Behind The Pulpit

This week on Behind the Pulpit, Pastor Bob leads a post-Thanksgiving episode with Tim and Noah, comparing holiday meals, sharing stories from family gatherings, and laughing through a friendly “turkey truce” with one of our most dedicated listeners. The team also gives a spoiler-free reaction to Stranger Things Volume 1 before moving into major headlines—from AI-driven shopping scams to the Supreme Court case involving First Choice Women’s Resource Center. Add in updates on the City Relief Packing Party, Christmas Eve services, and another round of Book War (with rising concerns about ballot stuffing), and it’s a lively start to December.

The conversation then shifts to a rich recap of Pastor Bob’s sermon on Isaiah 52–53, exploring why peace is so elusive, how the Servant willingly suffers on our behalf, and what the “great exchange” truly means for followers of Christ. With questions about surrender, trust, and the kind of beauty Scripture calls us to value, the team unpacks one of Isaiah’s most moving passages and reflects on how it speaks into the unrest many believers feel today.

To close out the episode, the Theology Sprint returns with a heavy but important listener question—one that pushes the hosts to wrestle honestly with the nature of evil and the forces at work in the world. It’s a brief but sobering sprint that invites listeners to think deeply, and a fitting way to wrap up another meaningful week on Behind the Pulpit.

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

City Relief Packing Party
https://millingtonbaptist.org/city-relief-packing-party-2025/
Blue Christmas
hhttps://millingtonbaptist.org/blue-christmas/
Christmas Eve
https://millingtonbaptist.org/christmas-eve-2025/

Music
"Ventura"
Morgan Taylor
U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

This week on Behind the Pulpit, Pastor Bob is joined by Pastor Dave and special guest Amy Huber for a lively post–Vision Sunday conversation. With Thanksgiving around the corner, the trio swaps stories about thawing turkeys, travel delays, and tryptophan myths before diving into cultural commentary ranging from New Jersey’s latest parental-rights debates to robotics on the battlefield and ongoing developments in Ukraine. They also revisit their Book War picks, talk outreach, celebrate upcoming Advent resources, and even critique Hollywood’s newest releases — all while enjoying plenty of good-natured baton humor inspired by Vision Sunday.
The team also takes time to reflect on this year’s Vision Sunday itself, exploring MBC’s 175th anniversary, the newly launched strategic plan, and the ministries and initiatives taking shape across the next three years. From the discipleship portal and theology survey to disability ministry development, outreach expansion, and plans for intergenerational mentoring, the conversation offers a warm, hopeful look at where God is leading MBC and how each person can be part of the mission.
In this week’s Theology Sprint, Bob and Dave unpack the biblical idea of God’s long-suffering — exploring its Hebrew and Greek roots, its connection to God’s mercy and patience, and what “slow to anger” really means for followers of Christ. It’s a timely reminder heading into the holidays: the God who is patient with us invites us to extend that same grace to others.

**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

Mens Breakfast
https://millingtonbaptist.org/mens-breakfast-december-13/
Mens Power Hour
https://millingtonbaptist.org/adults/men/
City Relief Packing Party
https://millingtonbaptist.org/city-relief-packing-party-2025/
REJOICE Women of MBC
https://millingtonbaptist.org/women/
Prayer Room
https://millingtonbaptist.org/prayer-room/
Discipleship Opportunities 
[email protected]

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:05 Thanksgiving Preview
4:08 In the News
17:49 The Great Book War
28:20 Sermon Recap
59:38 House of David Recap
1:05:32 Theology Sprint

Music
"Ventura"
Morgan Taylor
U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

This week on Behind the Pulpit, Pastors Dave and Bob are finally back together at the table — just in time for Thanksgiving season. After a couple of missed Mondays, Dave returns with fresh energy, while Bob catches him up on everything he missed. The two dive into a wide spread of stories, from “new fears unlocked” about tick-borne red-meat allergies and global surveillance concerns, to baseball gambling scandals, drone mysteries, and even professional hockey’s surprising innocence. Add in a lively Book War matchup, some banter about worship speed remixes, and a few laughs over giant Reese’s cups, and it’s a full slate from start to finish.

Listeners will also enjoy an engaging set of Theology Sprint and apologetics-leaning questions, including a deeper dive into last week’s Nicene Creed discussion and a challenging conversation on creation, fall, and human nature. Dave and Noah team up for a chart-assisted exploration of Augustine’s fourfold nature of man, before fielding an apologetics question about the Flood and the origins of ancient peoples — a thoughtful defense rooted in Scripture, history, and worldview clarity.

In the sermon recap, Pastor Bob unpacks Isaiah 49 and the second Servant Song, drawing out themes of calling, mission, and the “song” God sings over His people. From the identity of the Servant, to the melody Christ expands to the nations, to the invitation for believers to “come out” of bondage and join the harmony — the passage calls us to tune our hearts to God’s voice amid the noise of competing songs. As you listen, may your ears be drawn more clearly to the true Servant’s melody, and may His grace tune your heart to sing His praise.

