like somebody.

[Jase Robertson]

Missy. Missy came in with this book, but she was like, with both hands, like, wham. Set it down. And I just assumed that someone had sent it because she checks the mail. I don't. But she found that. She said, I found some treasure for you because I turned her into a treasure hunter with the treasure hunting show. Yeah, but the difference is her treasure costs money.

[Zach Dasher]

That's right. But you find money.

[Jase Robertson]

She always. She goes to these. What do you call them? Like estate sales and.

[Zach Dasher]

Yeah, yeah, Flea markets.

[Jase Robertson]

And she said, I actually got this for. To help you and Zach's relationship.

[Zach Dasher]

Which is a good thing.

[Jase Robertson]

Yeah. Because I'm constantly. Because every time she says, why are you on your phone when you're doing your podcast? Which she said she doesn't listen. But how would she know that?

[Zach Dasher]

Yeah, I think she talks to people who do.

[Jase Robertson]

So I said, well, I'm looking up words.

[John Godwin]

Are you looking in the A's or the O's?

[Jase Robertson]

I'm trying to figure out how to spell ambience.

[Zach Dasher]

A, N, B, I.

[Jase Robertson]

Okay.

[Zach Dasher]

A, N, C. Ambient.

[Phil Robertson]

So Ambien was actually a drug or is a drug for sleep.

[Jase Robertson]

Well, ambient is that which encompasses on all sides.

[Zach Dasher]

Yeah, that's ambient light. Look at ambiance.

[Jase Robertson]

Ambience. I'm not sure that was a word back in 1950.

[Zach Dasher]

Oh, is that a new. Did we just have a new word since 1950?

[John Godwin]

Well, that's pretty cool.

[Jase Robertson]

Talk amongst yourselves.

[Zach Dasher]

So do you remember, John, whenever we were living, we were next door neighbors for 16 years. And I had a big dictionary, not quite that big. And Lisa got a gangly insist on her hand. Yeah. A little cyst. And you remember I had read somewhere where you could take a big book and just like pop it.

[John Godwin]

Yeah.

[Zach Dasher]

And so I did it without her permission.

[John Godwin]

She was a little apprehensive.

[Zach Dasher]

And then Zach tells me that he since looked that up and they said, don't do that.

[Phil Robertson]

Don't do it. Don't do it. It. It's not helpful. So the word ambiance or ambience. Yeah, you can. You could spell it according to Google. You can spell it with the A, N, C, E or ence.

[Jase Robertson]

Both.

[Zach Dasher]

Okay.

[Phil Robertson]

Both would be the same. Ambiance. Ambience. The character. It's the character and atmosphere of a place.

[Jase Robertson]

So spell the whole word for me.

[Phil Robertson]

A, M, B, I, E, N, C.

[Zach Dasher]

E. Ambience or ambience.

[Jase Robertson]

Here it is.

[Zach Dasher]

He found it.

[Jase Robertson]

Yep. Huh. That can't be right.

[Phil Robertson]

What does it say?

[Jase Robertson]

It says applied to fluids or diffusible substances. As in the ambient air. Yeah, it's that they're going back to. That encompasses on all sides. Yeah. So I guess we've invented.

[Phil Robertson]

Well, I mean, it's a derivative. Right. So think about what it's around you. It's the space around you covering all sides. It's what fills the room.

[Zach Dasher]

It sounds like the man who created our atmosphere.

[Jase Robertson]

I Feel like it was a poorly.

[John Godwin]

What I'm seeing right there on the other side.

[Phil Robertson]

Well, my point, the point I wanted to get to was, are you enjoying the space? Because no one's ever told me if you, if you are just as curious, if you are enjoying the new well.

[Jase Robertson]

Making me think of the spirit being poured out. You know, it went from over there in here, then the room as in the body. Well, I mean, it became personal.

[Phil Robertson]

Yeah.

[Zach Dasher]

Zach, I'll tell you, like Jesus told the woman at the well, the worship won't be on that podcast studio or this podcast studio. It'd be anywhere the Holy Spirit of God is. That's where we'll be doing God's work.

[Jase Robertson]

That's where we're at.

[John Godwin]

So this may change too.

[Zach Dasher]

It could, but the Holy Spirit still be there. Now, look, John, so recently on a podcast, very recently, within the last week or two, I told the story because on Easter Sunday, for the first time in 20 plus years, I was not preaching on Easter Sunday. Usually Mike and I go together the years he's been here, but it's been many, many years since I wasn't preaching Easter Sunday. So it felt very weird to me to be like tuning in and watching our live stream and so. But they didn't show it at the end of the live stream. They just said, we got a baptism. They didn't say anything about it. So then I found out like the next day through Kellogg that the baptism that day or one of the baptisms was your son in law.

[John Godwin]

Yeah.

[Zach Dasher]

And as soon as I saw it in the text, instantly I had my eyes welled up with tears because I had been a part of Celia and Johanna's life since they found each other and did their wedding and just, you know, obviously we're best friends, so it's been a long, long time. But it just touched me so deeply. And I told the story on the podcast because when I first met Celio, to be perfectly honest, I thought, this isn't going to work out. I mean, just being a protector. Johanna, I'm like her uncle, like a honorary uncle. And I just didn't think he had it in him to be the man he is. And it just shows you do not, do not say things aren't possible with God because. And I told you, I sent you a text and I said, your grace and your patience have shown through here.

