Behind The Pulpit

This week on Behind the Pulpit, the pastors look ahead to Holy Week at MBC, including Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. They walk through what makes this week so central to the Christian faith and invite listeners to intentionally slow down and reflect on the cross and resurrection as a church family.

In the news segment, the conversation focuses on James Talarico’s recent theological comments in the public square, including claims about God being non-binary, the Bible being pro-choice, and the priority of the red letters over the rest of Scripture. The discussion also includes a brief tribute to Chuck Norris and the cultural phenomenon that followed him for years.

The sermon recap covers both recent messages from 2 Timothy, with discussion on courage under fire, fear and moral cowardice, co-suffering in the Christian life, gospel drift, and the challenge to guard and pass on the faith to the next generation. Book War continues, two listener questions take up prayer and Jesus’ words from the cross, and the Theology Sprint closes with a focused explanation of why Christians do not affirm the Quran.
**SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE SHOW HERE**
https://millingtonbaptist.org/sermons/behind-the-pulpit-ask-your-questions/

***VOTE HERE***
The Great Book War is on!  Vote for the winner of the 'Great Book War' with the link below!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE4oCnX2ZYEeYrKiGmDDfZDDnw0KzBm-lF6tWDUtzNZnENAA/viewform?usp=header

HOLY WEEK
https://millingtonbaptist.org/holy-week-2026/
THE BRIDGE
https://millingtonbaptist.org/the-bridge-april-12th/
MEMBERSHIP CLASS
https://millingtonbaptist.org/about-us/membership/

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
7:49 In The News
30:29 The Great Book War
39:00 Audience Questions
48:48 Sermon Recap | 2 Timothy 1:6-18
1:09:10 Sermon Recap | 2 Timothy 2.1-7
1:21:23 Theology Sprint

Music
"Ventura"
Morgan Taylor
U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

This week on Behind the Pulpit, the pastors talk through a few major current issues, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the question of replacement theology, the church’s relationship to Israel, and a recent California case dealing with parental rights and school policies around gender identity. The episode also touches on anti-Semitism, public policy in New Jersey, and a quick update from the Paralympic sled hockey world.

The sermon recap focuses on the opening of the new 2 Timothy series, especially Paul’s final charge to guard the gospel, pass the faith to the next generation, and think intentionally about the future of the church. The conversation spends time on the significance of MBC’s 175th year, the image of the three-chair church, and what it means to prepare now for the people who are not here yet.

The Weekly Warm-Up centers on Ephesians 4:22, Book War continues, and the Theology Sprint closes with a question about eating and sleeping in heaven.

**SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE SHOW HERE**
https://millingtonbaptist.org/sermons/behind-the-pulpit-ask-your-questions/

***VOTE HERE***
The Great Book War is on!  Vote for the winner of the 'Great Book War' with the link below!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE4oCnX2ZYEeYrKiGmDDfZDDnw0KzBm-lF6tWDUtzNZnENAA/viewform?usp=header

Annual Business Meeting
https://millingtonbaptist.org/annual-business-meeting-2026/
Hare Raising Egg Party
https://millingtonbaptist.org/hare-raising-egg-party-2026/
Senior Lunch
https://millingtonbaptist.org/seniors/
175 Anniversary 
https://millingtonbaptist.org/mbc-175th-anniversary/
Discussing End Times with Craig Blomberg & Darrell Bock | The Underground Sessions Podcast S4E4
https://youtu.be/eZMsL9lVW-8

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:46 Weekly Warmup
11:17 In The News
28:39 The Great Book War
38:00 Audience Questions
57:37 Sermon Recap
1:21:23 Theology Sprint

Music
"Ventura"
Morgan Taylor
U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

This week on Behind the Pulpit, the pastors jump back in after a short break with conversation around current events, including the conflict with Iran, the framework of just war, the theological background of Shia Islam, and a few of the major Christian views surrounding Israel and the end times. The episode also includes discussion of Jason Thacker’s recent visit, reflections on AI, and a new round of Book War.

