Pastor Pastor

Why can you trust that the Bible is God’s Word? Because Jesus did! In this thought-provoking episode, Wes presents evidence for the validity of the Bible, including the self-authenticating nature of Scripture and what to do with textual variants.

Anxiety seems increasingly common today. Is the cause primarily emotional, physical, spiritual—or something else? In this practical and pastoral episode, Wes gives a biblical framework for thinking and shepherding through anxiety. Wes counsels us to repent of sinful anxiety, stay in the lane of what God has revealed, and trust Him to provide sufficient grace for all things.

In this episode of Pastor Pastor, Wes responds to a listener’s question about whether the Bible teaches differing rewards in heaven and varying degrees of punishment in hell. It’s a conversation that raises important questions about eternity—questions that, once asked, are hard to ignore.

When circumstances are desperate, prayer flows. But for a Christian, a life of prayer flows from a desperation to see God's promises fulfilled. In this candid conversation, Wes reflects on the truths of Scripture, the life of Jesus, and his own personal experience as he challenges pastors, and all Christians, to cultivate holy desperation. Topics include our motivation for desperation, prayer and God's sovereignty, and practical tips on growing in prayer.

In this episode, Wes responds to a listener question: Do the wicked face everlasting conscious punishment or eventual annihilation? Wes demonstrates the consistency and clarity of Scripture concerning the fate of the wicked and discusses the significance of this sobering topic.

Is the fear of God something to dread, or something to treasure? Wes helps Rob explore the dual nature of holy fear: the servile fear that awakens the lost to their need for mercy, and the filial fear that steadies the believer in worship and obedience. Listen in as they consider why fearing God is not opposed to love, but is the very foundation for truly knowing Him.

How can Christians avoid either overestimating or underestimating the power and influence of the evil one? In today's episode, Wes answers another thoughtful question from one of our listeners: "How does Scripture help us distinguish between the effects of the fall and the active work of Satan in the world?"

In this episode, Wes opens with an addendum to an earlier discussion, “What Happens When I Die?”, offering further clarity on what Scripture teaches about life after death. From there, the conversation turns toward personal holiness and what it looks like to behold God in everyday life. Wes helps us see why the Christian life is not divided into sacred and secular categories, and how even ordinary moments, including watching the Super Bowl, can become occasions for growing in holiness as we learn to live all of life before God.

What does it mean to take communion "in an unworthy manner"? In this episode, Wes clarifies one of the New Testament’s most often misunderstood warnings. As we walk through 1 Corinthians 11:27–29, Wes directs our focus away from excessive self-examination and toward Paul’s real concern — a divided church failing to love and honor one another. Learn how this passage, considered in context, does not present the Lord's Supper as a test of personal worthiness, but as a safeguard to strength and unity in the church as believers behold Christ together.

In this episode we continue our new weekly format with a question and a challenge. First, Wes walks us through Luke 9:23, clarifying what Jesus means when he tells us to take up our cross. Wes explains how cross-bearing is not a later stage of discipleship, but a defining mark of genuine faith, and helps us recover the full weight of Jesus’ call. Wes then turns to New England, presenting a compelling case for the spiritual benefits to both pastors and lay people of serving in one of our country's neediest mission fields, and how NETS can prepare you and your family for faithful, long-term ministry in the region.