Failure hurts—but does it always mean something has gone wrong?

In this episode, Brett and Pastor Matt Smith discuss why God allows Christians to fail and how setbacks can produce humility, perseverance, wisdom, and dependence on the Lord. They examine the fear of failure, the danger of living an entirely risk-averse life, and how Christians can develop the ability to learn from their mistakes rather than being defined by them.

They also offer practical counsel for anyone who feels like a failure and explore the difference between worldly achievement and biblical success.

Additional questions include whether there are different levels of punishment in hell, whether Dante’s Inferno is biblical, what happened to the children who died during the Passover, whether Christians can participate in games involving deception, and when Christians may use force in self-defense.

Topics covered in this episode:

0:00 Introduction
15:32 Are There Different Levels of Punishment in Hell?
21:11 Is Dante’s Inferno Extra-Biblical?
25:01 Did the Babies Who Died During Passover Go to Heaven?
30:52 Can Christians Play Games That Require Deception?
37:47 Should Christians Portray Jesus in Movies?
44:09 When Is It Appropriate for Christians to Use Force in Self-Defense?
50:45 Is Refusing to Defend Your Home More Righteous?

53:56 Why Does God Allow Christians to Fail?
57:46 Is Failure Part of God’s Plan for My Life?
1:04:39 Is Fear of Failure a Lack of Trust in God?
1:09:05 How Do Christians Learn to Handle Failure?
1:13:12 What Should You Tell Someone Who Feels Like a Failure?
1:19:05 How Does God Define Success?
1:19:19 What Does Biblical Success Look Like at Work?

1:26:18 Does the Netherlands Slap?

Watch BoBo & Precious - The Silliest Clowns in America Interview:
https://youtu.be/kRvjc19RmVw

=======================================

Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership':
https://a.co/d/04ryklXw

Have a question you want answered on the podcast?
https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact

Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show:
https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop

Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith?
Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch

Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego:
https://www.barabbas.com/

Want your podcast to look like this?
We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego.
Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live

Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype.

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Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl

More ways to listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180
Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/

Can Christians love their country without turning patriotism into an idol?

In this episode of A Lot of Words, Brett and Pastor Matt Smith talk through patriotism, politics, the Pledge of Allegiance, flags in church, Fourth of July celebrations, political candidates, and whether Christians should criticize government leaders while still praying for them. They also wrestle with a bigger question: how should Christians live as citizens of America while remembering that their ultimate citizenship is in the Kingdom of God? If you’ve ever wondered where love of country ends and idolatry begins, this episode is for you.

Topics covered in this episode:

00:00 Intro
06:56 What Are Pastor Matt’s PRs?
10:40 How Were People Saved Before Jesus Came?
18:13 Abortion Abolitionism vs Incremental Pro-Life
38:53 Patriotism and Christianity
38:58 Can Christians Be Patriotic?
42:47 Should Christians Be Patriotic in Countries Like China or North Korea?
43:30 Was the American Revolution Biblical?
51:34 Was George Washington a Christian?
56:44 Should Christians Say the Pledge of Allegiance?
58:20 Should Churches Display the American Flag?
1:00:39 Should Churches Have Fourth of July Celebrations?
1:02:11 Should Churches Sing Patriotic Songs During Worship?
1:05:03 Should Pastors Endorse Political Candidates?
1:08:57 Is It Sinful to Criticize Political Leaders?
1:09:12 Can Christians Insult Leaders They Pray For?
1:13:57 If God Chooses Leaders, Should Christians Still Vote?
1:18:35 Does It Slap: Grilled Chicken Nuggets?
1:19:50 Final Thoughts on Patriotism

Watch BoBo & Precious - The Silliest Clowns in America Interview:
https://youtu.be/kRvjc19RmVw

=======================================

Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership':
https://a.co/d/04ryklXw

Have a question you want answered on the podcast?
https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact

Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show:
https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop

Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith?
Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch

Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego:
https://www.barabbas.com/

Want your podcast to look like this?
We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego.
Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live

Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype.

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl

More ways to listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180
Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/

In Part 2 of our Christian Dating series, Matt and Brett explore practical biblical wisdom for relationships and marriage. Topics include physical boundaries before marriage, pornography, online dating, missionary dating, doctrinal differences, forgiveness after sexual sin, and choosing a godly spouse. If you're looking for clear, Scripture-based guidance on Christian dating, this episode addresses many of the questions believers wrestle with today.

