God Stuff

In Episode 125, we talk about biblical meditation and how we can use it as a way to reduce our anxieties, to drive the word of God deeply into our psyche and our soul and as a way of finding joy, a way to enter the God-blessed life.

Meditation helps us internalize God's Word so the Holy Spirit may lead, instruct, cleanse, and change us from the inside. We may listen to, read, and remember the scriptures to learn them, but we must also study them in our hearts to comprehend how it pertains to our lives.

Tune in now, and let’s go bigger, better, and deeper!

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the God Stuff Podcast, so you're always the first to know when a new episode is released.

Episode Timestamps: 

Intro – [00:00] 

What is Meditation? – [03:49]

7 Ways to Meditate on God's Word – [10:15]

Method #1: Downshift – [11:17]

Method #2: Personalize – [14:44]

Method #3: Reword – [16:23]

Method #4: Enter – [18:14]

Method #5: Invoke – [20:15]

Method #6: Emphasize – [22:23]

Method #7 Recycle – [25:11]

7 Ways to Meditate on God's Word Recap – [29:14]

Outro – [30:39]

Biblical References:

• Acts 18:24-28
• Romans 12:2
• James 1:21 
• 1 Peter 5:7
• Nahum 1:7
• Psalm 37:24
• Psalm 37:29
• Isaiah 44:22
• Psalm 46:1-3
• Deuteronomy 20:4
• Psalm 103:3
• Psalm 136:1-7
• Romans 8:28

Book References:

Alpha Christians: A Manifesto for Men

https://www.amazon.com./s?k=9781946654304&i=stripbooks&linkCode=qs

God’s Perfect Promises

https://www.dropbox.com/s/3o3h43aido761q7/Bible_Promises_Veritas.pdf?dl=0 

About Our Host:

Bill Giovannetti is the Senior Pastor at Pathway Church, Redding, California — an experienced senior pastor with a demonstrated history of working in the religious institutions’ industry. He also teaches ministry-related college classes at Simpson University and the A. W. Tozer Theological Seminary. Bill has always had a passion to bring the deep things of God’s word to the everyday people of God.

Resources:

Veritas School Online Theological School 

https://www.veritasschool.life/

 God’s Perfect Promises

https://www.dropbox.com/s/3o3h43aido761q7/Bible_Promises_Veritas.pdf?dl=0 

Connect with Bill Giovannetti:

● Visit the website: https://www.veritasschool.life/

● Subscribe to the podcast: https://maxgrace.com/category/podcasts/

● Follow Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bill.giovannetti

● Follow Bill on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BillGiovannetti

● Follow Bill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billgiovannetti/

Thanks for tuning in! Please don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!

Episode 124 is a recording of a sermon I did at Grace Pathway Church where I talk about what kind of person God uses and employs to do great things for Christ and the gospel. This would be sermon number seven in our series in the Book of Acts about Apollos.

Not a lot of people may have heard of Apollos but personally, he’s one of my favorite characters in the bible and you’ll learn more about him as we go along the podcast episode. How does God use us in ways that are satisfying to us and really make a difference in the world?

Tune in now and let’s go bigger, better, and deeper!

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the God Stuff Podcast so you're always first to know when a new episode is released.

Episode Timestamps:

Intro – [00:00]

Who is Apollos? – [04:48]

God Uses Prepared People – [06:28]

Story of Apollos – [11:49]

Clue #1: Equipped – [16:16]

Clue #2: Knowledgeable – [19:58]

Clue #3: Passionate – [32:42]

Clue #4: Teachable – [40:35]

Two Principles – [42:15]

Closing Prayer – [44:46]

Outro – [46:15]

Biblical References:

Acts 18:24-28

Acts 18:24

Matthew 13:15

Isaiah 6:10

Acts 18:25-26

Acts 18:28

Book References:

Alpha Christians: A Manifesto for Men

https://www.amazon.com./s?k=9781946654304&i=stripbooks&linkCode=qs

About Our Host:

Bill Giovannetti is the Senior Pastor at Pathway Church, Redding, California — an experienced senior pastor with a demonstrated history of working in the religious institutions industry. He also teaches ministry related college classes at Simpson University and the A. W. Tozer Theological Seminary. Bill has always had a passion to bring the deep things of God’s word to the everyday people of God.

