In this episode, pastors discuss the biblical approach to receiving, evaluating, and giving criticism—especially in leadership, faith, and daily life. Learn how to distinguish godly critique from ungodly critique, handle it with grace, and grow through feedback.

• Developing a tough yet teachable mindset towards criticism.
• Proverbs' teachings on loving discipline and reproof.
• Differentiating between godly criticism and ungodly critique motivated by pride or manipulation.
• Practical steps to evaluate whether critique is true, biblical, loving, or ungodly.
• The role of self-awareness, humility, and walking by the Spirit in processing criticism.
• Learning to give helpful critique that edifies others.
• Recognizing manipulation and flattery disguised as praise or critique.
• The biblical example of Peter’s correction by Paul and its lessons for us.
• The impact of miscommunication and the fallen world in misunderstandings.
• How to seek wise counsel and avoid confirmation bias in critique.

This episode emphasizes that handling criticism biblically is a vital skill for growth, ministry, and personal sanctification. Remember, criticisms often reveal more about the critic than about us—focus on walking by the Spirit and seeking truth in love.

Summary

In this episode, the hosts discuss the significance of the book of Proverbs in the Christian life, emphasizing its role as a source of wisdom and practical guidance. They explore common misinterpretations of Proverbs, the genre of wisdom literature, and the importance of understanding the context and guiding principles for reading these texts. The conversation highlights the balance between applying Proverbs in daily life while recognizing their nature as principles rather than absolute promises. The hosts also address the cultural influences on wisdom and the necessity of grounding one's understanding in a relationship with Christ.

Takeaways

• Proverbs is a vital part of the Christian life.
• Misinterpretation of Proverbs can lead to detrimental outcomes.
• Understanding the genre of Proverbs is crucial for proper application.
• Proverbs are part of wisdom literature, alongside Job and Ecclesiastes.
• The fear of the Lord is foundational to wisdom.
• Proverbs provide general truths rather than absolute promises.
• Cultural influences can shape our understanding of wisdom.
• Daily reading of Proverbs can combat folly in the world.
• Wisdom in Proverbs should be understood in the context of the whole Bible.
• A relationship with Christ is essential for true wisdom.

Join Pastors Zack and Josh on Wisdom for the Wilderness as they tackle a timely topic: video games and grown-up Christians. Building on a previous discussion about kids and gaming, this episode shifts focus to adults—who, statistically, make up the largest group of gamers (with the average age around 35–36 and nearly 60% of adults playing weekly).

The pastors approach the conversation with humility—admitting neither is a big gamer themselves—while applying a biblical worldview to evaluate this popular hobby. They compare video games to other pastimes (like hunting, biking, or riding motorcycles), emphasizing that hobbies should supplement life and rest, not substitute for it. Key questions explored include:

• Does your gaming add real value, especially if you already spend hours on screens at work?
• Is it fostering healthy social connection, or replacing face-to-face relationships?
• When does a harmless hobby cross into escapism, addiction, or idolatry—keeping you from your quiet time, family, spouse, or responsibilities?
• How do priorities, time stewardship, and Paul's call to "put away childish things" apply here?

They address the negative stereotypes, potential downsides (anxiety, sleep disruption, poor health habits), and practical red flags—like getting angry when interrupted, arguments with your spouse, or playing during work hours (which dishonors your employer). The episode stresses moderation, content discernment (avoid sinful or dark themes), and asking: Would Jesus play this game? Do I love the game more than the Lord, my family, or my calling?

Whether you game moderately with friends, play as a couple, or are questioning if it's time to step away, this episode offers grace-filled wisdom for using leisure time well in a wilderness world. As always, the goal is deeper discipleship and loving Jesus with all our heart, mind, and strength.

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh dive deep into why the family remains the most foundational institution in society—designed by God from creation, not invented by humans. Drawing from Genesis, they unpack God's blueprint for marriage as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, the call to be fruitful and multiply, and how male-female complementarity reflects the image of God and fulfills humanity's mission.

They address hard realities in a fallen world: broken families, divorce culture, fatherlessness as the top predictor of societal ills (incarceration, poverty, behavioral issues), and modern rebellions against creation order—including same-sex marriage, polygamy, transgender ideology, surrogacy, and childless-by-choice marriages. Backed by Scripture and clear evidence, the hosts explain why God's design works best for husbands, wives, children, and society at large, while cultural redefinitions bring consequences.

