Wisdom for the Wilderness

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh dive into Overland Church's week of prayer and fasting, timed strategically with their seasonal missions focus and offering. They reflect on how a leadership exercise revealed the church's "prayerless" culture years ago, prompting four annual intentional weeks to seek God's heart, align with His mission, and depend on His power—without earning favor.

Fasting is explained as a biblical practice of self-denial (primarily from food) to express "I want You more than I need this," creating hunger for God, humility, clarity, and breakthrough from apathy. Practical tips include starting small (one meal, not 40 days), using meal times for focused prayer, and exceptions for health reasons like pregnancy or blood sugar issues. Avoid Pharisaical showiness; keep it private and genuine.The discussion shifts to missions' utter dependence on the Holy Spirit (Acts 1, 13), with prayer and fasting as non-negotiable for empowerment amid opposition. Historical examples highlight prayer's role in revivals: the Moravian 100-year continuous prayer chain sparking the modern missions movement (influencing William Carey); the Haystack Prayer Revival birthing senders/goers like Adoniram Judson and Luther Rice.

Prayer aligns our purposes with God's kingdom, fuels impossible obedience, and combats distraction—unreached peoples remain so not due to a weak gospel, but a distracted church.Closing wisdom: Prayer feels unnatural and hard (like pulling teeth), but persist—it's long-term "banked" investment. Missionaries thrive on knowing they're prayed for; send a quick note. Listeners are challenged to fast, pray the guide, and join the movement.

In this timely episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh tackle a listener's question: Should Christians celebrate Halloween? With Halloween approaching, the pastors dive into the holiday’s complex history, from its Celtic pagan roots in the festival of Samhain to its partial Christianization through All Saints’ Day. They explore the tension between Halloween’s secular, commercialized form and its darker undertones, addressing concerns about demonic influences and cultural participation. Sharing personal insights, they discuss how they navigate Halloween with their families, emphasizing the importance of rejecting evil while allowing room for conscience-driven decisions. The episode offers practical advice for parents and churches, encouraging listeners to use Halloween as an opportunity to build relationships with neighbors and disciple children in distinguishing between good and evil, all while fostering kindness and understanding within the Christian community.

In this raw, heartfelt dive into Nehemiah's "Weep, Pray, Obey" series, Pastors Zack and Josh unpack the lost art of grief. From personal losses—like shattered dreams, broken relationships, and perpetual pain as special needs parents—to the church's call to "weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15), they expose America's sanitized avoidance of sorrow. Drawing from real stories—Zack's battles with anger, bitterness, and delayed funerals; Josh's grief counseling wisdom—they share biblical tools: 

• Personal Grief: Cry raw prayers to God (Lamentations-style), fight isolation, embrace Christian counseling, and hold funerals soon for gospel hope. 
• Corporate Comfort: Sit in silence, validate emotions, mow lawns (not just "let me know!"), remember anniversaries, and build vulnerability in groups. 
• Cultural Lament: Collectively mourn society's brokenness with a "Maranatha" cry for Christ's return.

Grieve as those with hope (1 Thess. 4:13)—not like the hopeless. Perfect for anyone hurting, helping, or hungry for honest faith.

**SCHEDULING NOTE: THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED BEFORE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF A PEACE DEAL.**

In this episode, recorded on the two-year anniversary of the terrorist attack on Israel, the pastors tackle a listener's question about how Christians should view modern-day Israel. They explore theological perspectives like dispensationalism, covenant theology, and progressive covenantalism, unpacking their implications for understanding Israel’s role in God’s plan. With clarity and balance, they address political divisions, the dangers of propaganda, and the biblical call to love all people while keeping Christ at the center. Tune in for thoughtful discussion, grounded in Scripture, and practical wisdom for navigating complex issues.

Learn more and register for the Rocky Mountain Theology Conference, November 7-8 at rockymountaintheology.com

This podcast episode from Wisdom for the Wilderness, hosted by Pastors Zack and Josh of Overland Church, explores the concept of "pathways to hope" through compassion ministries. The pastors discuss the biblical foundation for compassion ministry, distinguishing it from the historical social gospel movement and liberation theology, which they critique for redefining sin, salvation, and the church’s mission. They emphasize that compassion ministries should flow from the gospel, not replace it, and focus on demonstrating Christ’s love through practical acts of service like foster care, support for the unhoused, literacy programs, and disaster relief. The episode highlights the church’s role in addressing local needs while prioritizing evangelism and discipleship, rejecting the idea that social justice is the gospel itself. The episode concludes with a call to prioritize preaching the gospel while loving “the least of these” and to persevere in compassion ministries despite challenges.

Listen to Zack's Sermon on Pathways to Hope: https://youtu.be/0az7Uiwd4uY?si=omYuhlTxGLATzqHM

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