
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


What does spiritual maturity actually look like? Being older, attending church for years, or knowing more about the Bible doesn’t automatically mean we’re becoming more like Jesus.
In this episode of Fridays at First, the podcast from First Baptist Church Oak Grove, we discuss how Christians at different stages of faith can grow together as one church family.
From new believers learning to follow Jesus to longtime Christians helping others grow, every stage brings opportunities for discipleship. We explore the difference between being young in faith and resisting growth, why Christlike character matters, and how to pursue maturity without falling into shame, comparison, or pride.
In this conversation:
• Why spiritual maturity isn’t simply a matter of age or Bible knowledge
• How humility, teachability, and obedience help us grow
• What to do when you don’t feel spiritually fed at church
• How the fruit of the Spirit helps us examine our growth
• Why serving and discipling others are part of becoming more like Jesus
• How a church family can care for believers at different stages
Whether you’re new to Christianity or have followed Jesus for decades, this conversation invites you to consider your next step—and how you can help someone else take theirs.
Scripture discussed includes:
Hebrews 5:12–14 — Moving from milk to solid food
Galatians 5:22–23 — The fruit of the Spirit
1 John 2:12–14 — Children, young men, and fathers
1 Timothy 3:6 — Spiritual maturity in church leadership
Matthew 28:19–20 — Making disciples and teaching obedience
What is one way another person has helped you grow in your faith? Share your experience in the comments.
Subscribe for more biblical teaching and future Fridays at First episodes.
Watch more Fridays at First episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdFg1in_72AXmbHmWva1AVKvCBrf5XzUt&si=AAQIwwgIHZfxjOAA
Watch a related episode or video: https://youtu.be/sleSMjfu408
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Opening
0:40 One church, different stages of faith
4:33 Why different believers need different care
7:23 Does age equal spiritual maturity?
13:45 Young in faith vs. spiritually immature
20:20 Grace and a next step for stalled growth
22:20 What if you don’t feel spiritually fed?
26:09 Growing through teaching and serving
28:58 Helping believers express what they need
31:11 What spiritual maturity actually looks like
37:16 Examining the fruit of the Spirit
38:33 Responding without shame or pride
40:31 Why mature believers serve others
45:11 Growing through community and mentoring
48:19 There is always more room to grow
50:33 Every believer’s role in discipleship
Learn more about our church:
https://firstbaptistog.org/
Connect with us:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove
#ChristianGrowth #SpiritualMaturity #FridaysAtFirst
Can you trust the Bible? How can you understand what you read—and share your faith when it feels awkward? In this episode of Fridays at First, our pastors answer Bible questions submitted by youth students at First Baptist Church Oak Grove.
The conversation moves from trusting Scripture and building consistent Bible-reading habits to deeper questions about people who have never heard the gospel, infants and accountability, and Jesus staying behind at the temple. We also discuss honoring parents, Israel’s dietary laws, and glorifying God through fitness.
Whether you’ve followed Jesus for years or you’re exploring Christianity, these questions offer an opportunity to think carefully about what you believe and how it shapes everyday life.
In this episode:
• Learn three simple questions to ask while reading Scripture.
• Consider why Jesus is central to trusting the Bible.
• Hear the pastors’ perspective on salvation, accountability, and God’s justice.
• Explore practical ways to start conversations about your faith.
• Think about caring for your body without making fitness an idol.
Scripture referenced or discussed includes:
Romans 1–2; Psalm 19:1; Acts 10; Genesis 18:25; Luke 2:41–52; Galatians 1:10; Leviticus 11; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; and 1 Timothy 4:8.
What question about the Bible have you found yourself coming back to? Share it in the comments—we welcome honest questions and respectful conversation.
Subscribe for more biblical teaching and future episodes of Fridays at First.
Watch more Fridays at First episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdFg1in_72AXmbHmWva1AVKvCBrf5XzUt&si=Cts5WykYktXA2jSQ
Watch a related episode or video: https://youtu.be/ZswonwQxSO0?si=Ifwb9Euu31XlnhvA
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Opening
0:41 Welcome: Answering Students’ Questions
1:36 Why Should I Trust the Bible?
7:43 How Can I Understand the Bible Better?
17:53 What About People Who Never Hear the Gospel?
22:11 Infants, Salvation & Accountability
25:34 Trusting God’s Justice
26:54 Did Jesus Disobey His Parents?