Resources:

Veritas School Online Theological School

https://www.veritasschool.life/

Connect with Bill Giovannetti:

● Visit the website: https://www.veritasschool.life/

● Subscribe to the podcast: https://maxgrace.com/category/podcasts/

● Follow Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bill.giovannetti

● Follow Bill on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BillGiovannetti

● Follow Bill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billgiovannetti/

Thanks for tuning in! Please don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!

In Episode 123, we talk about the problem of biblical illiteracy. It prohibits us from considering, understanding, and applying what is in the Bible to our lives. Instead, we get entangled in the rabbit holes of this inefficient and poor teaching.

What's the point of going to church if we don't help people learn from the Bible who we are and what we're supposed to do? What's the point of being a Christian if we never read the directions to find out what we should be doing? What's the point of being a Christian if we don't have a life that changes because of His Word, His Work, and the Holy Spirit?

Tune in now and let’s go bigger, better, and deeper!

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to the God Stuff Podcast so you're always first to know when a new episode is released.

Episode Timestamps:

Intro – [00:00]

Article #1: The Epidemic of Biblical Illiteracy in Our Churches – [02:13]

Article #2: The Scandal of Biblical Illiteracy – [06:19]

Bill's Opinion – [14:35]

Final Thoughts – [19:39]

Outro – [22:18]

Biblical References:

– Jude 1:3

– Psalm 33:12

– Genesis 18:32

– Isaiah 1:9

– Jeremiah 5:1

– Psalm 12:1and 8

– 2 Chronicles 7:14

– Romans 5:1

– 1 John 2:2

Book References:

Alpha Christians: A Manifesto for Men

https://www.amazon.com./s?k=9781946654304&i=stripbooks&linkCode=qs

About Our Host:

Bill Giovannetti is the Senior Pastor at Pathway Church, Redding, California — an experienced senior pastor with a demonstrated history of working in the religious institutions industry. He also teaches ministry related college classes at Simpson University and the A. W. Tozer Theological Seminary. Bill has always had a passion to bring the deep things of God’s word to the everyday people of God.

Resources:

Veritas School Online Theological School

https://www.veritasschool.life/

Connect with Bill Giovannetti:

● Visit the website: https://www.veritasschool.life/

● Subscribe to the podcast: https://maxgrace.com/category/podcasts/

● Follow Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bill.giovannetti

● Follow Bill on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BillGiovannetti

● Follow Bill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billgiovannetti/

Thanks for tuning in! Please don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!

In Episode 122, we continue to discuss how to better understand and handle the word of God, especially in the Gospels, particularly in Mark 10. It’s a really interesting chapter from the Bible yet it’s been always misinterpreted.

Mark 10 contains a handful of verses, one of which is Jesus's response to a wealthy man's question about what he must do to obtain everlasting life. He tells him, "You will have riches in paradise; then follow me." When riches separate us from others and God, we suffer. But I don’t find it to be true.

Let’s find out and go bigger, better, and deeper in God’s word!

Episode Timestamps:

Intro – [00:00]

Section #3: The Antithesis of Grace – [04:44]

Section #4: The Origin of Grace – [12:54]

Section #5: Giving Everything Up – [18:52]

Section #6: The True Cost of Grace – [23:51]

Section #7: Humans are Blind to Grace – [30:15]

Section #8: The Example of Grace – [34:34]

Outro – [44:06]

Biblical References:

– Mark 10:17-22

– Mark 10:23-27

– Mark 10:28-31

– Mark 10:32-34

– Mark 10:35-45

– Mark 10:36

Book References:

Alpha Christians: A Manifesto for Men

https://www.amazon.com./s?k=9781946654304&i=stripbooks&linkCode=qs

About Our Host:

Bill Giovannetti is the Senior Pastor at Pathway Church, Redding, California — an experienced senior pastor with a demonstrated history of working in the religious institutions industry. He also teaches ministry related college classes at Simpson University and the A. W. Tozer Theological Seminary. Bill has always had a passion to bring the deep things of God’s word to the everyday people of God.

Resources:

Veritas School Online Theological School

https://www.veritasschool.life/

Connect with Bill Giovannetti:

● Visit the website: https://www.veritasschool.life/

● Subscribe to the podcast: https://maxgrace.com/category/podcasts/

● Follow Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bill.giovannetti

● Follow Bill on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BillGiovannetti

● Follow Bill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billgiovannetti/

Thanks for tuning in! Please don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!

