The TakeAway

Send us Fan Mail

How does God make Himself known in a world drowning in noise? What happens when the eternal Word—the very Creator—steps into His creation? Pastor Harry takes us deep into John 1:6-13, unpacking the profound revelation of how light entered our darkness.

At the heart of this passage stands John the Baptist, divinely commissioned as the first witness to Christ. Far from generating light himself, his sole purpose was to point to it. This reflects our own calling as believers—not to shine our own light but to reflect His glory. The Greek term "martyria" (witness) reminds us that true testimony often comes at great cost, challenging our modern tendency to exchange the gospel of self-denial for messages of comfort and prosperity.

Most startling is the tragic rejection described: "He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him." The Creator entered His creation only to face rejection from those who should have recognized Him first. Yet amid this darkness shines an incomparable hope—"to all who did receive him...he gave the right to become children of God." This new birth comes not from human will or effort but solely from God's sovereign grace. Even the faith through which we believe is described as a divine gift, guarding us against pride and establishing salvation as entirely of grace.

Whether you're wrestling with questions about God's sovereignty in salvation, struggling to be an effective witness, or seeking to understand what it truly means to be "born of God," this episode offers biblical clarity and spiritual encouragement. Join the conversation by texting us your questions for our upcoming Q&A episode!

Support the show

Please visit www.thetakeaway.faith for more resources, books or to send us a message

Send us Fan Mail

Ever felt like something fundamental was missing in your understanding of salvation? That nagging sense that there's more to Jesus being "the life" than we typically grasp?

Pastor Harry Behrens tackles this profound mystery by diving deep into John 1:4-5, where we encounter one of Scripture's most transformative truths: "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

This isn't merely poetic language—it's revolutionary theology that reframes our entire understanding of salvation. Drawing from both John's Gospel and supporting passages in Ephesians, Pastor Harry demonstrates that our natural spiritual state isn't just "broken" or "lost"—it's death itself. We aren't spiritual patients needing medication; we're spiritual corpses needing resurrection.

The implications are staggering. Salvation isn't God enhancing some existing spark within us or simply "wiring the house" so we can choose to flip the switch. It's a divine creative act where God speaks light into existence where there was none—just as He did in Genesis 1. This challenges popular notions about salvation being a cooperative venture between God's offer and our wise choice.

Pastor Harry explains why this distinction matters deeply: it reveals God's ultimate purpose in salvation—His own glory. But far from being divine narcissism, this self-glorification is the most loving thing God could do, because there is nothing better than Himself that He could offer us. Our deepest joy and His highest glory perfectly align when we understand that we were created for Him.

Whether you're struggling with doubt, curious about Christianity's core claims, or a long-time believer wanting deeper theological grounding, this episode offers a refreshing perspective that cuts through cultural confusion about spiritual life. Discover why Jesus didn't come to improve your situation but to bring you from death to life—and how this truth changes everything.

What darkness are you facing today? Take heart—the light still shines, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Support the show

Please visit www.thetakeaway.faith for more resources, books or to send us a message

Send us Fan Mail

Beyond mangers and miracles lies a profound revelation—Jesus as the eternal Word who existed before time began. Pastor Harry Behrens launches Season 3 of The Takeaway by diving into the theological depths of John's Gospel, exploring why John takes such a dramatically different approach than Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Unlike the synoptic gospels that begin with earthly events, John takes us back to eternity itself. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." These opening verses establish foundational truths about Christ's nature that shape everything we believe about salvation. Through careful examination of John 1:1-3, Pastor Harry reveals how these verses declare Christ's pre-existence, His intimate relationship with God, and His complete deity—addressing common misinterpretations along the way.

The message builds to a powerful revelation of Jesus as Creator: "All things were made through him." From the intricate design of a single snowflake to the vastness of the cosmos, everything bears the signature of Christ's creative power. But this isn't merely academic theology—it transforms how we respond to Jesus today. If Christ is truly the eternal Word who spoke worlds into existence and still sustains all things, how should we respond when He speaks to us? Are we treating His words as divine commands or mere suggestions?

Send in your questions using the text link in the episode description. Every fourth episode will be dedicated to answering your questions directly as we continue exploring John's Gospel together. Next episode: "Jesus as Life"—unpacking how the eternal Word brings light into our darkness.