This isn't just theory—it's practical wisdom for building God-glorifying homes: pursuing healthy marriages filled with delight (not just duty), raising disciplined children in the fear of the Lord, fathers stepping up, mothers nurturing, and churches fostering healthy families that include and support singles, widows, and the vulnerable.

Pastors Zack and Josh close with bold, counter-cultural encouragement: Young women—it's good to desire marriage and motherhood. Young men—grow up, work hard, pursue godly women, build families, and leave a legacy. In a world that attacks the family, God's way still brings flourishing.If you're wrestling with family, marriage, parenting, or cultural pressures, this episode is for you. Share it with someone who needs to hear biblical truth on this vital topic. Email questions to [email protected].

*Note: This episode was recorded prior to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti on January 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. That event is not covered in the discussion.*

In this episode, Pastors Josh and Zack discuss a recent disruption at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota—a fellow Southern Baptist congregation in the SEND Network—where anti-ICE protesters interrupted a worship service to protest a lay pastor's role with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They explore the broader context, including tensions in Minnesota around ICE operations, the tragic shooting of Renee Good, and ongoing debates over immigration enforcement.

The hosts affirm biblical principles: supporting legal immigration and care for sojourners while upholding the rule of law, rejecting comparisons to Jesus cleansing the temple, and recognizing no inherent conflict in Christians serving in law enforcement. They address how media narratives fuel division, why such events shouldn't surprise believers (1 Peter 4:12), and practical steps churches can take—prioritizing orderly worship, hospitality toward outsiders, calm gospel proclamation in disruption, following "run, hide, fight" protocols if threats arise, and showing love to enemies even in hostility.

Ultimately, they encourage trusting God's sovereignty, maintaining unchanging biblical convictions amid cultural chaos, and preparing to glorify Christ as a witness, whether through everyday faithfulness or unexpected trials.

Thinking biblically about immigration, borders, and loving our neighbors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SgvjqT3ups

Welcome to Wisdom for the Wilderness, the weekly podcast from the pastors of Overland Church, where Zack and Josh dive into the Bible, theology, and real-life wisdom for everyday believers.In this episode, we tackle two dangerous extremes that every Christian faces daily: legalism (adding man-made rules to earn God's favor, like the Pharisees—or even Eve adding "don't touch" to God's command) and antinomianism (abusing grace as a license to sin, thinking "once saved, always saved" means obedience doesn't matter).

We explore why we constantly swerve into these ditches—one side condemns us for falling short, the other excuses ongoing sin—and how the true gospel keeps us on the narrow road.

Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, but it transforms us: we're saved not by holiness, but to be holy. Drawing from Scripture (Romans 6, the Great Commission), real-life stories (from fundamentalist clips to driving mishaps), and even Homer's Odyssey, we discuss how to preach the gospel to ourselves, avoid overcorrecting, and live in secure attachment to our gracious Father.

Whether you're battling self-condemnation after missing a quiet time or tempted to think "grace covers it" without fighting sin, this conversation is for you.

Join us as we remind ourselves: trust and obey—there's no other way!If you have questions about law, grace, or anything else, email us at [email protected]. Thanks for listening—God bless!

Kick off 2026 with Pastors Zack and Josh on Wisdom for the Wilderness as they reflect on standout episodes from 2025 (and a couple from 2024) and share six essential pieces of wisdom to equip you for the year ahead.In this special year-end review, they revisit critical topics every Christian family needs:

• Protecting kids from the dangers of smartphones and social media: https://youtu.be/rOtYwAbCIms?si=DM_PILg3dD2LdaOx
• Mastering theological triage to navigate doctrine with humility and unity: https://youtu.be/HaVTO9ubO1Q?si=PWnx79ZcR1VLoh9g
• Why Christians should steer clear of gambling and sports betting: https://youtu.be/Cl3h82t5vKk?si=2WCTXDouX2gm5sqV
• Thinking biblically about immigration, borders, and loving our neighbors: https://youtu.be/3SgvjqT3ups?si=Y9PBLk9zd7MNVnMB
• The value and purpose of short-term missions (with exciting updates on 2026 trips!): https://youtu.be/stYUu54MykE?si=GoNI1JUW20C6XDXS
• Cultivating a lifestyle of thankfulness that leads to true joy in Christ: https://youtu.be/gDVm6tWg5qE?si=hVYDshLZHtDG2VUe

Each topic includes practical insights, research-backed warnings, and gospel-centered encouragement—perfect reminders as you step into the new year. Links to the full original episodes are in the show notes.Whether you're a parent, a discerning believer, or just seeking godly wisdom for daily life, this episode will help you look back to move forward with clarity and conviction.

