God Ink

On our first episode of this season Garhett and Jermaine are joined by their good friend Pastor Justin Mertz. We explore not just the call of Peter, but the personality that Jesus willingly took on with much polishing needed. Peter is called the rock, but most of his story looks more like a rolling stone. We narrow in on the moment the disciples mistook Jesus for a ghost on the water. What does fear, chaos, and uncertainty reveal about faith and even your unique call?

The book of The Gospel of John is often chosen as the favorite Gospel of many Christians. John is known as the disciple Jesus loved, who was present in some of the most intimate moments of Christ’s earthly ministry. But one detail we often overlook is just how young John was when Jesus called him. What does John’s story reveal about calling, risk, and the willingness to follow God at a young age? Joining us for this conversation is Jeff Akenberger, chaplain at Great Lakes Adventist Academy.

At Great Lakes Adventist Academy, education is more than academics—it’s about purpose. In this episode, we sit down with school leaders to unpack what makes Adventist education unique, from faith and character to real-world impact. Hear how they’re shaping students into thoughtful, service-driven leaders for today and tomorrow.

Hey everyone! We miss you! We just wanted to give you an update on the Season 3, recap season 2, and talk about GYC!

At the edge of the Promised Land, Moses commits a tragic irony: he calls the children of Israel rebels while himself rebelling against the clear command of God. One moment, one choice, and it cost him the very goal his entire life and ministry had been moving toward. After decades of pressure complaints, betrayal, exhaustion, and loneliness. This was not a failure of belief but of obedience; God said, “Speak to the rock,” and Moses struck it, misrepresenting God’s character by reflecting anger where God intended mercy. This forces the hard question: how does God view rebellion when it comes from His chosen leaders does He excuse it because the burden was heavy or understand the breaking point enough to give a pass? Scripture answers plainly: God understands, but He does not excuse; leadership does not lower the standard, it raises it. Moses lost the land but not the Lord he forfeited the destination, not the relationship grace remained, yet consequences stood, reminding us that pressure never replaces obedience and that how we represent God matters most.

What if Jesus showed up in the year 2026 instead of A.D. 27 and simply said, “Follow Me”?Can you imagine being one of those twelve? What type of individuals would Jesus choose? It's not like today's common job descriptions are farmers, tax collectors, or fishermen. Would he choose a liberal or a conservative? Someone privileged or another who has been overlooked? someone well informed and another naive or ignorant?What places would he choose from? Would he have walked the halls of college campuses and called students, or showed up in the mechanic shop and called a machinist? Would he be limited to just choosing the well, or would he consider the broken? What about the unconverted?What are some questions a modern disciple would ask after hearing "follow me"? Jesus, does your program consider proper boundaries to prevent things like spiritual burnout? Will we have enough time for my self-care routine? I can follow you, Jesus, but I see a nationalist already in your ranks. How will we work together?Here at God Ink, our curiosity often gets the best of us. And in this season, we can’t help but notice the tension as Jesus continued to call His disciples, these were men and women, who were from all walks of life, all with different stories, yet all converged under the influence of this brilliant leader who was so much more than just that. Like you, we often wondered how this all came together.Join us May 25th, as we piece together a biographical sketch of each individual chosen by Jesus and listen as we unpack the special role Christ assigned each one as He worked to build up Heaven’s Kingdom.

In this episode, we explore the startling story of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, who faced God’s severe judgment for offering unauthorized fire in the sanctuary. We unpack what this moment reveals about God’s holiness, the seriousness of worship, and the lessons we can apply to our own lives today.

In this episode, we dive into one of Israel’s darkest moments: the golden calf rebellion. Aaron caves, the people break loose, and shame floods the camp. We trace how idolatry doesn’t just distort worship—it drives a wedge between us and the God who rescued us.

In this episode, we dive into one of Israel’s darkest moments: the golden calf rebellion. Aaron caves, the people break loose, and shame floods the camp. We trace how idolatry doesn’t just distort worship, it drives a wedge between us and the God who rescued us.

In this episode, we examine the divine injunction at Sinai in which God commands Israel to establish a physical boundary around the mountain of His presence. This narrative raises important theological questions regarding the nature of divine transcendence and accommodation.Does God possess intrinsic limitations, or does He voluntarily self-limit in order to engage a humanity estranged from its original imago Dei? By tracing this tension through Scripture, we consider how divine holiness interfaces with human fallenness, and what this reveals about the character of God’s redemptive initiative.

*Warning* This podcast touches on the topic of suicide. Please be advised. After spending so much time on top of Mount Sinai with God, Moses finally asks the question that has been on his mind for so long.

In this thought-provoking episode, Garhett and Jermaine sit down with attorney and Bible student Amy Ratsara to explore the dramatic moment when God gave Israel its national identity at Mt. Sinai. Together, they reflect on what it meant for a nation to be founded not on conquest or politics, but on covenant. The conversation moves between the ancient world and modern implications, including a fascinating comparison with America's own founding ideals. This episode unpacks the Ten Commandments not just as moral code, but as a radical framework for justice, freedom, and identity. Etched not in stone monuments, but in the heart of a people.