Support the show

Please visit www.thetakeaway.faith for more resources, books or to send us a message

Send us Fan Mail

What if you could arm yourself against life's greatest challenges with a divine toolkit? Unravel the profound teachings of Ephesians 6:10-24 in our latest episode, where we unpack the concept of "Putting on the Whole Armor of God." We journey through Paul's powerful guidance on the transformation from sin's enslavement to becoming true embodiments of Christ's body. Discover how we can actively represent Jesus to the world and prepare for spiritual warfare against the devil's schemes. As we reflect on this epistle, we emphasize the importance of standing firm in faith, equipped with spiritual armor to withstand battles driven by unseen forces.

Explore the essential components of this spiritual armor with us: from the belt of truth to the sword of the Spirit. We'll delve into scriptures that highlight the power of truth, righteousness, and faith in shielding us from the enemy's attacks. Understand how faith, a precious gift from God, is pivotal in our protection and trust in His promises. As we conclude, join us in a heartfelt prayer for spiritual growth, express gratitude for your support, and invite your feedback to shape future episodes. Let this episode equip and encourage you in your faith journey, as we strive to honor God and reach out to the lost.

Support the show

Please visit www.thetakeaway.faith for more resources, books or to send us a message

Send us Fan Mail

Is faith the key to unlocking a Christ-like life, even in our professional relationships? On this episode of The Takeaway, we dissect Ephesians 5:5-9, shedding light on the profound teachings about the master-servant dynamic. We'll uncover how embodying Jesus' unwavering trust in the Father's love can transform our daily interactions and actions. With insights from Romans 8:28 and Hebrews 12:1-2, we tackle the sensitive topic of slavery from a biblical standpoint while denouncing forced slavery and child sex trafficking. This episode promises to enhance your understanding of faith's role in pleasing God and acting on His commands.

Our conversation doesn't stop there. We explore the dual roles of servant and master in the Christian faith, reflecting on Paul's experiences in Philippians 1:12-14 and the centurion's faith in Luke 7:1-10. By emphasizing respect, integrity, and the importance of our actions in advancing the gospel, we provide a roadmap for treating everyone with God-given dignity and performing our duties as unto Christ. Whether you're a leader or a follower, this episode offers essential insights into living a life of humility and purpose. Join us for a transformative discussion that highlights the power of faith in every aspect of our lives.

Support the show

Please visit www.thetakeaway.faith for more resources, books or to send us a message

Send us Fan Mail

How does honoring your parents glorify God and lead to a more joyful life? Join us on "The Takeaway" as Pastor Harry Behrens unpacks the profound insights of Ephesians 6:1-4, shedding light on the biblical mandate for children to obey their parents. You'll discover how this act not only pleases God but also fosters a fuller, more satisfying life. We unravel the crucial role fathers play as reflections of God the Father, emphasizing the need to nurture children without provoking anger, all while guiding them toward a life of obedience and prosperity. With key scriptures like Proverbs 22:6 and 2 Corinthians 1:20-22, we delve into God’s promises and the pivotal role of parental guidance in leading children to Christ.

In addition, we dive into Jesus' teachings on the power of asking in His name, focusing on aligning our requests with God's glory rather than personal gain. Using scriptures from John 14 and Mark 12, we highlight the importance of grounding the church in God's word and loving both God and our neighbors. This episode also covers the Holy Spirit's role as our advocate, the significance of Jesus' humility and obedience, and His exaltation in heaven. Wrap up with a preview of our next episode on effective gospel sharing, and don't forget to send us your feedback and questions to help shape our future content. Tune in to use this podcast as a powerful resource to illuminate your spiritual journey.

Support the show

Please visit www.thetakeaway.faith for more resources, books or to send us a message

Send us Fan Mail

How can understanding the sacrificial love of Jesus transform your marriage? This episode of the Takeaway promises to uncover the profound spiritual truths behind Ephesians 5:22-32, exploring how a wife's submission and a husband's sacrificial love are intertwined acts of devotion to God. We unravel common misconceptions by referencing Genesis 2:21-23, affirming that women are created as helpers, not inferiors, and emphasize the importance of husbands cherishing their wives. Through a deep dive into 1 Corinthians 11:3 and Titus 2:3-5, we paint a picture of marriage as a harmonious partnership that glorifies God and transforms lives.