[Phil Robertson]

So, Al, you are kind of taking your health serious now, are you, Are you going to the doctor on a regular basis?

[Zach Dasher]

Yeah, I get my wellness check every year to just Kind of see how I'm going looking at numbers, you know, finding out if everything's healthy.

[Phil Robertson]

Well, that's a big deal. I'm at that age now where I'm starting to go. I'm doing my, my yearly check ins and our, our friends at Field of Green help with this. Jill's on this product as well. There's one simple lifestyle upgrade that we can all make and that's Field of Greens. Enjoy a delicious last of Dr. Formulated field of Greens each day and you're going to feel amazing. Plus your doctor will notice your improved health or you'll get your money back. That's why I've started using it. Jill uses it. She's actually noticed that her hair is stronger, her fingernails look better, everything feels better, her skin looks better. One Field of Greens customer said, the best blood work I've had in a decade. My doctor said whatever you're doing, keep doing it. Another one said it's the first time in years my cholesterol numbers are normal. And this mom said after Field of Greens, my hair, nails, energy and blood work all are better. Jill can testify to that as well, at least for the the hair part. Each fruit and vegetable in Field of Greens was doctor selected to support vital organs like heart, liver, kidney, metabolism, immune system and healthy blood cells. Jill and I drink this every morning and I'm telling you, you will see the difference. Let's get you started with 20% off and free shipping. Visit fieldofgreens.com use code unashamed that's field of greens.com use code unashamed.

[Zach Dasher]

So it meant a lot to me just reading about it. So I don't. Or hearing about it. But what was it like for you? Because it was pretty awesome. You got to bap.

[John Godwin]

Yeah, it was when he called me, you know, of course he's heard the gospel a couple of times.

[Zach Dasher]

Oh yeah.

[John Godwin]

But you know, it never. I knew it would be. It was kind of like Johanna. Somebody else had to really sink it in to her and. But he called the men's retreat. He went on the men's retreat. For him it was like. And I thought this kind of wild or strange that for it was one guy's testimony that taught him that sin don't have weight. We put the weight on it. I thought that was weird that that's what convinced him that I need to do something here.

[Zach Dasher]

Because you know, that's interesting.

[John Godwin]

We put ways.

[Zach Dasher]

He's a very smart young man.

[John Godwin]

He checks out.

[Zach Dasher]

He's like genius level person.

[John Godwin]

Buddy. Yeah. Almost like the rich dude.

[Zach Dasher]

Yeah, rich. Unreal. Yeah.

[John Godwin]

Yeah. But, man, he called me and he told me. I said, he finally believe he is who he said he is.

[Jase Robertson]

Yeah, that's a good line, because he had.

[John Godwin]

He. Because he. He said there was a guy up there praying at the stage. And he went up there and just put my hand on it because he was by himself.

[Jase Robertson]

Yeah.

[John Godwin]

And he said. He just got up and hugged me. I didn't even know him. And I don't really know why I went down there. I just felt like I needed to because he was by himself, which was another change because he's very, you know, closed off. But anyway, he said, I want some more of that. And so he told. And then he said, well, you know, I'm 30, and Jesus was 30 when he was baptized and John baptized and you're John. I said, well, I'm glad to be in that.

[Phil Robertson]

Did you. Did you tell him what happened three years later? Did you?

[Jase Robertson]

Well, but then three days after that. Okay, there you go. Then three and then three days. So three is.

[John Godwin]

Yeah, I was very honored. I mean, he finally got it, but you just got it. Just goes to show, you can't just hammer stuff into people. You just got.

[Zach Dasher]

They got to get there.

[John Godwin]

You got to live it.

[Zach Dasher]

Yeah.

[John Godwin]

What, you pray.

[Zach Dasher]

Yeah.

[Jase Robertson]

Well, they're seeing the Holy Spirit that's, you know, and that's growing them.

[Zach Dasher]

I told him he and Joanna been to a couple of marriage refreshes. So I spent a weekend with them on marriage stuff. And this is all before all this just happened, but I was noticing the changes in him. Just he would come up to me and thank me. And I told him I finally forgave him for doing their wedding on the LSU Alabama game of the national championship year. And he laughed about that. Was funny, you know, because I was like, you know, I've been holding this against you, but I was kidding. But just watching over time. And sometimes the gospel, we talk about the message, sometimes this hits you square and you see it and you know it. And sometimes it takes watching people live it for a while before you get there, before you're ready. And you never know what it'll be. And that's why the importance of the words you say, the life you live, the person you are being consistent makes a difference because, I mean, you and Paula lived it out in front of them. And the first time I knew that this young man was potentially what he now is becoming was the. When Johanna got sick and they still weren't married, they were dating and she got sick and that he never left the hospital for several days. And we were there and we were worried about her. And I thought, you know what? I've misjudged this young man because he loves Joanna, you know, And I knew it. In that moment I was. Because at this point I didn't know. And my whole view of him changed from that point forward. I said, there's something here. There's some depth here, and now we're getting to experience it. And I told him, since this has happened, I said, brother, I don't know where God's going to use you, but there are a lot of people that probably had the same issue you did in crossing over to Christ, and you're going to be one that helps them get there. So I said, don't ever shrink back now. Don't, don't, don't be stingy.

