Hosts Seth Pippin and Noah Wagner, joined by guest Lyndon Glover, study Genesis 39, tracing Joseph’s rise in Potiphar’s house, his confrontation with temptation, false accusation, imprisonment, and God’s continued favor. The episode defines temptation biblically, distinguishes temptation from testing, and offers practical guidance for fleeing sin while trusting God’s sovereign purposes.

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Coffee Notes & Sponsor

    •    Drinks:

    •    Lyndon: Mocha cold brew with strawberry cold foam

    •    Noah: Iced Americano

    •    Seth: Attempted brown sugar–cinnamon cafe con leche (unsuccessful)

    •    Weather note: Florida swing from 74°F to 34°F

    •    Banter: Starbucks name mishaps (“Sef,” “noodle”)

    •    Sponsor: Fresh Grounds Coffee (Bonifay) — affordable, freshly roasted beans ground in-house, freshly prepared food, community-centered, mission-minded; official coffee provider of the podcast

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This Week’s Reading Overview (Genesis 39–47)

    •    Joseph serves in Potiphar’s house, is falsely accused, and imprisoned

    •    In prison, Joseph interprets dreams for the cupbearer and baker; the cupbearer forgets him for two years

    •    Pharaoh’s dreams lead to Joseph’s rise as second-in-command over Egypt

    •    Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt during famine; after testing them, Joseph forgives and restores his family, relocating them to Egypt

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Genesis 39 — Rise, Temptation, and False Accusation

Joseph’s Placement and God’s Favor

    •    Joseph is purchased by Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh’s guard

    •    “The Lord was with Joseph,” and everything he touched prospered

    •    Potiphar entrusts his entire household to Joseph

The Temptation

    •    Joseph is “handsome in form and appearance”

    •    Potiphar’s wife persistently urges him to sin

    •    Joseph refuses, citing loyalty to Potiphar and faithfulness to God: “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”

Flight and Consequences

    •    Joseph flees, leaving his garment behind

    •    Potiphar’s wife falsely accuses him

    •    Joseph is imprisoned despite his obedience

God’s Presence in Prison

    •    The Lord remains with Joseph

    •    Joseph gains favor with the prison keeper

    •    Even in confinement, Joseph is entrusted with responsibility and success

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What Temptation Is (and Is Not)

    •    Temptation does not come from God (James 1:13–15)

    •    Temptation itself is not sin; yielding to it is

    •    Scripture distinguishes:

    •    Testing — from God, for growth

    •    Temptation — arises from sinful desire

    •    Temptation often appears attractive and near to truth (Genesis 3; Matthew 4)

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How to Respond to Temptation

Flee, Don’t Flirt

    •    Joseph does not negotiate — he runs

    •    Wisdom avoids proximity to sin

Fix Your Focus

    •    Obedience flows from a God-centered heart

    •    Replace fixation on the forbidden with devotion to God

Pray and Prepare

    •    Watch and pray to avoid temptation (Matthew 26:41)

    •    Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6)

Key Commands Highlighted

    •    Flee sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18)

    •    Flee idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14)

    •    Flee youthful passions; pursue righteousness (2 Timothy 2:22)

    •    Make no provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14)

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Obedience, Suffering, and Sovereignty

    •    Obedience does not guarantee immediate relief

    •    God’s favor does not disappear in hardship

    •    God works all things together for good (Romans 8:28)

    •    Joseph’s suffering positioned him to preserve lives and restore his family

    •    Salvation is the beginning — believers live daily to honor God and store treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21)

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Next Steps

    •    Continue the reading plan (Genesis 39–47)

    •    Practice fleeing temptation through boundaries, prayer, and daily focus on Christ

    •    Share the episode with someone who needs encouragement

Join the reading plan!
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Seth Pippin and Noah Wagner examine Genesis 22, exploring Abraham’s testing, obedience, and God’s provision. The conversation highlights how God tests faith to reveal and strengthen trust, not to tempt toward sin, and how this passage points forward to the gospel through substitution and promise. The episode also includes a recap of Genesis 18–26, coffee updates, and ministry reflections.

