Wisdom for the Wilderness

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.

Join Pastors Zack and Josh on this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness as they dive deep into the crucial role of the local church in preparing those called to ministry. They explore the often-complex journey of discerning a call, offering practical wisdom and personal anecdotes to help listeners navigate this important decision. What does a genuine call look like, and how can a local church community support that discernment process?

Beyond the initial calling, Zack and Josh discuss the essential elements of preparation for ministry. They tackle the sometimes-daunting question of theological education, weighing the balance between accessibility and depth. Is a traditional seminary experience the only path? What are the alternatives, and how can individuals find the right fit for their unique circumstances and calling?

This conversation takes a special focus on the Mountain West context. Pastors Zack and Josh highlight the unique challenges and opportunities of ministry in this region, and how Overland Church is actively addressing the need for locally-grown leadership. They showcase Overland's strategic partnership with Gateway Seminary, a program designed to equip ministers in the Mountain West, for the Mountain West. This partnership offers a unique blend of rigorous theological training and practical ministry experience, all while rooted in the local church community.

Whether you're exploring a potential call to ministry, currently serving in a leadership role, or simply interested in how the church nurtures its future leaders, this episode offers valuable insights and practical guidance. Join us as we explore the vital connection between the local church and the preparation of those called to serve.

To learn more about Gateway Seminary in Northern Colorado, visit https://www.overlandchurch.org/seminary

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh dive into the current sermon series at Overland Church on the book of Ephesians. They unpack the rich theological background of the letter, exploring its powerful teachings on salvation and grace, and how Paul’s words continue to shape our understanding of God’s unmerited favor. The conversation also touches on Ephesians’ practical guidance for family life, emphasizing the call to reflect Christ in our relationships. Finally, Zack and Josh discuss the reality of spiritual warfare, drawing from Ephesians 6 to remind believers of the armor of God and the battle we face in our everyday lives. Whether you’re new to the letter or a seasoned reader, this episode offers fresh insights into how Ephesians speaks to the heart of Christian living today.

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh explore the political turbulence surrounding President Trump’s second term, examining the stark contrasts between the growing liberal agenda and the rise of Christ-less conservatism. They urge Christians to remain soberminded and avoid being swept up in the passions and polarizing rhetoric of both conservative and liberal media.

With a focus on staying grounded in biblical truth, Zack and Josh discuss how believers can navigate the political chaos without compromising their faith or becoming consumed by worldly ideologies. In a time when political divisions are deepening, they call Christians to engage thoughtfully, faithfully, and with discernment—maintaining a clear perspective on their true allegiance in the Kingdom of God.

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh continue their conversation on relationships by diving into the next big step: engagement, weddings, and the early years of marriage. They cover a range of topics, from the meaningful decisions behind buying an engagement ring and asking for a father’s blessing, to navigating the challenges of premarital counseling and planning a simple yet meaningful wedding. The guys also reflect on how the wedding is a worship service, highlighting the sacred nature of this significant life event. Finally, they discuss the often-overlooked struggles of the first year of marriage, offering wisdom for those stepping into this new chapter. Whether you’re engaged, newly married, or just curious about the process, this episode offers practical insights and spiritual encouragement for the journey ahead.

Tune in for a candid conversation about the beautiful and sometimes challenging road to lifelong commitment!