Love Breaks Bad

In this episode, I talk about something that’s been stirring in me lately: how easily I trade awe for answers. A moment on a cruise ship balcony opened my eyes to how small I’d made God, living as if faith were something I could map out instead of something vast and alive and breathtaking.I share what’s been shifting in me as I let go of certainty and return to wonder, how scripture keeps nudging me toward mystery, and why unknowing has become a surprisingly peaceful place. This is me processing what it means to release old frameworks, loosen my grip, and trust that God is far bigger and far better than the boxes I inherited.If you’re in a season where your faith feels like it’s expanding faster than you can explain it, this episode is a reminder that you’re not drifting. You’re awakening.Follow Love Breaks Bad on Instagram

A quick heads-up: Hey friends, parts of the audio get a little rough or distorted since I recorded this on a late-night walk with my phone. Stick with it. The heart of the episode comes through just fine if you're willing to hear it.On this walk, I found myself naming something I’ve tried to avoid most of my life: the cocoon stage. The in-between. The uncomfortable middle where nothing feels clear yet everything is being rewired on the inside. I talk about why I’ve started to see my own “suffering seasons” as beautiful, not because they’re easy, but because they form me in ways comfort never could. I share how judgment kept me blind, how dualistic thinking pulled me out of the present moment, and how Jesus keeps inviting me to a deeper, richer way of seeing reality. This episode is me processing out loud what it means to wake up, to renew my mind, to stop clinging to old scripts, and to trust that something sacred is happening even when life feels confusing. If you’re in a hard chapter right now, this is a reminder that you’re not failing. You’re transforming.Follow Love Breaks Bad on Instagram

In this episode, I wrestle with one of the biggest false commandments of modern Christianity—the obsession with being right. Somewhere along the line, the church traded love for correctness, compassion for certainty, and the living way of Jesus for a rulebook. I explore what happens when being “biblical” replaces being Christlike, and how easy it is to know the verses but miss the heart. Together we look at what Scripture actually says—how love is the only measure that matters—and why Jesus keeps calling us back to something far bigger and freer than being right. This one’s an invitation to let go of proving, defending, and arguing, and rediscover what the Kingdom has always been about: love that includes everyone.Follow Love Breaks Bad on Instagram

A late-night reflection on the wild, over the top nature of God’s love. I wrestle with how the gospel has often been reduced to rules and beliefs when it was always meant to be an audacious, overflowing story of grace. Drawing from Jesus’ miracles, parables, and the heart of forgiveness itself, I invite listeners, especially those who grew up in church, to imagine a God who chooses relationship over law, love over judgment, and abundance over restraint.Follow Love Breaks Bad on Instagram

I haven’t set foot in a church building since Easter. For someone who grew up never missing a Sunday, that feels wild to admit.On this evening walk, I talk about what it’s been like to step away from the building and discover God outside of the programs, performances, and noise. I share how past breaks from church actually opened me up to something deeper, and why this current season feels just as rich.This isn’t about pointing fingers — it’s about noticing. What does it really look like to follow Jesus beyond slogans and conferences? The prophets said it long ago: God wants justice, compassion, and love — not empty religion.If you’ve ever felt disillusioned with church but still hungry for God, this one might resonate.Follow Love Breaks Bad on Instagram

On this late-night walk, I wrestle with Jesus’ challenge: “You will know them by their fruit.”What do we actually see growing out of our churches, our politics, and even our own lives — love or fear, compassion or control?This isn’t about guilt. It’s about noticing. Paying attention. Asking honestly: does the fruit look like Jesus, or something else entirely?Take an evening stroll with me and let’s follow the fruit.Follow Love Breaks Bad on Instagram

Sean takes us on a journey to unexpected places, both literal and metaphorical. We start with a nostalgic trip to "Jungle Java," a beloved childhood spot turned sour by an unfortunate incident—much like some perceptions of Christians today. With candid reflections, Sean explores how people perceive Jesus followers and what might be missing in how we embody His teachings.From there, we dive into the essence of Jesus' message: love and restoration. Reflecting on how our actions as Christians shape others' views of God, we discuss the disconnect between Jesus' message of love and the perceived anger and judgment often associated with His followers.Through personal stories and scripture, Sean unpacks the transformative power of seeing through God's eyes, of seeking His kingdom and justice in everyday life. He challenges traditional notions of righteousness to embrace a deeper call to love and inclusion, echoing Jesus' radical command to love one another as He loved us.The episode features poignant anecdotes, including Tony Campolo's touching tale of a 3:30 a.m. birthday party in a diner, illustrating Jesus' desire for a church that brings joy and celebration to those in need. Sean discusses how small acts of kindness and love can redefine our communities and reflect God's kingdom on earth.Join us as Sean explores what it truly means to follow Jesus in today's world—where love, not judgment, is the cornerstone of our faith.Follow Love Breaks Bad on Instagram

This episode is all about ditching the rulebook religion and finding the real freedom Jesus offers. We'll be hanging out in Galatians chapter 5, where Paul talks to the early church about how awesome Jesus' freedom is compared to a bunch of old laws. Buckle up, because we're gonna explore how faith and love are the keys to this freedom, not some strict to-do list. Sean shares some personal stories show you how living your faith with love is the ultimate way to break free from those religious chains!Follow Love Breaks Bad on Instagram

