The Overflow

Brandon and Susan tackle a culturally sensitive topic—the idol of therapy. As a licensed counselor herself, Susan affirms the value of counseling while challenging the modern tendency to elevate therapy above Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit. Together they examine how psychology, when separated from a biblical worldview, can offer conflicting theories and misplaced hope.

The conversation walks through the history of psychological thought, the limits of human-centered solutions, and why Christ—not counseling—must remain the ultimate source of healing. They discuss the importance of biblical counseling, the danger of treating therapy as a savior, and the foundational truth that our deepest problems are spiritual in nature. Ultimately, they call listeners to place therapy in its proper role—as a tool, not an idol—and to seek freedom and transformation first in Jesus.

QUESTIONS:

1. Have you ever been tempted to rely more on therapy or human advice than on Scripture and prayer?
2. When facing emotional or relational struggles, where do you turn first—for counsel, comfort, and direction?
3. How do you discern whether the guidance you receive is rooted in biblical truth or cultural theory?
4. In what areas of your life might you need to invite God to be your primary Counselor again?

READ MORE:

• The heart problem at the root of human brokenness (Romans 3:23; Psalm 51:1–5)
• Jesus as the ultimate source of wisdom and healing (Isaiah 9:6; John 14:26)
• The limits of human wisdom apart from God (Proverbs 3:5–7; Colossians 2:8)
• True freedom found in Christ alone (Galatians 5:1; John 8:36)
• The role of Scripture in soul care and transformation (2 Timothy 3:16–17; Psalm 19:7–9)

Susan Thomas and Pastor Holly Wagner have an honest conversation about walking through prolonged seasons of hardship. Holly shares her story of loss, betrayal, illness, and leadership under pressure and how God met her in the idle of it all. This episode explores spiritual resilience, standing firm in spiritual battles, and trusting God through life’s unexpected detours. Hard seasons are not the end of the story, but they are often the place where faith is forged. 

QUESTIONS:

1. How do you guard your heart against bitterness or isolation when pressure piles up?
2. What small, practical act of gratitude could help shift your focus in this season?
3. Are you grounding yourself in God’s truth, or do you find yourself being pulled by other voices?

READ MORE:

• “Though I walk through the valley” in Psalm 23:4
• Choosing gratitude in all circumstances in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
• Standing firm with the armor of God in Ephesians 6:10–18
• God working through suffering in Romans 8:18–28
• Faith being refined through trials in James 1:2–4

Brandon and Susan unpack one of the most foundational values of the Christian faith and the church: Jesus changes lives. Through Scripture, stories, and honest reflection, they explore why real change is necessary, why the world is broken apart from Christ, and why evangelism is not optional for believers or the church.

The conversation addresses the tension between evangelism and discipleship, responding to cynicism around baptism and church growth, and clarifying that salvation is a gift of grace—not a work to be earned. Brandon and Susan also share practical, real-life examples of sharing faith in everyday moments, reminding listeners that transformation flows from relationship with Jesus, not behavior modification. Ultimately, this episode calls believers to live on mission, trust God with the harvest, and remain faithful to the truth that only Jesus can truly change lives.

QUESTIONS:

1. How has Jesus changed your life, and how clearly can you articulate that story to someone else?
2. In what ways might you be relying on self-improvement or partial fixes instead of full surrender to Jesus?
3. Are you actively praying for God to place people in your path so you can share your faith with courage and compassion?

READ MORE:

• Jesus’ compassion for a broken and hurting world (Matthew 9:35–38)
• The mission of Jesus to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10)
• Salvation as a gift of grace, not works (Ephesians 2:8–9; Acts 2:38–41)
• The call to make disciples and live on mission (Matthew 28:19–20; Romans 10:14–15)
• True life change through Christ, not self-effort (2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 1:6)

Brandon and his brother Dr. Eric Thomas discuss the power of Scripture, prayer, and long-term faithfulness in the life of the church. Eric shares why memorizing God’s Word matters, how repetition forms spiritual reflexes, and why preparation must come before crisis. Together they explore courageous leadership, protecting church culture, and building multi-generational vision. The conversation highlights faith that endures, pastors who stay rooted, and churches that faithfully serve their communities over time together faithfully.

QUESTIONS

1. How intentional are you about memorizing Scripture? How does knowing God’s Word affect the way you respond to temptation or pressure?
2. In what areas of your life or leadership are you preparing in advance rather than reacting in the moment?
3. What kind of faith legacy are you helping build for the next generation through your consistency, obedience, and commitment?

READ MORE

• The importance of hiding God’s Word in your heart (Psalm 119:9–11)
• Scripture as a weapon against temptation (Matthew 4:1–11; Ephesians 6:17)
• Preparing spiritually before crisis hits (Proverbs 21:31; Luke 6:46–49)
• Faithfulness and longevity in leadership (1 Corinthians 4:2; Galatians 6:9)
• Passing faith to the next generation (Psalm 78:4–7; 2 Timothy 2:2)

We talk about building a family with generational vision rooted in God’s design. From Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob’s broken patterns to Joseph’s reset, we share how any family can start fresh today. We address threats like favoritism, lying, unhealthy friendships, and substance abuse, and emphasize prioritizing faith in God above all else. Whether you’re a young adult, parent, or empty nester, it’s never too late to build a family culture that points the next generation to Jesus.

