Pastor Talk
First Presbyterian Church
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The Pastor Talk Podcast is a weekly podcast where two Reformed Pastors, Clint Loveall & Michael Gewecke, explore scripture, Christian history, and theology as an inspiration and challenge for us all to understand our world, grow as people of faith, and disciples of Jesus Christ.
Available episodes
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5 days ago
Personal Faith | Books Worth Reading
Part of every Christian’s task is to discover how the faith connects with our own personal story. Today, the Pastors discuss Craig Barnes book Searching for Home and Eugene Peterson’s The Pastor. Both books, though different in style, explore how Christians can integrate their faith into their deepest identities. Books featured in this episode:* Buy […]
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Jun 16, 2022
Coming Soon on the Pastor Talk
Pastors Clint and Michael offer a quick update on our summer plans for the podcast, including a teaser for some of the great series that we will kick off next Fall! Pastor Talk Quick Links: Learn more about the Pastor Talk series and view our previous studies at https://pastortalk.co Subscribe to get the Pastor Talk […]
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Jun 16, 2022
Getting Started | Books Worth Reading
Today, Pastors Clint and Michael begin a new series where they recommend some of the most readable, yet influential books in their Christian libraries. Today, they explore some basic explorations of the Christian faith and Christian identity. Pastor Clint recommends The Jesus I Never Knew and What’s So Amazing About Grace by Philip and Yancey […]
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Jun 15, 2022
Concluding the Pastoral Letters | Pastor Talk
In today’s episode, Pastors Clint and Michael offer some concluding on the whole of the Pastoral Letters as well as an update on some of our future studies! Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going along on this journey together through 2 Timothy together. Pastor Talk Quick […]
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Jun 14, 2022
2 Timothy 4:19-22
The final words of 2 Timothy introduce us to a man whose entire life of ministry has connected him with men and women throughout the known world by the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul’s love for Timothy and deep faith in Jesus Christ are made clear as he concludes his thoughts in 2 Timothy. […]
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Jun 13, 2022
2 Timothy 4:16-18
As Paul turns to end his letter to Timothy, he lets us into some of the most painful and yet theologically profound moments in his life. Join the Pastors as they explore the depths of wisdom and Christian faith contained in these few short sentences. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think […]
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Jun 9, 2022
2 Timothy 4:9-15
Paul, like all men and women of faith, was a real person. Today we see a unique scriptural snapshot of both his most rewarding relationships and his most painful betrayals. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going along on this journey together through 2 Timothy together. Pastor […]
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Jun 9, 2022
Living Beyond our Walls | Stuff that Delights Pastors
Living churches live outside their walls. When a church is actively living out its faith and continually formed into the image of Jesus Christ, they naturally carry that active faith into their lives, their communities, and even their world. Mission is not a program of the Christian church; it is what happens naturally when churches […]
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Jun 8, 2022
2 Timothy 4:6-8
Today Paul offers us a lesson on what we can learn about life and faith from the end of our lives. As he surveys his own life, he simultaneously finds the words to both inspire and challenge us to live our lives of faith to the full. Be sure to share this with anyone who […]
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Jun 7, 2022
2 Timothy 4:1-5
Today Paul offers one of the most succinct summaries of the Christian life, “preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” Join the Pastors as they explore this rich passage of scripture. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in […]
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Jun 6, 2022
2 Timothy 3:10-17
When Paul describes Christian discipleship he is first honest about the suffering that happens as part of life and then he turns Timothy’s attention to scripture where Christians are taught how to live in the world equipped to do good works. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in […]
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Jun 2, 2022
2 Timothy 3:1-9
Today, Paul addresses the heart of the false theology and tempting spiritual shortcuts that appear to have been popular within the Ephesian Christian community. Join the Pastors as they explore what we can learn about the challenges of that early church and what it might have to teach us about how to read the Bible […]
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Jun 2, 2022
