Cultivate Relationships
Download on the App Store

Cultivate Relationships episodes

  • STB146 | BSE | Faith: The Son | Cultivate Relationships

    BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION – Nathan and Pastor Scott dive into the humanity and divinity of Jesus, exploring how he fulfilled the roles of Prophet, Priest, and King. They discuss what it means for believers to see Jesus not only as God but as one who lived fully human, modeling faith, identity, and dependence on the Spirit. This conversation challenges us to deepen our understanding of Jesus and our trust in his work on our behalf.

     

    — EPISODE CHAPTERS —

    (00:00) Jesus Our Prophet
    Reviews Jesus’ humanity and divinity, and how believers wrestle with understanding both aspects in their walk of faith. It also covers Jesus as our Prophet
    (17:09) Jesus Our Priest
    Exploring Jesus’ role as mediator and perfect priest, representing humanity before God and God before humanity.
    (37:39) Jesus Our King
    Jesus as the true king with full authority, guiding His people and fulfilling the promises of God’s kingdom.
    (58:44) Activation Steps
    Reflecting on how Jesus as prophet, priest, and king shapes our daily faith, identity, and relationship with God.

     

    — EPISODE LINKS —

    • STB084 | Forgiveness: The Process of Reconciliation & Restoration
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/shoot-the-breeze/stb084/
    • Podcast Playlist | Gnosticism (& Jesus’ Humanity)
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/gnosticism/
    • More Content & Resources at Our Website
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/

     

    — EPISODE NOTES —

    JESUS’ ROLES – Prophet, Priest, & King
    Matthew 5.17-18; John 19.30; Prophet: John 1.1-18; 14.6-14; Hebrews 3.1-4.13; Priest: Romans 8.34; Hebrews 4.14-5.10; 7.1-13; 9.10-18; King: Isaiah 9.6-7; Daniel 2.31-35; Acts 2.32-35; Mark 1.15; Philippians 2.9-11; Matthew 10.7; 11.12; 13.1-15 (cf. Daniel 2.34-35, 44-45; Haggai 2.20-23)
    Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Hebrew Scripture offices (or roles) of Prophet, Priest, and King. These roles foreshadowed the Messiah:
    1. Prophet – A prophet of God proclaims God’s truth to people. As the true Prophet, Jesus is the ultimate source of truth. Jesus’ prophetic authority is greater than that of earlier prophets in that he spoke for God as God.
    2. Priest – A priest represents the people before God and represents God before the people. As the perfect Priest, Jesus stands in the presence of God as both sacrifice and mediator. Jesus’ priestly role is greater than that of earlier priests in that he is both God and human.
    3. King – The kings of the Hebrew Scriptures had limited reign, authority, and land. As the Anointed King, Jesus sits at the right hand of God, the Father, until he returns as crowned King. Jesus’ Kingly role is greater than that of previous kings in that his Kingdom is forever. It began with John (the Baptizer) proclaiming the Kingdom’s presence and will continue to fill the whole earth after which Jesus will return to reign.

    APPLICATION QUESTION(S):

    Which role of Jesus do you find easy to embrace?  Why?

    THE SON — Jesus is Perfect Humanity

    Colossians 1.15-20; 1 Timothy 2.5-6; John 1.1-18; Luke 5.52; Hebrews 2.10-18; 4.14-16; 5.7-10; Isaiah 7.10-17; John 1.14; Luke 2.39-40; Romans 1.3; 8.3; Galatians 4.4; Philippians 2.5-8; 1 John 4.2-3
    Jesus is and always has been God. However, Jesus added to his divinity humanity. He lived as we lived. He suffered as we suffered. He was tempted as we were tempted. Yet, he chose not to sin. To be a truly accurate and completely effective representative, restorer, and redeemer of humanity, Jesus had to be and have the same experience and nature as us.

    APPLICATION QUESTION(S):

    When is it difficult for you to trust that Jesus was created, lived, matured, and was tempted exactly like you?  Why?  What is the most encouraging aspect of knowing Jesus can identify with you in every respect?

    ACTIVATION STEPS

    From this study, prayerfully walk through the following steps:

    STEP #1 – REMEMBER JESUS SHARES YOUR HUMANITY (Hebrews 2.18)

    Jesus took on flesh and blood so that he could fully identify with us. He knows what it means to suffer, to be weak, and to be tempted. He is not distant from your struggles. Ask the Holy Spirit: In what circumstance or relationship do I usually forget that Jesus truly understands what I’m going through?