[Phil Robertson]

What's interesting as you were talking about that, John, I was thinking about, because I'll drift into the more intellectual side of things, as Jace points out, every time he uses a big word. And I studied for years all the apologetics, all the arguments, and very helpful for me, by the way. I'm not diminishing that at all. But you know how many people that I brought to Christ through, like some kind of tightened up argument? The answer would be zero. I've led zero people to Christ. And I do think it's important. But what's interesting is I've seen people come to Christ out of a place of a broken spirit and a contrite heart, which the psalmist says the Lord will not despise. And, and I do think that that power of your life and your testimony that you and Paula have lived is. I mean, y'all have impacted me and Jill a lot. And the verse that popped up in my mind was Revelation 12:11, that the way they overcame him was by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. And I think, man, it is that it is a drip. And I think those retreats which I went on one are so impactful because there's confession, there's repentance, there's testimony, and there's just a. Like a surrendering spirit to the Holy Spirit. And man, it's. That's. That's pretty cool to hear your story about your son, son in law. I know that's got to be such a. Such a relief for you when.

[Zach Dasher]

The beauty of it is, Zach, it's. It's Jesus story that makes the difference. It's when we finally intersect with Our lives, you know, it's the intersection of. That's what makes the difference. It's not really anything we did or didn't do. It's us finally surrendering to that place. And I love the way you put. What do you say? You finally. You finally believe in who he is?

[John Godwin]

Yeah, I believe he is who he says.

[Zach Dasher]

Yeah, that's so good, because that's what the policy.

[Phil Robertson]

What did Paula say?

[Zach Dasher]

Was she in tears?

[John Godwin]

Yeah.

[Zach Dasher]

Yeah. What about Joey? Was she crying?

[John Godwin]

They was all crying.

[Zach Dasher]

Oh, yeah, I cried. I cried when I just heard about it, so I had to text you. It was really powerful.

[John Godwin]

I brought him out, kissed him on the forehead and gave him a big hug.

[Zach Dasher]

That's awesome.

[Jase Robertson]

Really.

[John Godwin]

Well, he's taking care of my daughter.

[Jase Robertson]

Yeah.

[Zach Dasher]

John went back old school. Greet one another with a holy kiss. I tell you, it's biblical. It's biblical. I like it. So. So we're in John 7. John. John Galvin, which is. We're in the story where Jesus brothers, they're Jesus, you know, they're like, it's time to go up to the feast, you know, and they said, you need. If you want to make a name for yourself, you get. You need to get up there and, you know, press the flesh and show people who you are and go public. Go public, you know, and what they didn't realize is he had already gone public. That's why he came here, was to go public. Yeah, but it was just that interesting thing about talking about how people miss it sometimes for a long time, they were missing it, and they had lived with him for 30 years.

[Jase Robertson]

It's pretty incredible.

[Zach Dasher]

And so that's where we left off in our story. And we. And I was. Jason, I was mentioning this. Was there anything from the last podcast you didn't. You didn't get said. You wanted to get said?

[Jase Robertson]

Well, I think we at some point just need to read it. And then whatever we left out, we kind of gave an outline to understanding this. So, God, when you may have to listen to that podcast.

[John Godwin]

I'm going to.

[Jase Robertson]

Before you kind of get. I mean, this is kind of a part two, but you just have all these groups that are not recognizing who Jesus is, which is. That's why when you made that statement, you didn't know what we were going to talk about today. But that really. That's what it all comes down to.

[Zach Dasher]

That is the statement, yes, you have.

[Jase Robertson]

These Jewish leaders who are kind of putting all their eggs in the festivals that they're having about what God did in the past for the nation of Israel. But the whole point of that was he was going to bring a Messiah. And now he has, and he's right in their face. And they're like, nope, right. And now his own brothers, you would think now they did figure it out, because Acts 1, post resurrection, they're in the group of people that are gathering up. It says among the believers, praying with the disciples. So along with the women, you know, that's in Acts 1.

[Zach Dasher]

We read that part of this scenario that's happened in the text is Jesus knows the big picture of what he's doing. They obviously don't, because they don't even believe he's the Messiah. But he knows now because for the first time in the last chapter in six, we're seeing that people not only disagree with him, but they're starting to think we need to kill him. And he came to die, but it's not time yet. So part of his reason is, as George Bush, George W. Bush would say, is some strategery to be able to wait. And so I think that because he had planned on going to the feast anyway, but he just wouldn't want to go right up there at the beginning of it and get started. He's just, you know, and I don't. To be honest with you, I don't think he liked him telling him what to do, you know, when they didn't know what they were talking about. That's the way I'd be. If William James called me and started telling me what to do, I'd go, robertson co. Wait a minute. You know, what do you mean? You're trying to tell me what to do? You know this.

[Jase Robertson]

You always got to be careful when you're giving God advice.

[Phil Robertson]

Yeah.

[Jase Robertson]

Yeah, just think about that. Or I'm always, you know, because I listen to a lot of speakers. You know, I'm not interested in denomination, but somebody's going public in the sermon. I'll listen to it. If the title, I'm like, well, let me see what they got to say about this. But if it's filled with, you know, statements about what God can do and can't. And.

[Zach Dasher]

Yeah.

[Jase Robertson]

Or, you know, God has to do this, and then you're trying to prove the point. I'm always like, I don't think I would be as a human start to dictate policies. I think they have a phrase for that of putting God in a box. And. And I've done that before where it's like, well, this says this, so it can't be that, you know, God can't do this or, I mean, the only things that, that stand out that God can't do is lie or die.