QUESTIONS:

1. What generational sins or family patterns are you repeating, and how can you fight that battle now so your children won’t have to?
2. Are you prioritizing your child’s relationship with God above sports, academics, or social acceptance, or have those things become the foundation of your home?
3. Who are the people influencing your family, and are you intentionally placing your children in proximity to friendships that will point them toward Jesus?

READ MORE:

• “Unless the Lord builds a house” in Psalm 127:1–5
• The broken patterns of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in Genesis 12–50
• Joseph’s reset and redemption in Genesis 37–50
• “Bad company corrupts good character” in 1 Corinthians 15:33
• Speaking God’s truth to your children in Deuteronomy 6:6–9

Susan and Pastor Juliet Lyons explore how the true heart of worship goes beyond music and singing songs. Juliet shares her journey from hiding in church to leading worship globally and now pastoring Elan Church in Chicago with her husband. Together, Juliet and Susan unpack how authentic worship flows from the secret place and becomes a posture of surrender, a weapon in spiritual warfare, and an intimate connection with God.

QUESTIONS:
1. What does it mean that worship is more than “Christian karaoke”?
2. What does it look like to worship God in your darkest season or when you have nothing
else to give?
3. How can you shift from worrying about eyes on you to taking others where you’re going
in God’s presence?

READ MORE:

• Worshiping in spirit and truth in John 4:23–24
• Victory through praise in 2 Chronicles 20:21–22
• “A living sacrifice” in Romans 12:1–2
• God inhabiting the praises of His people in Psalm 22:3
• Every knee bowing to Jesus in Philippians 2:9–11

Christmas is meant to be a season of joy, celebration, and deep connection, but for many families it becomes stressful, disappointing, or emotionally heavy. In this episode Brandon and Susan walk through 7 common Christmas traps that quietly steal our joy: unrealistic expectations, greed, comparison, relational tension, nostalgia, and grief.

QUESTIONS:

1. How have expectations impacted your past holiday experiences, both positively or negatively?
2. Where do nostalgia or grief tempt you to miss what God is doing now?
3. What practical steps can you take this year to keep Jesus at the center of Christmas?

READ MORE:
1 Peter 4:8 — “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”

James 1:17 — “Every good and perfect gift is from above…”

Luke 2:10–11 — “I bring you good news of great joy…”

Exodus 20:17 — “You shall not covet…”

1 Thessalonians 4:13 — Grieving with hope, not without it

Philippians 4:11–13 — Learning contentment in every season

Colossians 3:2 — Setting minds on things above

We dive into one of Keystone’s core values: We Sing Loud. We examine what it means to worship God in spirit and truth, why congregational praise is a supernatural connection with God, and how the quality of our worship is directly tied to our intimacy with Christ. From biblical expressions like clapping and shouting to worship as warfare, we challenge the disconnect between private faith and corporate praise and encourage everyone to take their next step of obedience.

QUESTIONS:

1. Is there a disconnect between how you worship on Sunday and how you live the rest of the week? What does that reveal about your heart?
2. What is your next step of obedience in stretching yourself during worship?
3. If people are watching you worship, are you taking them where God is taking you, or are you holding back out of fear or self-consciousness?

READ MORE:

• Worshiping in spirit and truth in John 4:23–24
• Biblical expressions of praise in Psalm 47:1; 95:1–2; 100:1–2, Psalm 150:4
• Honoring God with our hearts, not just our lips in Matthew 15:8
• Paul and Silas worshiping in prison in Acts 16:25-26
• Worship as warfare in 2 Chronicles 20:21–22

Susan and Crystal Sparks share a powerful conversation about God’s redeeming grace, the importance of family, and the call to truly see people where they are. Crystal opens up about her journey through brokenness, addiction, and abuse—and how God met her in the middle of it all with a new beginning. Together they remind us that no one is too far gone, everyone matters, and everyone needs a Day One with Jesus.

QUESTIONS:

1. What would you describe as your “Day 1” moment with God?
2. How has brokenness in your past shaped the way you see people who are far from God today?
3. In what ways can you slow down enough to really see people as image-bearers of God?

READ MORE:

• Jesus and the woman at the well in John 4:1–42
• “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy” in John 10:10
• God’s heart for family in Genesis 1:27–28 and Ephesians 5:21–33
• “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” in Romans 10:13
• Luke’s emphasis on Jesus reaching the overlooked in Luke 4:16–21

We explore the reality of miracles and healing today and share why we believe all the gifts of the Holy Spirit are still active and available today. From N.T. Wright’s theology of miracles as “appetizers” to true healing stories at Keystone, we discuss the now-and-not-yet tension of living in a broken world while anticipating God’s miraculous power. We talk about demonic oppression, sin’s impact on sickness, and how to pray boldly for healing.

QUESTIONS:

1. Do you truly believe miracles can happen today, or have you unintentionally adopted a view that limits what God can do?
2. When was the last time you prayed boldly for someone’s healing instead of couching your prayer in safe, comfortable language?
3. How can you see physical healing as a signpost pointing to the ultimate spiritual healing we all need through Jesus?

READ MORE:

• Jesus’ mission to heal and proclaim the Kingdom in Luke 4:18–19
• The connection between mission and miracles in Acts 3:1–10
• Miracles as signposts to God’s coming Kingdom in Matthew 4:23–24
• The ten lepers and the one who returned in Luke 17:11–19
• Prayer, anointing with oil, and healing in James 5:13–16