    STEP #2 – RUN TO HIM IN YOUR WEAKNESS (Hebrews 4.16)

    Since Jesus has already gone through temptation without sin, we can approach him with confidence when we are weak. He doesn’t condemn but offers mercy and grace in real time through the Holy Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit: How can I bring my weaknesses and temptations honestly to Jesus instead of hiding them?

    STEP #3 – RECEIVE STRENGTH FOR OBEDIENCE (Hebrews 2.14):

    Jesus doesn’t just sympathize; he strengthens us to overcome. When we depend on him in conjunction with the Holy Spirit, we find power to resist temptation and live faithfully. Ask the Holy Spirit: When or with whom am I usually tempted to depend on my own strength? How can I trust Your strength with [insert previous answer]?

    1 hr 8 min
  • STB145 | BSE | Faith: The Father | Cultivate Relationships

    Bible School Edition – Nathan and Pastor Scott explore how our earthly experiences — especially with fathers — shape our view of God as Father. They discuss the Trinity, God’s relational nature, and how healing reorients our hearts to see Him as He truly is.

     

    — EPISODE CHAPTERS —

    (00:00) Wrestling With Our View of God
    The episode opens with how our view of God is often shaped by early influences, especially parental examples, leaving distortions that need healing.
    (24:31) The Trinity and Our Identity
    Nathan and Scott explain how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit reveal God’s relational nature and empower our identity, moving beyond shallow analogies into deeper theological truth.
    (47:22) God the Father’s Relational Heart
    This section highlights God as Father, emphasizing His generosity and constancy while challenging listeners to confront how childhood experiences shaped their view of Him.
    (1:19:31) Activation Steps
    The episode ends with reflection and activation, inviting listeners to identify distortions from earthly fathers and anchor themselves in God’s unchanging love and truth.

     

    — EPISODE LINKS —

    • Bookshelf | Faith Booklet
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/bookshelf/#faith
    • Podcast Playlist | Galatians Series
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/galatians/
    • Unseen Realm, by Michael Heiser
    https://a.co/d/9Xf2SqA
    • Youtube | St. Patrick’s Bad Analogies
    https://youtu.be/KQLfgaUoQCw
    • The Freedom Booklet
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/the-freedom-booklet/
    • Bible Tools
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/bible-tools/
    • More Content & Resources at Our Website
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/

     

    — EPISODE NOTES —

    THE HOLY TRINITY – Father, Son, & Spirit
    Genesis 1.27; 3.22; 11.7; Isaiah 6.8; Matthew 3.13-17; 28.19-20; John 14.16; 16.13-15; 20.21-22; Romans 8.9; 15.16, 30; 1 Corinthians 12.4-6; 2 Corinthians 1.21-22; Galatians 4.4-6; Ephesians 2.18; 4.4-6; 1 Timothy 6.13-16; Jude 20-21
    The most foundational theological doctrine of Christianity is that God is one and that there is only one God. Paradoxically, however, God reveals Himself eternally existing in three persons. “Persons” in this sense is not different people but rather best understood by their relationship and distinction to one another — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. While God is sovereign, the attribute that brings God the most glory is in Him being relational.

    APPLICATION QUESTION(S):

    How might seeing God as fundamentally relational — rather than sovereign — affect your view of Him? How might this influence your prayers, thoughts, and actions toward Him?

    THE HOLY FATHER — God’s Heart is Relational

    Psalm 136.22-26; 138.8; Matthew 6.9; Luke 11.13; James 1.17; Romans 8.15
    Our view of God — especially as our Heavenly Father — is often seen through the lens of our experience with our earthly fathers. The role and responsibility of our earthly fathers is to mirror that of our Heavenly Father — to protect us, provide for our needs, and affirm our God-given identity. Our experience can cause us to polarize our view of God’s attributes. We either only affirm the attributes we’ve experienced or completely reject them. Through the Scriptures, God has revealed that He is a good and loving Father who desires relationship with us, His creation.

    APPLICATION QUESTION(S):

    What was the most encouraging AND discouraging thing your biological father did or said to you growing up?