Real Transformation | Stuff that Delights Pastors
Taking a sharp turn from the things that bug pastors to the things that delight them, Pastors Clint and Michael describe what it is like to see the church community love one another and real lives transformed by the grace of Jesus Christ in deep and lasting ways. Feel free to share this with anyone […]
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Jun 1, 2022
2 Timothy 2:20-26
Learning to live in Christian community takes real effort and today we hear the wise words of a seasoned Christian leader instructing his young apprentice Timothy on what it takes to navigate conflicts and how to prioritize faith over petty disagreements and the ever-present community quarrels. Be sure to share this with anyone who you […]
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May 26, 2022
2 Timothy 2:14-19
Although not popularly discussed, Christians are consistently encouraged to measure our speech. Today, Paul warns of the danger of “godless chatter” and quarreling about words.” Today’s lesson stands as a timely warning to discern our words carefully, so as to preserve the power of the Gospel in our lives. Be sure to share this with […]
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May 26, 2022
Pushing Christ from the Center | Stuff that Bugs Pastors
At its best, the church is a place where many diverse people find a unique community centered on Jesus Christ. The fundamental Christian task of discipleship is practicing love for one another and keeping Christ at the center even amidst all of forces that threaten to break us apart. Feel free to share this with […]
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May 25, 2022
2 Timothy 2:8-13
When Paul breaks down the good news of Jesus Christ, he turns to two things, his resurrection and his lineage as the Son of David. Today the pastors explore how this “simple Gospel” should shape our own Christian lives and prepare us for all of life’s joys and challenges. Be sure to share this with […]
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May 24, 2022
2 Timothy 2:1-7
Living with “strong grace” redefines everything in the Christian’s life (including suffering). Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore this inspiring teaching from the Apostle Paul to Timothy, his child in the faith. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going along on this journey together through […]
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May 23, 2022
1 Timothy 1:15-18
Conflict in the church is nothing new. Today, Pastor Clint explores how two church leaders address some conflict in the earliest church. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going along on this journey together through 2 Timothy together. Pastor Talk Quick Links: Learn more about the Pastor […]
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May 19, 2022
2 Timothy 1:11-14
Every Christian is called to guard the treasure of the faith but that can become difficult when we encounter suffering and some of life’s most difficult circumstances. Join the Pastors as they explore how Paul’s understanding of his role as Apostle can teach us how to trust God throughout our entire walk of faith. Be […]
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May 19, 2022
All the Ideas | Stuff that Bugs Pastors
Since every person in church comes with their own unique set of experiences and ideas, it can be hard to honor those ideas without letting them distract the church from its deepest mission. Join the Pastors as they explore the many ideas of church, some of them funny and some of them very serious, that […]
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May 18, 2022
2 Timothy 1:8-10
Though the books of Timothy are known for their practical insights, today Paul shares the deep theological convictions that undergird it all. For just a moment, we see the depths of the Gospel shining through the very simple insights of the letter. Join the Pastors as they explore the Good News as found in grace […]
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May 17, 2022
2 Timothy 1:6-7
In a few short sentences the Apostle Paul defines the core values of the Christian life, courageous faith, love, and self-discipline. As he writes to encourage Timothy, we are blessed with a life-changing and faith inspiring image of how the faith inside us can continually be rekindled, to drive us deeper into the depth of […]
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May 16, 2022
2 Timothy 1:1-5
In the start of a new letter, we return to two very familiar people. Paul once again writes Timothy to address all number of challenges for the young Christian leader. Today’s letter, however, opens with a beautiful affirmation of these two men’s relationship and also an expression of gratitude for the two women whose faith […]
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May 12, 2022
Labels: Us and Them | Stuff that Bugs Pastors
Churches, like all groups of people, are constantly tempted to pick teams, assign labels, and identify who is in and who is out. Labels almost never help the church and today the Pastors discuss how critical it is for Christians to resist label making in the midst of Christian community. Tempting as it may be […]
