This week’s Beyond Sunday episode dives into the joy of gratitude, humor, and holiness — with a sweet twist (literally, leftover Halloween candy makes a guest appearance). The crew kicks things off with laughter and Skittle Gummies before unpacking the latest sermon: “Take, Eat, and Be Thankful for Your Seat at the Table.” They explore David’s kindness to Mephibosheth as a reflection of God’s grace, emphasizing that gratitude is measured by kindness, marked by humility, and grown through reflection.

The team revisits their “grumbling fast” challenge, sharing real moments of both failure and growth — and introducing a hilarious new game called “Bless This Mess.” From spoiled laundry to Sunday morning typos, each scenario presents an opportunity to turn complaints into praise. They wrap up by reflecting on how kindness is contagious, how encouragement can be “oxygen to the soul,” and how to avoid “blocking someone’s blessing.”

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First Thanksgiving Feast - "Take, Eat: Be Grateful for Your Seat at the Table" - 2 Samuel

Have you ever been invited somewhere you knew you didn’t belong—yet found yourself welcomed anyway? That’s the story of Mephibosheth—and ours. In this message, we’re reminded that we have a seat at the King’s table, not because we deserve it, but because we’re wanted there. The King Himself delights in our presence, and the Holy Spirit joins us, making this communion even more profound. Jesus didn’t relegate us to the kids’ table—but maybe that’s exactly where we belong. After all, the kids’ table is the best one, where the children of the King gather to feast in grace and joy.

This week on Beyond Sunday, Evan, Paxton, Michael, and Josh continue into our November series, The First Thanksgiving Feast. The table is the focus again this week: the table of manna in the wilderness and the table of the Lord’s Supper today. The team talks about how God’s provision isn’t always flashy, but it is faithful. Just like Israel learned to trust daily manna, we’re learning to receive the Lord’s presence and grace as the true Bread of Life who sustains us.

The group has some light-hearted fun imagining what food each of them could eat every day for forty years—though thankfully, God knows better than we do about what we need. The conversation moves deeper as they reflect on Jesus giving thanks even for what would break Him. Gratitude, even in struggle, becomes a way that God forms us.

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First Thanksgiving Feast - "Take, Eat: Thankful for the Hope of Salvation" - Exodus 16:1-15; Matthew 26:26-28

From manna in the wilderness to bread at the table, God’s story of redemption has always been told through a meal. In Exodus, He provided the first taste of His provision—and Jesus completed it when He broke bread with His followers. Over that simple meal, He gave thanks for what symbolized His own body and blood, soon to be broken and shed for us. Even facing the cross, Jesus was thankful—joyful—for the Father’s perfect plan. This serves to remind us that gratitude isn’t just for blessings we can see, but for the salvation we’ve received.

This week on the Beyond Sunday podcast, Josh is joined by Kevin Lee, Justin Eshenbaugh, and Michael Shearon to reflect on Sunday’s message about the Prodigal Son and the seven words that guide the journey of repentance. The team opens with a lighthearted Thanksgiving-themed question about “returning home to the feast,” sharing everything from smoked Kentucky Legend ham to deviled eggs, salmon salad, and even dill pickle soup. The laughter sets the tone, but quickly turns toward the heart: God meets us in the mess, calls us home, and restores us not as hired hands—but as sons and daughters.

The group explores how each of us may find ourselves in different places on that journey—stop, think, act, start, move, receive grace, and give grace—and how pride tries to interrupt every step. They talk honestly about coming to rock-bottom realizations, learning to recognize unhealthy patterns, and remembering that God is both patient and present. They also look ahead with expectation toward the upcoming Night of Worship (“He Is…”) and the launch of the New Work Cadiz Campus, encouraging listeners to step forward in obedience wherever the Lord is leading.

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Wrecked. YET. Renewed. - "Wrecked by Me" - Luke 15:11-24

The story of the Prodigal Son reminds us that sometimes, we have no one to blame but ourselves. Like the son who ran away and wrecked his life, we too can wander far from our Father. Yet when we come to our senses and turn back, there is always a way home. Our Heavenly Father meets us with grace—covering our shame, restoring our identity, and setting us free. No matter how far we’ve gone or how long we’ve been away, Jesus welcomes us home—redeemed, restored, and renewed.

This week’s Beyond Sunday podcast features Michael Shearon, Josh Hensley, Evan Ryan, and special guest Keion Brown—a ministry resident journeying through several ministry areas at New Work. Things kick off with a hilarious round of Family Feud: Bitter Edition, where the crew discovers what families argue about most and what pet peeves drive people crazy at home (spoiler: wet socks and thermostat wars hit close to home).

From laughter, the team moves into a deep and transparent discussion on bitterness—how it takes root, poisons relationships, and is only broken through genuine forgiveness. Evan unpacks his sermon from Genesis and the story of Joseph, showing how “bitterness is generational,” “bitterness grows when we keep score,” and “forgiveness breaks the cycle.” Together they wrestle with what true forgiveness looks like, the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, and how God often uses pain and delay to prepare us for purpose. The episode closes with an honest listener question about unanswered prayer and some powerful reminders that “a no is not a no—it’s loving redirection.”

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Wrecked. YET. Renewed. - "Wrecked by Bitterness" - Genesis 37:3-8, 18, 23-28; 42:21, 45:1-8

The story of Joseph and his brothers shows what happens when bitterness rules a family—and what redemption looks like when God steps in. From jealousy and betrayal to forgiveness and restoration, Joseph’s journey reminds us that even when our family history feels wrecked, God can renew it. Your past doesn’t have to define your future. In Christ, bitterness can stop with you—and forgiveness can begin.

This week’s conversation starts with laughs and lands deep. The crew picks up Paxton’s sermon illustration about feeding the tiger—those little desires we keep alive until they grow teeth. From late-night scroll sessions to collecting Beanie Babies and Dr. Squatch soaps, everyone admits they’ve got their own “tigers.” It’s funny, but it hits close to home.

The group turns the corner to what Scripture says about desire. Psalm 37:4 and 1 Peter 5:6 remind us that when we delight in the Lord, He reshapes what we want—and when we humble ourselves, He’s the One who lifts us up. They talk about ambition, approval, and the moments when God flips our motives from self-promotion to kingdom purpose. It’s honest, hopeful, and a good reminder that some things need starving… and others need surrendering.

Before wrapping up, the guys highlight Harvest Fest on October 26—a chance to turn good intentions into real ministry by serving, smiling, and sharing the gospel with thousands of neighbors.

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Wrecked. YET. Renewed. - "Wrecked by Desire" - 2 Samuel 11

The story of David and Bathsheba is a story of saying “yes” when God says “no.” David’s unchecked desire led to heartbreak, betrayal, and lasting family pain. But even in the wreckage, God’s grace breaks through. Jesus—called the Son of David—redeems what’s been ruined and invites us to do the same: to break the cycle and grow by learning the power of “no.”