Topics covered in this episode:

00:00:00 Intro
00:12:41 Biblical Grounds for Divorce in an Abusive Marriage
00:12:56 What Counts as Physical Abuse in Marriage?
00:28:53 Is Jeremiah 29:11 a Promise for Christians Today?
00:33:10 Are We Unequally Yoked in This Relationship?
00:40:42 Is Church Hopping a Red Flag in Dating?
00:47:06 Should Men Always Initiate on Dating Apps?
00:50:50 How Involved Should Parents Be in Christian Dating?
00:58:45 What If a Father Disapproves of the Marriage?
01:01:16 Should Christians Have Opposite-Sex Friendships?
01:08:34 Should You Date Someone Recently Divorced?
01:11:12 Three Questions a Father Should Ask His Daughter’s Boyfriend
01:14:46 How to Break Up in a Biblical Way
01:21:12 Fighting Loneliness While Waiting for Marriage

Watch BoBo & Precious - The Silliest Clowns in America Interview:
https://youtu.be/kRvjc19RmVw

=======================================

Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership':
https://a.co/d/04ryklXw

Have a question you want answered on the podcast?
https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact

Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show:
https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop

Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith?
Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch

Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego:
https://www.barabbas.com/

Want your podcast to look like this?
We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego.
Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live

Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype.

Subscribe to our channel for more:
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Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl

More ways to listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180
Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/

Watch BoBo & Precious: The Silliest Clowns in America
https://youtu.be/kRvjc19RmVw

Is there one specific person God wants you to marry? How do Christians know if a relationship is God’s will? And how far is too far physically before marriage?

In this episode of A Lot of Words, Brett and Pastor Matt tackle Christian dating, the soulmate myth, dating non-Christians, physical boundaries, kissing, loneliness, and why no spouse can ever satisfy what only Christ was meant to fulfill. Dating wisdom, idolatry checks, and the uncomfortable truth that “John MacArthur with abs” may not be walking through the church doors anytime soon.

Topics In This Episode:

00:00:00 – Intro
00:06:27 — The Really Jim Healy Responds
00:10:28 — Will Humans Ever Live on Mars?
00:11:43 — Should We Spend Billions Going to Space?
00:14:33 — Would Pastor Matt Go to Space?
00:20:18 — Is Faith a Spectrum?
00:26:17 — How Do I Know I’m Marrying the Right Person?
00:37:13 — Did I Miss God’s Will by Marrying the Wrong Person?
00:42:28 — How Do I Find My Soulmate?
00:50:02 — How Far Is Too Far in Christian Dating?
00:57:12 — Can God Forgive Sexual Sin Before Marriage?
00:59:57 — Is Missionary Dating Ever Okay?
01:04:21 — What Is Christian Dating?
01:07:31 — Is Pornography Addiction a Dating Deal Breaker?
01:10:46 — Is Online Dating Wise for Christians?
01:11:49 — Deal-Breaking Doctrinal Differences in Dating

=======================================

Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership':
https://a.co/d/04ryklXw

Have a question you want answered on the podcast?
https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact

Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show:
https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop

Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith?
Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch

Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego:
https://www.barabbas.com/

Want your podcast to look like this?
We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego.
Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live

Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype.

Subscribe to our channel for more:
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast
X (Twitter): https://x.com/alotofwordscast
Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl

More ways to listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180
Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/

Is same-sex attraction itself sinful, or is only the act sinful? In this episode of A Lot of Words, Brett and Pastor Matt Smith tackle one of the most difficult questions in modern Christianity: how should Christians think biblically about same-sex attraction, homosexuality, identity, desire, and the gospel?

The conversation looks at Romans 1, the fall, sinful desires, cultural confusion, and the modern claim that feelings define who we are. Matt argues that the issue is not only behavior, but identity — that Christians must not allow disordered desires to become the foundation of who they are. At the same time, the episode points back to the hope of Christ for sinners, strugglers, and anyone caught in confusion or rebellion.

This is a blunt, biblical, and honest conversation about sexuality, sin, compassion, repentance, and the hope found only in Jesus Christ.

Topics discussed in this episode:

00:17:12 How Is Success in Ministry Measured?
00:23:18 Do Pastors Have More Clout with Jesus?
00:30:06 Is Same-Sex Attraction Sinful?
00:35:34 Is Homosexuality a Sinful Act?
00:40:44 Can Someone Be Born Gay?
00:44:31 What Does Repentance Look Like for Same-Sex Attraction?
00:49:55 Is Being Gay an Identity?
00:54:05 Should Christians Use the Term LGBTQ?
00:58:36 How Should Christians Handle DEI Policies at Work?
01:05:09 What Should Parents Do if Their Child Struggles with Same-Sex Attraction?
01:09:58 When Should Parents Talk to Their Kids About Homosexuality?
01:15:08 Can Someone Pursue Ministry While Struggling with Same-Sex Attraction?
01:17:14 Is Conversion Therapy Biblical?
01:18:20 Should a Gay Couple Be Allowed to Join a Church?
01:20:17 What If I Pray to Be Straight and Nothing Changes?
01:24:00 Can Someone with Same-Sex Attraction Have a Godly Marriage?
01:28:28 Does it Slap?