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Podcast Updates & Coffee

    •    Remote recording: First remote episode due to Seth’s vocational transition and a staff retreat.

    •    Coffee mail: Gift from Noah’s dad — Split Oaks Coffee Roasters (Central Florida):

    •    Single-origin, fair-trade, organic, medium-roast beans

    •    Origins: Guatemala, Ethiopia, Timor, Panama, Mexico, Uganda, Colombia, Peru

    •    Peru notes: caramel, cherry, milk chocolate

    •    Shout-out: Noah’s sister Joey

    •    Sponsor: Fresh Grounds Coffee (Bonifay) — fresh roasted beans, made-to-order food, community-focused, mission-minded

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Weekly Bible Reading Recap (Genesis 18–26)

    •    Genesis 18–19: Promise of Isaac; Abraham intercedes for Sodom; judgment falls; Lot’s rescue

    •    Genesis 20–21: Isaac’s birth; Hagar and Ishmael sent away; God provides

    •    Genesis 24–26: Rebekah chosen for Isaac; Jacob and Esau born; covenant reaffirmed through Isaac

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Genesis 22 — Testing, Faith, and Provision

The Nature of the Test

    •    “God tested Abraham” — tested, not tempted

    •    Testing reveals and strengthens faith (like a teacher’s exam)

    •    God already knows Abraham’s heart; the test forms Abraham and instructs future readers

The Weight of the Command

    •    “Take your son, your only son, Isaac” — the son of promise

    •    The command intensifies tension without negating God’s promises

    •    God does not endorse child sacrifice; He stops Abraham

Abraham’s Faith in Action

    •    Three-day journey shows deliberate, resolved obedience

    •    Abraham’s confidence: “We will come again to you”

    •    “God will provide for himself the lamb”

God’s Provision

    •    A ram is provided as a substitute

    •    Abraham names the place: The Lord Will Provide

    •    God reaffirms His covenant promises

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Gospel Foreshadowing

    •    The “only son”

    •    The son carrying the wood up the mountain

    •    The provided substitute

    •    Points forward to Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice

    •    God ultimately provides what humanity cannot

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Living by Faith Today

    •    What God may ask us to surrender:

    •    Career paths, finances, security, even good gifts

    •    Faith often means obedience without full clarity

    •    Trusting God’s provision in uncertainty (Romans 8:28)

    •    Personal examples:

    •    Noah and his wife expecting twins

    •    Seth navigating a new vocational season

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What’s Next

    •    Next episode: Genesis 37 (Joseph’s story) + coffee tasting

    •    Continue the church Bible reading plan

    •    Share the episode with someone who needs encouragement

    •    Visit Fresh Grounds Coffee if local

Follow the F260 reading plan at fbbonifay.com

In this episode of A Good Cup of Coffee, Noah Wagner and Seth Pippin continue walking through the church’s Bible reading plan, Replicate Ministries’ Two-60, and lead listeners into a deep dive of Genesis 15. Along the way, they draw important context from Job 38–42 and Genesis 11, highlighting God’s sovereignty, the nature of faith, and the weight of God’s covenant promises.

The discussion centers on God’s unilateral covenant with Abram—why God opens with “fear not,” how faith is credited as righteousness, and how the ancient covenant ceremony ultimately points forward to the New Covenant in Christ. A brief coffee segment and sponsor highlight round out the episode.

