In this poignant episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh tackle the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk whose death on September 10 at Utah Valley University has sent ripples through the nation. Recorded three weeks after the tragedy, the pastors explore why this event continues to resonate, particularly among younger generations, and how it exposes the deep spiritual and political divides in our culture. They reflect on the surprising celebration of Kirk’s death by some, the profound forgiveness offered by his widow, Erika, and the contrast with other public responses. Through a biblical lens, they discuss the call to forgiveness, the necessity of justice, and the spiritual battle at the heart of this moment. Urging listeners to focus on Christ, love their neighbors, and persist in faith, Zack and Josh offer timeless wisdom for navigating grief, polarization, and the pursuit of truth in a broken world. Email your questions to [email protected], and join us next week for more Wisdom for the Wilderness.

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, the pastors of Overland Church explore the foundational doctrine of revelation. They distinguish between general revelation—God's self-disclosure through creation, accessible to all people at all times, as seen in Psalm 19 and Romans 1—and special revelation, which is specific, covenantal communication through prophets, apostles, and ultimately Jesus Christ, as described in Hebrews 1. The pastors explain that general revelation reveals God's existence, power, and goodness but, due to human sinfulness, often leads to idolatry rather than salvation. Special revelation, recorded in Scripture, provides the specific message of salvation through Christ and is fully divine and human, inspired by the Holy Spirit. They address the dangers of false claims to special revelation, such as those made by figures like Muhammad, Joseph Smith, or prosperity gospel preachers, which contradict the closed canon of Scripture. The episode also contrasts the Protestant view of sola scriptura with Catholic teachings on church authority and warns against equating personal guidance or impressions with new revelation. Through practical examples and biblical insights, the pastors urge listeners to rely on Scripture as the sufficient and authoritative source of God's revelation, cautioning against those who claim new prophetic words that elevate themselves above the Bible.

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, the pastors of Overland Church dive into a critical theological discussion about the prosperity gospel, a pervasive and misleading doctrine both in America and globally. They contrast the true gospel—centered on Christ's death, burial, and resurrection for salvation—with the distorted teachings of the prosperity gospel, which falsely promises health, wealth, and success as a direct result of faith or financial giving. The episode explores various manifestations of this false gospel, including the "hard" prosperity teachings of figures like Creflo Dollar and Benny Hinn, the softer versions promoted by Joel Osteen and Steven Furtick, and related movements like Word of Faith, seed faith, and dominion theology. The pastors highlight how these teachings misuse Scripture, promote a works-based or faith-based entitlement to prosperity, and often leave followers feeling condemned when promises of wealth or healing fail. Through personal stories, biblical references like Galatians 1:6-9 and Romans 1:16-17, and cultural observations, they warn against the dangers of these teachings, emphasizing the true gospel's focus on Jesus as the source of hope amidst life's trials. The episode concludes with a call to discernment and a reminder to share the true gospel, which offers salvation and blessing even in hardship.

Resources

American Gospel Documentary: https://www.americangospelfilm.com

Costi Hinn's "God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel:" https://a.co/d/fT9paPw

Africa Statement on the Prosperity Gospel: https://africastatement.org

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh tackle a question that’s rarely asked but often faced: How do you know when it’s time to leave a church? With insight from their pastoral experience, they explore legitimate reasons to depart—such as a church’s drift from biblical truth or unhealthy leadership—while cautioning against superficial reasons like music preferences or minor conflicts. They discuss the dangers of church hopping, the importance of seeking reconciliation, and how to leave a church gracefully if necessary. Offering practical advice, they encourage listeners to plug in, contribute to solutions, and build a lasting legacy in a faith community. Tune in for biblical wisdom on making tough decisions and fostering unity in the body of Christ.

In this compelling episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, the pastors of Overland Church tackle the explosive growth of sports gambling in today’s culture, with the industry projected to reach $180–$200 billion in 2025. From college football to the NFL, betting ads are everywhere, but what are the real costs? Exploring the history of gambling scandals like the Black Sox and Pete Rose, the pastors discuss its devastating effects, especially on young men aged 18–30, who face higher rates of debt, addiction, and even suicidal thoughts. Drawing on biblical principles of stewardship, wisdom, and love for neighbor, they argue why gambling—though not explicitly forbidden in Scripture—is unwise and harmful, preying on the vulnerable and undermining communities. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges Christians to reject the lure of quick riches and embrace faithful stewardship. Share this episode to spark an important discussion on faith and culture!

Read Pastor Josh's article "Is gambling a sin?": https://www.joshuacalebhutchens.com/p/is-gambling-a-sin

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh dive into the importance of including children in worship services as part of fostering a multi-generational church. They explore the theological, philosophical, and practical reasons for having kids join corporate worship, sharing personal stories, biblical insights, and actionable tips for parents. From disciplining young children to engaging them with sermon-based drawing or note-taking, the hosts offer encouragement and strategies to help families worship together. They also discuss the value of family worship at home to prepare kids for church, emphasizing consistency, patience, and the joy of hearing little voices sing praises. Tune in for heartfelt advice and wisdom to make worship a meaningful family experience.

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh explore the vital importance of a multi-generational church. They discuss why a healthy church thrives when it includes people of all ages and stages—from young believers to seasoned saints. Drawing from biblical principles and real-life stories, they highlight the value of cross-generational discipleship, the pitfalls of homogeneous church models, and practical ways to foster unity across generations. Whether it’s older members mentoring young couples or college students finding a home in the church, this episode offers wisdom on building a vibrant, diverse church community. Tune in to learn how to embrace all generations for a stronger, healthier church!

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh dive into the often-misunderstood topic of church discipline. Exploring its biblical roots in Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5, they discuss how this practice is a vital mark of a healthy church, rooted in fellowship and accountability. Far from being punitive, church discipline is a redemptive process aimed at restoring believers to a right relationship with God and the church. Through personal stories and practical insights, they highlight the importance of confronting sin with love, the necessity of church membership, and the transformative power of grace. Join them for a candid conversation about why we should embrace accountability in the body of Christ.

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh tackle a common question: "How do I know God’s will for my life?" Whether it’s choosing a spouse, a job, or a major life decision, the anxiety of making the "right" choice can be overwhelming. The pastors explore a biblical framework for discerning God’s guidance, introducing the "Five W’s" of decision-making: Word, Wisdom, Witness, Worshipers, and Workings. They discuss how to align decisions with Scripture, use God-given common sense, seek the Holy Spirit’s leading, consult mature believers, and trust God’s providential circumstances. With practical insights and personal stories, Zack and Josh encourage listeners to trust God’s shepherding, avoid anxiousness, and embrace a life of faith-filled decisions that glorify Him. Tune in for wisdom to navigate life’s wilderness with confidence!

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh tackle the vital yet often overlooked topic of evangelism, emphasizing its role in the life of a healthy church. They explore why sharing the gospel can feel intimidating for many Christians and discuss practical ways to overcome these fears, such as knowing the gospel thoroughly, memorizing key scriptures, and using tools like the Three Circles method.

Highlighting the importance of relational evangelism, they encourage listeners to build genuine connections and seize everyday opportunities to share their faith, whether with strangers or loved ones, without the pressure of immediate results. The pastors stress that evangelism is not just a task for pastors but a calling for all believers, rooted in the joy of seeing lives transformed by the Holy Spirit.The conversation also delves into the theological and cultural challenges of sharing the gospel in a post-Christian world, where misunderstandings and diverse worldviews abound.

Three Circles Introduction: https://youtu.be/Hs7HYpRjqSo?si=oDvJaoyPLdGIBTvu