What happens when the place that once felt like home… doesn’t anymore?
In this episode, Sam unpacks his own journey through church life; the beauty, the heartbreak, and the hope of finding true belonging in the Body of Christ. From childhood pews to seasons of drift, to discovering that healing and community are worth fighting for, this is an honest look at what it means to stay rooted when faith and fellowship get complicated.
Because the answer to church hurt isn’t walking away; it’s finding your way back home.

What happens when conviction isn’t just a belief — but a line you’re willing to stand on?

In this episode, we talk about what it really costs to follow through when your faith and the world collide. From public stands to quiet moments of obedience, conviction often demands more than we expect.

Featuring a real-time example from the Christian music world, we’ll unpack why conviction matters, why it hurts, and why it’s worth it.

Because standing firm isn’t about being loud… it’s about being faithful.

Most of what we call “rest” doesn’t restore us — it distracts us. In Matthew 12, Jesus shows us a rest that goes deeper than naps or Netflix. Real rest is found in Him — and it frees us to do good.

Does God feel pain? At first, the idea that He doesn’t can sound cold and distant. But as we’ll see, God’s unchanging nature is actually the reason His love never runs out. In this episode, we look at Genesis 6, the suffering of Jesus, and the Father’s eternal plan to redeem us. This isn’t just doctrine on a page—it’s hope for anyone who’s ever asked if God really understands their hurt.

What does it really take to shape a sermon? In this episode of Pillars of Smoke, Sam pulls back the curtain on his prep for a message about Jesus as The Prophet. From frameworks and whiteboard scribbles to Scripture study and illustrations, discover how the process is less about writing a talk — and more about being shaped by God’s Word.

In a world full of questions, silence won’t do. From Acts 17 to today, this episode unpacks why apologetics is not optional — and why believers must be rooted in God’s Word, ready to give an answer when it matters most.

After a year away, Pillars of Smoke is back. In this relaunch episode, Sam shares life updates and a devotional reminder that God’s presence is still guiding His people today — through His Word, His Spirit, and His people.

Luke 13 emphasizes the necessity of repentance, God's patience and call for fruitfulness, the compassionate healing of Jesus, the transformative nature of God's Kingdom, and the sorrow over Jerusalem's resistance to God's messengers

Jesus emphasizes the importance of being constantly vigilant, faithful, and ready for His return, highlighting the rewards for preparedness and the consequences of neglect.