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Reading Plan and Context

This week’s readings:

    •    Job 38–42

    •    Genesis 11

    •    Genesis 15–17

Note on Job:

    •    Though placed later in Scripture, Job’s events occur early in biblical history—within the Genesis timeframe

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Job 38–42 — God’s Sovereignty and Human Humility

God Speaks (38–39):

    •    God answers Job with a sweeping creation discourse

    •    “Were you there…?” questions emphasize God’s wisdom and power

    •    Examples include the earth’s foundations, the seas, and even animals like the ostrich

God’s Power Displayed (40–41):

    •    Job is humbled

    •    Behemoth and Leviathan demonstrate God’s unmatched authority over creation

Restoration (42):

    •    Job repents without accusing God of wrongdoing

    •    God rebukes Job’s friends for misrepresenting Him

    •    Job is restored and blessed abundantly

Key emphasis:

    •    Job wrestles honestly but does not sin against God

    •    True community should point suffering people back to God’s sovereignty, not shallow explanations

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Genesis 11 — Tower of Babel (Brief Context)

    •    More than a children’s story

    •    Reveals human pride, rebellion, and sin’s nature

    •    God’s response restrains humanity’s self-exaltation

    •    Encouragement to reread the passage carefully for overlooked details

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Genesis 15:1–6 — Promise, Fear, and Faith

Context (Genesis 14):

    •    Abram refuses the king of Sodom’s riches so God alone receives glory

    •    God initiates the encounter: “The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision”

“Fear not, Abram”:

    •    Possibly addressing the awe of God’s presence

    •    Possibly calming Abram’s unspoken fears

    •    God knows our needs before we voice them

The Heir Question:

    •    Abram’s concern: he has no child

    •    Eleazar of Damascus will not be the heir

    •    God promises Abram a biological son

Stars Promise:

    •    Abram is brought outside and told to count the stars

    •    Emphasis is not literal math but God’s immeasurable fulfillment

Faith and Righteousness:

    •    “He believed the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness”

    •    Righteousness is credited by trusting God’s promise, not by works

    •    A foundational truth that points forward to the gospel

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Genesis 15:7–21 — Covenant Ceremony and God’s Unilateral Promise

Request for Assurance (v. 8):

    •    Abram asks, “How am I to know…?”

    •    Not doubt, but a desire for reassurance that God graciously provides

Ancient Covenant Ritual (vv. 9–11):

    •    Animals are split and arranged

    •    Traditionally, both parties would walk between the pieces

    •    Symbolized a self-curse if the covenant was broken

Prophetic Revelation (vv. 12–16):

    •    Abram falls into a deep, God-caused sleep

    •    God foretells Israel’s future:

    •    Enslavement for 400 years

    •    Deliverance with great possessions

    •    Abram’s peaceful death

    •    Judgment delayed until the Amorites’ sin is complete

God Alone Walks the Path (vv. 17–21):

    •    A smoking fire pot and flaming torch pass between the pieces

    •    Abram does not walk through — God binds Himself alone

    •    The land promise is clearly defined and named

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Theological Insights and Application

    •    God initiates grace: He approaches first and calms fear

    •    Faith is not blind: God welcomes honest questions and gives assurance

    •    Unilateral covenant: Abram contributes nothing — God shoulders the promise

    •    Human failure vs. God’s faithfulness: Israel fails; we fail — God does not

    •    New Covenant fulfillment: What Abram could not keep, Christ fulfills perfectly

Study encouragement:

    •    Context matters

    •    Ancient practices clarify meaning

    •    A good study Bible can be immensely helpful

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Next Steps

    •    This week’s focus: Job 38–42; Genesis 11; Genesis 15–17

    •    Look for God’s sovereignty, promises, and faithfulness

    •    Next episode: Genesis 18; 19–26

    •    Ask honest questions of God and trust His character

    •    Share the episode with someone learning to study Scripture deeply

    •    Visit Fresh Grounds Coffee if you’re local

Find the Reading plan here: FBBonifay.com

Season 2 of A Good Cup of Coffee kicks off with hosts Noah Wagner and Seth Pippin launching a new, year-long Bible reading focus aligned with their church’s plan at First Baptist Bonifay. After coffee banter and a sponsor segment, they recap the week’s readings (Genesis 1–9; Job 1–2) and then dive deeply into Genesis 2:18–25 and Genesis 3:1–6.

