The Matrix
Wake up to the unseen realities of a universe at war, and learn to push back against an enemy that has robbed you and the people you love long enough.
Is this for you?
This is for you if you've started to notice...
- the same lies about God, or about yourself, keep showing up no matter how hard you try.
- fear or shame quietly driving more of your choices than you'd like.
- you're not sure what to make of spiritual warfare: it either feels like too much, or like something easier to ignore.
- you want to understand what Jesus meant when he spoke of a thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy.
The truth is, many live their lives, navigating relationships at work, with friends and family, and with their children, largely unaware of a much deeper reality at work. But what if there is more to reality than our physical world? And what if there are forces at work heavily invested in keeping you blind to that reality…forces at work even now robbing you, your spouse, your children and everyone you have ever cared about of healing, belonging, understanding, peace, redemption, restoration, and reconciliation? Jesus himself spoke of an unseen enemy in very sobering terms…an enemy on the prowl, an enemy seeking to steal, kill, and destroy, an enemy whose native tongue is lies and who was a murderer from the beginning. We can continue ignoring this reality but, if Jesus is right, we cannot do that and expect to flourish as he wants his sons and daughters to.
Awakening to this truth…this deeper reality…changes everything. What might Jesus have for us, then, if we would hear his words and accept an invitation to orient to the unexamined realities of a universe at war and the ruthless schemes of an unseen enemy?
The Intentional Dad is inviting you to “take the red pill”: a day where, together, we go deeper down the rabbit hole, expose what has been lurking in the shadows, and begin learning to push back against an enemy that has robbed you and your family long enough.
What the day is like
The Matrix is a one-day workshop that combines teaching, conversation, silence and solitude, reflection and prayer. We start with the why, then expose two lies that keep us blind: that there is nothing beyond the physical world, and that even if there is, it isn't relevant to real life. We look at the two opposite errors C.S. Lewis warned about, fearing evil too much or dismissing it altogether, and the healthy middle ground Jesus lived.
Then we get to know our enemy from Scripture (Ezekiel 28, Revelation 12 and Genesis 3) and his two oldest lies: God isn't good, and you're not good enough. We see the battlefield, practice fighting back in solitude and in community, and close with healing prayer. Short film clips help illustrate the ideas along the way. Recommended for ages 18 and up.
“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.”C.S. Lewis
Scripture: John 10:10
What you'll walk away with
- A clearer picture of Jesus' view of reality, and why it matters for you and the people you love.
- Awareness of how the enemy works: wounds, messages and agreements.
- Words for the two lies at the root of so many of our stories, and the truth that answers them: you are loved, you belong, you are chosen, you have nothing to prove.
- A better understanding of the healing Jesus has for you, your spouse and your family, and next steps in response.
A step you can take today
Name the two lies
Find ten quiet minutes and something to write with.
- Read Genesis 3:1-5 slowly. Notice how the serpent's words question God's goodness, and suggest that who Adam and Eve already were wasn't enough.
- Ask yourself: Where have I been believing that God isn't good, that he isn't trustworthy, caring or involved in my life?
- Then ask: Where have I been believing that I'm not good enough? Write down what comes, without arguing with it.
- Read John 15:13 and Romans 5:8, and let Jesus answer: you are loved, you belong, you are chosen, you have nothing to prove.
Just naming a lie loosens its grip. It's not a race.
I'm interested
We host this workshop when enough people are ready to go there together. Let us know you're interested and you'll be among the first to hear when it's set.
Workshop: The Matrix
Don't want to wait?
One-on-one coaching with Aric is available right now: pastoral, not clinical, and it starts with a free consultation.
Explore coachingAnd you don't have to walk alone in the meantime. In the Guided Apprenticeship app, you can ask to be connected one-on-one with a community ambassador. About Guided Apprenticeship →
Bring this workshop to your church or group
Would your church, small group or ministry like to host a workshop? Aric would love to talk with you about it.
Write to Aric about hosting →