In Episode 121, we’re going to talk about a section of scripture and how to interpret it. There is a specific technique or methodology that we must use in order to correctly interpret the Gospels, and this is often overlooked, particularly in a passage like Mark 10.

It contains a lot of difficult sayings or what we call “The hard sayings of Christ”. If you read Mark 10, it would seem that it contradicts God’s grace and the Gospel. What I want to show you today is that if you interpret a section of the scripture like Mark 10 correctly, it teaches grace in a powerful way.

Let’s find out and go bigger, better, and deeper in God’s word!

Episode Timestamps:

Intro – [00:00]

Grace is the Hallmark of Biblical Christianity – [02:25]

Grace Books in the Bible – [03:38]

Index Cards – [06:32]

The Eight Sections – [11:25]

Section #1: The Prelude to Grace – [12:42]

Section #2: The Attitude of Grace – [21:45]

Outro – [28:33]

Biblical References:

–     Matthew 11:25

–     Deuteronomy 24:1

–     Genesis 2:24

–     Mark 10:13-16

Book References:

Alpha Christians: A Manifesto for Men

https://www.amazon.com./s?k=9781946654304&i=stripbooks&linkCode=qs

About Our Host:

Bill Giovannetti is the Senior Pastor at Pathway Church, Redding, California — an experienced senior pastor with a demonstrated history of working in the religious institutions industry. He also teaches ministry related college classes at Simpson University and the A. W. Tozer Theological Seminary. Bill has always had a passion to bring the deep things of God’s word to the everyday people of God.

Resources:

Veritas School Online Theological School

https://www.veritasschool.life/

Connect with Bill Giovannetti:

●  Visit the website: https://www.veritasschool.life/

●  Subscribe to the podcast: https://maxgrace.com/category/podcasts/

●  Follow Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bill.giovannetti

●  Follow Bill on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BillGiovannetti

●  Follow Bill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billgiovannetti/

Thanks for tuning in! Please don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!

In Episode 120, we’re going to talk about what exactly happens after we die—in a biblical word view, Christian-evangelical Theology. Most of us have wondered what would happen next at some point in our lives. Death is scary and mysterious, and people's perceptions of what occurs and what it signifies differ significantly.

Death is merely a curve in the road, not the end of it. Death, for the believer, is the gateway to paradise. It is a gateway into terrible torment for the unbelieving. These statements are accurate, even if we may not wholly comprehend them. Even if we don't believe them, they are true.

What occurs after we die is determined by what happens before we die.

Let’s find out and go bigger, better, and deeper in God’s word!

Episode Timestamps:

Intro – [00:00]

What is Physical Death? [02:08]

The Two Destinies [04:21]

What Happens After a Person Dies on the Path of Unbelief? [05:58]

What Happens on the Path of Belief? [11:24]

Outro [19:52]

Biblical References:

•   2 Corinthians 5:8-9
• Matthew 7:13-14
• 1 John 5:13
•   Luke 16:22-26
•   Revelations 20:14-15
•   Acts 4:12
•     Philippians 2:9-11
•     Romans 8:18
•   Colossians 3:4

Book References:

Alpha Christians: A Manifesto for Men

https://www.amazon.com./s?k=9781946654304&i=stripbooks&linkCode=qs

About Our Host:

Bill Giovannetti is the Senior Pastor at Pathway Church, Redding, California — an experienced senior pastor with a demonstrated history of working in the religious institutions industry. He also teaches ministry related college classes at Simpson University and the A. W. Tozer Theological Seminary. Bill has always had a passion to bring the deep things of God’s word to the everyday people of God.

Resources:

Veritas School Online Theological School

https://www.veritasschool.life/

Connect with Bill Giovannetti:

●  Visit the website: https://www.veritasschool.life/

●  Subscribe to the podcast: https://maxgrace.com/category/podcasts/

●  Follow Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bill.giovannetti

●  Follow Bill on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BillGiovannetti

●  Follow Bill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billgiovannetti/

Thanks for tuning in! Please don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!

In Episode 119, we’re going to answer the five misconceptions and statements that people commonly make about preaching that I want to challenge. You might have heard most of it and I don’t believe it’s true.

Confusions occur when it comes to what preaching really includes and how it should be carried out. If you want to know what preaching is really not, you might start by identifying common misconceptions. Preaching may involve several of the characteristics mentioned in today’s episode, but when any of them becomes the strongest factor, you may tell that it has changed course.