Key themes include God’s design for community, the unchanging strategy of temptation, and the necessity of real, godly accountability. The episode closes with clear next steps for engaging Scripture and community together in the new year.

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Season Format and Reading Plan

    •    Following First Baptist Bonifay’s year-long Bible reading plan

    •    Two options available:

    •    Long plan: ~2 chapters per day

    •    Short plan: a few verses per day, five days a week, with memory verses

    •    Weekly structure:

    •    Around 10 chapters per week

    •    Podcast recaps the full reading, then deep-dives one key passage

    •    Sunday services align with the weekly readings

    •    Goal: By the end of 2026, walk through the entire Bible at a “30,000-foot view” while going deep in selected text.

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Weekly Reading Recap (Genesis 1–9; Job 1–2)

Genesis 1–2 — Creation

    •    God speaks all things into existence

    •    Humanity created in the image of God

    •    God personally breathes life into man and woman

Genesis 3–4 — The Fall and Its Spread

    •    The serpent tempts Adam and Eve

    •    The fall introduces sin, shame, and separation

    •    Protoevangelium: the first promise of redemption ultimately fulfilled in Christ

    •    Cain kills Abel, showing the rapid escalation of sin’s consequences

Genesis 6–9 — Noah and the Flood

    •    Noah obeys God faithfully over decades

    •    God judges the earth yet preserves Noah’s family

    •    The ark pictured as God’s covering and provision

    •    God establishes the rainbow covenant, promising never to flood the earth again

Job 1–2 — Righteous Suffering

    •    Satan operates only by God’s permission

    •    Job loses family, possessions, and health

    •    Job continues to worship

    •    The reading ends intentionally unresolved, setting up next week

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Deep Dive: Genesis 2:18–25 — God’s Design for Community

    •    “It is not good that the man should be alone”

    •    Not a design flaw, but a revelation of humanity’s need for community

    •    Adam names the animals and finds no suitable counterpart

    •    Humans are distinct: made in God’s image and given His breath

Community Applications:

    •    Designed for relationships: marriage, church body, small groups, accountability friendships

    •    Isolation distorts humanity (illustrations included predators targeting isolated prey and “feral men”)

Marriage:

    •    God forms woman from man’s rib

    •    One man and one woman united as “one flesh”

    •    Marriage is a covenant with spiritual reality, not merely a social construct

Singleness:

    •    Acknowledged as a valid and sometimes preferable calling (per Paul)

    •    No one is designed for isolation, even if not married

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Deep Dive: Genesis 3:1–6 — The Serpent’s Scheme

    •    Hebrew wordplay noted between “naked” (2:25) and “crafty” (3:1)

    •    The serpent exploits vulnerability with subtle distortion

Unchanging Strategy:

    •    Sows doubt: “Did God really say…?”

    •    Twists truth by exaggeration (“any tree”)

    •    Eve adds to God’s word (“neither shall you touch it”)

    •    The serpent escalates to outright contradiction: “You will not surely die”

Modern Parallels:

    •    Lies that God is withholding happiness or fulfillment

    •    Sin looks appealing but leads to death

    •    Appearances deceive when they contradict God’s word

Adam’s Failure:

    •    Adam was “with her” and remained silent

    •    Highlights the danger of passive faith and lack of accountability

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Application: Accountability and Belonging

    •    Godly accountability requires permission and courage to intervene

    •    Choose people who will confront sin, not excuse it

    •    More faithful voices increase perseverance

Illustrations:

    •    New Year’s fitness goals fail alone but succeed with partners

    •    Isolation consistently leads to spiritual drift

D-Group Rhythm (Thursdays at 6 a.m.):

    1.    How did you feed your soul? (Scripture intake, what God is teaching)

    2.    How did you feed your flesh? (Failures, struggles, prayer needs)

    3.    How are you feeding others? (Discipleship, encouragement, witness)

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Next Steps

    •    Download the Bible reading plan (link in show notes)

