In this message, “A Tale of Two Kings,” Scott opens 2 Chronicles 14–16 and traces the life of King Asa, a leader who begins with courage and conviction but ultimately succumbs to pride and self-reliance. Asa tears down idols, leads Judah back to true worship, and cries out to God when a vast army threatens to wipe his nation out. God answers, scatters the enemy, and gives the land rest. But years later, when pressure comes again, Asa turns to human schemes and political deals instead of prayer. Confronted by a prophet, he hardens his heart, refuses to repent, and finishes his life leaning on physicians while refusing to seek the Lord.

From there, Scott points to the second King in this tale. Out of Asa’s broken line comes Jesus, the better King who never drifts, never compromises, and never fails. Where Asa’s diseased feet could no longer carry him, Jesus’ pierced feet carry the weight of our sin and win a victory that brings peace not just for a season but for eternity. Along the way, Scott presses into five honest invitations: to believe that God is real and active, to see delay as God’s waiting room rather than His rejection, to confess sin quickly, to trust the relentless promise of grace, and to order our lives around obedience. The sermon ends with a simple but searching question: not “Which king is better?” but “Which King truly rules your heart?”

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Scott and Mattie continue their Bible-in-a-year journey, covering 1 Chronicles 28 through 2 Chronicles 35. They explore the themes of leadership, pride, revival, and repentance as they trace the rise and fall of Judah’s kings—from David and Solomon to Hezekiah, Manasseh, and Josiah.

The episode highlights how obedience builds while pride destroys, the possibility of renewal after spiritual decline, and how the persecuted church’s perspective helps us read and apply these stories today.

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Join Scott and Mattie on The Harder Way Podcast as they continue a nine-month journey through the Bible, moving from the end of 2 Kings into 1 Chronicles. This episode examines Judah’s fall, the Babylonian exile, the hope that remains in God’s covenant, and David’s preparations for the temple, all through the lens of faith over fear and the wisdom of the persecuted church.

They highlight themes of spiritual warfare, leadership and repentance, the power of testimony and genealogy, and call listeners to prayer and unity as they apply these stories to life and ministry today.

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Week 10 of the Harder Way Podcast explores 1 Kings 10–2 Kings 15, tracing Solomon’s spiritual decline, the division of Israel and Judah, and the rise of bold prophets such as Elijah and Elisha. Hosts Scott and Mattie explore how idolatry, fear, and poor stewardship led to national collapse while the faithful remnant preserved God’s light.

The episode ties these Old Testament stories to the theme of faith over fear, urging listeners to confront idols in their own lives and to pray for persecuted Christians worldwide. It highlights the prophetic mercy and judgment, as well as the foreshadowing of Christ, in the ministries of Elijah and Elisha.

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Scott and Mattie continue their Bible read-through, covering 2 Samuel 4 through 1 Kings 9–10. They trace David’s rise, the Ark’s arrival in Jerusalem, his grievous sin with Bathsheba, and his powerful repentance in Psalm 51, as well as Solomon’s humble request for wisdom and the building of the temple.

Along the way, our hosts reflect on leadership, repentance, and choosing faith over fear, offer practical ways to support the podcast, and remind listeners to pray for persecuted Christians, including those suffering in Mozambique.

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Scott and Mttdie walk through the book of 1 Samuel (with a brief look at 2 Samuel), highlighting key stories from Hannah and Samuel to Saul and David, and the Ark of the Covenant. They explore how God’s sovereignty and timing shape leaders and nations.

The episode connects these biblical accounts to the podcast’s theme of "faith over fear," discusses responses to persecution and compromise, and offers practical application about trusting God's promises, choosing noncompliance when required by conscience, and embracing the harder, God-honoring way.

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Scott and Mattie walk through Joshua 22–24, the book of Judges, and Ruth, tracing covenant renewal, the recurring cycle of sin and deliverance, and the hope of the kinsman‑redeemer. They connect these stories to Christ’s work and to the faithfulness of believers living under persecution.

The episode highlights practical takeaways for modern Christians—reminding listeners to renew covenant faithfulness, recognize patterns of spiritual drift, and find encouragement in God’s steadfast love (hesed) as modeled in Ruth and Boaz.

Week 8 Reading: 1 Samuel 7 - 2 Samuel 5

Tuesday 1 Samuel 13–16

Wednesday 1 Samuel 17–20

Thursday 1 Samuel 21–24

Friday 1 Samuel 25–30

Saturday 1 Samuel 31; 2 Samuel 1–5

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Join Scott and Mattie as they cover Deuteronomy 20 through Joshua 21, exploring themes of holiness, covenant renewal, and choosing faith over fear. Hear stories of the restricted church and Bible courier ministry, plus key moments like the fall of Jericho, Rahab’s faith, Joshua’s commissioning, and the cities of refuge — all pointing to God’s faithfulness and the work of Christ.

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Week 7 Reading: Joshua 22 - 1 Samuel 6

Monday       Joshua 22–24; Judges 1

Tuesday       Judges 2–6

Wednesday Judges 7–10

Thursday     Judges 11–15

Friday          Judges 16–19

Saturday     Judges 20–21; Ruth 1–4

Sunday       1 Samuel 1–6

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Scott and Mattie walk through Numbers 22–Deuteronomy 19, unpacking stories such as Balaam and his speaking donkey, Israel's fall into idolatry, the Shema, and the cities of refuge (a type of Christ!), while highlighting God's sovereignty and providential care.

This episode urges listeners to choose faith over fear, embrace holiness the "God way," and learn from the persecuted church to live faithfully on the Harder Way.

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Week 6 Reading: Deuteronomy 20 - Joshua 21

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Scott and Mattie guide listeners through Leviticus 19–27 and Numbers 1–21, unpacking holiness codes, laws, and the practical challenges of faith over fear. They highlight key stories, the manna and quail, the twelve spies, Korah's rebellion, Moses striking the rock, and the bronze serpent, and draw connections to Jesus, leadership, and the persecuted church.

The episode encourages readers to trust God’s timing and providence, learn from Israel’s failures, and embrace the "Harder Way" of faithful obedience even under pressure, accompanied by pastoral reflections on accountability and resilience.

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Week 5 Reading: Numbers 22-Deuteronomy 19

Monday          Numbers 22–26