Are Heaven & Hell Real? Former Buddhist's Near-Death Experience: 8 HOURS In Hell (From "After Death") | Ep. 34

It's hard to believe it's already been a month since our move!

We talk about how life has been, what has surprised us, what we've been learning, some testimonies of ways we've been experiencing God... as well a big UPDATE in terms of our podcast...

👉 Get the FREE Divine Priority Planner to learn how to prioritize your week with GOD'S guidance and wisdom! withthetrans.com/planner 

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How do we share our faith with those who DON'T believe one of the main bases for our faith: The Bible?

Today we're joined by Dr. Mikel Del Rosario, a seasoned Professor of Bible and Theology at Moody Bible Institute with over 15 years training Christians in apologetics, to break down:

• What actually is apologetics, and why does it matter for every believer?
• The real root of all the disagreement about Jesus (despite historical evidence)
• Practical tips for navigating questions and conversations with grace and love (and avoiding nasty debates) with those who don't share your beliefs
• What famous atheists say about Jesus
• The key "one-pager" fact sheet about Jesus you should know & can talk about
• And much more...

ABOUT OUR GUEST
Dr. Mikel Del Rosario helps Christians find clear answers to tough questions about Christianity and explain the faith with courage and compassion.

He is a Professor of Bible and Theology at Moody Bible Institute. Previously, he taught Christian Apologetics and World Religion at William Jessup University and Digital Media for Ministry at Dallas Theological Seminary. He has published over 30 journal articles on apologetics and cultural engagement in Bibliotheca Sacra with his mentor, Dr. Darrell Bock. He holds an M.A. in Christian Apologetics with highest honors from Biola University, along with a Master of Theology (Th.M) and a Ph.D in Biblical Studies (Emphasis in New Testament Studies) from Dallas Theological Seminary where he served at the Hendricks Center, hosting The Table podcast.

He is also host of The Apologetics Guy Show: conversations that help men and women find clear answers to tough questions about Christianity and navigate spiritual conversations with courage and compassion. Learn more at https://apologeticsguy.com.

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💬 Get personalized help overcoming your life's challenges and internal barriers through our 1-on-1 Spirit-led & science-based coaching. Book a FREE Discovery Call: https://withthetrans.com/consulting-alex

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Today we sit down with our favorite Christian comedy creator: Gabriel Lopez! Known as @gods.best.friend with over 350,000 followers on social media, what led Gabriel to start this social media ministry and write his book (God's Best Friend: The Adventures of an Ordinary Man and an Extraordinary God) was far from what he had ever willed or expected.

Join us as we dive into his personal journey of the unimaginable loss and grief that led him to where he is today... including POWERFUL supernatural testimonies that will ignite your faith and expand your perspective.

We also talk about what it looks like to invite God into the creative process, how to not be weighed down by pressure to "top yourself," and encouragement and wisdom for those of you who feel a tug to start a new endeavor or create with God!

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KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

• How to become God’s best friend (& what that means)
• What led Gabriel to follow Jesus
• Losing his best friends & processing deep pain, grief, & trauma
• Reconciliation with his dad
• The timing of prophetic fulfillment
• How God spoke through his dog and a "daydream"
• The surprising events that led Gabriel into film, social media, & writing a book
• What he learned on his Sabbatical
• Does he feel pressure to top each video?
• What it looks like to be led by God's creativity
• Encouragement for those feeling led to start something new
• The big picture goal for his social media ministry
• A prayer for you ❤️

ABOUT OUR GUEST
Gabriel is a filmmaker and Revival Group Pastor at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry who's passionate about seeing the church walk in greater authority. He and his wife Louise are forerunners in the Kingdom committed to bring Heaven to Earth.

You can follow Gabriel on Instagram, TikTok, & YouTube as @gods.best.friend, or learn more about him / find his book and other resources at MarkedByGoodness.com.

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💬 Get personalized help overcoming your life's challenges and internal barriers through our 1-on-1 Spirit-led & science-based coaching. Book a FREE Discovery Call: https://withthetrans.com/consulting-alex

🎥 WATCH this podcast on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@withthetrans

💵 Faith-Based Financial Resources: https://withthetrans.com/faith-finances

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❓ Submit questions & testimonies: https://memo.fm/unpack

👉 GET THIS FREE LIST OF 60 EASY, LOW-COST DATES: https://withthetrans.com/dates

NOTE: The best experience is to watch this episode on YouTube (to follow along with the visual slides), though it's fine to listen as well :)

There's a big difference between just being "in" a relationship vs. actually having a *consistent* heart connection with one another.

And the truth is, there really is no shortcut... true connection, authentic intimacy, and stronger bonds don't just "happen." In fact, when we're passive about our relationships, the opposite happens: they grow stale and often breed boredom or even resentment.

Instead, having a thriving relationship takes our active participation and intentionality... but it is SO worth it!

Today, we're covering some practical tips for cultivating and strengthening a deeper, richer emotional/relational connection with a spouse or significant other (though the principles can also be adapted for family / friends).