    •    Choose the long or short plan and follow along

    •    Join a Life Group and/or D-Group

    •    Invite trusted believers into real accountability

    •    Next episode: Genesis 15 — Abram and the promises of God

    •    Subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast

In the season finale of A Good Cup of Coffee, Noah Wagner and Seth Pippin conclude “The Unexpected Christmas” series by walking through Luke 2:1–21. The episode connects everyday gift stories and coffee banter to the heart of Christmas: the incarnate Son’s humble birth, God’s sovereign providence, the angelic announcement to marginalized shepherds, and the proper human response to the gospel. The hosts close with a clear invitation to trust Christ and a call for believers to live obedient, worshipful lives, along with season wrap-up updates.

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Coffee Stop + Sponsor Notes

Fresh Grounds Coffee Visit

    •    Lunch: pressed panini-style sandwiches (optional salt, pepper, oregano).

    •    Dessert: tiramisu mousse.

Drinks

    •    Noah: Iced Americano — black and strong.

    •    Seth:

    •    Previous day: Cortado (roughly 50/50 espresso and milk).

    •    Usual order: Café con leche (Cubano-style espresso with ~20g sugar, frothed, topped with a little half-and-half).

    •    Today: Custom iced “dirty hot chocolate” (house hot chocolate mix, espresso, chocolate, vanilla).

    •    Wanted it stronger in a 16 oz instead of a 24 oz.

    •    Described as having a strong Christmas vibe.

Banter

    •    Cold, rainy Florida week.

    •    Complaints about missing sweatshirts and condiments.

    •    Starbucks name mishaps: “Seth” → “Sef,” “Noah” → “noodle,” plus overpriced and confusing drinks.

Sponsor Highlight — Fresh Grounds Coffee

    •    Affordable and accessible.

    •    Freshly roasted beans, ground in-house.

    •    Freshly prepared food (not frozen).

    •    Local, relational — they know customers by name.

    •    Delicious coffee and food.

    •    Mission-driven: exists to further God’s work in Bonifay and beyond.

Official coffee provider of the podcast.

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Personal Gifts & the Greatest Gift

Seth’s Memorable Gifts

    •    Crossbow.

    •    PlayStation 4.

    •    Early electric scooter.

    •    Favorite by use: the “green machine” drift trike.

Noah’s

    •    Guitar (now in need of repair).

    •    Favorite experience gift: VIP concert tickets in Charlotte with Q&A and floor access — attended with his mom.

Transition

    •    Gift-giving traditions often reference the wise men (who came later).

    •    Focus shifts to the first Christmas and God’s greatest gift: the birth of Jesus.

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Luke 2:1–7 — God’s Providence and the Humility of the Incarnation

The Setting

    •    Census decree from Caesar Augustus, carried out under Quirinius, governor of Syria.

    •    Forces Mary and Joseph to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem (~70 miles on foot).

    •    God uses a pagan government to fulfill Micah 5:2 — Messiah born in David’s city.

Why the Census?

    •    Maintain Roman control.

    •    Display imperial power through population records.

    •    Primary purpose: taxation (compared to an IRS filing system).

The Birth

    •    No room at the inn (likely due to census overcrowding — acknowledged as speculation).

    •    Jesus born in a stable area, likely a cave for livestock.

    •    Wrapped in swaddling cloths; laid in a manger (feeding trough).

Theology

    •    The incarnation reveals radical humility (Philippians 2).

    •    God the Son enters the world not as a king, but as a vulnerable infant.

    •    Foreshadows His ultimate obedience: death on a cross for our salvation.

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Luke 2:8–14 — Angels and the Shepherds

The Announcement

    •    “Good news of great joy… for all the people.”

    •    The child is named: Savior, Messiah, Lord.

    •    Sign: a baby wrapped in cloths, lying in a manger.

    •    Heavenly host praises God: “Glory to God in the highest…”

Why Shepherds?

    •    Socially marginalized and often despised.

    •    Viewed as unclean and unreliable; some sources note they could not testify in court.

    •    Yet essential to society (food production; sacrificial lambs).