[Phil Robertson]

Our friends at the Tomorrow Clubs are reminding us that more than a billion children in the world have never heard about Jesus Christ. And that seems overwhelming. But God has a plan. Jesus told his disciples this. He said, go, disciples of all nations. I want to tell you about 17 year old Diana who is making disciples in a small village in Moldova. Six years ago, she was among the countless Moldovan children left behind by parents working abroad searching for a place to belong. She came to a tent where the local Tomorrow Clubs was meeting and she met Jesus there. Now she's a leader in the same club where her life was transformed. Diana is helping other kids as well in her village to learn how to follow Jesus. It's a beautiful, beautiful example of how we can fulfill the Great Commission. We're seeing it at work here. You know, this really aligns with the mission and the vision of our podcast here at Unashamed. We believe in long term discipleship relationships. We believe in partnering with local churches and the importance of raising up the next generation in faith. So what we're asking for is this. We're asking our unashamed audience to join this disciple making movement by sponsoring 30 Tomorrow Club Kids for just $30 a month. 30 Disciples for $30 a month. It's easy to get started. All you have to do is this. Just text 30KIDS to 44321. That's three zero kids to 44321. Let's help this great ministry reach more kids in some of the world's Most Forsaken Places. Text 30KIDS to 44321 today to become a Tomorrow Club's ministry partner.

[Jase Robertson]

Those are good things.

[Zach Dasher]

Exactly what Hebrews 6 says. It's the two things it's impossible for him to do.

[Jase Robertson]

So let's, you know, let's maybe dig deeper and see, you know, because the Bible is hard to wrap your head around because you're going back hundreds of years into, you know, a nation out in the middle of a desert where he chose them and then brought out of that nation himself in a human form that actually came from a virgin. And you're like, wait, what? So sometimes I think we do kind of miss the big picture of that and try to apply everything to modern day without seeing it through that vein. And a lot of arguments come out. I had a lot of blanket statements that, that are proven to be false about God.

[Zach Dasher]

So Jays do this so read, read John 7, start in verse 6 and at least read down through verse 24. Because what's going to happen is he's going to have a little statement here for the brothers, and then he's eventually going to go and kind of observe for a few days and then wind up teaching, but at least read that much in.

[Jase Robertson]

So he says in six. He's like, jesus told him, the right time for me has not yet come for you. Any time is right. And I addressed that on the last podcast because they're strictly looking at past accomplishments that even before they were born, happened hundreds of years ago, saying, oh, you know, God is on our side. Look at, we're. We're going to the festivals.

[Zach Dasher]

And I like the way you pointed that out, because when I read this, sometimes I tend to read it totally just from, like, them and his brothers and him almost being like for you any time of work. But he's not. He's saying this as a bigger Jewish picture. I mean, no doubt.

[Jase Robertson]

And look, even fast forward, he's. He's a lot of people just focus on what Jesus did on the cross, which is wondrous. You know, he paid for our sins. He disarmed the powers. He did that. But you also got to look forward to what that was going to accomplish, which through the resurrection and him pouring out the Spirit, it created a way for people to image God on the earth. So I say that all the time. And I'll reiterate it, in our churches, we. There's very little focus on what Jesus is doing. You know, we say, what would Jesus do? Because we're looking back at the past, saying, well, what would he do if he were here? Like, he's not here. Yeah, yeah, I got news for you. He's Lord of Heaven and Earth. He's running this show, which is why.

[Zach Dasher]

On this podcast, we highlight, you know, our little symbols, we use that arrow. Going back up was a big, big deal. Yeah, I mean, him ascending and sending the Spirit back was huge. I mean, that. That brings heaven into our lives, into our very body.

[Jase Robertson]

A good question. If you ever want to just see somebody zombie out is you're like, what is Jesus doing in your life now via the Holy Spirit? Instead of saying, you know, catch any fish? Like, what's Jesus doing in your life now through the Holy Spirit? It's liable to be crickets, which is so verse 7. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil. You go to the feast. I'm not yet Going up to the feast, because for me, the right time has not yet come. Having said this, he stayed in Galilee. However, after his brothers had left for the feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. Now, at the feast, the Jews were watching for him and asking, where is that man? So you would think that's a good thing, but they're looking for him for the wrong reason.

[Zach Dasher]

Exactly. Which we've already established already in John.

[Jase Robertson]

Among the crowds, there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, he's a good man. Others replied, no, he deceives the people. Which is another thing. If you're whispering about Jesus, not biblical. If you're going to go all in, get it out there. But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of. The Jews always go to, like, you know, the. The golf course or the. Or my. You know, when people, the commentators are whispering, they're in a booth. Nobody can hear them.

[Phil Robertson]

Oh, he's set up for the 70s.

[Zach Dasher]

Look at this shot.

[Jase Robertson]

Yeah, because they're trying to create ambiance.

[Zach Dasher]

Like Zach does in there.

[Jase Robertson]

That's why. One of my biggest pet peeves is people who. When they make these deer hunting videos, but so they'll show me this footage from time to time. They're like, what do you think about this? And I'm like, I got a question. Why are you whispering?

[Zach Dasher]

Doing a voiceover after you shot the deer.

[Jase Robertson]

Why are you still whispering? I get it. You don't want them to hear you at first. Then you shoot the deer, and they say, oh, I think that's a good one.

[Phil Robertson]

That.

[Jase Robertson]

Oh, it's just so annoying.

[Zach Dasher]

He could be talking out loud. It's okay. The deer.

[Jase Robertson]

You just fired a weapon that people heard for nine miles, and now you're whispering.