Let’s find out and go bigger, better, and deeper in God’s word!

Episode Timestamps:

Intro – [00:00]

Misconception #1: Jesus Used Stories to Make the Truth Simple – [02:12]

Misconception #2: People Remember Only a Fraction of what They Hear But Most of What They See or Feel – [05:52]

Misconception #3: Teaching and Preaching Must be Accompanied by Action – [08:52]

Misconception #4: Spirit-Led Means Structureless – [14:54]

Misconception #5: A Teaching Priority is an Either-or Proposition Related to Other Priorities – [17:54]

Five Misconceptions Recap – [21:34]

Outro – [21:14]

Biblical References:

•     Luke 8:9
•     Matthew 13:36
•     Mark 7:17
•     Luke 9:45
•     1 Corinthians 1:21
•     1 Corinthians 1:18
•     1 Corinthians 1:21
•     1 Corinthians 2:12
•     Acts 18:4
•     Romans 1-11
•     Romans 12
•     Ephesians 4:13-15

Book References:

Alpha Christians: A Manifesto for Men

https://www.amazon.com./s?k=9781946654304&i=stripbooks&linkCode=qs

About Our Host:

Bill Giovannetti is the Senior Pastor at Pathway Church, Redding, California — an experienced senior pastor with a demonstrated history of working in the religious institutions industry. He also teaches ministry related college classes at Simpson University and the A. W. Tozer Theological Seminary. Bill has always had a passion to bring the deep things of God’s word to the everyday people of God.

Resources:

Veritas School Online Theological School

https://www.veritasschool.life/

Connect with Bill Giovannetti:

●  Visit the website: https://www.veritasschool.life/

●  Subscribe to the podcast: https://maxgrace.com/category/podcasts/

●  Follow Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bill.giovannetti

●  Follow Bill on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BillGiovannetti

●  Follow Bill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billgiovannetti/

Thanks for tuning in! Please don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!

In Episode 118, we talk about what it means to apply grace in difficult situations when someone does a heinous or unacceptable action and then they plead for grace. Are we supposed to forgive them and what do we need to do in those types of situations?

Although God is always eager to forgive us, He asks that we repent and forgive others as prerequisites for forgiveness. In certain cases, repentance and atonement may also be necessary. How could we pray the way Jesus teaches us if we don't want to forgive? How could we ask God to forgive us if we hold grudges or let resentment drag us down?

Let’s find out and go bigger, better, and deeper in God’s word!

Episode Timestamps:

Intro – [00:00]

The Golden Rule – [04:50]

What Does Grace Look Like under the Golden Rule? – [07:17]

Anger vs Grace – [08:40]

Tough Love – [11:37]

Final Thoughts – [13:20]

Outro – [14:02]

Biblical References:

• Matthew 7:12
• Luke 6:31

Book References:

Alpha Christians: A Manifesto for Men

https://www.amazon.com./s?k=9781946654304&i=stripbooks&linkCode=qs

About Our Host:

Bill Giovannetti is the Senior Pastor at Pathway Church, Redding, California — an experienced senior pastor with a demonstrated history of working in the religious institutions industry. He also teaches ministry related college classes at Simpson University and the A. W. Tozer Theological Seminary. Bill has always had a passion to bring the deep things of God’s word to the everyday people of God. 

Resources:

Veritas School Online Theological School

https://www.veritasschool.life/

Connect with Bill Giovannetti:

●  Visit the website: https://www.veritasschool.life/

●  Subscribe to the podcast: https://maxgrace.com/category/podcasts/

●  Follow Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bill.giovannetti

●  Follow Bill on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BillGiovannetti

●  Follow Bill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billgiovannetti/

Thanks for tuning in! Please don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!

In Episode 117, we go deeper into the topic of Jacob wrestling with God, the story behind it and what it means and why most people give it a different meaning. If you know Jacob's story, you know that his life was full of hardships. God told Jacob that he would be the father of a great nation and a whole group of nations, but Jacob was a very worried man.

Jacob's story teaches us that life is never easy. This is true when we battle with God and His will. As Christians, we learn that despite our difficulties and tribulations, God is always with us. In the end, Jacob does what all of us must do. He confronts all the things that are hurting him, including his failures, shortcomings, sins, and more... and faces God.

Let’s find out and go bigger, better, and deeper in God’s word!