God’s Pattern

    •    Not elites, priests, or kings — but shepherds.

    •    Not the temple — but a field.

    •    After centuries of silence — direct angelic proclamation.

    •    The word translated “bring good news” is the root of evangelize.

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Luke 2:15–21 — The Shepherds’ Response

1. Immediate Obedience

    •    They go “with haste.”

    •    Risk livelihood by leaving flocks.

    •    Faith produces urgency.

2. Witness

    •    They make known what they were told.

    •    People are amazed — even though shepherds were usually disregarded.

3. Worship & Reflection

    •    Shepherds return glorifying and praising God.

    •    Mary treasures and ponders these things in her heart.

4. Covenant Faithfulness

    •    Jesus circumcised on the eighth day.

    •    Named Jesus, just as the angel commanded.

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Gospel Invitation & Discipleship Application

Receiving the Gift

    •    Jesus’ humble birth leads to a sinless life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection.

    •    Invitation: believe in Him and receive forgiveness and eternal life.

Response for Believers

    •    Genuine faith produces action (James: faith without works is dead).

    •    The shepherds model a faithful response:

    •    Hear the message

    •    Believe

    •    Seek Jesus personally

    •    Testify publicly

    •    Worship continually

Core Challenge

    •    Sign a “blank contract” with God — unconditional yes to His will.

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Season Wrap-Up & Next Steps

Show Updates

    •    Season 1 concludes.

    •    Break until January.

    •    Season 2 returns with the same heart, plus new elements.

Calls to Action

    •    Share the podcast if it’s helped you grow.

    •    Support local mission: Fresh Grounds Coffee.

    •    Spiritual next steps:

    •    Unbelievers: Receive the gift of Jesus.

    •    Believers: Recommit to obedient living and bold witness.

Noah and Seth kick off a two-week Christmas series titled “The Unexpected Christmas,” intentionally slowing down Luke 1 to recover awe at the incarnation. They address the danger of over-familiarity with the Christmas story and highlight Mary’s faith, the virgin birth, and the theological implications of Jesus being fully God and fully man. The episode also includes a sponsor segment for Fresh Grounds Coffee and closes with practical applications and four major takeaways.

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Light Banter + Sponsor

Holiday Chatter

    •    Favorite Christmas songs (“Have a Holly Jolly Christmas”).

    •    Old vinyl records (Bing Crosby, Johnny Cash, Elvis).

    •    Kids’ movies (Cars, Toy Story, Scooby-Doo).

    •    Florida “cold front” jokes.

Coffee Orders

    •    Noah: “Christmas cookie” latte (cookie butter).

    •    Seth: Tiramisu hot latte.

    •    Starbucks name fails: “SEF,” “noodle.”

Sponsor — Fresh Grounds Coffee (Bonifay)

    •    Affordable, not overpriced or confusing.

    •    Fresh-roasted, fresh-ground beans; fresh-made food (not frozen).

    •    Staff know customers by name.

    •    Exists to further the mission of God locally and beyond.

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Series Setup — Avoiding Over-Familiarity

    •    Two-episode Christmas series.

    •    Brief holiday break; new episodes return in January.

    •    Goal: Slow down Luke 1 so listeners regain wonder at the incarnation.

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TEXT: Luke 1:26–33

Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive Jesus:

    •    He will be called Son of the Most High.

    •    He will receive David’s throne.

    •    His kingdom will have no end.

Key introductions: Gabriel, Mary (a virgin in Nazareth), Joseph (betrothed; Davidic lineage).

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Historical–Cultural Context

Nazareth

    •    Looked down upon; heavy Gentile presence.

    •    Reinforces God’s pattern of choosing unlikely people and places.

Mary’s Virginity

    •    Highlights impossibility of natural conception; God must intervene.

Betrothal in the First Century

    •    Legally binding like marriage.

    •    Breakage required formal divorce.