    ACTIVATION STEPS

    From this study, prayerfully walk through the following steps:

    STEP #1 – RECOGNIZE DISTORTIONS (James 1.17)

    Take time this week to reflect on how your experience with your earthly biological father may have shaped your view of God as Father. Ask the Holy Spirit: What distortion of God’s character do I struggle with most?

    STEP #2 – REDISCOVER HIS NATURE (Leviticus 11.44)

    Search the Scriptures to rediscover an attribute of God you have neglected or found hard to believe. Write down passages that highlight His character and pray them back to Him. Ask the Holy Spirit: Which attributes of the Father do You want to restore in my heart this week?

    STEP #3 – REORIENT TOWARD RELATIONSHIP (1 John 3.1):

    Take one practical step to engage God as your relational Father (not just sovereign ruler). This could be in prayer, worship, or obedience. Ask the Holy Spirit: How can I live as the Father’s child today, receiving and reflecting His relational love?

    1 hr 34 min
  • STB144 | Leading Others through the Freedom Booklet – TFB:P11 | Cultivate Relationships

    In this episode, Nathan and Lacey equip listeners to walk others through the Freedom Booklet. They cover two practical formats — intentional one-on-one meetings and small groups (typically 2–4 participants) with a leader and co-leader — and share concrete best practices: set dates and timelines, provide accountability and simple hospitality (quiet space, coffee, childcare), keep leaders as facilitators (not counselors), enforce confidentiality and speaking rules, use the instructional videos, check in between sessions, and always allow the Holy Spirit to lead. It’s a practical, encouragement-filled guide for helping people move from stuck to free.

     

    — EPISODE LINKS —

    • The Freedom Booklet
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/the-freedom-booklet/
    • Using This Resource with Others (PDF)
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/the-freedom-booklet/
    • More Content & Resources At Our Website
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/

    0 min
  • STB143 | Planting Truth – TFB:P10 | Cultivate Relationships

    In this episode, Nathan and Lacey guide listeners through the last step of The Freedom Booklet, Step Nine: Receive and Replace — a transformative process of letting go of lies and replacing them with the Holy Spirit’s truth. Rather than simply releasing pain or sin, this step invites you to actively receive what Jesus is speaking over you, aligning your heart with His Word and stepping into lasting freedom. They explain how this isn’t just a cognitive shift but an invitation to action — hearing from God, walking in obedience, and marking the moment as a testimony of His work. This process closes the loop on the past and launches you forward into a future of hope and healing.

     

    — EPISODE LINKS —

    • The Freedom Booklet
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/the-freedom-booklet/
    • STB124 | BSE | Real, Vulnerable Prayer E1
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/shoot-the-breeze/stb124/
    • STB125 | BSE | Real, Vulnerable Prayer E2
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/shoot-the-breeze/stb125/
    • More Content & Resources At Our Website
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/

    0 min
  • STB142 | Releasing Control of the Harvest – TFB:P9 | Cultivate Relationships

    In this episode, Nathan and Lacey discuss Step Eight — release and blessing — the part of resolving sin, loss, and offense that often gets overlooked but is essential to true freedom. Drawing from Matthew 5 and Romans 12, they show how the process of freedom is incomplete without releasing our expectations, debts, and hurts to God, whether in offense, loss, or personal sin. Release means surrendering control, shame, or unmet expectations and entrusting them fully to God’s justice and healing. But it doesn’t stop there — release flows into blessing, choosing to sacrificially pray for good even for those who have wounded us. As they share stories of transformation, they reveal how this process breaks bitterness, redirects our hearts, and opens the door to healing, freedom, and restored perspective in Jesus.

     

    — EPISODE LINKS —

    • The Freedom Booklet
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/the-freedom-booklet/
    • Podcast Playlist | Forgiveness
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/forgiveness/
    • More Content & Resources At Our Website
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/

    20 min
  • STB141 | Pulling Weeds of Bitterness – TFB:P8 | Cultivate Relationships

    In this episode, Nathan and Lacey step into the hard but freeing process of forgiveness. Scripture makes it clear that forgiving others is not optional, yet it often feels impossible. Forgiveness is more than ignoring the hurt or pretending it didn’t happen — it’s canceling the debt someone owes us and releasing them, even when what they did was real and painful. Through practical steps and honest reflection, you’ll learn how forgiveness reorients your heart, releases expectations, and opens the door for God’s healing power to work in your life. Discover how choosing forgiveness — even when it feels like obedience without emotion — creates space for true freedom.