30:40 Honoring Parents & Obeying God
35:22 Sharing Your Faith When It Feels Awkward
41:57 Why Couldn’t Israelites Eat Pork?
47:01 How Can Fitness Glorify God?
53:17 Favorite Books of the Bible & Closing
Learn more about our church:
https://firstbaptistog.org/
Connect with us:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove
#ChristianFaith #BibleQuestions #FridaysAtFirst
What is truth—and how can we know what is true when everyone has a different opinion? In this episode of Fridays at First, the podcast from First Baptist Church Oak Grove, we explore “my truth,” the limits of our feelings, and why Christians look to Jesus and Scripture as the foundation for truth.
We also welcome Lincoln, our new young adult and outreach pastor, to the podcast conversation!
From everyday decisions to conversations with people who disagree with us, what we believe about truth shapes how we live. Together, we discuss what Jesus meant when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” and how following Him calls us to both conviction and compassion.
In this episode:
• Why objective truth matters for faith and morality
• How to distinguish truth from something that simply feels true
• How to respond when someone says, “That’s your truth”
• How our lives can point people toward Jesus in suffering and success
• What it means to stand for truth with patience, gentleness, and respect
• How following Jesus shapes our decisions, relationships, and purpose
Scripture discussed includes:
John 14:6; John 18:37–38; Matthew 7:24–27; Psalm 34:8; John 6:68; John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 13:4–6; 1 Peter 3:15–16; John 8:31–32; Matthew 28:19–20.
Whether you follow Jesus or are exploring Christianity, you’re welcome in this conversation. What helps you remain open to truth when it challenges something you already believe? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments.
Subscribe for more biblical teaching and future Fridays at First episodes.
Watch more Fridays at First episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdFg1in_72AXmbHmWva1AVKvCBrf5XzUt&si=ctJz0jnjTpoisvY7
Watch a related episode or video: https://youtu.be/gJdy5wYAeWc?si=OVFRM5CTgH-B0YaZ
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Welcome and introducing Lincoln
2:28 What is truth?
7:34 Why truth matters
10:07 Truth vs. feelings
14:28 God’s design and the purpose of truth
16:27 Responding to “That’s your truth”
21:14 Seeking Jesus and living out the truth
24:03 Your witness in suffering and success
27:15 Jesus: the way, the truth, and the life
35:17 Standing for truth with grace
41:56 Discernment in difficult conversations
44:54 How truth changes everyday life
50:07 Closing thoughts and viewer questions
Learn more about our church:
https://firstbaptistog.org/
Connect with us:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove
#ChristianFaith #BiblicalTruth #FridaysAtFirst
How do you read the Bible, understand what it means, and apply it to your life? Whether you are a new Christian, returning to Scripture after some time away, or struggling to maintain a consistent reading habit, this conversation offers practical guidance for approaching God’s Word.
In this episode of the Fridays at First podcast, Brett and Pastor Nick discuss where to begin reading the Bible, how much to read at one time, and why starting small can be healthier than forcing yourself through an overwhelming reading plan.
They also explore how to read the Bible in context, why the original audience matters, how biblical genres affect interpretation, and the difference between passages that describe what happened and passages that prescribe how believers should live. Most importantly, they explain why reading Scripture should lead to obedience—not merely more biblical knowledge.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Where a new Bible reader can begin
• How much Scripture to read at one time
• Why the Old Testament still matters for Christians
• How to avoid taking individual verses out of context
• How to use study Bibles, commentaries, and videos wisely
• What to do when you encounter a confusing passage
• How to move from hearing God’s Word to living it
Scripture discussed includes John 16:13, Philippians 4:13, 2 Chronicles 7:14, and James 1:22, along with examples from throughout the Old and New Testaments.
What has helped you understand and apply the Bible more consistently? Share your experience or questions in the comments. We welcome thoughtful perspectives from longtime Christians, new believers, and those who are still exploring Christianity.
Subscribe for more biblical conversations, practical Christian teaching, and future episodes of Fridays at First.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Welcome to Fridays at First
0:22 How Do You Actually Read the Bible?
2:18 Where Should You Start Reading?
4:04 The F-260 Bible Reading Plan
5:01 Why the Old Testament Still Matters
9:24 How Much Should You Read at One Time?
13:29 Start Small and Build the Habit
17:21 Read Slowly and Spend Time With God
19:04 Study Bibles, Commentaries, and Other Resources
23:03 What Does It Mean to Read in Context?