This week on the God Ink podcast, Israel Ramos joins us to unpack a moment that could have easily spiraled into conflict. In Exodus 18, Moses’ leadership is critiqued, his reaction tested, and his overloaded work schedule begins to harm the people he’s called to serve. What happens next reveals a God-given strategy for healthier leadership, and a timely lesson for us today."

When hunger strikes, so does forgetfulness. In this episode, Moses reflects on a restless people who quickly romanticized slavery when their stomachs began to growl. From seas splitting to bitter water turning sweet, God had never failed them — yet trust remained scarce in the wilderness called "Sin."As God promises to rain bread from heaven, Moses realizes this was never just about food; it was about hearts. About dependence. About learning to trust one handful at a time.

Freedom came crashing in like a tidal wave — chains broken, songs rising, the Red Sea roaring in triumph behind them. But just three days into the wilderness of Shur, the songs faded into hoarse whispers of thirst.In this episode, we journey with Israel as they stagger from victory into desperation. We watch once-strong men crumble into restless boys, and brave women weep like lost children at the bitter waters of Marah. Their empty mouths reveal a deeper emptiness — a fragile, flickering faith that vanishes under the desert sun.As we hear the shouts, feel the stampede, and taste the bitter disappointment, we discover a sobering truth: it doesn’t take long for adults to become children again when their needs go unmet.Join us as we explore what happens when freedom meets scarcity, and when the God who parts seas teaches His people to trust — one dry mouth, one bitter sip at a time.

In Season One, we journeyed through the beginning of the incredible story of Moses — from his miraculous birth to leading a brand-new congregation to the Red Sea.This Addendum episode dives into the verses we didn’t have time to explore, the creative process behind the episodes, and everything else that didn’t quite find a home in the original ten.Because sometimes, the best conversations happen after you thought you were done talking.

This is more than a history lesson — it’s a journey.We’re tracing the steps from the Red Sea to the Promised Land. From pitching tents… to building tabernacles. From freaking out to walking by faith. God still knows how to lead messy, ordinary people through the wilderness. They left Egypt as a crowd. God was building a Church.Join us as we explore how God transforms wanderers into worshipers, and a restless crowd into a holy community. This isn’t just their story — it’s ours too.

What happens when a Nation puts its own self interest above the freedom of people? Does the patience of God grow thin, when people are abused by oppressive government?

The request is simple, "Let My People Go." Pharaoh laughs at anyone claiming ownership of the children of Israel other than himself. After all, Pharaoh is a god himself in his own mind. In this episode, we watch the "gods" battle it out.

Moses is finally heading back to Egypt, staff in hand, mission clear—liberate God’s people. But on the road, something shocking happens: God nearly kills him. Why? Join Jermaine and Garhett as they discuss this strange story.

In this episode, we step into the wilderness with Moses, where an ordinary day takes a miraculous turn. A burning bush that isn't consumed by fire draws him in, but it's the voice of God that changes everything. We'll explore the significance of God's call, Moses' excuses, and the powerful name "I AM" that reveals God's eternal nature. What does this moment teach us about divine calling, fear, and surrender? Join us as we unpack how God meets us in our doubts and commissions us for something greater than ourselves.

Moses has a way of finding himself in situations where his life is in danger. This time, he lends a helping hand with some shepherd women. Did he help them, or in reality, was Moses the one who is saved?

Moses leaves the palace, and finds himself in a place that seems God forsaken.

Join Jermaine and Garhett as they explore the complexities of Moses' role in both Egyptian and Hebrew societies. Moses, raised as an Egyptian prince but born a Hebrew, is caught between two identities. His life unfolds as a series of misunderstandings: from his reluctant rise as a leader to the Hebrews’ struggle to accept him as their savior. As he leads his people out of slavery, he faces accusations of betraying his heritage for the power and comforts of Egypt.

Waving goodbye to his Mother, Moses finds himself settling in behind enemy lines. No longer is he living among the slaves, but finds himself learning the customs of his father, the god of Egypt. Every opportunity is given the youthful Hebrew turned Egyptian, and authority and military training is awarded him. Will Moses forget his roots and the God of Joseph?

Before a life is even born, it is threatened. The policy of Pharaoh was a clear reaction of fear, and the political move forced all midwives to report the births of Hebrew sons to the proper authorities. This genocide of innocent children became a stark reality of the day. Yet God has his faithful, and they stood at the ready to deliver the future deliverer.

.We begin our journey by starting at the end of a life. A life of a man who was filled with excitement, boredom, frustration, and honor all at the same time. While he made some serious mistakes, this was God's man. God conducts Moses' funeral, and is the only one present as Moses breathes his last.

Life is like a tapestry woven with unexpected twists, challenging dilemmas, and perplexing questions. Whether you're pondering the intricate historical figures in Scripture or contemplating the missteps of influential individuals in society, you may find yourself asking, "How does this all fit together?" Rest assured, you're not alone in your contemplations.Join Garhett and Jermaine as they host GodInk, a captivating podcast that delves deep into the intricate nuances of life. Uncover the thought-provoking messages that unveil God's intricate design in the narratives He is writing, re-writing, or yet yet to compose.