     

    — EPISODE LINKS —

    • The Freedom Booklet
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/the-freedom-booklet/
    • Podcast Playlist | Forgiveness
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/forgiveness/
    • More Content & Resources At Our Website
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/

    0 min
  • STB140 | Turning the Heart Soil – TFB:P7 | Cultivate Relationships

    In this episode, Nathan and Lacey explore Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving servant and how it reveals our tendency to demand payment from others when we fail to rest in God’s forgiveness. They discuss the real meaning of repentance — more than admitting fault, it’s a Spirit-led reorientation of our hearts toward God. Therefore, true repentance acknowledges not only our outward actions but also the unhealthy thoughts and attitudes we’ve carried. Through confession and surrender, we invite God’s cleansing, release the grip of unforgiveness, and step into healing. This conversation shows that repentance is not punishment but freedom — the path where brokenness gives way to a restored relationship with God and others.

     

    — EPISODE LINKS —

    • The Freedom Booklet
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/the-freedom-booklet/
    • More Content & Resources At Our Website
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/

    8 min
  • STB139 | Cultivating Thankfulness – TFB:P6 | Cultivate Relationships

    In this episode, Nathan and Lacey walk through Step Five of The Freedom Booklet, highlighting how gratitude becomes a catalyst to begin the process of the Holy Spirit healing our wounds. They explain that when we give thanks — even for painful experiences — we are not excusing the hurt but acknowledging God’s presence and redemptive work in the middle of it. Gratitude shifts our focus from what was lost to how God is redeeming, transforming bitterness into peace and despair into hope. This conversation shows how thanksgiving is more than a discipline; it’s a doorway to freedom, helping us release pain, embrace healing, and see our lives through the lens of God working all things for our good (that is, Him making what was evil and broken into what will be beneficial for us).

     

    — EPISODE LINKS —

    • The Freedom Booklet
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/the-freedom-booklet/
    • STB107 | Grieving the Loss of a Child + Sarah P1
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/shoot-the-breeze/stb107/
    • STB108 | Coping & Resolving Loss + Sarah P2:E1
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/shoot-the-breeze/stb108/
    • STB109 | Coping & Resolving Loss + Sarah P2:E2
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/shoot-the-breeze/stb109/
    • More Content & Resources At Our Website
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/

    13 min
  • STB138 | Resolving Unmet Needs & Desires – TFB:P5 | Cultivate Relationships

    In this episode, Nathan and Lacey walk through Step Four of The Freedom Booklet, exploring how unmet needs and unfulfilled desires often drive us to believe lies about God, ourselves, and others. These lies, formed through pain or disappointment, create patterns that keep us striving for fulfillment in unhealthy ways. They share how letting the Holy Spirit expose these false beliefs and reveal God’s truth leads to the genuine satisfaction of our deepest needs — needs for love, belonging, security, and purpose. This isn’t about suppressing desire, but about allowing God to meet it in ways that bring lasting peace and transformation.

     

    — EPISODE LINKS —

    • The Freedom Booklet
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/the-freedom-booklet/
    • More Content & Resources At Our Website
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/

    14 min
  • STB137 | Unhealthy Fruit from Unresolved Pain – TFB:P4 | Cultivate Relationships

    In this episode, Nathan and Lacey work through Step Three of The Freedom Booklet, focusing on coping behaviors, inner vows, and hidden beliefs that form in response to unresolved pain, sin, or trauma. They explain how these patterns — often made to protect oneself — eventually lead us to react instead of respond, producing fruit that doesn’t reflect the life of Jesus. With practical examples and real vulnerability, they show how honest confession, thoughtful self-reflection, and Holy Spirit-led insight are key to uprooting what’s been buried. This step isn’t about shame — it’s about clarity, healing, and lasting transformation.

     

    — EPISODE LINKS —

    • The Freedom Booklet
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/the-freedom-booklet/
    • More Content & Resources At Our Website
    https://cultivaterelationships.com/

    14 min

About Cultivate Relationships

From the publisher's feed

We are a Spirit-led catalyst for Spirit-filled community. We strive to better hear God's voice and live empowered by the Holy Spirit in our circumstances and relationships.