**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 Luncheon
https://millingtonbaptist.org/seniors/

Christmas Eve
https://millingtonbaptist.org/christmas-eve-2025/
City Relief Packing Party
https://millingtonbaptist.org/city-relief-packing-party-2025/

Music
"Ventura"
Morgan Taylor
U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

This week on Behind the Pulpit, Pastor Bob hosts a special “lightning round” edition with guest co-host Noah Graves, who steps in for  Pastor Dave as he takes a week off. The trio keeps things fast-paced and lively, covering everything from government shutdown updates and Supreme Court rulings to Mars missions and a few hilarious travel memories. The episode also features rapid-fire book recommendations, audience questions, and a surprise set of Theology Sprint challenges that test Pastor Bob’s biblical reflexes.

In their audience Q&A segment, Bob, Tim, and Noah tackle two deep theological questions submitted by listeners — one exploring whether the angel of the Lord in Judges 13 could be a preincarnate appearance of Christ, and another examining the line on baptism from the Nicene Creed. The discussion dives into the difference between water and Spirit baptism and what it truly means to confess “one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.”

Finally, in the sermon recap, Pastor Bob reflects on Pastor Dave’s message from Isaiah 41–46, unpacking themes of idolatry, divine sovereignty, and what it means for God to be our “everything.” He reminds listeners that while idols promise security, only the living God knows us by name and walks with us through the fire and the flood. It’s a fast, fun, and thought-provoking episode that blends humor with deep truth — the perfect balance of lightning and light.

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

For all upcoming events and general information, check out our website!
https://millingtonbaptist.org/

Music
"Ventura"
Morgan Taylor
U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

This week on Behind the Pulpit, Pastor Bob is joined by Tim, who steps in as guest host while Pastor Dave recovers at home. Together they dive into a mix of topics — from fall weather trends and winter predictions to reflections on marathon season, baseball’s thrilling World Series finish, and the ongoing issue of Christian persecution around the world. The episode blends humor and insight, complete with the latest Book War results and a surprise Theology Sprint question from Pastor Dave that keeps everyone on their toes.

Listeners will also hear an exclusive interview with Youth Director Johnny Graves, fresh off completing the New York City Marathon. Johnny shares about the challenges, discipline, and endurance it took to go the distance, and how his experience on the course became a picture of faith and perseverance in everyday life.

In the sermon segment, Pastor Bob unpacks Isaiah 40 and the comfort God offers His people in the midst of catastrophe. From a discussion on Deutero-Isaiah to the subtle idols of modern life and the grace God extends even in our self-inflicted storms, this conversation reminds us that true strength comes from trusting in the Lord.

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

Church Work Day
https://millingtonbaptist.org/trunk-or-treat-2025/
Fresh Wave
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8G7LHDsI9R2kMdhQ9eLWmErvDUsk_7_t&si=_ZjbsrWTVLq29OIS
Shepherds Freezer
https://millingtonbaptist.org/freezer/
Rejoice!
https://millingtonbaptist.org/women/

Music
"Ventura"
Morgan Taylor
U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

In a packed episode, the team reacts to headlines ranging from NBA betting scandals to AI superintelligence and global persecution of Christians—including a sobering look at the church in Nigeria. Pastor Dave and Pastor Bob also discuss Joe Rogan’s recent comments about attending church, sparking a deeper conversation about why the local church still matters in today’s culture. Add in a World Series rooting interest (for Don Mattingley!), a Louvre heist update, and a spirited theology sprint on cults, and you’ve got a full slate of news, worldview, and witty banter.

But the heart of this episode centers on a powerful interview with Andrew Strain, a friend of the church and modern-day Hezekiah. Andrew shares his remarkable story of liver failure, a life-saving transplant, and how God showed up—clearly and providentially—through every twist and turn. His testimony is raw, moving, and filled with hope for anyone facing fear, illness, or the unknown. Whether you’re here for theology, story, or a few laughs about blacklight chalk and grapes in church, this episode has something for everyone.

***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
https://millingtonbaptist.org/trunk-or-treat-2025/
Underground Sessions Podcast
https://millingtonbaptist.org/lflc-pie-fundraiser/
Serve with City Relief November 15th
https://millingtonbaptist.org/music-camp-2/
Interested in Serving with City Relief in the Future?
https://millingtonbaptist.org/seniors/
Truth Rising the Study

Music
"Ventura"
Morgan Taylor
U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

This episode contains a short excerpt (approximately 1 minute and 22 seconds) from The Joe Rogan Experience for the purpose of commentary and discussion on public religious expression and cultural influence. This use qualifies as fair use under U.S. copyright law (17 U.S. Code § 107) as it is transformative, limited in scope, and used for non-commercial, educational, and critical commentary purposes. No branding, music, or monetized content from the original source is included.

After a full weekend of ministry—including Trunk or Treat and a powerful baptism Sunday—the team returns to reflect on Isaiah 24–25. Pastor Bob unpacks this “mini-apocalypse” with its sobering picture of judgment and its stunning vision of a future feast on God’s holy mountain. With rich imagery of sour grapes and aged wine, the pastors explore what it means to live as fruitful people in a broken world, rooted in hope and connected to the true vine.

