In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh tackle a topic that strikes at the core of Christian worship: Who decides how we worship God?

Drawing a clear contrast between the regulative principle—which teaches that only what God commands in His Word is acceptable in worship—and the normative principle—which allows for anything not expressly forbidden—they make a compelling case for why Scripture must set the agenda for every aspect of our Sunday services.

They explore key biblical examples that demonstrate the danger of approaching God on our own terms. From Nadab and Abihu, whose offering of "strange fire" led to their sudden death (Leviticus 10), to Uzzah, who reached out to steady the Ark and was struck down (2 Samuel 6), we see that sincerity and good intentions are no substitute for obedience. These sobering stories remind us that God cares deeply about how He is worshiped—and that His holiness is not to be trifled with.

Zack and Josh don’t just leave us with warnings—they also paint a positive and hopeful vision for what biblically regulated worship can be: joyful, reverent, Christ-centered, and pleasing to the Lord. Whether you're a pastor, worship leader, or thoughtful member of the congregation, this episode will challenge you to reevaluate your assumptions and rediscover the beauty of worship ordered by the Word of God.

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh sit down with College Pastor Brandon Dupre for a rich conversation about Bible translation—how it works, why it matters, and what it means for everyday readers of Scripture. They break down the core translation philosophies, from formal equivalence (word-for-word) to dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought), and how each approach shapes the way we understand God’s Word.

The discussion also touches on the historical development of English Bible translations, including a brief look at the King James Version and the surrounding controversy. Most importantly, they celebrate the incredible gift it is to have access to so many trustworthy translations, and offer encouragement on how to choose and engage with the Bible in a meaningful way.

Whether you’ve wondered why your Bible reads differently than someone else’s or just want to grow in confidence in the Scriptures, this episode will leave you informed, encouraged, and equipped.

In this powerful episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Josh and Zack are joined by special guest Pastor Brandon Dupre for a deep dive into biblical stewardship. What does it really mean to render to God what is God's? And how do we live that out when it comes to money?

The trio explores how everything we have belongs to God, and how wise management of our finances—through budgeting, paying off debt, and generous giving—can free us to invest more fully in the work of the Kingdom. Whether you're swimming in student loans or just trying to be more intentional with your spending, this episode offers gospel-centered wisdom and practical tools for stewarding your resources with purpose and joy.

In this special edition episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh address the threat of two bills currently in the Colorado State Senate. HB 25-1312 threatens the custody of parents who do not affirm the transgender identity of their children, and HB 25-1309 requires insurers to pay for transgender treatments and surgeries.

Zack and Josh discuss why these bills are a threat to the well-being of families and children in Colorado, and why they should be opposed by Christians in particular. They also discuss what steps Christians in Colorado should take to oppose the bill, and how we ought to love people struggling with gender dysphoria by pointing them to the truth of God's word and creation.

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Sign the Petition and write legislators: https://coloradoparents.org/

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More information from:

ERLC and CBGC: https://bit.ly/4cy96xP

Centennial Institute at CCU: https://centennial.ccu.edu

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Listen to Pastor Zack's sermon series on the Imago Dei and gender ideology: https://bit.ly/3Eov0qD

In this timely episode, Pastors Zack and Josh dive into the often-dreaded topic of taxes—just in time for tax season. They unpack what Scripture teaches about paying taxes, from Jesus’ command to "render unto Caesar" to Paul's words in Romans 13. But what about when the government misuses or mismanages taxpayer money? Should believers still pay up?

Join the conversation as they explore how to approach taxation with a biblical mindset, what obedience and trust in God look like even in the face of injustice, and how Christians can be a faithful witness in a broken system.

In this special episode, released during Autism Awareness Month, Pastors Josh and Zack delve into the vital topic of special needs within the church community. They explore the profound truth that every individual, regardless of ability, is created in God's image and possesses inherent dignity. They discuss the ways in which the church has sought to support families with special needs, and honestly reflect on areas where improvement is needed. Josh reflects on his own experience as the dad of a child with special needs.

Join Josh and Zack as they discuss practical ways to foster inclusive, loving, and supportive environments for individuals with special needs and their families, both inside and outside the church walls.

