Following God, Not Religion: TGNN’s Call for Growth, Freedom, and Faith
In this wide-ranging episode of Talk with the Great News Network, Shawn, Delaney, and Grady open with updates about the upcoming TGNN Eschatology Conference (May 2–3) and announce several future events, including the A United Front conference and the Christian Peace Initiative. They reflect on personal experiences with death, advocating for allowing natural, peaceful passings rather than clinging to life at all costs — a powerful reminder to trust the gift of death within the spiritual life.
Charlie calls in and prompts an insightful discussion on the question: Does God choose us, or do we choose God? Shawn and Grady emphasize that God has called all people through Christ’s completed work, and individuals simply awaken to what has already been gifted to them.
The conversation moves into a deeper dive into how people misinterpret changing beliefs as losing belief. Instead, Shawn and Grady stress that continuing to seek and grow in spirit and truth naturally leads to changes — because God is infinite, and deeper understanding always unfolds over time. True faith isn’t about static loyalty to manmade religious traditions; it’s about active, living trust in Christ and constant growth in love and learning.
The group also tackles audience questions about LDS salvation, the role of Paul in the New Testament, misunderstandings about the Jews at Jesus’ time, and the nature of God’s relationship to humanity. In the face of disagreements (especially regarding interpretations of Paul and fulfilled eschatology), Shawn reaffirms that real spiritual life is proven by love — even in tough conversations.
The episode closes by encouraging listeners to keep seeking, keep growing, and keep focusing on Yeshua — not on defending institutions, traditions, or personal pride.
