In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Anthony, Matthew, and Chris take a look at prosperity theology and why it often creates confusion within the Christian faith. They unpack the idea that faith or obedience guarantees wealth, health, or happiness, and contrast it with what Scripture actually teaches about blessing and the Christian life.

Throughout the conversation, the pastors explore commonly misused Bible passages, the role of suffering and hardship, and how distorted expectations can lead to guilt or disillusionment. Rather than promising an easy or comfortable life, they point listeners toward a faith centered on knowing Christ, trusting God’s redemptive work, and holding an eternal perspective. This episode offers clarity, balance, and encouragement for anyone wrestling with faith, suffering, or spiritual disappointment.

Watch the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IhjA0NmuNpo?si=HYZGwQwLVNrgsNY7

Artificial intelligence is becoming a normal part of life, and many people are unsure how to think about it. In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Matthew, Anthony, and Chris talk through the opportunities and challenges AI brings to followers of Jesus. They discuss how technology can strengthen learning, creativity, and global connection, while also exploring the risks of replacing real relationships, spiritual reflection, and personal growth. Together they walk through what it means to use modern tools with wisdom, protect what makes us human, and disciple the next generation in a world shaped by rapid change. If you’ve ever wondered how faith and AI fit together, this conversation offers clarity, balance, and helpful perspective.

Watch our conversation on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8f8Iyod88g

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Anthony, Matthew, and Chris take a closer look at what Jesus meant when He spoke about the kingdom of God. They talk through why this theme appears so often in His teaching, how His life showed what God’s reign looks like, and what it means for believers to live in the tension of a kingdom that has begun but is not yet complete. Their conversation is steady, clear, and centered on Scripture. We hope it brings clarity and encouragement as you follow Jesus and learn to trust His work in every part of life.

Watch this episode on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dvfZ1S-0GU

In this episode of the Branch Podcast, Pastor Matthew and Pastor Chris sit down for an honest conversation about what it means to love God, love others, and also learn to love ourselves in a healthy way. They walk through how love shapes our thoughts, emotions, spiritual rhythms, and daily choices, and they share practical examples from their own lives and ministries. The pastors also talk about navigating discouraging seasons, processing disappointment with God, and setting healthy boundaries while still loving people well.

If you'd prefer to watch this episode, you can find it on YouTube here: (Watch YouTube Video)

In this Branch Podcast Q&A episode, Pastors Matthew, Anthony, and Chris take on real questions from listeners about faith, Scripture, and life’s most challenging topics. Together they discuss reconciliation, fasting, sexuality, baptism, and why God allows suffering, all through the lens of Scripture and with honest, grace-filled conversation. The pastors also explore deep theological questions about salvation, Jesus’ divinity, and how faith shapes everyday decisions.

If you’ve ever wrestled with big questions or wanted to better understand how biblical truth applies today, this conversation will encourage, challenge, and strengthen your faith.

📺 Watch the full conversation on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZh41JFPUWI

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Matthew, Chris, and Anthony talk about what it really means to live a life of biblical submission. They look at Philippians 2 and Ephesians 5 to show how Jesus modeled humility and obedience, even when it came at a cost. The pastors unpack why submission isn’t weakness but a loving trust in God’s plan, one that shapes marriages, leadership, and everyday relationships. They also address what submission is not, including how to respond to unhealthy authority.

This honest and practical conversation helps listeners see how choosing humility and service over control leads to freedom, unity, and real spiritual growth.

Prefer to watch this conversation? Check out the full video on YouTube: Watch on YouTube

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Matthew Johnson and Anthony Lombardi talk about the rise of “deconstruction” in today’s culture. They explore both healthy and unhealthy ways to question your faith, showing that doubt doesn’t have to lead to disbelief. Through personal stories, honest reflection, and biblical truth, they reveal how examining what you believe can actually strengthen your faith.

The conversation touches on church hurt, cultural pressures, and the need to rebuild on a foundation of truth rather than emotion or trends. Along the way, they reference passages like Mark 9:24, Romans 8:28, and the story of Thomas in John 20, reminding us that Jesus meets us in our doubts and that honest wrestling can lead to deeper trust.

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Matthew, Anthony, and Chris share an unscripted conversation that begins with lighthearted prank stories and then shifts into a thoughtful discussion on faith, culture, and politics. Looking at Matthew 21 and Revelation 5, they explore the tension of Jesus as both Lion and Lamb, powerful, yet victorious through sacrifice. The pastors consider how Christians today can respond to cultural pressures, avoid misplaced political allegiance, and keep their focus on Jesus alone. This open and practical conversation encourages listeners to reflect deeply and live out their faith with clarity and conviction.

Too often, we say the right things about Jesus while living lives that tell a different story. In this episode, we confront the uncomfortable truth about giving Him lip service instead of true surrender—and explore what it really means to honor Jesus with every part of our lives. If you've ever felt the tension between your words and your walk, this conversation is for you. Through honest reflection, practical insight, and biblical truth, this episode invites you to move beyond surface-level faith into a fully surrendered life.

In the face of tragedy, how do we respond as Christians? This powerful discussion challenges us to examine our hearts and actions when confronted with evil. The central message revolves around Jesus' teaching to 'overcome evil with good' (Romans 12:21). We're reminded that our primary calling is not to win political battles, but to point people to Jesus and His transformative love. The conversation draws parallels between Paul's conversion and our own potential to show grace to those who seem beyond redemption. It emphasizes the importance of seeing others as spiritual captives rather than enemies, echoing Paul's words about the 'god of this world' blinding people to the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4). This perspective shift invites us to approach even those we disagree with through a lens of compassion and hope for their salvation. As we navigate a world full of division, we're encouraged to pause, seek God's peace, and consider how our words and actions can reflect Christ's love to a hurting world.