Episode Timestamps:

Intro – [00:00]

A Different Take on Jacob Wrestling with God – [02:12]

Jacob's Judgment Day – [03:27]

Jacob's Approach in Retributive Justice #1: Pray to God – [05:28]

Jacob's Approach in Retributive Justice #2: Legalism – [06:54]

Jacob's Three Bribes and Ways For Esau's Forgiveness – [08:12]

Jacob's Lowest Point – [10:11]

Legalism Tentacle #1: We are Unequal Footing with God – [12:01]

Legalism Tentacle #2: We Must Strain Ourselves to Gain Anything From God – [13:17]

Legalism Tentacle #3: God is Against Us – [15:03]

Legalism Tentacle #4: If We Become Moral Winners, God will Owe Us – [16:06]

Jacob Wrestles with God – [17:05]

Jacob Asked for God's Blessing – [19:32]

Jacob Meets Esau – [24:09]

Final Thoughts/Outro – [27:02]

Biblical References:

• Genesis 32:24-28
•  Genesis 32:9-10
• Genesis 32:13
• Genesis 32:17
• Genesis 32:25
•  Genesis 32:24
•  Genesis 32:26
• Genesis 33:1
• Genesis 33:3
• Genesis 33:4

Book References:

Alpha Christians: A Manifesto for Men

https://www.amazon.com./s?k=9781946654304&i=stripbooks&linkCode=qs

About Our Host:

Bill Giovannetti is the Senior Pastor at Pathway Church, Redding, California — an experienced senior pastor with a demonstrated history of working in the religious institutions industry. He also teaches ministry related college classes at Simpson University and the A. W. Tozer Theological Seminary. Bill has always had a passion to bring the deep things of God’s word to the everyday people of God.

Resources:

Veritas School Online Theological School

https://www.veritasschool.life/

Church Growth Lecture

https://bg-sermon-manuscripts-pdf.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/CHURCH+GROWTH+LECTURE+1.pdf

Connect with Bill Giovannetti:

● Visit the website: https://www.veritasschool.life/

● Subscribe to the podcast: https://maxgrace.com/category/podcasts/

● Follow Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bill.giovannetti

● Follow Bill on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BillGiovannetti

● Follow Bill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billgiovannetti/

Thanks for tuning in! Please don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!

In Episode 116, we look at how teachers, preachers, and adults might successfully convey the word of God. These methods will enable them to make a greater effect on people's lives. It will not be simple. But keep in mind that God sends His Holy Spirit to empower us only if we ask for it.

Evangelism is sharing the good news with the people. How can someone accept God as their personal Lord and Savior if they didn’t know Him in the first place? That’s why evangelism plays an important role in our lives.

Don’t miss this episode. Tune in now and let’s go bigger, better, and deeper!

Episode Timestamps:

Intro – [00:00]

The Three Indispensable Qualities – [03:29]

Indispensable Quality #1: Theological System – [04:27]

Indispensable Quality #2: Have a View Point on Sanctification – [12:17]

Indispensable Quality #3: Evangelistic Spirit – [18:25]

Evangelism in Several Categories – [23:15]

Three Classifications of Evangelism – [24:15]

Outro – [28:59]

Biblical References:

• 2 Corinthians 4:7
• John 17:17

Book References:

Alpha Christians: A Manifesto for Men

https://www.amazon.com./s?k=9781946654304&i=stripbooks&linkCode=qs

Church Growth Lecture

https://bg-sermon-manuscripts-pdf.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/CHURCH+GROWTH+LECTURE+1.pdf

About Our Host:

Bill Giovannetti is the Senior Pastor at Pathway Church, Redding, California — an experienced senior pastor with a demonstrated history of working in the religious institutions industry. He also teaches ministry related college classes at Simpson University and the A. W. Tozer Theological Seminary. Bill has always had a passion to bring the deep things of God’s word to the everyday people of God.

Resources:

Veritas School Online Theological School

https://www.veritasschool.life/

Church Growth Lecture

https://bg-sermon-manuscripts-pdf.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/CHURCH+GROWTH+LECTURE+1.pdf

Connect with Bill Giovannetti:

● Visit the website: https://www.veritasschool.life/

● Subscribe to the podcast: https://maxgrace.com/category/podcasts/

● Follow Bill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bill.giovannetti

● Follow Bill on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BillGiovannetti

● Follow Bill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billgiovannetti/

Thanks for tuning in! Please don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!