=======================================

Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership':
https://a.co/d/04ryklXw

Have a question you want answered on the podcast?
https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact

Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show:
https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop

Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith?
Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch

Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego:
https://www.barabbas.com/

Want your podcast to look like this?
We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego.
Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live

Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype.

Subscribe to our channel for more:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alotofwordspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast
X (Twitter): https://x.com/alotofwordscast
Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl

More ways to listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180
Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/

Brett and Pastor Matt Smith discuss environmentalism, climate change, recycling, biblical stewardship, dominion, and the difference between caring for God’s creation and turning creation into an idol.

In this episode:

00:11:37 — Catholic Shorts Backlash
00:22:37 — Does God Test Christians?
00:31:05 — Did Jesus Go to Hell?
00:34:49 — Should Churches Recite Creeds?
00:42:25 — Is Not Recycling a Sin?
00:49:01 — Biblical Dominion Over Creation
01:00:35 — Are Christians Required to Recycle?
01:01:18 — Should Churches Recycle?
01:03:23 — Should Christians Support Climate Change Activism?
01:08:34 — When Christians Become Environmental Activists
01:08:56 — The Green Dragon of Recycling
01:13:14 — Is Environmentalism a Cult?
01:15:53 — Should Christians Say “Mother Nature”?
01:17:01 — Do Animals Have Souls?
01:31:57 — Consumerism and God’s Creation
01:40:12 — Does It Slap?

=======================================

Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership':
https://a.co/d/04ryklXw

Have a question you want answered on the podcast?
https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact

Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show:
https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop

Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith?
Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch

Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego:
https://www.barabbas.com/

Want your podcast to look like this?
We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego.
Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live

Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype.

Subscribe to our channel for more:
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Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl

More ways to listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180
Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/

What does the Bible actually say about masculinity and femininity?

In this episode, Brett and Pastor Matt Smith discuss gender confusion, biblical manhood, biblical womanhood, feminism, marriage, submission, sacrificial love, and why Christians must define men and women according to God’s design rather than cultural trends or personal feelings.

The conversation explores how Scripture frames masculinity and femininity, why truth and words matter, and how Christians should respond to a culture that has become deeply confused about gender.

In this episode:

00:19:33 Can Christians use profanity?
00:30:31 Masculinity vs Femininity
00:31:39 Why are so many youth confused about gender?
00:33:49 Why are people asking the question about gender confusion?
00:51:01 What is Biblical Masculinity and Femininity?
00:53:59 Gender confusion in roles, sports and activities
00:57:50 Is Masculinity Something You Do or Something You Are?
01:04:46 A woman wants to pursue masculine activities, is that wrong?
01:12:52 Should a wife submit to a weak and lazy husband?
01:16:37 Is Feminism compatible with Christianity?
01:20:31 Did Men’s Failure Fuel Feminism?
01:23:02 Define the term "Toxic-Masculinity"

=======================================

Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership':
https://a.co/d/04ryklXw

Have a question you want answered on the podcast?
https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact

Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show:
https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop

Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith?
Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch

Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego:
https://www.barabbas.com/

Want your podcast to look like this?
We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego.
Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live

Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype.

Subscribe to our channel for more:
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X (Twitter): https://x.com/alotofwordscast
Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl

More ways to listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180
Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/

Are Catholics Christians? What does Roman Catholicism teach about salvation, grace, Mary, the sacraments, and the authority of Scripture?

In this episode of A Lot of Words, Brett and Pastor Matt Smith discuss the major theological differences between Catholicism and biblical Christianity. They walk through why the doctrine of salvation matters, the difference between imputed righteousness and infused grace, and why Christians must be clear about whether they are trusting in Christ alone or in their own works.

The episode also covers listener questions about prophecy, whether the gift of prophecy continues today, how believers are sanctified through God’s Word, and how Christians should think about speech, provocation, wisdom, and internet outrage culture.

This conversation is direct, biblical, and centered on the question that matters most: Who are you relying on for your salvation?