[John Godwin]

Well, you don't want to know where. You don't want nobody to hear you.

[Jase Robertson]

You're creating drama. And I'm saying that's what they were doing. They were creating drama, and they're whispering about Jesus. So there's a clue right there that they hadn't figured out who he is. So then in verse 14, not until halfway through the feast did Jesus go up to the temple courts. Common theme. He keeps showing up at the temple because, you know, we know why he had the altercation at the temple. And you're like, what caused the altercation? Basically, when he said, I am the temple. Destroy this temple, and I'll bring it back in three days.

[Zach Dasher]

And I wonder how. Jay's just. And this is just me wondering, and it doesn't matter. But I'm just curious. When it says he went in secret, did he like. Was he wearing like a robe and like a Jedi, did he put the robe over this?

[Jase Robertson]

I think it's possible.

[Zach Dasher]

I mean, he definitely didn't want to be noticed for a few days. I mean, so he did something. Now he has the ability to like disappear thing.

[John Godwin]

Like when he descended, he come and they was talking about him coming back after he. They didn't recognize who he was.

[Zach Dasher]

Well, I don't know because, you know, a couple of times they went to him him up and it said. All of a sudden he just.

[Jase Robertson]

But you got to think about it. Even when you think you do sins, when you talking about the weight of your sin, when you do things that you think are secret, they're never going to be in secret. They're all coming to light. John 3 At the end says that everything's coming out and it's through guilt and shame, even it affects you publicly. Well, the same thing happens with Jesus. If you live for God in your closet, in your bedroom, in the secret places of your mind, oh, it's coming out in a public way. And that's going to be a positive thing. It just can't.

[Zach Dasher]

Right.

[Jase Robertson]

There's no way to hide it. That's why he said, you don't find a light and then put a bowl over it.

[Zach Dasher]

So now whatever he was doing in secret, he's now teaching publicly.

[Jase Robertson]

To your point, The Jews, verse 15 were amazed and asked, how did this man get such learning without having studied? Which is a question that I've been asked. And I took it as a compliment. Yeah, I mean, to me they'll say, well, you're smarter than you look. But I'm like, well, I have the Holy Spirit, I'm in Jesus because.

[Phil Robertson]

Yeah, so the answer here would be, basically, I wrote it.

[Zach Dasher]

Yeah, yeah. I don't have to study it. When I wrote it, I had to.

[Phil Robertson]

Study the book that I wrote.

[Jase Robertson]

Jesus. Tommy topped that. But he answered saying, my teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. Which doesn't sound controversial, but for that audience, it really is. If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.

[Zach Dasher]

What a statement.

[Jase Robertson]

What really is, if anyone.

[Phil Robertson]

That's actually really interesting because if you think about it almost seems contradictory to what I just said, but it's not because Jesus is both God and man. And so his humanity, he's answering, but he's also connect. He also claims to Be God.

[Zach Dasher]

Yeah.

[Phil Robertson]

And so this is a very interesting thing. This incarnated God in the. In the. In the one we know as Jesus. He says later on in John 17 that I and the Father that were one. And so if he receives this word from his Father, the one who sent him, and then later claims to be one with the Father, then we could also say that this word came from him in the beginning, was the Word. The word was with God. The word was God.

[Jase Robertson]

Well, right, but he also. And none of y'all mentioned this. He also answers the argument that we talked about a few podcasts ago. Is this all for us as humans? Now, granted, he's talking to a Jewish audience here, but he makes that statement. Is the argument, is it God's will who does everything, or do we have a choice in the matter? And so he answers that with this sentence. I've been waiting for months to get here. If anyone chooses to do God's will, you're like, well, is it God's will or their choice? Are our choices involved? So the answer you just got it exactly is yes.

[Zach Dasher]

No, exactly.

[Jase Robertson]

I think exactly is the best. Because you're like, well, wait a minute. Which is it exactly? That's what he said. Chooses to do God's will.

[John Godwin]

Yeah.

[Jase Robertson]

Oh, man, that's good.

[Zach Dasher]

That's good.

[Jase Robertson]

There you are.

[Zach Dasher]

Gotta preach.

[Jase Robertson]

It's red letters. So we're gonna give him the credit.

[Zach Dasher]

Yep.

[Jase Robertson]

And then he's like. Because he expounds on that, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.

[Zach Dasher]

So, Jason, I've gotten older. I've learned that you can learn things from a lot of different people, and I've actually learned something from you. You talk to us about team Jace. You know, your. Your team of people that get you where you're supposed to go. It takes a team to be able to accomplish what you're doing. Is that not right?

[Jase Robertson]

I think it's. It's better trying to do it by myself and having a team. Team is better.

[Zach Dasher]

At 60, I have finally found my team. It's PhD weight loss. Dr. Ashley Lucas is helping me reach my goals, and she's amazing. Thousands of clients have had success, and I'm now one of them. The program teaches you what to eat, when to eat. It works on your relationship with food, shows you how to lose weight for life. And the best thing, to me personally, is they really explain the science of losing weight. And so once I understood that part of it, it made it a lot easier for me to make Better decisions. So here's a picture of me starting the journey. Not very pleasant, but here I am after 16 weeks and I've lost £50 now and, and I feel so much better. Obviously my blood pressure medicine has been cut in half. So it's me on the health side as well as just feeling better. No gimmicks, no pills, no injections, no side effects. That's what I love about it the most. I'm not eating rabbit food and I'm not hungry. They provide 80% PhD does of your weekly foods at no extra cost. So that's, that's baked into what they do. They're fantastic. Join me on my weight loss journey. You can schedule your one on one consultation today by calling 864-644-1900 or you can visit myphdweightloss.com that's 864-644-1900. Tell them that Al sent you.

