Sometimes stories in the gospel accounts can seem sporadic. Jesus is kind to his disciples, rebukes a demon, gets frustrated with his disciples, gives an eerie message, and then pays his taxes. How does this paint a clear picture of Jesus' character or goals? In this episode, Trevor is joined by John Cowherd to discuss exactly this–the continuous and consistent thread of Jesus' activity in a sequence of different scenarios and crowds. Join the conversation by commenting what you found interesting about this passage below!

When most people think of God, they think of unexplained phenomena, a glowing light from the clouds, and a thundering voice from heaven. Jesus rarely appears in scripture this way, and even less in the gospel accounts, but Matthew 17 begins with one of those few times. In this episode, Trevor and Ryan drink triple-shot espresso drinks just before exploring some of the depths of this moment in Jesus' life, digging into some of the scriptural allusions made in this passage, the cultural background behind Peter's decision to suggest raising three tents, and the references to Elijah and John the Baptist. Join the conversation by letting us know what you found interesting or think we missed down below!

For being described as a "good guy" and a "good teacher", some of Jesus's words can appear pretty mean. In this episode, Trevor and Ryan tackle a large section of Matthew 15 which contains a tense interaction that Jesus had with an outsider begging for his healing. Digging into the historical background, original word usage, and similar interactions in Matthew's gospel account, they discuss the cultural background we miss in this tricky story as well as a three-day healing spree and the second account of Jesus feeding a massive crowd. Join the conversation by commenting what we missed or what you found interesting!

While it is recent news that a prominent pastor saying something strong enough to get him kicked off of the stage of a church near ours, our struggle with choosing leaders and worldview slants is nothing new. The glaring issue brought out at that event is an issue we constantly wrestle with–what makes leaders or ideologies worth following? In this episode, Trevor and Ryan set out to answer that question as it applies to our lives in general and in some specific situations we find ourselves in these days, arguing that the fruit of someone's life (the product of their character and integrity), as well as the tone and attitude someone has, should hold as much or more importance than the depth or shock of the content they communicate. Join the conversation by commenting below on what you found interesting, relevant, or disagreeable, as well as experiences you've had that would match our discussion.

From Palm Sunday to two Sundays after Easter this year (2024), we have been preaching a series called "Misplaced Expectations" in our Sunday worship gatherings. These have covered the ways that we expect God to be at work in the world and the ways that he often subverts our expectations for something much, much better. Whether you were here for these sermons and want a refresher or want to hear us engage the topic in another format, this episode is for you! Let us know in the comments what you think about the concept and a way that God has subverted your expectations of Him for the better!

What's the next step for a Christian after belief and baptism? Many faithful believers have sought and taught different answers to this question, but Jesus, his 12 disciples, and the New Testament church did not seem to struggle with what to do with new believers. The secret is in what Jesus thought a "disciple" is. In this episode, Trevor and Ryan have a conversation informed by John Mark Comer's book "Practicing The Way" about the path of maturity that Jesus calls all of his disciples down: past, present, and future. Join the conversation by letting us know how you've had discipleship communicated to you, and check out John Mark's book below.

Practicing The Way | John Mark Comer

https://a.co/d/5uCRv3y

We're back with another episode of the Sunday Study Hall! These are some of our favorite podcasts to do because they help us dive deeper into the scripture that we preached on Sunday in a way that is conversational, curious, and inter-scriptural (tracing a theme from our specific passage throughout the wider contexts of the whole Bible). In this conversation, Trevor and Ryan talk about one of the Bible's most famous Jesus stories, covering how this narrative fits into the context of Jesus' evolving 3-year ministry, the motivations and relational elements we can become numb to when we hear this story too often, and the spiritual and premodern background to the waves, the wind, and spirits. Join the conversation by letting us know what you found interesting or what we missed!

We're back with another episode of the Sunday Study Hall! These are some of our favorite podcasts to do because they help us dive deeper into the scripture that we preached on Sunday in a way that is conversational, curious, and inter-scriptural (tracing a theme from our specific passage throughout the wider contexts of the whole Bible). In this conversation, Trevor and Ryan talk about one of the Bible's most famous Jesus stories, covering how this narrative fits into the context of Jesus' evolving 3-year ministry, the motivations and relational elements we can become numb to when we hear this story too often, and the spiritual and premodern background to the waves, the wind, and spirits. Join the conversation by letting us know what you found interesting or what we missed!

Many people (ourselves included) struggle with what God wants for them or from them. Did I pick the right school/job/spouse/church? Is God disappointed? Is He angry? Am I living in disobedience by wanting a certain career or making certain life moves, or is He giving me the freedom to choose those things? In this episode, Trevor and Ryan begin to tackle the topic of God's plan or will for our lives, what it entails, what it doesn't, what God asks of us, and what he promises to respond with. Join the conversation by letting us know what you've heard in the past about God's will, including God's will for people's lives in general or your own life in particular.

We're back with another episode of the Sunday Study Hall! These are some of our favorite podcasts to do because they help us dive deeper into the scripture that we preached on Sunday in a way that is conversational, inter-scriptural (tracing a theme from our specific passage throughout the wider contexts of the whole Bible), and curious. In this conversation, Trevor and Ryan talk about a slew of parables that Jesus gives in rapid succession at the end of Matthew chapter 13, covering how they connect, which weeds look like wheat, and how the idea "son of..." talks about something or someone's characteristics rather than their origin or necessary, unchangeable fate. Join the conversation by letting us know what you found interesting or what we missed!