25:33 Philippians 4:13 in Context
31:30 Why Biblical Genre Matters
33:39 Descriptive vs. Prescriptive Passages
36:08 The Original Audience and Today’s Application
43:09 Don’t Get Stuck on What You Don’t Understand
45:29 Why Can the Bible Be Difficult to Read?
49:42 Spiritual Opposition to Reading Scripture
50:22 What Should You Do When You Don’t Understand?
53:25 Ask God What You Need to Know
58:04 How Do We Apply the Bible?
61:34 Stop Just Reading the Bible
64:21 Knowing God’s Word Is Not the Same as Living It
68:09 Final Encouragement
Watch more Fridays at First episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdFg1in_72AXmbHmWva1AVKvCBrf5XzUt&si=c72i4Qj3JgsTzY8G
Watch a related episode or video: https://youtu.be/2Vljvs91Bno?si=k6xMMAC7eJ8owmla
Learn more about our church:
https://firstbaptistog.org/
Connect with us:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove
#Christianity #HowToReadTheBible #FridaysAtFirst
Do churches just want your money? It’s an understandable question—especially when some churches and religious leaders have used guilt, false promises, or spiritual manipulation to pressure people into giving.
In this episode of the Fridays at First podcast, we examine what the Bible actually says about giving to the church. We discuss the difference between healthy biblical teaching and financial manipulation, whether Christians are still required to tithe 10%, why pastors may biblically receive compensation, and how giving can become a joyful act of worship rather than an empty religious obligation.
A healthy church should not be focused merely on getting your money. It should point you toward Jesus and teach you to obey everything God has said—including what He says about generosity, stewardship, and supporting the work of the gospel.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
• How to recognize manipulative giving appeals
• Whether tithing applies to Christians today
• What it means to give cheerfully and sacrificially
• What to do when you don’t trust how a church uses money
• Why pastors and ministry staff may biblically be paid
• How giving reveals what we treasure
• How generosity supports gospel ministry locally and around the world
Scripture and biblical teachings discussed include Genesis 14, Matthew 5–6, Acts 20:35, 1 Corinthians 9:9–14, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Ephesians 4:11–12, 1 Timothy 3:3 and 5:17–18, and Hebrews 10:25.
What helps you distinguish biblical teaching about giving from financial manipulation? Share your thoughts in the comments. We welcome respectful perspectives from committed Christians and those still exploring Christianity.
Subscribe for more biblical teaching, practical conversations, and future Fridays at First episodes.
Watch more Fridays at First episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdFg1in_72AXmbHmWva1AVKvCBrf5XzUt&si=_yJVnrUj2fAGs_Zo
Watch a related episode or video: https://youtu.be/KKfnAMDa56c?si=UnfZwmV5bdx8JWiZ
Learn more about our church:
https://firstbaptistog.org/
Connect with us:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
1:44 Do Churches Just Want Your Money?
5:41 Healthy Churches and Financial Red Flags
7:16 Giving Is About Obedience
11:16 How Churches Have Abused Money
14:12 When Giving Appeals Become Manipulative
20:30 Are Christians Required to Tithe?
24:19 What Does Cheerful Giving Mean?
32:13 Giving When You Don’t Trust Churches
37:19 What If You Don’t Trust Your Church?
40:18 Evaluating How Churches Use Money
46:02 Should Pastors Be Paid?
53:30 Financial Accountability and Church Staff
59:17 Making Giving an Act of Worship
1:04:59 What Your Money Reveals About Your Heart
1:06:59 Final Encouragement
#ChristianLiving #BiblicalGiving #FridaysAtFirst
How do you know when something has become an idol in your life? Idolatry is not limited to bowing before a statue. Anything—even something good—can become an idol when it takes the place in our hearts, priorities, and lives that belongs to God.
In this episode of the Fridays at First podcast, Brett and Pastor Nick discuss how to identify idols in your life, why they can be difficult to recognize, and what it practically looks like to remove them or return them to their proper place.
They examine several questions that can reveal misplaced priorities:
• What receives the best of your time, energy, abilities, and resources?
• What consumes your thoughts and emotions?
• What are you afraid to lose?
• What would you refuse to surrender if God asked you to give it up?
• When God and another priority conflict, which one regularly wins?
The conversation also explores common modern idols, including sports, academics, family, children, work, money, politics, comfort, social approval, nostalgia, and our plans for the future. Many of these things can be good gifts from God, but good gifts become idols when we worship the gift rather than the Giver.