[Jase Robertson]

And, and I'm really wanting to go back, I mean, before I read the rest of this, because he's going to get to this famous verse in verse 37 and 38 where he says, if anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. And then it says, whoever believes in me, as the scriptures have said, streams of living water will flow from within him. Because you got to remember, this is all right after this altercation with the woman at the well where he said, I'll give you living water. Then the John 6 after he feeds the 5000 with the bread and he's like, I'll give you living bread, I'll give you eternal bread. I mean, so he's given this and what your sin is by saying this. If anyone chooses to do God's will and he'll find out, it's like he's setting this in your mind where you come to him thirsty, but you leave with water just flowing out like a flood, a river. And I love those illustrations that he's using there.

[Zach Dasher]

It's more, it's, it's quenched. Plus it's more than just quench.

[Jase Robertson]

Oh, it's overflowing.

[Zach Dasher]

It's overflowing.

[Jase Robertson]

I mean it's like we're experiencing a flood down there. Did you see how high the water is down there? We, we moved to duck blinds. By the way, I hadn't told you about this now. Oh yeah, before you want to be in where we move the blinds to. You want to be in on the first time we get in those blinds because we found the two X's and we had to Wait five years for a flood to get up to the blind.

[Zach Dasher]

In the X Unashamed Nation, we are now witnessing a private conversation between God.

[Jase Robertson]

Well, but the. The application though, is the flowing water look, because what is that? What is a river at that stage? What is it doing? Why is he depicting that as the Holy Spirit coming? Because one thing it does, it moves anything and reshapes anything in its path. Well, when you think about that being inside of you, I mean, a flood happening in your body and going into places that need to be made more godlike. Oh, it's a powerful thing. But it also something that's coming out that can be used for moving blinds or watering the blanks or providing water to other.

[Zach Dasher]

Go ahead.

[Phil Robertson]

I got a role. I'm kind of early, but I want to make this point. I'm going to drop the mic here. I'm going to say the point, drop the mic and leave, because I have to throughout the Nashville. Here's where this gets interesting because where is he? He's. He's engaging in temple activity here. And you brought up the temple earlier. If you read Ezekiel 47, what? You'll get a vision of that Ezekiel had. And the vision that Ezekiel has of the temple. Guess what's flowing out of the temple?

[Jase Robertson]

Living water.

[Phil Robertson]

A flood, A river. A river that flows out of the temple that brings life to everything that it touches. And then the prophet Isaiah in chapter 12 says, with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. So imagine the connection here. This is the connection here to, I think, what's happening. Out of the temple flows water that gives life to creation. Now listen to this in Genesis, chapter 2, verse 10. Overlook this verse a lot, but it's so key because the original temple was the garden that was the original temple. And listen to the verse 10. A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden. And there basically it divided and became four rivers. But we read that and we don't realize that why this matters is because wherever the center of the temple is at, where God's presence is at, that's where the river of life will the stream. It'll be the spring of the river. And I know this because I know how this works because I grew up in North Florida. We have all these natural springs and they all have like a. What's called a boil, where the water comes out of the ground, where the river begins. It's the source of the river, and then the river flows from that spring. So then you have that in the garden. You have that in Ezekiel's vision of the temple. And then later what happens is we become the temple where the Holy Spirit indwells now the believer. And what was the Jesus's instruction to the woman at the well? That if you drink the water that I had to give you, that will become a spring in you, welling up to eternal life. So now I'm a temple of the Holy Spirit. And that. And why? Because the water of life is in me. There's a spring inside the human body now that produces life and waters the garden. I think that's pretty powerful.

[Jase Robertson]

Oh, it's real powerful. And I caused that because I skipped ahead because I couldn't wait.

[Phil Robertson]

I gotta go, though. I love to go.

[Jase Robertson]

And I'll clean this up.

[Zach Dasher]

We'll clean it up.

[Jase Robertson]

He's saying that because it's a temple setting and these people are not recognizing Jesus as the Christ. And he's eventually going to get to this famous statement because of verse 39. By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up till that time, the Spirit had not yet been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. That's why he said his time hasn't come, because True is talking about his death. But then that led to the resurrection. That led to him pouring out his spirit and that led to people surrendering to him because he's now been declared king of Kings. And you get that spirit. And he's using that analogy as this bubbling inside that just is unleashed. And I was going to read Ezekiel 47 since he brought it up, but he says in Ezekiel 47, the man brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple. The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple. He then brought me through the north gate and led me around the outside and the water was flowing as the man. I'm just kind of skipping along here. As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand. He measured off a thousand cubits. What is that, about 1500ft? And then he led me through water, and it was ankle deep. He measured off another, and it was knee deep. He measured off another and it was waist deep. Because all this, for us being wilderness people, it's things we've gone through. Because all of a sudden you start getting a little like, yeah, oh, man, this is. This is getting dangerous here, you know.

[Zach Dasher]

And so getting close to your house.

