In this episode, S2E35, we focus on intentional prayer and praise based on Psalm 34. We'll discuss balancing scriptural interpretation and avoiding a passive outlook. An exploration of 2 Chronicles 20 highlights trusting God in our battles. We also share practical ways to integrate praise into daily life and family practices. Finally, we'll reflect on praise during suffering and its impact on faith and understanding.

00:00 God gives us more than we can handle.

04:00 Praise became their weapon; God fought for them.

07:19 Set face to the Lord for perspective.

10:45 Set aside specific time solely to praise.

12:52 Prayer and praise equip you for daily battles.

16:03 Gratitude and praise evoke musical worship within.

20:26 Lament precedes praise; final stage is praise.

25:07 Praising audibly affects physical and spiritual battles.

28:25 Martyrdom: Praising God despite imminent death.

32:19 Loud voices often express anger, not praise.

35:24 Instill prayer habits creatively with family time.

37:45 Model resilience and praise God for kids.

In S2E3 of Church Unscripted, Pastors John and Eric, are joined by special guest Luke Shappell, who brings a unique perspective to the discussion. Together, they delve into the story of Moses to explore the concept of spiritual Return on Investment (ROI). They discuss how God prioritizes character development over competence and why this matters in our spiritual journey.

*Topics include:* 

• The importance of the "desert experience" in spiritual growth

• Overcoming fear and inadequacy when facing God's calling 

• The balance between character and competence in leadership

• How to measure spiritual ROI in our lives

• The value of community and support in fulfilling God's purpose

We'd love to hear your thoughts on these topics. What challenges have you faced in your spiritual journey? How have you seen character development lead to a lasting spiritual ROI? Share your experiences in the comments below. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell updated on future episodes of Church Unscripted!

00:00 Overcome fear and speak with faith.

05:20 Being bold for five seconds at a time.

07:29 True courage comes from humility and faith.

12:42 Moses acted alone; God requires faith, maturity.

 and3:38 Wilderness experiences build character through divine testing.

18:01 Anger reveals areas for growth and improvement.

21:34 Encourage one another; speak as God's emissaries.

24:50 Be bold, kind, and safe like Jesus.

26:03 Represent Jesus' character to influence and lead.

30:20 Character development outweighs immediate tangible results.

34:04 Jesus gives authority; He builds the church.

36:47 Abiding in Jesus involves continuous connection, recalibration.

40: and1 Sin steals joy; repentance restores confidence.

42:55 Psalm 23: God's guidance and comfort amid advertise

In this episode, S2E33, we tackle taming our tongue through the lens of Mark 11:23 and what it means to have faith that moves mountains. We'll explore the incident with the fig tree, emphasizing the power of words and Jesus' authority. The conversation also highlights communal prayer, the importance of aligning prayer with God's will, and the need for repentance and forgiveness. Finally, we address the emotional struggles believers face and how faith operates in both verbal and quiet expressions. Join us for insights on growing spiritual confidence and understanding God's broader plans.

00:00 Faith can enact reality changes through belief.

03:58 Spiritual confidence grows by consistently trusting Jesus.

08:47 Questioning faith's power over sickness and healing.

12:57 Pray in faith, aligned with God's will.

16:03 Faith size irrelevant; God's substance matters more.

18:53 Thinking of forgiveness as path to faith.

21:45 Can we overemphasize vocal expressions of faith?

25:54 Don't stress public prayer; focus on private faith.

27:33 Selah means communal agreement in prayer unity.

30:13 Prayer should align with God's will, Scripture teaches.

35:44 Reconciliation matters most after realizing one's mistakes.

36:39 Excited for Tame Your Tongue series continuation.

In this episode, S2E32, we explore the power of persistent prayer and recognize the impact of divine timing. We talk about God's loving pursuit of people, even when they have strayed, and the gentle approach needed. There’s a thoughtful discussion on understanding and overcoming blasphemy fears, alongside healing from church hurt. The role of parents in guiding children’s spiritual journeys and the significance of praying for loved ones' salvation take center stage. Finally, we reflect on how painful experiences can lead back to faith and the importance of a soft heart towards God and others.

00:00 Discussing blasphemy: misunderstanding and forgiveness explained.

04:24 Recognize manipulative, deceptive actions opposing Jesus Christ.

07:31 Belief in Jesus versus knowing about Him.

11:10 Prodigal son's actions, blasphemy, forgiveness upon return.

15:09 Is the prayer for spiritually lost children legitimate?

18:14 Teen faith persists with non-parental Christian mentors.

22:50 God's heart pursues, even when facing rejection.

26:31 Seek God first for healing church hurt.

27:30 Jesus transforms, yet struggles and hurts remain.

31:24 Venting should be avoided; prioritize thoughtful speech.

This week on Church Unscripted, we're tackling how to give feedback that builds people up instead of tearing them down. Pastor Eric and Pastor David dive into balancing truth and grace in communication, especially across different generations. Tune in and learn how taming the tongue can transform your relationships and community!

00:00 Taming the tongue is difficult, like lions.

03:10 Listen before speaking, especially during election season.

07:28 Address behavior, not person; provide constructive feedback.

09:59 Generational differences in communication and feedback styles.

12:25 Generational swings occur due to parenting styles.

18:06 Shift fear to gratitude during pressured moments.

21:27 Graciously correct harmful beliefs in believers.

24:12 Relationships help avoid disunity in theological discussions.

26:35 Memorizing scripture protects against negative speech's effects.

30:50 Remain silent; Holy Spirit guides speech in conflicts.

34:43 Incorporate prayer before conversations in fast environments.

38:19 Sabbath means margin; macro and micro versions.

39:29 Focus on taming tongue, invite Holy Spirit, comment.

In this episode, S2E30, we reflect on Jesus' approach to love and humility in addressing social issues. We explore the concept of being "our brother's keeper" today and the effort required to build deep relationships within the church. We highlight the balance between being a safe haven for believers and a place of healing for those in need. We discuss minor sins and the challenges of confronting spiritual apathy. Finally, we also talk about parenting challenges related to children walking away from faith and the importance of other adult relationships when helping them find Jesus again.

In this episode, S2E29, we discuss the importance and impact of prayer. We explore reconciling unanswered prayers and God’s timing, and contemplate the necessity of prayer when God already knows our needs. We touch on the power of vocalized prayers in spiritual battles and align prayer with God's will. The episode highlights examples from the Bible and personal stories to illustrate persistent prayer. The conversation ends by examining the symbolic act of anointing with oil and the connection between spiritual and physical healing.

In this episode, S2E28, we highlight the powerful concept of patience from James chapter 5. We explore balancing urgency with divine timing and how to discern the right moments for action. We address the challenges parents face in teaching delayed gratification and the importance of rest for spiritual nourishment. Practical tips for fostering patience, both personally and in parenting, take center stage. Additionally, we touch on the connections between financial planning, retirement decisions, and maintaining faithfulness through prayer and the Holy Spirit.

In this episode, S2E27, we discuss the impact of success without incorporating God and the issues of arrogance and self-reliance. We explore how external influences can guide successful individuals to stay grounded in their faith. The conversation highlights managing ambition in high-pressure careers without compromising prayer lives and the concept of everyday missionaries. We touch on the balance between ambition, humility, and maintaining integrity. Lastly, we address the importance of aligning personal ambitions with God’s will and supporting each other in that journey.

In this episode, S2E26, we explore the connection between emotional healing and physical ailments, claiming healing through faith. We touch on how unconfessed sin, bitterness, and anxiety can impact well-being and the importance of a relationship with Jesus. We also discuss submitting to God, the power of prayer, and aligning prayers with God's will.