The conversation also touches on a mix of cultural headlines and theological reflection. From Shohei Ohtani’s case for baseball greatness to a real-life Louvre heist, the crew weaves in thoughtful commentary on forgiveness, the fall of Babylon in Isaiah 14, and the surprising rise of Gen Z church engagement. Plus, the Book War rolls on—with Bob bringing a bite-sized guide to spiritual leadership, while Dave reaches deep into the spiritual writings of Jonathan Edwards.

***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

Trunk or Treat
https://millingtonbaptist.org/trunk-or-treat-2025/
Little Footprints Fundraiser
https://millingtonbaptist.org/lflc-pie-fundraiser/
Music Camp Vision Meeting
https://millingtonbaptist.org/music-camp-2/
Senior Lunch
https://millingtonbaptist.org/seniors/

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
3:48 In The News
15:51 The Great Book War
25:03 Sermon Recap
52:12 Theology Sprint
33:12 Audience Questions

Music
"Ventura"
Morgan Taylor
U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

Pastors Bob and Dave are joined by special guest Pastor Chris Tenny from Silicon Valley for a wide-ranging conversation on theology, technology, and cultural shifts. They respond to the breaking news of a potential ceasefire in Israel, explore how artificial intelligence is shaping how we think about the soul, and reflect on the spiritual tension between innovation and incarnation.

They also dive into listener questions on biblical tree imagery, the fear of the Lord, and whether Golgotha has ties to Goliath. Add in a Book War shake-up, millennial lions and lambs, and a few questionable holiday deserts—and you’ve got an episode full of depth, wit, and timely insight.

**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

Trunk or Treat
https://millingtonbaptist.org/trunk-or-treat-2025/
Little Footprints Fundraiser
https://millingtonbaptist.org/lflc-pie-fundraiser/
Music Camp Vision Meeting
https://millingtonbaptist.org/music-camp-2/
Senior Lunch
https://millingtonbaptist.org/seniors/

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:26 Spotlight: Chris Tenny
4:26 Denver vs. Dallas
7:37 In The News
21:58 The Great Book War
33:12 Audience Questions
47:03 Sermon Recap
1:15:34 Theology Sprint

Music
"Ventura"
Morgan Taylor
U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7

This week, the team debriefs a massive ministry weekend featuring guest speakers Monique Duson and Krista Bontrager from the Center for Biblical Unity. From panel discussions to powerful teachings on biblical justice and racial unity, the weekend was full of rich insights and honest questions—and maybe just a little too much leftover bagel.

Dave and Bob recap the key themes, unpack Krista’s four pillars of justice (evidence, truth-telling, impartiality, and accountability), and explore how Isaiah 9 connects justice, righteousness, and messianic hope. You’ll also hear how God might be working in Gen Z through campus revivals, baptisms, and a surprising Barna study that’s flipping generational church attendance stats on their head.

The conversation continues with a spirited Book War showdown (with a possible dynasty in the making), the return of “House of David” and a surprising take on the gospel as told through decapitated giants, and an intriguing theory about whether Golgotha got its name from Goliath of Gath. The pastors also weigh in on recent controversies at Biola and the Andy Stanley conference, answer audience questions about prophetic parallels between Micah and Isaiah, and wrap it all up with a theology sprint on the “age of accountability.” Packed with news, theology, laughter, and more rabbit trails than you can count, this episode is everything you love about Behind the Pulpit—and then some.

**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

This week on Behind the Pulpit, Pastor Bob and Pastor Dave explore Isaiah 7, looking at fear versus faith, King Ahaz’s misplaced trust, and God’s promise of “Immanuel” even in the middle of failure. They unpack the surprising euphemism behind “cover your feet” and talk about why the prophets sometimes used shocking language to get people’s attention.

The conversation also covers a heavy news cycle, including a tragic attack on a house of worship in Michigan, the passing of Voddie Baucham, and the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Bob and Dave reflect on how to pray, how to think, and how to hold on to hope when the news feels overwhelming.

On a lighter note, there’s a Giants and Cowboys update, a quick football overtime debate, and the return of the Great Book War with two new recommendations for you to vote on. The episode wraps up with a Theology Sprint on the difference between biblical and systematic theology and a preview of next week’s discussion on the “age of accountability” and Isaiah 9:6–7, where we meet the promised Prince of Peace.

Join us for a thoughtful, timely, and encouraging conversation designed to help you trust God, grow in faith, and engage with the world around you.

***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/1FAIpQLSddOMLf-RZjyb4woZmfQWPpxrDfYOEZChxMWw_gzY1XPKSetQ/viewform?usp=header

Trunk or Treat
https://millingtonbaptist.org/trunk-or-treat-2025/
MBC Membership Class
https://millingtonbaptist.org/about-us/membership/
Underground Sessions
https://millingtonbaptist.org/underground-sessions-october-2025/
Walking in Unity Leadership Workshop
https://millingtonbaptist.org/unity-leadership-workshop/

Music
"Ventura"
Morgan Taylor
U76EPPNJDYZYU0Y7