Most importantly, Brett and Pastor Nick explain why Christians can honestly confront their sin without being destroyed by shame: our identity and justification are found in Jesus Christ.
Scripture discussed includes Exodus 20:3, Psalm 139:23–24, Matthew 7:3–5, Matthew 15:8–9, Galatians 6:1–2, Colossians 3:5, Philippians 4:11–13, 1 John 5:21, Joshua 4, and Jeremiah 1:10.
What is one area of life that Christians should regularly examine for the danger of idolatry? Share your thoughts in the comments. We welcome respectful perspectives from longtime Christians and those who are still exploring Christianity.
Subscribe for more biblical conversations, practical Christian teaching, and future Fridays at First episodes.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 How Do You Know Something Is an Idol?
1:32 Why We Must Examine Our Hearts
3:23 Accountability and Christian Community
7:45 Recognizing Potential Idols
11:23 What Is an Idol?
18:46 How to Identify Idols in Your Life
26:51 What Your Budget Reveals
27:56 What Are You Unwilling to Give Up?
32:28 Can Good Gifts Be Important Without Becoming Idols?
40:56 Common Idols in Modern Life
47:02 How to Remove Idols from Your Life
55:02 Why Removing an Idol Is Painful
58:18 When Family and Children Become Idols
1:01:31 Uproot Before You Rebuild
1:03:15 Closing and Future Podcast Questions
Watch more Fridays at First episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdFg1in_72AXmbHmWva1AVKvCBrf5XzUt&si=1NSl7hQRZ9Q0BTaZ
Watch a related episode or video: https://youtu.be/pdL1jjZGy_4
Learn more about our church:
https://firstbaptistog.org/
Connect with us:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove
#ChristianLiving #Idolatry #FridaysAtFirst
Who holds pastors accountable, and what does biblical pastoral accountability actually look like?
In this episode of the Fridays at First podcast, Pastor Nick and Brett discuss pastoral authority, church governance, spiritual abuse, and the responsibility churches have to hold their leaders accountable to the Word of God.
Pastors are called to lead and shepherd the church, but they are never above Scripture or beyond accountability. At the same time, disagreement with a pastor does not automatically mean that the pastor is domineering, abusive, or unbiblical. How can Christians recognize the difference?
In this conversation, we discuss:
• Why God’s Word is the ultimate standard for pastors and church members
• The roles of elders, deacons, personnel committees, and the congregation
• Why deacons’ primary biblical role is service
• The difference between biblical concerns and personal preferences
• Warning signs of leaders who resist accountability
• What to do when accountability structures exist on paper but fail in practice
• How to approach a pastor when you believe he is in sin
• When legal authorities should be contacted
• When a pastor’s conduct may disqualify him from ministry
• Why accountability must apply to both leaders and church members
Scripture discussed or referenced includes Matthew 7:3–5, Matthew 18:15–17, 1 Corinthians 11:3, Galatians 1:10, 1 Timothy 3:1–7, 1 Timothy 5:19, Hebrews 13:17, James 3:1, and 2 Timothy 1:7.
What do you believe healthy, biblical accountability should look like in a local church? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments.
Subscribe for more biblical conversations, practical Christian teaching, and future Fridays at First episodes.
Watch more Fridays at First episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdFg1in_72AXmbHmWva1AVKvCBrf5XzUt&si=RgKQjh3HcJhUfQBx
Watch a related episode or video: https://youtu.be/JuhTx10lbi8
Learn more about our church:
[https://firstbaptistog.org/](https://firstbaptistog.org/)
Connect with us:
Facebook:
[https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove](https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove)
Instagram:
[https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/](https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/)
TikTok:
[https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove](https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove)
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Who Holds Pastors Accountable?
3:01 Church Governance and Accountability
5:17 Are Deacons Responsible for the Pastor?
9:12 The Congregation’s Role
12:17 Scripture as the Standard
13:59 Church Hurt and Spiritual Abuse
18:40 Accountability Goes Both Ways
20:59 Examine Your Own Heart
22:59 The Limits of Pastoral Authority
27:56 Warning Signs in Church Leadership
30:06 Accountability Prevents Greater Failure
32:02 The Roles of Church Leaders
37:08 When Accountability Exists Only on Paper
41:19 What to Do When a Pastor May Be in Sin
43:56 Biblical Concern or Personal Preference?