[Jase Robertson]

Yeah. And then it says he measured off another. But now it was a river that I could not cross because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in a river that no one could cross. And he asked me, son of man, do you see this? And then he led me back to the bank of the river. And when I arrived, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. And he said to me, and he starts talking about, you know, the water flows toward the eastern region. But watch this verse. This is Ezekiel 47 in verse 8. Because you're like, well, how do you know this is applying to that? I mean, you got the water, the living water, the temple. And there's no doubt John is referring to this, because then it says when it empties into the Dead Sea, the water becomes fresh. Well, when you go to that region, I've been to the Dead Sea.

[Zach Dasher]

Not fresh about it, is it?

[Jase Robertson]

Oh, man. And, you know, the reason it's dead is because nothing flows out of it. It only goes in and it doesn't flow out. So here's Ezekiel hundreds of years ago, using this illustration, that Jesus would say, this is what it's like for the people to be indwelled by the Spirit of God. And he gives a picture of the Dead Sea coming to life and creatures living and trees growing. Because I'm telling you, I went to the Dead Sea, and it just. Literally everything around there, it's not just the sea itself. The whole place is. It's just dead. It's in a desert. And I think that's why these people, what Jesus was trying to do is give them a greater picture, because here we are, we're in the wettest part of America, literally, look at the stats. And we take it for granted how powerful the water is and what it does. Even when it doesn't rain here, if it rains up north here, this water just becomes this dangerous, uncontrollable, powerful thing that you just basically have to get out of the way of. And then when you think that's how we are as spirit indwelled people, I mean, what a picture of what God wants to do through you to this world, you know, and let himself be known. So it is very powerful.

[Zach Dasher]

So, Jase, what is about persecuted Christians that inspires you both from ancient as well as today?

[Jase Robertson]

Well, you realize that we're called to be something in the name of the Lord. And so by being that, there will be resistance. And somewhere in there, we know that God is real and that we're totally dependent on Him. And it's just very inspiring.

[Zach Dasher]

It's not something we want in our lives or desire, but we know when we face it, it's something that makes us stronger and better. Our good friend Todd Nettleton, who's the voice of the Martyrs radio host, has written a book called when faith is forbidden. 40 days on the Front Lines with Persecuted Christians. And it's really just a journal of 20 years of him traveling in restricted nations and running up on these people, these Christians, these brothers and sisters who have been persecuted because of their faith. And it's very inspirational for us to hear their stories, to see how unwavering they are in their faith. Each stop along the journey gives us an ability to reflect our own life and also challenge us. So we don't want you to miss out on the opportunity to be inspired by the stories. And they're offering the book for free. You can request your free copy of When Faith Is Forbidden by calling 844-463-4059. That's 844-463-4059, or you can visit vom.org unashamed that stands for Voice of the Martyrs, a great organization. Vom.orgunashamed so then in Revelation 22.

[Jase Robertson]

And look, this is. We did Godwin, a podcast a couple weeks ago about all these jewels that are described as the Bride of Christ.

[Zach Dasher]

I love that look.

[Jase Robertson]

I've actually had one person say, oh, you were wrong about that. I was in a grocery store. They're like, no, that's a picture of heaven. I'm like, nope, read it again. I just gave no grace or mercy in that moment.

[Zach Dasher]

You didn't go, I could be wrong. You just said.

[Jase Robertson]

I just said, nope, go back and read it again.

[Phil Robertson]

You missed.

[Jase Robertson]

Is a depiction of the Bride of Christ, human beings of which we are. And then to give some validation here in chapter 22, look what he brings up. This is right after. In 2122, it says, I did not see a temple in the city because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. You know what? There's no sun or there's no light. You know why? Because the Lamb of God is the light. And so then 22, you say, what about this river? This is the last chapter in the Bible. Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life. This is just what we've been talking about all in John. I mean, John 4. Now in John 7. And it says, as clear as crystal. You know why? Because the Lamb purified this river. You can drink it. That's why he told the woman at the well, you drink of this Water.

[Zach Dasher]

You'll never be thirsty.

[Jase Robertson]

You'll never be thirsty again. Which is so awesome, because you come to him thirsty and you leave out in this world overflowing. It's a flood. There's a flood. I mean, just people appreciate that if they've seen floods, and we see them.

[Zach Dasher]

All the time, which in the illustration of the woman who was hiding out at the well, who then goes back and brings the whole town out to see him, is, that's not a flood. I don't know what it was.

[Jase Robertson]

That's why I said, this can't be. That happened in the secret place which is inside you. And that's why this verse is so frequently missed. Because he's like, well, up until that time, the Spirit hadn't been given. You know, in John 7, people are like, what are they talking about? The Holy Spirit? It starts on Genesis 1. It says the Holy Spirit was hovering over the waters, and the Holy Spirit came upon him, but it was always over there or on them. But now he's like, now it'll be in you, in human beings. And it's described as a flood that flows out. Well, where's it flowing to? The Dead Sea? Well, look out in our world. That's a good description. That is the analogy. And I'll finish reading this. It says, flowing from the throne of God. Well, now you're getting into this temple language again. Heaven and earth is now connected through what Jesus accomplished and is doing now through Spirit filled people down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the Tree of Life and bearing what crops of fruit. So think of all the analogies Jesus made in the Gospels about a tree has good fruit. A bad tree doesn't have fruit. It. It's all tied into the Holy Spirit flowing out of people.

[Zach Dasher]

Curse the tree that won't bear fruit. Yeah.

[Jase Robertson]

And then you have this Tree of Life language, which you're going back to the garden. Remember the Tree of Life? That was kind of a temporary tree that was keeping them eternal. Right. I mean, why was it there?

