This week on the Beyond Sunday podcast, Josh Hensley welcomes the “dream team” — Alicia Lancaster, Justin Eshenbaugh, and Michael Shearon — for a fun and thought-provoking mix of laughs, food debates, and serious faith discussion. They kick things off with the game Essential Truth or Personal Preference, weighing in on everything from pineapple on pizza and ketchup on steak to flip-flops in the pulpit.

The conversation then shifts to Justin’s sermon from Romans 14, unpacking how to navigate disagreements in the church. The team discusses knowing the difference between core biblical truths and personal convictions, yielding sacrificially to protect unity, and correcting humbly with love and relationship. Real-life examples from ministry and family life make the principles practical. They also preview upcoming events, including Steve Buttram’s message on community, Friend Day with lakeside baptisms, and the women’s Going Beyond simulcast with Priscilla Shirer.

THE ESSENTIAL LIST

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When in Rome - "When We Disagree, Agree in This" - Romans 14

We are told in verse 1 of Romans 14 to accept the weak; make allowances for the weak. That means my personal convictions and opinions are not scriptural authority - keep it between yourself and God. Give room for differences, and most importantly, don't tear apart the work of God.  How often have we all seen churches ruptured by differences of opinion? We should not tell others what they "ought" to be doing based on our personal convictions. Likewise, we should not ignore God's prompting when we are doing something in violation of our personal convictions. Can you follow your convictions when the crowd is going the opposite direction?

This week on Beyond Sunday, Josh is joined by Paxton, Chaney, and Michael for a fun and thought-provoking episode. Things kick off with “Romans Remix”—a creative (and hilarious) game rephrasing Romans 1–12 into modern slang. But beneath the laughs, the team wrestles with the deeper message of Romans 12 and what it truly means to live a life fully surrendered to Jesus.

They share personal stories of surrender, discuss how transformation happens beyond surface-level change, and challenge listeners to evaluate who's really "on the throne" of their hearts. It’s a powerful reminder: if it’s all about Jesus, then everything in us should reflect that.

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When in Rome - "The Purpose of It All: Transformation" - Romans 12:1-2

This is the crux of it all. The first word in this chapter is, "Therefore," which is a way of saying...Everything I've said up to here is all for this purpose! Paul pleads with the readers to give our bodies as a sacrifice - a living sacrifice. Is it too much to give to God our bodies? That is often the thing we want to hold back. Listen to the slogans of our age, "My body, my choice," "You do you, I'll do me." And when we give him our bodies, Paul pleads that it be a holy sacrifice. And it is a sacrifice that is to be put to work. Your body AND the gift of the Spirit who is in you and gifts you. And while you are giving your body to the Lord, also be sure to take care of His body, the church. You are a part of it, and everything that happens in you, to you, because of you has an impact in His body.

This week’s Beyond Sunday podcast brings together father/daughter duo, Steve and Hannah Buttram, with Michael Shearon, and Paxton Redd for a lively, heartfelt conversation. The crew kicks off with a hilarious discussion on unexpected food combinations (peanut butter and pickles, anyone?) before diving into Sunday’s sermon from Romans 10. The passage reveals Paul’s deep longing for Israel’s salvation and challenges us to examine the difference between legalism and genuine relationship with Christ.

The team explores the burden of responsibility we share as believers to spread the gospel — not just pastors, but every follower of Jesus. They unpack the Great Commission, the dangers of legalism and cheap grace, and practical ways to share Christ in everyday life. Along the way, you’ll hear personal stories from mission trips, insights into transformation through surrender, and a preview of what’s ahead in Romans 12.

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When in Rome - "The Longing of My Heart" - Romans 10:1-17

What do you long for? What moves you? Where have you planted your affection? Paul opens his heart in Romans 10. Don't miss the power of his words, "The longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved." Paul didn't just have his three. Paul had his nation! These were his people. Is that the heart we have? Who are your three? Are you praying daily? Are you inviting? These needs to be at the heart of every believer and every church. This has to be our heart as a church, for our city, for our family, for the flock God has entrusted to us.

This week on the Beyond Sunday podcast, Josh Hensley is joined by Cliff, Tate, and Nora for a lively conversation that blends fun, faith, and reflection. The team dives into Cliff’s sermon on Romans 8, exploring what it means to be fully convinced of God’s love and promises—especially in seasons of struggle versus seasons of success. They unpack “mountaintop vs. valley” experiences and share personal testimonies of God’s faithfulness in hard times.

Alongside the deeper discussion, they play a spirited round of “Convinced or Confused?” debating everything from pineapple on pizza to daylight savings time and whether cereal counts as soup. Nora also highlights the church’s local and global mission opportunities, including the new prayer wall in the missions hallway and ways to get involved without leaving Hopkinsville.

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When in Rome - "He Is for You" - Romans 8:31-39

Paul is building toward a crescendo. There is no condemnation! You are not controlled by your sinful nature! You have the Spirit of God! The Holy Spirit helps us in every weakness! And almost as if he is shouting, Paul declares: If God is for us, who can ever be against us? God is for us.  He is FOR you. What an amazing thought! There is nothing that could ever separate us from Christ's love. The troubles of life do not negate the love of God. What are you facing? What are you enduring? It does not change God. It does not change your status in Him.

In this episode, Josh Hensley, Steve Buttram, Michael Shearon, and Kevin Lee engage in a powerful and deeply personal discussion. The team starts with a lighthearted trip down memory lane, sharing the childhood movies that scarred them for life (we’re looking at you, Little Monsters and Poltergeist). But the tone quickly shifts as they unpack Kevin’s sermon from Romans 8, reflecting on how God works through suffering and how the Spirit intercedes in our weakness.

The group shares real stories of painful seasons, the long waits in the “desert,” and the quiet comfort of knowing God is near even when there are no words left to pray. A quote from Tim Keller sparks conversation about how even our groans are heard by God, and Kevin offers a reminder that while God may not cause everything, He can work in everything. They close with exciting updates on New Work’s mission efforts, a look ahead to Friend Day and Lakeside Baptism on August 24, and a joyful sendoff as Kevin heads into sabbatical.

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When in Rome - "The Promise for When Life Is Hard" - Romans 8:26-30

What can we say? Life is hard. We all face struggles. Paul talked about suffering (ours and in the world) just prior to these verses. He speaks of "groaning" - and yes, life does have a groaning quality. In fact, the longer we live, the more acquainted with grief and groaning we become. But, there is a glorious day coming! And in the meantime, God is at work even in the suffering, hardship, and groaning. There is good that comes from the bad. So what are we to do in the hardship? Get to know the Holy Spirit; practice prayer; trust the goodness of the heavenly Father; invest yourself in the relationships of brothers and sisters; look forward, not backward.