How does the Holy Spirit's role shift from the Old Testament to the New? What did Jesus say the Spirit's role would be? How does our understanding of the Spirit in the Old Testament aid our understanding of the New Testament? We set up our study of Acts as we work through our systematic study of God's Word. We pray you Encounter God and are blessed in your understanding of Him throughout this episode!

Book Mentions:

Knowing the Holy Spirit Through the Old Testament - Christopher J.H. Wright

Joe, Cole, and Adam Encounter the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament this week. What was His role? Did His role change from Old Testament to the New? How so? We seek to explore an overview of the Holy Spirit, know God more, and become more equipped to study His Word.

Book Mentions:

Knowing the Holy Spirit Through the Old Testament - Christopher J. H. Wright

Welcome to Encounter. Last week, with Brandon Stevens, we talked about the dangers wearing Holy masks and not being transparent with fellow believes in our church about our growth process. As a part 2 to that episode, we follow up with one of the dangerous results of hypocrisy; Imposter Syndrome. Imposter syndrome is the name our culture has given to the constant feeling that you do not belong to your own community or that your accomplishments are illegitimate. In this episode, we look at the causes, effects, and factors of this phenomenon and how we can focus on our identity in Christ.

In this week's episode, we sit down with Brandon Stevens and let his powerful testimony teach us about God's work in his life. The heart that drives this episode is the necessity for authenticity in the Church. Instead of wearing masks of Holiness, shouldn't we be transparent about our sanctification and work on slaying each other's lions together? Masks and superficial Holiness causes damage. Authentic fellowship and growth don't take place in the shadows. Brandon's testimony helps bring these truths to light. 

Welcome back Zach! This time, Zach is on as Pastor Zach Green of a new church plant, Livingstone Church. Last time Zach was on the podcast was over 70 episodes ago where he shared his testimony about how God pulled him off of the streets and into His grace. Since then, Zach pastored an outreach ministry and has recently been called to Pastor a new church. The heart that drives this conversation is the nature of God's calling on our lives and how we need to have the faith of Abraham. 

Welcome back! As we journey through the book of the Bible and hold a magnifying glass up to the context and culture that Jesus was operating in, we encounter the Last Supper. Today, we take Communion in remembrance of what Jesus has done for us. Is that the whole picture that Jesus intended in John 13? We believe that the remembrance is only half of the picture. Listen to find out what else Jesus intended for us to know about the Last Supper and Communion. Have a blessed week!

Book Mentions:

Reenacting the Way (of Jesus) - Paul T. Penley

As we proceed through the book of John and continue to ask the hard questions about what Jesus actually meant when he said and did certain things, we arrive at John 12 and 13. In these two wonderful chapters, we see Jesus anointed as his feet are washed, Jesus washing the feet of the disciples, and Jesus' triumphal entry. 

Today, we see these chapters cited as reasons for a bride and groom to wash each other's feet at weddings. Is this an appropriate application of Scripture? What context can help us see this through God's eyes? 

Come along on this journey with us as we seek to answer these questions.

Next week, we look at the Last Supper and follow the pattern of digging deep to find what the Bible actually means. Join us!

Book Mentions:

Reenacting the Way (of Jesus) - Paul T. Penley

In this week's episode of Encounter, we revisit the account of the lamed man at the pool of Bethesda. Through this account, we discuss the ways that we seek out ways to avoid or skip the desert of sanctification. How are we taking the "easy way out" on the path to knowing and becoming more like Jesus? We pray that this episode and the Scriptures speak to you and foster healthy convictions toward Christ. 

Book Mentions:

Encounter Website

This is one of our most unique episodes yet because of the target audience, which is new believers in Jesus Christ. The heart that drives this conversation is one that seeks to provide practical first steps for someone who recently started walking with God. We gather up all of the Biblical wisdom that we think would serve as a field guide for the newly saved. Listen to it, forward it, and share it because we don't have any time to waste in the process of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry. 

We are back to John! Tonight, we work through John 7 and 8 and we go deep into the nuances of Biblical inspiration, why the Bible is ambiguous at times, the motives of the Pharisees, and our ideas of what Jesus may have written in the sand. Please read ahead for the book of John and do your own study and let the Holy Spirit be your ultimate Illuminator and guide to Truth. Thank you for listening and please like and subscribe if you can!

Encounter Website