This was from a mini training we led for the Thriving Couples Virtual Summit hosted by The Shine Campus. Our audience was a mix of people from all kinds of backgrounds, but one thing we of course want to mention for you guys here is also the importance of putting God at the center: engaging in spiritual practices and rhythms individually and together, as well. (Let us know if you'd like more on that another time...)

Join us as we talk about: 

• What the stat 29% shows us about relationships
• Common causes of disconnection
• 3 rhythms (and our personal examples)
• 3 communication keys (with more examples)

We're not experts nor perfect by any means, but we hope that these things that have helped us in our own journey ever since our long-distance dating days, to now in marriage, help you in your own relationships, communication, and endeavors to love others well!

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💌 Get each week's episode & helpful resources sent directly to you for FREE, along with EXCLUSIVE sneak peeks & perks: https://bit.ly/3M7OMXY

💬 Get personalized help overcoming your life's challenges and internal barriers through our 1-on-1 Spirit-led & science-based coaching. Book a FREE Discovery Call: https://withthetrans.com/consulting-alex

🎥 WATCH this podcast on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@withthetrans

💵 Faith-Based Financial Resources: https://withthetrans.com/faith-finances

📱 Connect with us on social: https://instagram.com/@withthetrans // https://facebook.com/withthetrans

❓ Submit questions & testimonies: https://memo.fm/unpack

• The very real challenges of being "content in singleness" in a world that glorifies romance
• My own journey & reflections amidst so-called "waiting seasons" with God
• 5 Practical Tips for what to do with uncomfortable / mixed emotions that often come up
• Biblical vs. secular self-love & why it matters
• Managing the tensions of having longings AND trusting God

• Is It BAD To Have Desires? (How To Manage The Tension Between DESIRE & SURRENDER) | Ep. 27
• What If My Prayers STILL Aren't Answered? (5 UNEXPECTED Gifts Of UNANSWERED Prayers) | Ep. 26
• What People Don't Tell You About Grieving - Natasha Smith ("Can You Just Sit with Me?") | Ep. 30
• What is “Self-Care” vs. “Soul Care” (& Why Does It Matter)? | Ep. 16

• You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity by Francis & Lisa Chan
• Celebrating Singles (Online Course & Podcast)

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💌 Get each week's episode & helpful resources sent directly to you for FREE, along with EXCLUSIVE sneak peeks & perks: https://bit.ly/3M7OMXY

💬 Get personalized help overcoming your life's challenges and internal barriers through our 1-on-1 Spirit-led & science-based coaching. Book a FREE Discovery Call: https://withthetrans.com/consulting-alex

🎥 WATCH this podcast on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@withthetrans

💵 Faith-Based Financial Resources: https://withthetrans.com/faith-finances

📱 Connect with us on social: https://instagram.com/@withthetrans // https://facebook.com/withthetrans

❓ Submit questions & testimonies: https://memo.fm/unpack

Do you ever wake up from a dream and think: "That was weird..." but aren't sure what to make of it (OR if you even should)?

Today, Grace sits down with her good friend Elani to dive into the series of unexpected events (including supernatural dreams) that brought her out of depression, suicidal thoughts, and the occult - and into healing, joy, and freedom way beyond what she ever thought possible.

Join us as Elani shares about coming out of New Age curiosities and a snippet of her journey of finding the real God through dreams, encounters with both heaven and hell, and testing out different world religions to ultimately discover and be forever changed by the one true God.

We also delve into how to tell between a "bad pizza" dream and a "God dream," AND go through a spontaneous LIVE interpretation of dreams that Alex and Grace had literally the night before this recording!

We pray this candid conversation encourages, challenges, and perhaps stretches your perspective - and ultimately empowers you to seek and know God more.

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👉📘 Want a clear, step-by-step process to identify what God wants you to prioritize for the week? Download your FREE DIVINE PRIORITY PLANNER: https://withthetrans.com/planner

---------

Key highlights:

• What brought Elani from New Age & Buddhism into Christianity
• Experiencing heaven and hell through supernatural dreams
• How to discern between a "bad pizza" dream vs. a "God dream"
• A LIVE spontaneous dream interpretation :)
• A prayer for you ❤️
• And much more…

ABOUT OUR GUEST
Elani is an everyday girl, who just happens to have experienced God in miraculous ways. She's a creative producer in tech and naturally activates others in bringing heaven to earth wherever they are. You can follow / connect with Elani on IG @helloelani.

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💌 Get each week's episode & helpful resources sent directly to you for FREE, along with EXCLUSIVE sneak peeks & perks: https://bit.ly/3M7OMXY

💬 Get personalized help overcoming your life's challenges and internal barriers through our 1-on-1 Spirit-led & science-based coaching. Book a FREE Discovery Call: https://withthetrans.com/consulting-alex

🎥 WATCH this podcast on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@withthetrans

💵 Faith-Based Financial Resources: https://withthetrans.com/faith-finances

📱 Connect with us on social: https://instagram.com/@withthetrans // https://facebook.com/withthetrans