A pair of listener questions lead into discussion on spiritual gifts and spiritual fruit, the difference between outward gifting and inward maturity, and how Christians should think carefully and compassionately about intersex conditions, gender dysphoria, and the cultural shifts surrounding youth gender medicine. The conversation stays grounded in Scripture while also engaging some of the medical, legal, and pastoral realities tied to those questions.

The sermon recap looks back on the Upside Down Glory series as a whole, revisiting Romans 8, 1 Corinthians 12, and 1 Corinthians 15, along with the church’s next steps in disability ministry and the kind of cultural change the pastors hope to see take root at MBC. The Weekly Warm-Up centers on John 4:21, and the Theology Sprint closes with a quick look at the three major pillars of philosophy.

**SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE SHOW HERE**
https://millingtonbaptist.org/sermons/behind-the-pulpit-ask-your-questions/

***VOTE HERE***
The Great Book War is on!  Vote for the winner of the 'Great Book War' with the link below!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE4oCnX2ZYEeYrKiGmDDfZDDnw0KzBm-lF6tWDUtzNZnENAA/viewform?usp=header

Annual Business Meeting
https://millingtonbaptist.org/annual-business-meeting-2026/
Women's Retreat
https://millingtonbaptist.org/women/
Holy Week
https://millingtonbaptist.org/holy-week-2026/
City Relief
https://millingtonbaptist.org/missions/cityrelief/

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:46 Weekly Warmup
11:17 In The News
28:39 The Great Book War
38:00 Audience Questions
57:37 Sermon Recap
1:21:23 Theology Sprint

Music
"Ventura"
Morgan Taylor
U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

This week on Behind the Pulpit, the pastors touch on winter weather, travel stories, and recent cultural moments tied to the Super Bowl, halftime shows, commercials, and Olympic coverage. The conversation includes reflections on public messaging, artistic expression, and how Christians think through what they’re seeing without flattening everything into easy conclusions.

The episode also spends time responding to listener questions and sermon follow-ups, working through Trinitarian theology, Jesus’ cry from the cross, disability and suffering, and key themes from John 5 and John 9. Sunday’s sermon on healing, faith, and God’s purposes in suffering shapes much of the theological discussion.

The Weekly Warm-Up centers on 1 Corinthians 4:20, Book War continues, and the Theology Sprint takes up Matthew 10 and Peter’s denial of Jesus.

**SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE SHOW HERE**
https://millingtonbaptist.org/sermons/behind-the-pulpit-ask-your-questions/

***VOTE HERE***
The Great Book War is on!  Vote for the winner of the 'Great Book War' with the link below!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE4oCnX2ZYEeYrKiGmDDfZDDnw0KzBm-lF6tWDUtzNZnENAA/viewform?usp=header

Corey Miller Parenting Seminar
https://millingtonbaptist.org/corey-parenting-seminar/
When Love Hurts
https://millingtonbaptist.org/when-love-hurts-group/
Teen Winter Retreat Sign Up
https://millingtonbaptist.org/teens/
Mens Breakfast
https://millingtonbaptist.org/adults/men/

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
4:09 Weekly Warmup
7:14 In The News
23:58 The Great Book War
33:51 Audience Questions
45:54 Sermon Recap
1:05:55 Theology Sprint

Music
"Ventura"
Morgan Taylor
U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

Behind the Pulpit returns!  Pastor Bob and Pastor Dave cover a wide range of topics touching both ministry life and larger cultural conversations. The episode includes reflections on winter weather and recent travel, updates from global missions through World Venture, and thoughtful engagement with current cultural movements shaping conversations around marriage, family, and children’s rights.

The discussion also takes up several listener questions, working through theological issues related to disability, suffering, God’s sovereignty, and how Scripture holds together brokenness and hope. Familiar segments return as well, including the Weekly Warm-Up, Book War, and Theology Sprint.

The conversation is anchored by reflection on 2 Samuel 9 and the story of Mephibosheth, raising practical questions about who is seen, who is overlooked, and how the church lives out covenant faithfulness in everyday ministry.

**SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE SHOW HERE**
https://millingtonbaptist.org/sermons/behind-the-pulpit-ask-your-questions/

***VOTE HERE***
The Great Book War is on!  Vote for the winner of the 'Great Book War' with the link below!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE4oCnX2ZYEeYrKiGmDDfZDDnw0KzBm-lF6tWDUtzNZnENAA/viewform?usp=header

The Underground Sessions Weekend
https://millingtonbaptist.org/underground-sessions/
When Love Hurts
https://millingtonbaptist.org/when-love-hurts-group/
Birds and the Bees 
https://millingtonbaptist.org/birds-and-bees-small-group/
Christian Nationalism | The Underground Sessions Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qd5PuGc2bE

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:02 Denver & the "Snowpocalypse"
14:10 Weekly Warmup
18:26 In The News
28:26 The Great Book War
36:56 Audience Questions
1:01:24 Sermon Recap
1:17:39 Theology Sprint

Music
"Ventura"
Morgan Taylor
U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

Welcome Back! The episode opens with the return of the Weekly Warm-Up, unpacking Proverbs 4:18 and reflecting on faithfulness, character, and long obedience over time. From there, the discussion moves through current events, ethical questions, and the responsibility Christians carry when navigating complex cultural moments—especially when quick conclusions are tempting but wisdom requires patience.

The conversation then turns to difficult and timely issues at the intersection of faith and public life. The pastors wrestle with the sanctity of human life, disability and dignity, moral failure in Christian leadership, and how believers should think about justice, grace, accountability, and compassion. Throughout, the episode contrasts Christian moral reasoning with utilitarian frameworks, particularly when it comes to human worth, suffering, and decision-making in moments of crisis.

A significant portion of the episode is devoted to sermon recap, revisiting Mark 2 and the story of the paralytic whose friends break through the roof to bring him to Jesus. The discussion explores advocacy, barriers—both physical and spiritual—and what it means for the church to actively remove obstacles that keep people from encountering Christ. The episode also addresses healing, suffering, and why Jesus prioritizes forgiveness before physical restoration, grounding the passage in the larger story of the kingdom of God.

The episode closes with a Theology Sprint on sanctification, offering a concise reminder that growth in Christ is progressive, grace-driven, and shaped over time. As the year begins, the conversation invites listeners to pursue wisdom, faithfulness, and Christlike maturity in a world that rarely rewards patience.

**SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE SHOW HERE**
https://millingtonbaptist.org/sermons/behind-the-pulpit-ask-your-questions/

***VOTE HERE***
The Great Book War is on!  Vote for the winner of the 'Great Book War' with the link below!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE4oCnX2ZYEeYrKiGmDDfZDDnw0KzBm-lF6tWDUtzNZnENAA/viewform?usp=header

Night of Revival
hhttps://millingtonbaptist.org/night-of-revival-january-16/
The Bridge
https://millingtonbaptist.org/the-bridge-mbc/
Womens Retreat 
https://millingtonbaptist.org/women/
Baby Bottle Boomerang
https://1stchoicefriends.org/events/baby-bottle-boomerang/

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:04 Weekly Warmup
8:19 In The News
30:52 The Great Book War
49:17 Audience Questions
47:42 Sermon Recap
1:08:28 Theology Sprint

Music
"Ventura"
Morgan Taylor
U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

Behind the Pulpit returns for the new year with Pastor Bob and Pastor Dave back at the table, easing into 2026 with humor, reflection, and a wide-ranging In the News conversation. From holiday recaps and cultural commentary to a substantive discussion on Stranger Things, global politics, socialism, Venezuela, and notable public figures engaging faith, the episode models how Christians can think carefully, critically, and charitably about the stories shaping our moment. The Book War also resumes, with two very different recommendations aimed at helping believers think more deeply about truth, limits, and faithfulness.