49:53 Disqualifying Sins and Pastoral Ministry
52:35 Healthy Leadership Seeks Counsel
55:39 Final Encouragement
#Christianity #PastorAccountability #FridaysAtFirst
How can you know if you’re really saved? Can Christians actually have assurance of salvation—or should we always wonder whether our faith is genuine?
In this episode of Fridays at First, we talk about what the Bible says about genuine saving faith, assurance of salvation, good works, repentance, spiritual growth, and Jesus’ sobering words in Matthew 7: “I never knew you.”
We also explore the difference between simply knowing facts about Jesus and actually knowing and following Him. What should change after someone puts their faith in Christ? If good works cannot save us, why does Scripture place so much emphasis on obedience, spiritual fruit, and becoming more like Jesus?
In this conversation, we discuss:
• How someone can examine whether their faith is genuine
• Why salvation is not simply an emotional experience
• What Matthew 7 teaches about people who call Jesus “Lord”
• The difference between intellectual belief and surrender to Christ
• Why good works cannot earn salvation
• Why genuine salvation should produce good works
• The fruit of the Spirit as evidence of Christ working in our lives
• The difference between struggling with sin and willingly living in sin
• Justification, sanctification, and spiritual growth
• What to do when you are struggling with assurance of salvation
Scripture discussed includes Matthew 7:21–23, 2 Corinthians 13:5, James 2, Galatians 5:22–23, Ephesians 2:8–10, Philippians 1:6, 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, Romans 5–6, 1 John 1, and Romans 9.
If you are wrestling with whether you genuinely know Jesus, our goal is not to create unnecessary fear but to point you back to Christ and encourage honest biblical self-examination.
What has helped you understand the difference between simply knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Subscribe for more biblical conversations, Christian teaching, and future episodes of Fridays at First.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 How Can You Know If You’re Saved?
2:16 Examining Whether Your Faith Is Genuine
5:25 Did I Really Get Saved—or Just Pray a Prayer?
9:10 Why Would Jesus Say “I Never Knew You”?
12:00 Intellectual Belief vs. Surrender to Jesus
16:24 Following Jesus for the Right Reasons
22:15 Is Jesus Really the Treasure of Heaven?
24:32 Faith, Works, and Evidence of Salvation
25:11 Knowing About Jesus vs. Knowing Jesus
31:35 If Works Don’t Save Us, Why Do They Matter?
39:15 Spiritual Growth and Examining Your Faith
42:28 Struggling With Sin vs. Living in Sin
47:57 Does Grace Mean We Can Keep Sinning?
50:36 How Warning Passages Can Strengthen Assurance
52:08 What to Do If You’re Still Unsure
Watch more Fridays at First episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdFg1in_72AXmbHmWva1AVKvCBrf5XzUt&si=nlbw6B_ymUOpbrDV
Watch a related episode or video: https://www.youtube.com/live/h0cJrn6DmPw?si=unmO7_gB4THs5pzx
Learn more about our church:
https://firstbaptistog.org/
Connect with us:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove
#Christianity #AssuranceOfSalvation #FridaysAtFirst
Does church growth mean a church is unhealthy? And what does healthy, biblical church growth actually look like?
In this episode of the Fridays at First podcast, we talk about church growth, discipleship, small groups, church traditions, contextualization, and what really makes a church healthy.
A large church is not automatically healthy—and a small church is not automatically healthy either. Rather than judging a church simply by its size, Christians should ask whether it is faithfully preaching the gospel, reaching people, making disciples, serving its community, and helping believers genuinely live life together.
We also discuss the difference between biblical essentials and ministry preferences. Churches should never change the gospel to fit the culture, but that doesn't mean every tradition, ministry method, schedule, style, or practice is sacred. Sometimes unnecessary barriers can keep churches from effectively reaching the people around them.
Later in the conversation, we look at why small groups become increasingly important as a church grows. Healthy churches need both corporate worship and smaller communities where Christians can know one another, pray together, encourage one another, serve one another, carry burdens, practice accountability, and grow as disciples of Jesus.
In this episode:
• Does a growing church automatically mean an unhealthy church?
• Should healthy churches expect to grow?
• Why are Christians sometimes suspicious of large churches?
• How can tradition become an unnecessary barrier to ministry?
• What does it mean to contextualize without changing the gospel?
• Why do growing churches need strong small-group ministry?
• How can busy Christians prioritize meaningful Christian community?
Scripture discussed or referenced includes Acts 2, Matthew 7, John 15, Jesus' command to make disciples, biblical qualifications for church leaders, and other New Testament teaching about Christian community and life together.