❓ Submit questions & testimonies: https://memo.fm/unpack

• The unexpected trauma & tragedy that led Ben to God & dance
• Reconciling & healing painful family relationships
• Processing grief
• Unconventional "side paths"
• Integrating dance & faith
• Living on mission & glorifying God in whatever we do
• Co-creating, having fun, & making decisions with God
• Consequences of doing things out of an unhealthy place
• How to stop being held back by fear
• Innovating & making plans while trusting God
• Ben's exciting new project
• And much more…

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💌 Get each week's episode & helpful resources sent directly to you for FREE, along with EXCLUSIVE sneak peeks & perks: https://bit.ly/3M7OMXY

💬 Get personalized help overcoming your life's challenges and internal barriers through our 1-on-1 Spirit-led & science-based coaching. Book a FREE Discovery Call: https://withthetrans.com/consulting-alex

🎥 WATCH this podcast on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@withthetrans

💵 Faith-Based Financial Resources: https://withthetrans.com/faith-finances

📱 Connect with us on social: https://instagram.com/@withthetrans // https://facebook.com/withthetrans

❓ Submit questions & testimonies: https://memo.fm/unpack

• The psychology behind our compulsive phone usage (despite "knowing we shouldn't")
• The impact of even being in the PRESENCE of our phones (it's WAY bigger than we think)
• What your phone usage is doing to your family, friends, and others around you
• Research-backed keys to LASTING habit formation
• How your phone is blocking you from the #1 MOST IMPORTANT THING in your life
• Aro's innovative approach to gamifying time away from your phone
• Practical tips for cultivating and prioritizing deep, meaningful relationships in a world dominated by shallow, perceived "connections"

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💌 Get each week's episode & helpful resources sent directly to you for FREE, along with EXCLUSIVE sneak peeks & perks: https://bit.ly/3M7OMXY

💬 Get personalized help overcoming your life's challenges and internal barriers through our 1-on-1 Spirit-led & science-based coaching. Book a FREE Discovery Call: https://withthetrans.com/consulting-alex

🎥 WATCH this podcast on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@withthetrans

💵 Faith-Based Financial Resources: https://withthetrans.com/faith-finances

📱 Connect with us on social: https://instagram.com/@withthetrans // https://facebook.com/withthetrans

❓ Submit questions & testimonies: https://memo.fm/unpack

Hey friends, this episode's a bit different!

We wanted to share the real, raw, behind-the-scenes, in-progress testimony (that's STILL unfolding) of a personal life update (and what led up to it), including a few of the lessons God's been teaching us in the process, in hopes that it might encourage you in your own journey, too.

NOTE: We recorded this in December 2023, so when we say "this" year, we mean 2023.

Also, there is a LOT more that we left out since it was already getting long (including how Alex made HIS work decision, a testimony that came out of his announcement, many prophetic words and encounters we had that added confirmation, etc.)...

But one thing we especially wanted to highlight is that a MAJOR part of this decision was based on the long-term vision God has given the both of us for our future family, wanting to be better positioned and equipped to best serve those whom we believe we're called to serve, and overall continuing to follow God's lead in laying the groundwork in faith (let us know if you wanna hear more about that stuff in the future)!

Wherever God may lead each of us in our unique journeys, may we all keep focusing our eyes on Jesus and learning to sense His nearness, see His faithfulness, and earnestly seek His heart and all the beautiful ways He's inviting us to boldly partner with how He's already at work in and around us... with all He's entrusted to us and will continue to provide for us.

We are so grateful for your support and prayers, and excited to share more in the coming weeks and months!!

To be continued...

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💌 Get each week's episode & helpful resources sent directly to you for FREE, along with EXCLUSIVE sneak peeks & perks: https://bit.ly/3M7OMXY

💬 Get personalized help overcoming your life's challenges and internal barriers through our 1-on-1 Spirit-led & science-based coaching. Book a FREE Discovery Call: https://withthetrans.com/consulting-alex

🎥 WATCH this podcast on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@withthetrans

💵 Faith-Based Financial Resources: https://withthetrans.com/faith-finances

📱 Connect with us on social: https://instagram.com/@withthetrans // https://facebook.com/withthetrans

❓ Submit questions & testimonies: https://memo.fm/unpack

• How God completely changed their perspective on money & giving
• God-centered money principles (vs. what we've all been taught)
• POWERFUL miracles they've gotten to experience (and partake in)
• Navigating money conflicts in marriage and relationships
• Practical examples & tips to invite God into your finances
• The secret weapon behind couples with a less than 1% divorce rate
• How Linda overcame shopaholism and being daunted by finances
• Why financial freedom isn't actually about having more money
• How to become financially savvy WHILE staying focused on God

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💌 Get each week's episode & helpful resources sent directly to you for FREE, along with EXCLUSIVE sneak peeks & perks: https://bit.ly/3M7OMXY

💬 Get personalized help overcoming your life's challenges and internal barriers through our 1-on-1 Spirit-led & science-based coaching. Book a FREE Discovery Call: https://withthetrans.com/consulting-alex

🎥 WATCH this podcast on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@withthetrans

💵 Faith-Based Financial Resources: https://withthetrans.com/faith-finances

📱 Connect with us on social: https://instagram.com/@withthetrans // https://facebook.com/withthetrans

❓ Submit questions & testimonies: https://memo.fm/unpack