279. Bill Vanderbush

In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, we sit down with our friend Bill Vanderbush for one of the most honest, thought-provoking, and hope-filled conversations we’ve had on the podcast.

We talk about union with Christ, the finished work of Jesus, the roots of ancient Christianity, and why so many people are rediscovering the goodness of God in a fresh way. Bill shares powerful insights from his newest books, opens up about the current state of the Church, and challenges fear-based theology with a Gospel centered on love, identity, and belonging.

This conversation explores:
• The ancient roots of union theology
• Why the Gospel became more about what we do than what Jesus has done
• The Council of Nicaea, church history, and modern Christianity
• Fear, punishment, and the goodness of God
• Why people are deconstructing unhealthy theology
• Identity, sonship, and knowing God as Father
• The difference between religion and authentic relationship with Jesus
• Why “God is better than you think” changes everything

Whether you’re deconstructing old beliefs, rediscovering your faith, or simply hungry for deeper conversations about Jesus, this episode is packed with wisdom, grace, and hope.

00:42 - Bill’s Influence on the Podcast
02:44 - Writing for Future Generations
03:41 - The Sound of Your Blood Explained
05:13 - Reaching Deconstructed & New Age Audiences
06:00 - Union Begins in Genesis
07:42 - Identity, Union & Knowing Who You Are
09:25 - Ancient Christianity & Church History
11:23 - How Christianity Became Complicated
13:25 - Salvation, Belief & the Finished Work
15:33 - Ancient Creeds vs Modern Theology
17:23 - Living From Union With Christ
18:29 - Simplifying the Gospel Like Jesus
19:46 - Are We Headed Toward Another Church Council?
21:06 - Returning to a Christ-Centered Gospel
22:30 - Fear-Based Theology & Punishment
24:11 - Honoring Past Generations While Growing
26:16 - The Problem With “Heresy Hunting”
27:22 - God Is Better Than You Think
28:12 - Asking Jesus Directly
29:54 - Rediscovering Wonder & Childlike Faith
32:40 - Healing Orphan Thinking & Family Wounds
33:41 - Where to Find Bill Vanderbush
34:35 - Final Thoughts on God’s Goodness
35:42 - “You’re Loved & There’s Nothing You Can Do About It”