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Is masturbation a sin? It's one of the most avoided questions in the church — but Cyle, Cody, and Ryan tackle it head-on on this episode of HOTLCast. They walk through what Scripture actually says about lust, self-control, and sexual immorality, and why the "lesser sin" argument doesn't hold up biblically. They also get real about the shame cycle many people are stuck in, share some surprising statistics about how widespread this struggle is in the church, and offer practical encouragement for anyone who wants to break free. If this is your struggle, you're not alone — and this episode is for you.

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In this episode, Cody, Ryan, and Mark talk about Cyle's new series through the book of Philippians — one of the most joyful letters in all of Scripture, written by Paul from prison. The guys explore the difference between joy and happiness, why gratitude is the birthplace of real joy, and what it looks like to choose peace in the middle of chaos. Plus, they celebrate Ryan's official ordination as pastor and share some powerful personal stories along the way. What are you going to focus on — the chains, or the joy?

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• In this message from Philippians 1, Pastor Cyle explores one of the most counterintuitive truths in Scripture: the gospel travels well in chains. Writing from house arrest in Rome, Paul didn't just survive hardship — he used it. The guards assigned to watch him heard the gospel. His imprisonment emboldened other believers. What looked like a setback became a setup.
• Pastor Cyle walks through the "prisons" we all carry — addiction, bitterness, comparison, shame, depression, unforgiveness, spiritual apathy — and challenges us with a powerful question: What if the very thing you wish God would remove is the very thing He wants to use?
• Key takeaway: Mature believers stop making everything about themselves. Joy is possible before the breakthrough comes — because it comes from Christ, not circumstances.

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What does it mean to be clear about what you believe? In this message, Pastor Cyle Young of Heart o' the Lakes Church dives into one small but powerful word — viz. — found in the church's statement of faith. This Latin abbreviation meaning "namely" or "that is to say" leads into a rich conversation about the Christian ordinances of baptism, communion, and foot washing, and why the church must define the essentials while extending grace on everything else.

Drawing from Scripture and real-life stories — from hospital-room baptisms to a card game tournament conversation about faith — Pastor Cyle challenges believers to loosen their grip on preferences, stop fighting over methods, and refocus on the mission: loving God, loving people, and pointing the world to Jesus.

"In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. And in all else, charity."

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Is getting a tattoo a sin? Cyle, Cody, and Ryan tackle one of the church's most debated questions on this episode of Faith Questions. From Leviticus 19:28 to Paul's letters on Christian freedom, they dig into what the Old and New Testaments actually say — and what it means to live that out today. Cody shares his personal framework for making thoughtful decisions about tattoos, Ryan opens up about his own ink, and the guys land on a nuanced, grace-filled conclusion: it's not about what you can do, but what honors God and points others to Christ. If you've ever wondered whether body art and faith can coexist, this episode is for you.

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Cyle, Cody, Ryan, and Mark wrap up the Side Quest sermon series by tackling the ultimate Main Quest — knowing Christ and making Him known. After a fun detour into video games, card games, and the future of nursing homes, the crew gets into the real stuff: what it means to pursue Jesus with intention, why so many Christians get lost chasing shiny distractions, and how to bring your side quests back into alignment with the main quest. Cody challenges listeners to not just proclaim Jesus, but to proclaim the right Jesus — one whose character actually matches scripture. Plus, thoughts on discipleship, building real relationships with people outside your comfort zone, and why people should be envious of how Christians live.

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In this concluding message of the "Side Quest" series, the speaker uses the world of video games as a lens to examine life's ultimate purpose. Drawing from John 17:3, Matthew 28, Philippians 3:8, and Ephesians 2:8–9, he challenges listeners to move beyond the busyness of everyday "side quests" — achievements, sports, entertainment, and success — and pursue the one thing that truly matters: a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The message closes with a call to action: start the main quest, walk with Jesus daily, and make Him known to the people around you.

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Do dogs go to heaven? It's one of the most personal questions people ask about faith — and in this episode of Faith Questions, we dig into what the Bible actually says. We explore the difference between humans and animals in scripture, what Isaiah 11 tells us about the millennial kingdom, and whether your specific pet will be waiting for you in eternity. We give our honest take, even if it's not the answer everyone wants to hear. Got a faith question of your own? Send it our way — we tackle a new one every week.

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In this episode of the HOTLCast, Cyle, Matt, Ryan, and Mark dive deep into the "Side Quest Life" series — exploring how the people around us (your real-life NPCs) are never just background characters. From Salvation Army bell ringers to card game tournaments, they unpack what it looks like to live non-transactionally, invest in people without expecting a return, and watch God multiply what you give. It's a warm, honest conversation about faith, community, and keeping Jesus as your main quest.

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In this third installment of the Side Quest Life series, Pastor Cyle uses the concept of non-playable characters (NPCs) from video games to challenge listeners to stop treating people like background noise. Drawing from Matthew 9:35–38, Proverbs 27:17, and Luke 19:10, the message reveals that the people we rush past are not interruptions — they are God's divine appointments and the very harvest Jesus calls us to. The application is simple but convicting: slow down, make room in your schedule for people, and move at the speed of compassion.