What do you think makes a church genuinely healthy? Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear from both longtime Christians and those who are still exploring these questions.
Subscribe for more biblical conversations, Christian teaching, and future episodes of Fridays at First.
Watch more Fridays at First episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdFg1in_72AXmbHmWva1AVKvCBrf5XzUt&si=OQYxVuVnEsx5E4pA
Watch a related episode or video: https://youtu.be/h0cJrn6DmPw
Learn more about our church:
https://firstbaptistog.org/
Connect with us:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Does Church Growth Mean a Church Is Unhealthy?
3:05 Should Every Healthy Church Be Growing?
5:19 Why Churches Need to Get Uncomfortable
10:23 Why Christians Can Be Suspicious of Church Growth
14:09 Should the World Like Christians?
18:56 The Danger of Using Theology as an Excuse
21:15 Big Churches vs. Unhealthy Churches
25:22 A Word to Small Churches and Small-Church Pastors
27:42 Removing Unnecessary Barriers to Reaching People
29:17 Contextualizing Without Changing the Gospel
35:46 How Small Groups Keep Growing Churches Healthy
40:46 Pastoring Through Leaders and Small Groups
46:03 Are Small Groups Worth It When You're Already Busy?
51:02 The Goal Isn't a Big Church—It's a Healthy Church
#ChurchGrowth #ChristianLiving #FridaysAtFirst
Why are Christians so easily offended, and how should followers of Jesus respond when someone hurts them? The gospel changes how Christians handle conflict by directing our attention away from defending ourselves and toward the forgiveness, grace, and love demonstrated by Jesus.
In this episode of the Fridays at First podcast, Nick and Brett discuss why conflict happens even in healthy churches, how Christians commonly mishandle offenses, and why avoiding conflict is not always the same as pursuing peace. They also consider when an offense should be addressed privately, when it may be wiser to overlook it, and how Christians can forgive without allowing hurt to become bitterness or gossip.
You’ll learn:
- Why Christians should expect conflict in a fallen world
- How Jesus responded to betrayal, rejection, and suffering
- Why trying to win or vindicate ourselves can worsen conflict
- How to decide whether an offense should be addressed or overlooked
- Why Matthew 18 begins with a private conversation
- How prayer helps us forgive those who have hurt us
- Why forgiveness does not always require restoring the same level of closeness
- How to bring anger to Jesus before responding to another person
Scripture discussed includes Matthew 5:38–48, Matthew 18, John 3:30, John 16:33, 1 Corinthians 13, Ephesians 4:26, James 1:19, Hebrews 4:15, and 1 Peter 5:7.
How has the gospel changed the way you respond when someone hurts or offends you? Share your thoughts in the comments. Whether you are a Christian or are still exploring Christianity, you are welcome to join the conversation respectfully.
Subscribe for more biblical teaching, Christian conversations, and future episodes of Fridays at First.
Watch more Fridays at First episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdFg1in_72AXmbHmWva1AVKvCBrf5XzUt&si=NNG_D335G3cHWN5K
Watch a related episode or video: https://youtu.be/c4QlDBXl814
Learn more about our church:
[https://firstbaptistog.org/](https://firstbaptistog.org/)
Connect with us:
Facebook:
[https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove](https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove)
Instagram:
[https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/](https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/)
TikTok:
[https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove](https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove)
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Why Are Christians So Easily Offended?
3:34 How the Gospel Changes Our Response to Hurt
6:22 Jesus’ Example of Forgiveness
11:53 Why Healthy Churches Still Experience Conflict
17:14 How Conflict Can Produce Growth
20:22 Persevering Through Conflict in Ministry
23:39 Common Ways Christians Mishandle Conflict
26:09 Surrendering the Need to Win
27:48 Loving Your Enemies
30:16 Loving Someone You Don’t Like
31:46 Two Questions to Ask When You Are Accused
33:29 Praying for Those Who Hurt You
35:07 When the Mission Is Bigger Than the Offense
39:32 Should Every Offense Be Addressed?
45:17 Overlooking an Offense Without Avoiding It
46:35 Follow Matthew 18, Not Gossip
49:19 Forgiveness, Distance, and Reconciliation
50:44 Can Christians Be Righteously Angry?
53:25 Bring Your Anger to Jesus First
#ChristianLiving #BiblicalConflictResolution #FridaysAtFirst
From the publisher's feed