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh dive into the significance of Albert Mohler’s concept of theological triage and its relevance in the life of the church today. Theological triage helps believers evaluate and prioritize doctrinal issues based on their importance, which is essential for maintaining unity in the body of Christ. Mohler's framework offers a way to understand which issues are essential to the Christian faith, which ones are secondary, and which are more peripheral, providing clarity in an age of doctrinal division and confusion. As pastors, Zack and Josh unpack how this triage approach can serve as a tool for wise decision-making, particularly when navigating complex issues within church life.

The episode specifically addresses how understanding theological priorities impacts critical decisions, such as choosing a local church or selecting ministries to support. With so many theological voices and perspectives, it’s easy for believers to become overwhelmed by conflicting opinions or divisive issues. By applying Mohler’s triage model, believers can focus on the essential doctrines that unite Christians while remaining charitable toward secondary matters where differences exist. Pastors Zack and Josh emphasize the importance of keeping the essentials at the center of church life while extending grace in areas where believers may hold differing views. This approach strengthens the fellowship of believers, promoting a deeper sense of unity despite diverse convictions.

Furthermore, the episode provides practical guidance on how theological triage can inform decisions about missions organizations, parachurch ministries, and personal involvement in church activities. With so many options for ministry engagement, it’s crucial for believers to evaluate these organizations through the lens of doctrinal priority. By applying the principles of theological triage, Christians can be more intentional in their partnerships, ensuring they align with organizations that share the core values of the faith. Listen in to this insightful conversation and gain a better understanding of how theological triage can not only preserve doctrinal integrity but also foster unity and maturity within the church. For more information on theological triage, read Albert Mohler's original article here.

Pastors Zack and Josh tackle the complex question of whether a believer can lose salvation in this week's Wisdom for the Wilderness. They explore eternal security and the perseverance of the saints.

They unpack the biblical basis for believing that God's chosen are eternally secure in Christ. The perseverance of the saints, they explain, is God's work within us, ensuring our final salvation.

The pastors warn against the dangers of false assurance, which can lead to spiritual apathy. But they also offer comfort to those with doubts and weak faith. They emphasize that evidence of a genuine new birth testifies to God's commitment.

They provide a biblical framework to discern between temporary struggles and a complete departure from faith. Ultimately, they aim to deepen listeners' understanding of God's sovereign grace and the secure hope in Christ.

The question of when a child is ready for baptism is a weighty one, filled with both joy and careful consideration. In this episode of Wisdom in the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh dive deep into this crucial topic, offering practical guidance for parents navigating their child's spiritual journey.

Join them as they explore the vital process of discerning whether your child truly understands the gospel and is prepared to place their faith in Jesus Christ. They unpack the importance of moving beyond simple assent to a genuine, heartfelt belief.

Zack and Josh also address the potential pitfalls of rushing a child into baptism, emphasizing the need for caution to avoid false professions of faith. They provide insightful strategies for fostering meaningful conversations and observing genuine spiritual growth in your children.

Furthermore, they delve into the Baptist understanding of baptism, clarifying its significance as a public declaration of faith following a personal conversion. Discover how this theological perspective shapes their approach to children and baptism.

If you're a parent seeking wisdom on how to guide your child towards a genuine faith and understand the role of baptism, this episode is for you. Tune in to Wisdom in the Wilderness and gain clarity on this important milestone in your child's spiritual development.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh dive deep into the concept of friendship from a biblical perspective. They explore why true friendship is a gift from God, highlighting key scriptural examples of deep and lasting bonds. From the importance of community and accountability to how we can cultivate and maintain genuine friendships, Zack and Josh discuss the vital role friends play in our spiritual journeys.

Special emphasis is given to the unique nature of masculine friendships—how men can bond in ways that challenge, encourage, and uplift one another, reflecting God’s design for men to walk alongside each other. Whether you're looking to make new friends, strengthen old ones, or simply reflect on the role friendships play in your life, this episode offers wisdom, practical tips, and spiritual insights to help you navigate the wilderness of relationships.

Tune in to learn how to build friendships that honor God and enrich your life with purpose, support, and authenticity.