The Oaks Equipped

After a short podcast sabbatical, we’re back. This episode launches our journey through the Gospel of Mark: the fast-moving, straight-to-the-point story of Jesus the King. Josh and Glen unpack why The Oaks moved from Ephesians to Judges and now into Mark, why discipleship sits at the center of it all, and why Jesus’ invitation still cuts through the noise today: “Come, follow Me.” Buckle up… Mark doesn’t waste time.

As the new year begins, this episode explores why lasting change doesn’t start with resolutions but with identity. Walking through Ephesians 5, we talk about what it means to live as loved children and saints, not slaves—imitating God because we already belong to Him. The challenge is simple and freeing: stop asking “Is this a sin?” and start asking, “Will this help me run toward Christ?”

As a new year begins, Paul offers something better than resolutions: a transformed way of speaking rooted in the gospel. In this episode, we unpack the next house rule from Ephesians—use your words to build, not decay. We talk about why corrupting speech poisons communities, how truth can be spoken without becoming a weapon, and why Jesus models what it looks like to lead people to truth with wisdom and timing. The takeaway is simple but challenging: if our words are going to give life, they must flow from hearts saturated in God’s Word.

It’s Week 3 of Advent, and we’re talking about joy—not the cotton-candy kind that disappears, but the deep, steady gladness that comes from knowing God through every season. This conversation traces the Christmas story through an unexpected place: Malachi 4, where God promises “healing in His wings,” and joy that breaks out like freedom. From the shepherds’ anticipation to the woman who touches the hem of Jesus’ garment, we explore how faith rooted in God’s Word leads to real hope, real healing, and lasting joy. Plus, a practical challenge: name what you’re anxious about, find God’s promises that speak to it, and act like you believe them as we head toward Christmas Eve.

Anxiety and uncertainty seem to define our moment. Yet Advent invites us to see fear through a different lens. In this episode, we reflect on how Scripture addresses fear and how the coming of Jesus brings lasting peace in the middle of it.

In this episode, we contrast “cultural Christianity” with the kind of life Ephesians 4 calls us to—a life where every believer contributes. We explore serving, spiritual gifts, being stretched beyond our comfort zone, and why an equipped church is less vulnerable to false teaching and trendy movements. It’s a practical conversation about moving past church as a hobby and into the fullness of what God intends for His people.

Starting in Ephesians 4, Josh shows how the unity of Father, Son, and Spirit trickles down into one gospel, one baptism, and one people. We talk honestly about division in the church, what real accountability looks like, and how everyday practices and holidays can become opportunities for mission.

In true Josh fashion, we get straight to the point: our vision and mission only make sense when they’re tied to the Great Commission. This episode lays the foundation for who we are and what we’re aiming at as a church.