Finding God in Unexpected Places and the Practice of Lectio DivinaThis episode explores Sean's personal journey from a legalistic approach to Bible study towards a more intimate and reflective practice called Lectio Divina. This ancient practice, which means 'divine reading' in Latin, encourages a slow, meditative approach to scripture, focusing on listening to God on a personal level rather than seeking theological or doctrinal understanding. Sean shares the steps of Lectio Divina, involving reading a scripture passage multiple times to listen for a specific word or phrase that stands out and pondering on what God is saying through it. The invitation is to encourage listeners to try Lectio Divina as a way to deepen their spiritual connection and better listen to God's messages in their lives.00:00 Discovering the Many Ways God Speaks00:14 Finding God in Unexpected Places00:45 The Journey from Legalistic Bible Study to Listening for God03:28 Embracing Lectio Divina: A Personal Approach to Scripture06:23 Guided Walkthrough of Lectio Divina18:03 Reflections and Encouragement to Try Lectio Divina18:36 Closing Thoughts and Invitation for FeedbackFollow Love Breaks Bad on Instagram

This episode challenges traditional ideas about religion and explores the concept of radical grace. Sean dives into a scripture story about vineyard workers and explains how it contradicts our human sense of fairness.Are you ready to ditch the guilt and embrace the good news?This episode is perfect for:Anyone who grew up in church and is questioning their beliefsPeople who might like to explore good news instead of bad newsListeners who are curious about the concept of graceIn this episode, you'll learn:Why traditional ideas of fairness clash with God's loveHow to move beyond religious guilt and shameWhat it means to receive God's graceSean also shares a powerful story about a World War II priest that will challenge your perspective on forgiveness.Follow Love Breaks Bad on Instagram

In this episode, Sean delves into personal insights and reflections on his journey of faith, specifically focusing on themes outside traditional religious frameworks. He emphasizes the idea that Jesus did not come to establish another religion but to liberate people from religious constraints.The episode is divided into three main sections:Revelation of Jesus:Sean explores the personality and character of Jesus, highlighting his compassion, justice, honesty, kindness, and humor as depicted in the biblical narratives. He emphasize the tangible and relatable nature of Jesus, contrasting it with the distant and intangible perception of God often portrayed in traditional religious contexts.The Kingdom of God:Drawing from biblical references, Sean discusses the concept of the Kingdom of God as a present reality characterized by justice, grace, goodness, love, and mercy. Sean challenges the conventional understanding of the Kingdom as a distant or abstract idea, asserting its immediate relevance and significance in everyday life.The Power of Love:Sean underscores the transformative power of love, citing examples from scripture and personal interpretation. He emphasizes the inclusive and unconditional nature of God's love, which transcends religious boundaries and extends to all humanity. Follow Love Breaks Bad on Instagram

Showing Up: The Local and Ordinary Way of JesusIn this episode Sean dives into the rhythm of presence in following Jesus, inspired by the quote: "the way of Jesus is always local and ordinary" - Eugene Peterson.Highlights:Local and ordinary: Jesus' message isn't confined to a church building; it's lived out in our daily routines and interactions.Showing up: We actively engage with the people and places around us, fostering genuine connections.The art of showing up: By showing up, we build relationships based on knowing and being known.The "aroma of Jesus": Our daily actions and presence can subtly reveal the character of Jesus to those around us.Through intimate conversation and personal anecdotes, Sean reflects on the beauty of knowing and being known in our neighborhoods. It's not about grand gestures or distant ideals, but about living out the Kingdom life right under the noses of our neighbors. As we do so, we emit the unmistakable aroma of Jesus, infusing our surroundings with love, grace, and compassion.Follow Love Breaks Bad on Instagram

Reimagining Following Jesus: Moving Beyond Sin Management and Embracing Kingdom PracticesIn this episode Sean challenges the traditional view of following Jesus as solely focused on avoiding sin and invites listeners to explore "Kingdom Practices" based on Jesus' teachings.Key points:Traditional view: Often focuses on managing sin, attending church, and potentially converting others.The Kingdom: Jesus emphasizes the Kingdom of God, already present and breaking into the world.Our role: We are called to participate in God's work of restoration and healing, not just avoid sin.Following Jesus: This involves practicing what Jesus practiced, not just following religious rules.Kingdom Practices: Sean outlines 10 practices (presence, leave, love, eat, listen, learn, party, inclusive, fight, rest) to be explored in future episodes.Follow Love Breaks Bad on Instagram

Ditch the To-Do List and Follow Jesus: A Guide to Kairos MomentsThis podcast episode explores a refreshing perspective on following Jesus, free from the burdens of religious obligations and guilt.Key points:Traditional religion: Often characterized by checklists of tasks and activities to perform for religious approval. This can feel overwhelming and empty.Jesus's offer: He invites us to experience "unforced rhythms of grace," living freely and lightly by following his example.Kairos moments: These are special moments of awareness and opportunity for growth, where we can pay attention to God's guidance and respond with love.Two key questions: 1. "God, what are you saying to me?" and 2. "How do you want me to respond?"Responding in love: This is the heart of discipleship, following Jesus's lead to care for others and embody his values.Invitation: If you're curious about Jesus but turned off by traditional religion, lean in, pay attention, and ask God how to respond.Follow Love Breaks Bad on Instagram

In this episode of "Love Breaks Bad" podcast, host Sean Alsobrooks shares his personal journey of stepping away from church and discovering a deeper understanding of faith. When he and his wife were called to start a new church, they found themselves in a period of transition with no church to attend. During this time, they began reading the Bible for themselves without the influence of church doctrines, which led to a profound encounter with Jesus. Sean shares how this experience transformed his understanding of grace, love, and the true essence of Christianity. He emphasizes the importance of following Jesus rather than adhering to religious rituals, and invites listeners to embrace the unforced rhythms of grace and find rest in Jesus.Follow Love Breaks Bad on Instagram

This past Sunday I was triggered by a lyric in a worship song at church that sent me straight back to my childhood - and not in a good way.  A quick chat about Jesus, grace, and the Good News. Follow Love Breaks Bad on Instagram