Next, we reflect on how Christ's sacrificial love serves as the ultimate blueprint for marital relationships. Drawing from Revelation 9:13-14 and Ephesians 5:29-30, we highlight the critical role of unity within marriage and the church. We also discuss the tangible benefits of a single-income household and the spiritual growth that comes from prioritizing God. Understanding divine truths can be challenging due to the impact of sin, but this episode provides practical advice on confession and reliance on God's guidance to live out these biblical principles effectively.

We conclude by examining divine election through Ephesians 1:15-23, focusing on God's sovereignty in enlightening our hearts and minds. By exploring Paul's writings and the role of the Holy Spirit, we reveal how scripture guides us to foster loving, Christ-centered relationships. The episode wraps up with a heartfelt prayer for faithfulness and an exploration of the parent-child relationship as a mirror of God's love. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to cultivate divine love and unity in your family life, and don't forget to share your thoughts and questions with us to enrich our ongoing conversation.

Support the show

Please visit www.thetakeaway.faith for more resources, books or to send us a message

Send us Fan Mail

What does it mean to truly shine your light in a world filled with darkness? In this episode of The Takeaway, we unlock the profound spiritual truths found in Ephesians 5:7-21, guiding you to be an imitator of Christ by embracing a godly perspective that transcends our limited understanding of good and bad. You'll discover how to find joy even in suffering, just as Paul did during his imprisonment for the Gospel. We'll explore how this transformative viewpoint empowers us to pray for God's glory, assured that He will answer, and how abiding in Jesus' love and following His commandments can lead us to bear much fruit for God's kingdom.

Our conversation also delves into the critical importance of living as light in a world enveloped in darkness. Drawing from biblical teachings in Corinthians, Proverbs, Psalms, and more, we emphasize the importance of separating from sinful behaviors, guarding our actions and speech, and using our time wisely. By striving for holiness and exposing darkness through righteous living, we align ourselves with God's righteousness and fulfill our mission on earth. Tune in to learn how embodying Christ's light in our daily lives can honor our Heavenly Father and yield fruitful results that glorify God.

Support the show

Please visit www.thetakeaway.faith for more resources, books or to send us a message

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever considered what it truly means to walk in love and unity as a Christian? On today's episode of The Takeaway, we uncover Paul's profound teachings from Ephesians 5:1-6, offering a roadmap from spiritual deadness to a vibrant life in Christ. We delve into living a godly life by imitating God and walking in love, just as Christ did. Through this journey, we explore the transformation the Spirit of God brings and how even suffering can refine and authenticate our faith—emphasizing that true transformation is only possible through Christ.

Moreover, we'll discuss the transformative power of starting our prayers and services with gratitude and praise, as outlined in Colossians 3:1-17. Shifting our focus to thankfulness sets our hearts in the right posture to receive God's Word, often addressing many of our petitions and eliminating complaints. This practice not only grounds us in the Word of Truth but also cultivates a joyful heart, allowing us to appreciate what God has done, is doing, and will do. Join us for an inspiring discussion on how to deepen your spiritual journey by walking in love and gratitude.

Support the show

Please visit www.thetakeaway.faith for more resources, books or to send us a message

Send us Fan Mail

What if living as true ambassadors for Christ could transform not only your life but also the world around you? Join us on The Takeaway as we dissect Ephesians 4:17-32 and uncover profound insights into embodying Christ's teachings in a secular world. We draw lessons from Peter's faltering behavior in Galatians 2:11-14 to illustrate our human vulnerabilities and emphasize the necessity for mutual encouragement within the church community. Furthermore, we tackle the importance of steadfast faith in the face of fear and worldly temptations, distinguishing the faithful from the unbelievers. Through the lens of Romans 5:1-5, we delve into how suffering refines faith and contemplate the futility of the unbeliever's mind as described in Ephesians 2 and Romans 1:28-32.

In the second part of the episode, prepare to explore the spiritual battleground where vigilance is key. We discuss the devil's relentless efforts to undermine believers and the extraordinary power bestowed upon Christians by the Holy Spirit. Discover how living in God's will can help overcome any obstacle. We also highlight the importance of honest work and the profound impact of generosity, reflecting on the communal spirit of early Christians. With scriptural backing, we argue that cheerful giving aligns us with God's boundless grace and urge believers to place their trust in divine providence rather than uncertain riches. Join us as we navigate the complexities of faith, generosity, and the spiritual warfare that defines the Christian journey.

Support the show

Please visit www.thetakeaway.faith for more resources, books or to send us a message