[Zach Dasher]

Yeah.

[Jase Robertson]

Even though they hadn't sinned, they were still eating of that Tree of Life that was keeping them alive.

[Zach Dasher]

And by the way, whatever was in it was pretty powerful because even after they quit eating it, they lived to be like it 900 years.

[Jase Robertson]

And what's crazy is by Jesus death on a tree, it becomes the Tree of Life because he forgave us of our sins. It's now dealt with, which then removed the power of all these idols because you're. That's causing sinful behavior because you're bowing down to a God that's not God.

[Zach Dasher]

That's right.

[Jase Robertson]

And so by death he conquered that and it became a tree of life for us that produced a flood of image bearing people, which is crazy. So that's kind of the overall narrative of why he said that. It's not a complex thing, it's a thrilling thing that he's introducing here.

[Zach Dasher]

And he not only used water, he used in his illustration in John 6 of the Feeding the same concept about, about food. And he says the same thing. And remember it was an overflow there because he fed 10,000 people. And then they look around, they said, oh wait, there's more. Yeah, 12 basketfuls more.

[Jase Robertson]

It just keeps coming. We're trying to. God was trying to reach the nations and he's going to do it through Jesus Christ and what he accomplished. And then you receiving as humans the spirit of him that did what he's doing. Because you got to remember Jesus is full of the Holy Spirit here. And what's the first thing that happened? You know, Mary's baptized, the spirit descends on him. Then he's tempted like we all are and he defeated the evil one in the little temptation narrative. And then he goes out and begins his ministry.

[Zach Dasher]

Right. And I didn't say this at the time, Jason, we were studying it back in John 6. But N.T. wright thinks that's why John put that story in there about Jesus walking across that stormy night, walking on the water. It's in between him explaining the feeding of the fowl when he actually fed them and when he was doing it, he said it was just like the crossing of the Red Sea, which I never had put that together. But I thought, man, what a great for the disciples to understand what it's about.

[Jase Robertson]

No, I agree. So to get back to where we're reading and I'll just read it and we'll get into the details because we went to the end and now we're going back. Verse 18 of John 7. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself. But he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth. There's nothing false about him which he's talking about himself.

[Zach Dasher]

Correct.

[Jase Robertson]

He's here on God's behalf. He's God's son. Has not Moses verse 19. He goes back to illustration about what did you say?

[Zach Dasher]

19 times he brings up Moses.

[Jase Robertson]

I think 13. Has not Moses given you the law yet not one of you Keeps the law, why are you trying to kill me?

[Zach Dasher]

Which seems to come out of nowhere, that question.

[Jase Robertson]

But it really doesn't because it goes in with the fact that they're going to all these festivals, they're disciples of Moses. Because he's going to say this and look at their response. You're demon possessed. The crowd answered, who's trying to kill you? And Jesus said to them, which is very clever. I did one miracle. And you are all astonished. Which if you just think about the power of that statement, which I always do this for fun, when people say, do you believe in miracles? They'll say, do you? They're mean in modern day miracles and always say the same thing. And I get it from this verse. I say, well, I believe in at least one. And they never know what I'm talking about. You know, I'm specifically talking about the resurrection. But I'm saying I'm with the one who can do all the miracles. I mean, if he could do all.

[Zach Dasher]

I really had to believe one, that's enough for me.

[Jase Robertson]

Because any other situation where I'm in need of a miracle, he has the ability to pull that off.

[Zach Dasher]

Do you really need any more than that one?

[Jase Robertson]

It's actually more powerful a statement than you realize. Because if you're just looking for a miracle, it's kind of like what they were doing. They were like following him because they were looking for a meal. I mean, they're like, oh yeah, that was a great miracle. Now you got. Can you do it again? Where's some more of that? I want to eat some of that fish. I mean, they're missing the whole point.

[Zach Dasher]

Aren't you saying to them, Jace, exactly what Jesus told Thomas when he was reaching the scars and he was feeling them. He said, blessed are you who will not see and believe. That's what you're talking about.

[Jase Robertson]

Exactly. So I'm going to just read the end of this. Yeah. Because Moses gave you circumcision, though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the patriarchs. You circumcise a child on the Sabbath. Now if a child can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing the whole man on the Sabbath. And he's going back to what happened in John 5. Stop judging by mere appearances and make a right judgment. Now we'll get into the details about why he used that analogy. But read it, think about it. And when we come together, the conclusion you should have is Jesus is the son of God, right?

[Zach Dasher]

Exactly. John, it's always a pleasure having you on unashamed. You just.

[John Godwin]

I love it.

[Zach Dasher]

Did you feel like you're just grabbing the tail of the tiger and hanging on?

[John Godwin]

You gotta go. I gotta go back and listen now.

[Jase Robertson]

Well, but you made the statement that.

[Zach Dasher]

Without knowing you started it. That's right.

[Jase Robertson]

When you said, who do you think Jesus is? Which is the same argument he's making 2,000 years ago to these groups of.

[Zach Dasher]

People involved, he finally believed that Jesus is who he said he is.

[John Godwin]

Yep.

[Zach Dasher]

What a lion. I love it. All right, Johnny G. We'll see you next time. See you guys next time on Unashamed. Thanks for listening to the Unashamed podcast. Help us out by leaving a rating and review on Apple podcast. And don't miss an episode by subscribing on YouTube. And be sure to click the little bell and choose all notifications to watch every episode.