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Maybe you’ve grown up as a Christian going to church or maybe you’re not interested in religion at all. But when you’re scrolling, hanging out with friends, trying to sleep, or overwhelmed with your day-to-day, do big existential questions ever pop in- you know- things like, “Why am I here? How did all this get here? What happens after I die?” “Is there a God and is there really meaning to all this?” ”What’s so special about Jesus Christ?” We’ve all experienced deep longing for something this world can’t seem to satisfy. Even someone as wildly successful as Taylor Swift knows that to be true. “I had won album of the year at the Grammys for a second time...” She said, “and I remember thinking afterwards, ’Oh my god, that was all you wanted!... That was all you focused on. You get to the mountaintop and look around and you’re like... what now?” If you’re tired and feeling overwhelmed with all the different voices yelling for your affections- telling you what to go after- whether it be success, beauty, the perfect partner, social media followers, money, or power… only to leave you let down and unsatisfied, searching for more… Maybe like my friends and me, you’re after finding something REAL. Every week, join me (Janell Wood), special co-hosts and guests as we ask questions, look for answers, and search for the source of something REAL: Restoration, Eternity, Authenticity, and Love. I believe those things can ultimately be found in relationship with Jesus Christ, but don’t take my word for it. Listen to our conversations for yourself and go on a journey with us: Is Jesus the REAL thing?
Episodes
Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
Hello Everyone Today on the podcast we welcome back Drew Berryessa!
In this episode, Noelle and Drew discuss the challenges of being a Christian and accepting the LGBTQ community. Noelle shares her concerns about Christians who claim to be about love but then hate the LGBTQ community. Drew shares his personal story of struggling with his sexuality and how he found transformation through following Jesus. They discuss the concept of change versus cure and the importance of surrendering to Jesus. Noelle questions the compelling nature of the gospel and why someone would choose to deny themselves for a belief in an invisible God.
In this conversation, Drew Berryessa shares his personal journey of surrendering his life to God and finding compelling reasons to follow Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of encountering Christians who demonstrate the love and character of God. Drew also highlights the power of love and acceptance in drawing people to God, and the need for Christians to prioritize relationship over winning arguments. He discusses the biblical perspective on sexuality, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's intention for sexuality and the consequences of sin. Finally, Drew reflects on the significance of restoration and authenticity in his faith journey.
We hope you enjoy today’s episode!
About Drew
In 1996, Drew surrendered his sexuality to the Lordship of Christ, leaving behind a homosexual relationship. Drew chose to trust Christ with his future, believing that the Word of God was trustworthy and that Christ would be faithful to give him a life worth living outside of a homosexual identity or relationship. This surrender began a process of transformation and healing confronting the issues of same-sex attraction and overall relational dysfunction in his life.
Drew began full-time ministry to the sexually and relationally broken in 2004, joining the staff of Portland Fellowship, a para-church discipleship ministry in Portland, OR. Drew spent ten years in ministry there, ending his time as the Assistant Director to found A Living Letter Ministries in 2015.
Drew’s life and testimony stand in stark contrast to the current cultural narrative about sexual identity, demonstrating instead what Christ can do for a sexually broken life submitted to His Lordship. With the current shifts in ideology regarding sexuality, identity, gender, and God’s transformative power, Drew's ministry, experience, and insight stand as a redemptive voice of truth to the body of Christ.
Drew is a graduate of Multnomah Bible College, holding a Bachelor's Degree in Ministry and Leadership. In addition to being the Founder and Director of A Living Letter Ministries, Drew serves as a Teaching and Counseling Pastor at Living Waters Church in Medford, OR. Drew released his first book, Are We There Yet? in 2018, adding author to his list of accomplishments.
Of all the roles and titles he carries, his most prized titles are that of husband and father. Drew and his wife Suzanne have been married since 2004 and together they have the joy of raising their three daughters.
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Links:
FSR March 2021 with Drew
FSR June 2021 with Drew
FSR April 2022 with Drew & Cynthia
Proverbs 27:7
”One who is full loathes honey from the comb,
but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.”