In the sermon recap, the conversation centers on the launch of the new series Upside Down Glory, drawn from 1 Corinthians 1. Pastor Bob unpacks the core claim of the message—that human weakness and limitation are not obstacles to God’s glory, but the very stage on which He displays it. The discussion explores disability, the image of God, cultural ideas of “normal,” and how the church is called to respond to weakness not with avoidance or pity, but with honor, presence, and faith shaped by the gospel. Together, the pastors reflect on how embracing dependence reshapes both personal discipleship and life together as a church.

The episode closes with a Theology Sprint tackling the doctrine of biblical inspiration—what it means to say Scripture is God-breathed, how inspiration relates to inerrancy and illumination, and why this doctrine matters for faith and practice. It’s a thoughtful wrap-up that invites listeners to begin the year grounded not in confidence in themselves, but in trust in the God who speaks.

**SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE SHOW HERE**
https://millingtonbaptist.org/sermons/behind-the-pulpit-ask-your-questions/

***VOTE HERE***
The Great Book War is on!  Vote for the winner of the 'Great Book War' with the link below!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE4oCnX2ZYEeYrKiGmDDfZDDnw0KzBm-lF6tWDUtzNZnENAA/viewform?usp=header

Little Footprints Learning Center
https://www.littlefootprintsnj.com/
Underground Sessions Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8G7LHDsI9R3SjWBWHtxUhGRYK-J6Qr9I
Fresh Wave
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8G7LHDsI9R2kMdhQ9eLWmErvDUsk_7_t
Night of Revival
hhttps://millingtonbaptist.org/night-of-revival-january-16/
City Relief February Outreach
https://millingtonbaptist.org/missions/cityrelief/
Birds and the Bees
https://millingtonbaptist.org/adults/smallgroups/

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:23: Holiday Recap
6:41 In The News: Stranger Things
18:26 In the News: Venezuela, Celebrity Conversions, Iran
36:32 The Great Book War
47:33 Audience Questions
55:32 Sermon Recap
1:11:59 Theology Sprint

Music
"Ventura"
Morgan Taylor
U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

Merry Christmas from Behind the Pulpit. In this special Christmas Day episode, Pastor Bob and Pastor Dave reflect on the rhythms, humor, and joy of the season as they welcome listeners wherever and whenever they’re tuning in. The episode features a festive edition of the Book War, the return of Will It Preach? with Christmas-themed sermon illustrations, and the annual Prop of the Year awards—highlighting some of the most memorable (and chaotic) moments from the pulpit in 2025.

In the sermon recap, the conversation centers on Isaiah 61 and Isaiah 62, tracing the hope, restoration, and renewal promised through the coming Messiah. The pastors explore themes of captivity and freedom, God’s end of silence, the gift of a new name, and the invitation to experience true reset and restoration through Christ. Together, they reflect on how these texts shape both personal faith and the church’s calling to live as a visible preview of the coming kingdom.

The episode concludes with a Christmas edition of the Theology Sprint, addressing the question of whether Christmas is a pagan holiday Christians “baptized” or a distinctly Christian celebration that absorbed cultural elements—offering historical clarity and theological perspective. All of it comes together as a joyful reminder that every story, tradition, and celebration ultimately points back to the one true story of Christ’s birth.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Behind the Pulpit.

**SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE SHOW HERE**
https://millingtonbaptist.org/sermons/behind-the-pulpit-ask-your-questions/

***VOTE HERE***
The Great Book War is on!  Vote for the winner of the 'Great Book War' with the link below!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE4oCnX2ZYEeYrKiGmDDfZDDnw0KzBm-lF6tWDUtzNZnENAA/viewform?usp=header

Walk thru the Bible
https://millingtonbaptist.org/walk-thru-the-bible/
Preparations Class
https://millingtonbaptist.org/adults/
Serve with City Relief
https://millingtonbaptist.org/missions/cityrelief/
Night of Revival
hhttps://millingtonbaptist.org/night-of-revival-january-16/

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
3:39 The Great Book War
14:25 "Will it Preach?"
27:14 Sermon Recap
44:59 Prop of the Year
1:02:49 Bearded Bob
1:04:54 Theology Sprint

Music
"Ventura"
Morgan Taylor
U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

This week on Behind the Pulpit, Pastor Bob is joined once again by Pastor Dave as the team kicks off the episode with a brand-new Weekly Warm-Up, reflecting on Romans 12:15 and what it means to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep—especially during the Christmas season. From there, the conversation moves into In the News, where the pastors thoughtfully engage recent cultural and theological headlines, followed by another installment of the Book War, offering recommendations that help Christians think more clearly about truth, theology, and the world we’re living in.