Topics discussed in this episode:
00:15:08 How would someone be sanctified in a country without Bibles or Christianity?
00:19:38 Chud The Builder - Free speech advocate and controversial figure
00:27:02 Are Catholics Christians?
00:29:47 Girl meets a catholic boy and hope he's secretly a Christian
00:42:48 She Was Catholic…Then She Heard the Gospel at a Wedding
00:47:36 Why are so many men converting to Catholicism?
00:51:19 Is the pope biblical? Where did he come from? Is the pop the anti-christ?
00:55:46 What is the importance of the Vatican city?
01:03:01 What is the 'immaculate conception'? What is the assumption of Mary?
01:03:49 The difference between a Catholic and the religion of Catholicism?
01:07:13 Was "Mary taking bodily into heaven" Biblical?
01:09:06 Does Catholicism damn souls to hell?
01:09:48 Matt Smith doesn't want Catholics to be offended and explains why?
01:10:33 Was the Jerusalem Council Proof That Church Councils Are Infallible?
01:15:26 Sola Scriptura is not in the bible, why should we believe it to be true?
01:18:00 Can a priest actually forgive your sins?
01:19:23 Why do Catholics call "Mass" a sacrifice?
01:20:11 Why does the Catholic system fail without purgatory?
01:22:18 Why do conversations about Catholicism get so personal?
01:25:05 Is it wise for Christians to pray with Catholics?
01:27:23 Does it slap questions for Pastor Matt Smith

=======================================

Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership':
https://a.co/d/04ryklXw

Have a question you want answered on the podcast?
https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact

Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show:
https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop

Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith?
Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch

Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego:
https://www.barabbas.com/

Want your podcast to look like this?
We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego.
Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live

Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype.

Subscribe to our channel for more:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alotofwordspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast
X (Twitter): https://x.com/alotofwordscast
Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl

More ways to listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180
Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/

"No Holds Barred: Round Two of Your Questions" continues the direct, unfiltered Q&A format from Part One with pastors Brett Schenck and Matt Smith of Barabbas Road Church. In this shorter but equally substantive session, they tackle theological questions about Bible translation, eschatology, and Catholic doctrine while maintaining their characteristic blend of humor and candid discussion. From debating whether the King James Version should still use "ass" for donkey to exploring the differences between Protestant communion and Catholic Eucharist, Matt doesn't shy away from controversial topics. The episode also features personal updates about Matt's fitness journey and a debate about pursuing a PhD. As always, the pastors provide straightforward answers to listener questions, demonstrating their commitment to addressing tough theological topics without watering down their perspectives.

Topics discussed in this episode:

00:08:26 - The King James uses "ass" for donkey. Should it still be used?
00:14:24 - Are you pre-mill, post-mill, or a-mill? And why?
00:21:19 - What are your top three favorite theologians?
00:24:20 - Is there a geopolitical Israel?
00:29:53 - Does the 2nd Commandment prohibit creating images to represent God in a physical way, like depictions of Jesus?
00:36:57 - What is the difference between the Lord's table and the Eucharist?
00:41:12 - Which religious figures would you want on a long car ride?
00:43:19 - What is your favorite watch and why?

=======================================

Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership':
https://a.co/d/04ryklXw

Have a question you want answered on the podcast?
https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact

Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show:
https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop

Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith?
Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch

Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego:
https://www.barabbas.com/

Want your podcast to look like this?
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What is anxiety? Is worry always a sin? Can Christians struggle with panic attacks, fear, or overwhelming stress and still trust God?

In this episode of A Lot of Words, Brett and Pastor Matt Smith tackle one of the most common struggles Christians face: anxiety. They discuss the difference between normal worry and sinful worry, what the Bible says about fear and control, panic attacks, trusting God, and whether it’s okay for Christians to take medication for anxiety.

The conversation explores how anxiety affects both the mind and body, why worry is often connected to pride and control, and what it means to “cast your anxieties upon the Lord.”

Topics discussed in this episode:

00:05:50 — Do Women's Sports Slap?
00:15:56 — If You Can Smoke Cigars to God's Glory, Can You Do Other Drugs?
00:28:42 — What Is Anxiety and Is It a Sin?
00:34:29 — What's the Relationship Between Anxiety and Pride?
00:38:30 — Is It Okay to Identify as an Anxious Person?
00:43:54 — Can Anxiety be the open door to other sin?
00:46:15 — Can Anxiety Be a Lifelong Struggle?
00:53:55— Is It Okay for Christians to Take Medication for Anxiety?
00:58:20— How Can Christians Pursue Peace and Contentment?

Whether you’ve struggled with anxiety yourself or want a biblical perspective on fear and worry, this episode offers an honest and thoughtful discussion grounded in Scripture.

That intro teaser setup is actually smart. Starts with cigars, drugs, anxiety, wetsuits… absolute theological whiplash. Keeps people from clicking away like a squirrel on espresso.

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Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership':
https://a.co/d/04ryklXw

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Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith?
Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch

Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego:
https://www.barabbas.com/

Want your podcast to look like this?
We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego.
Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live

Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype.

Subscribe to our channel for more:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alotofwordspodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast
X (Twitter): https://x.com/alotofwordscast
Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast
Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl

More ways to listen:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180
Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/