    •    Pregnancy could bring:

    •    Social shame

    •    Family rejection

    •    Lifelong hardship

    •    Possible stoning (rare by this time but still a known threat)

Joseph’s Lineage

    •    Of David’s royal line (Matthew 1).

    •    Mary also appears connected to Davidic ancestry.

    •    Reinforces messianic fulfillment from both parents’ lines.

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“How Can This Be?” — Luke 1:34–38

Mary: “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”

Gabriel explains:

    •    Holy Spirit will come upon her.

    •    Power of the Most High will overshadow her.

    •    Jesus will be holy — the Son of God.

    •    Cites Elizabeth’s miraculous conception:

    •    “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

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THEOLOGY OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH

1. Adam’s Line and Sin Nature

    •    Humanity inherits corruption from Adam.

    •    Virgin conception breaks this chain.

2. Jesus’ Unique Person

    •    Fully human (born of a woman).

    •    Fully God (conceived by the Holy Spirit).

    •    Without inherited sin — uniquely qualified to save.

3. Substitution & Sufficiency

    •    Fully human → can stand in our place.

    •    Fully God → powerful enough to conquer sin.

    •    OT sacrifices insufficient (Hebrews 9).

    •    Jesus is the perfect once-for-all sacrifice.

4. Fulfilled Prophecy

    •    Isaiah 7.

    •    God proves His faithfulness to His promises.

5. Mary’s Response

“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

    •    Radical obedience.

    •    Trust amid uncertainty and danger.

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Elizabeth — God’s Confirming Sign

    •    Once barren, now pregnant in old age.

    •    A tangible reminder that God overcomes human impossibility.

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The Holy Spirit Then and Now

    •    Same Spirit who overshadowed Mary now indwells believers.

    •    Pre-Pentecost encounters were rare.

    •    Now believers receive the Spirit at salvation (Acts 1).

    •    Spirit empowers obedience, witness, and faithfulness.

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Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55)

    •    Mary rejoices in “God my Savior.”

    •    Highlights God’s mercy, covenant faithfulness, and power.

    •    God is the hero — not Mary.

    •    She praises before knowing the outcome.

    •    A model of worship in uncertainty.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. God Uses Unlikely People

Mary and Joseph — ordinary, humble, overlooked.

God delights in accomplishing His purposes through the lowly.

2. God Fulfills His Promises

Virgin birth, Davidic throne, messianic titles.

God’s past faithfulness fuels present trust.

3. The Same Holy Spirit Empowers Believers Today

We are not powerless spectators; we are Spirit-filled participants in God’s mission.

4. God Is Worthy of Praise in All Circumstances

Like Mary, we can say “yes” before the details make sense.

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Action Steps + Next

    •    Share Thanksgiving gospel stories with the hosts.

    •    Two-episode Christmas series continues next week.

    •    Holiday break → new episodes resume in January.

    •    Personal challenge: Show deliberate love this Christmas — let obedience become a habit.

    •    Coffee plug: Visit Fresh Grounds for fresh-roasted beans, community, and mission-driven hospitality.

Hosts, Context, and Sponsor

    •    Noah Wagner — returning after family health issues

    •    Seth Pippin — co-host

    •    Lyndon filled in the week before

Release timing: Wednesday before Thanksgiving

Sponsor: Fresh Grounds Coffee

Local, affordable, fresh-roasted, grinds in-house, offers good food, knows customers by name, and exists to further the mission of God locally and globally.

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Thanksgiving Foods and Traditions

Noah’s Thoughts

    •    Loves turkey — “we only have it once a year.”

    •    Prefers smoked turkey; baking this year.

    •    Tips: brine for days, baste often, inject with butter.

    •    Deep-fried turkey also a favorite.

    •    Loves leftovers.

Seth’s Thoughts

    •    Prefers ham day-of; loves turkey mostly as leftovers (sandwiches).

    •    If money weren’t an issue: prime rib or brisket.

    •    Jokes that turkey being “high-maintenance” says something.

Family and Logistics

    •    Multiple family meals can be draining.