Join us for more wisdom in Season 2—subscribe and tune in next week!

Kick off 2026 with Pastors Zack and Josh on Wisdom for the Wilderness as they tackle a timely question: Is ambition a good thing for Christians?

In this New Year's episode, the pastors explore the dangers of worldly ambition—rooted in pride, vanity, fame, or materialism—while making a strong case that the opposite extreme (laziness or aimlessness) is not the biblical answer. Instead, they call listeners to pursue holy ambition: ambitious goals, hard work, and excellence in every area of life (business, fitness, education, creativity, or even the humblest job), all directed toward the glory of God, the advance of His kingdom, and the good of others.

Drawing from verses like 1 Corinthians 10:31 (“do all to the glory of God”), Ecclesiastes' call to work with all your might, and Ephesians 2:10's reminder that we were created for good works prepared in advance, Zack and Josh encourage believers to filter their resolutions and dreams through a “holiness lens.” They discuss real-life examples—from gym motivations to business growth to viral comedians—and remind us to start with prayer for God's glory and kingdom, stay hungry and humble, and measure success by faithfulness rather than worldly metrics.

Perfect for anyone setting goals for the new year: Don't settle for vain resolutions or timid living—go do great things for the glory of God!

As 2025 wraps up and 2026 approaches, Pastors Zack and Josh encourage listeners to evaluate and renew their commitment to Bible reading in this final episode of the year. They discuss the value of New Year's resolutions for spiritual habits, the dangers of neglecting God's Word (drawing from Nehemiah's "bring back the book"), and why spending time in Scripture is the most profitable use of your time.

The pastors share practical strategies: the importance of a intentional Bible reading plan with a well-balanced diet (Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs); tips for building the "reading muscle" in a distracted world; grace for when you fall behind; and recommendations like using study Bibles, audio versions, different translations, journaling, or chronological plans.

They highlight "pillar books" to know deeply (Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Gospels, Romans, etc.), offer advice for funks or busy seasons, and warn against waiting for crisis to drive you to the Word. Plus, encouragement to pair reading with prayer and step up to Scripture memorization.

Perfect for anyone planning a fresh start in the Word—links to recommended reading plans and resources in the show notes.

Happy New Year from Wisdom for the Wilderness!

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Resources

The Bible Guidebook Reading Plan: https://bit.ly/4q5PZRX

The Bible Guidebook: https://a.co/d/bq87CLO

NIV Timeline Bible: https://a.co/d/6jH7sRv

ESV Study Bible: https://a.co/d/efC5rur

The King in His Beauty: https://a.co/d/3S5NYP4

God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment: https://a.co/d/6lpcvcn

List of Reading Plans: https://www.ligonier.org/posts/bible-reading-plans

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh tackle a listener question that many Christian parents wrestle with: How should we think about letting our kids play video games?

Drawing from Scripture and personal experience, they explore a biblical framework for discipleship in a digital age—examining issues like stewardship of time, the shaping of affections and imagination, dopamine hits, online dangers, violent content, and the risk of idolatry. With charity and nuance, they discuss why video games aren’t neutral, how they differ from past generations’ gaming, and practical ways to guide children (from delaying access and avoiding online multiplayer to prioritizing Bible reading and real-world activities).

Zack and Josh emphasize that parenting isn’t about rules alone but about relationship, heart-level formation, and preparing kids to love the Lord above all else. They close with encouragement to connect relationally with your children—even if it means getting soundly beaten in a round of Madden.

A timely, balanced conversation for any parent seeking wisdom in raising disciples amid screens and controllers. (Part 2 on adults and video games coming soon!)