In the sermon recap segment, the pastors unpack Isaiah 58 and wrestle with its challenging call to authentic worship, justice, and mercy. The discussion explores how God confronts performative religion, calls His people to care for the vulnerable, and invites the church to live out faith in tangible, costly ways—pressing listeners to consider how obedience to this passage should shape everyday Christian life.

The episode wraps up with the Theology Sprint, tackling a difficult and often polarizing question: Should Christians support or oppose the death penalty?—bringing the conversation to a thoughtful close that challenges listeners to engage complex issues with biblical clarity, humility, and conviction.

**SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE SHOW HERE**
https://millingtonbaptist.org/sermons/behind-the-pulpit-ask-your-questions/

***VOTE HERE***
The Great Book War is on!  Vote for the winner of the 'Great Book War' with the link below!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE4oCnX2ZYEeYrKiGmDDfZDDnw0KzBm-lF6tWDUtzNZnENAA/viewform?usp=header

Senior Lunch
hhttps://millingtonbaptist.org/seniors/
Underground Sessions Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8G7LHDsI9R3SjWBWHtxUhGRYK-J6Qr9I
City Relief Packing Party
https://millingtonbaptist.org/city-relief-packing-party-2025/
Night of Revival
hhttps://millingtonbaptist.org/night-of-revival-january-16/
Blue Christmas
https://millingtonbaptist.org/blue-christmas/
Young Adult Christmas Party
[email protected]

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
6:48 Weekly Warmup
12:15 In the News
22:43 The Great Book War
37:38 Sermon Recap
1:04:24 Theology Sprint

Music
"Ventura"
Morgan Taylor
U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

This week on Behind the Pulpit, Pastor Bob hosts a skeleton-crew episode with Tim while both Pastor Dave and Noah are out. The two reflect on the polar vortex, pond hockey season, and the surprising evolution of the Fresh Wave podcast, now a short-form youth devotional series. In their news segment, they tackle listener-requested controversy around Skillet’s metal rendition of O Come, O Come Emmanuel, discussing music styles, worship philosophy, and why genre debates continue to divide Christians. There’s also a ceasefire in the Book War, some ad-read jazz flair, and a few laughs courtesy of the ever-present Reese’s shrine.

In the sermon recap, Bob and Tim discuss James Rickershauser’s message on Isaiah 55:1–13 and the call to find true satisfaction in God. They explore spiritual thirst, the four classic idols (power, approval, comfort, security), and the challenge of trusting God’s providence—especially in suffering. The two also share reflections on why people still resist everlasting hope and what it looks like to pursue daily satisfaction in the Lord amid cultural pressures.

The episode wraps with this week’s Theology Sprint as the hosts tackle the question, “Does God want us to be happy?” Their brief discussion sets up a thoughtful conclusion, pointing listeners back to the deeper joy found not in temporary comforts but in Christ Himself.

This episode will also showcase a preview clip from our upcoming Underground Sessions interview with Amy Huber of First Choice, offering an inside look at her remarkable experience attending oral arguments before the United States Supreme Court. It’s a powerful behind-the-scenes moment you won’t want to miss.

**SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE SHOW HERE**
https://millingtonbaptist.org/sermons/behind-the-pulpit-ask-your-questions/

Fresh Wave
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8G7LHDsI9R2kMdhQ9eLWmErvDUsk_7_t
Blue Christmas
hhttps://millingtonbaptist.org/blue-christmas/
Mens Breakfast
https://millingtonbaptist.org/adults/men/
Serve with City Relief
https://millingtonbaptist.org/missions/cityrelief/