    •    Seth once gained 10 pounds in one day between morning and night weigh-ins.

    •    Noah planned Tennessee travel but stayed local due to his son’s hospitalization.

    •    Noah and Deanna ended up with a “small turkey” that was actually 21 pounds.

Seasonal Shift

    •    No Christmas music until after Thanksgiving.

    •    Except Noah helped decorate early because his wife is pregnant with twins.

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Coffee Segment

Noah

    •    Gingerbread shaken espresso — loves the seasonal flavor.

Seth

    •    Iced white mocha with brown sugar, cinnamon, sweet cream splash, caramel drizzle, brown butter toffee cold foam.

    •    “Basically a dessert, but incredible.”

    •    Usual orders: brown sugar shaken espresso; dirty chai.

    •    Reminder: drink what you like — just don’t call frappes “coffee.”

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American Thanksgiving: Historical Roots

    •    1620: Pilgrims flee religious persecution, cross 66 days on Mayflower, arrive late; nearly half die during winter.

    •    1621: Wampanoag help settlers plant and fish; after harvest, Bradford proclaims a thanksgiving feast (3 days; venison, local fowl).

    •    1623: Another thanksgiving after drought.

    •    1789: Washington proclaims national day of thanks.

    •    1863: Lincoln makes Thanksgiving a permanent holiday.

Theme across all: Thanking God for provision.

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Biblical Foundation: Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)

Deuteronomy 16:9–12

    •    “Pentecost” = 50 days after Passover.

    •    Harvest thanksgiving: bring a freewill offering as the Lord blesses.

    •    Celebrate with family, servants, Levites, foreigners, widows, and orphans.

    •    Remember slavery; respond with joy, obedience, and generosity.

Emphasis: God provides the harvest.

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Acts 2 Pentecost: Harvest of Souls

Timeline:

    •    Passover → Crucifixion & Resurrection

    •    Ascension (Acts 1) → “Wait for the Spirit”

    •    50 days after Passover → Pentecost

Event Highlights

    •    Sound like rushing wind; tongues as of fire.

    •    Jews from “every nation under heaven” in Jerusalem for the feast.

    •    Miracle of languages: everyone hears the gospel in their own language.

    •    Two views:

    1.    Apostles speak actual languages they never learned.

    2.    Apostles speak but hearers miraculously understand.

    •    Either way: known languages, understood content — “the mighty works of God.”

    •    Peter preaches; crowd asks, “What shall we do?”

    •    Response: Repent and be baptized.

    •    About 3,000 saved that day.

Point: As God brings in the harvest of crops, He brings in a harvest of souls.

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Living It Out: Gratitude and Evangelism

Why Christians Should Be Most Thankful

    •    God provides life, food, safety, breath, and ultimately salvation.

    •    Once “dead in sin,” now made alive in Christ.

Daily Thankfulness Rhythms

    •    Mealtime prayers.

    •    Bedtime prayers with kids.

    •    Thanking God even for withheld desires.

    •    Journaling gratitude.

Thanksgiving as an Evangelism Bridge

    •    Ask people: “What are you thankful for?”

    •    Then share what you’re thankful for: God’s provision, salvation, Jesus Himself.

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Matthew 9:35–38 — The Harvest Is Plentiful

    •    Jesus sees crowds “harassed and helpless.”

    •    Says harvest is plentiful, laborers are few.

    •    Pray for the Lord to send laborers — then go.

Not a harvest problem — a laborer problem.

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Simple Evangelism Framework: BOB

    •    B — Burden: “God, burden my heart for the lost.”

    •    O — Opportunity: “Open my eyes today.”

    •    B — Boldness: “Give me courage to speak.”

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Actions & Next Steps

    •    Start gospel conversations Thursday: ask “What are you thankful for?”

    •    Pray BOB this week — and follow through.

    •    Build daily gratitude habits.

    •    Study thankfulness passages in Scripture.

    •    Carry the momentum into Christmas gospel opportunities.