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May 5, 2022
Threats and Blowups in the Church | Stuff that Bugs Pastors
When disagreements become heated and strong personalities clash there can many different kinds of threats and blowups that endanger the unity of the Christian church. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore how these situations arise and what makes them difficult to navigation for Christian leaders and laity alike. Feel free to share this […]
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May 4, 2022
1 Timothy 6:17-21
The conclusion to 1 Timothy may in some ways sound like it comes out of nowhere, until you look closer and realize that Paul is encouraging us to live out our Christian lives with honest character and absolute authenticity. Join the Pastors for this conversation as the conclude this study of 1 Timothy. Note that […]
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May 3, 2022
1 Timothy 6:11-16
Fighting the good fight of faith looks far different and, in fact, is far more difficult than we can even imagine. Today Paul instructs Timothy how to pursue righteousness through godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Join the Pastors as they explore these rich and inspiring devotional words from the Apostle Paul. Be sure to share this […]
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May 2, 2022
1 Timothy 6:7-10
Contentment may not be easy, but it is essential to every Christian life. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they unpack Paul’s wise counsel regarding the ever-present temptation to allow the love of money to mislead us from our Christian callings. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in […]
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Apr 28, 2022
1 Timothy 6:3-6
When teachers and their dangerous ideas threaten the Christian community, the Apostle Paul wastes no time in rooting out their self-centered and destructive influence. Today, the Pastors explore how this seemingly abrupt turn fits into the rest of the letter and what it can teach us about our own Christian discipleship today. Be sure to […]
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Apr 28, 2022
Our Favorite Idols | Stuff that Bugs Pastors
It doesn’t take a long time in the church to realize how deceptive and powerful our individual idols can be. In this introductory conversation to a new series, Pastors Clint and Michael discuss how Christians seek to root out our own individual idolatry so that we can live in deep and meaningful Christian fellowship with […]
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Apr 27, 2022
1 Timothy 6:1-2
In some of the most challenging words for interpreters in the entire New Testament, Paul tells Timothy that slaves should honor their masters. What does Paul mean and how should contemporary Christians understand the meaning of these words, especially with the troubling history of using them to defend slavery? Join the Pastors as they explore […]
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Apr 26, 2022
1 Timothy 5:21-25
Today, Paul gets personal when he talks with Timothy about the nitty gritty parts of being a leader in a congregation. As with all of these letters, Paul interweaves insightful and practical wisdom throughout every sentence of this passage. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going along […]
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Apr 25, 2022
1 Timothy 5:17-20
Paul encourages Timothy to appreciate the importance of strong leadership but also not neglect the incredible power of destructive leadership. Join the Pastors as they talk about what this conversation has to teach us about the early church while also illuminating the leadership challenges of today’s church. Be sure to share this with anyone who […]
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Apr 21, 2022
1 Timothy 5:1-16
When Paul and Timothy try to work out the nitty gritty logistics of ministry, we find all of the same struggles and pitfalls of every contemporary church. Who do we help, how much do we help, and what do we do if it doesn’t seem to make a difference? These are just a few of […]
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Apr 21, 2022
The Seven Deadly Sins Meets the Enneagram | Vices & Virtues
In this “epilogue” conversation to the Vices and Virtues series the pastors explore what we can learn about the Enneagram types from the seven deadly sins. If you would like to learn more about the Enneagram, be sure to check out this entire series where we explored the basics. Feel free to share this with […]
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Apr 20, 2022
1 Timothy 4:11-16
When Paul tells Timothy “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young…” is he simply trying to inspire him or is he teaching a deeper lesson about Christian character? Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore what is likely among the most well-known passages in 1 Timothy. Be sure to share […]
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Apr 19, 2022
1 Timothy 4:6-10
When Paul addresses Timothy, he doesn’t hide his belief that deeper Christian discipleship requires effort. Today, the Pastors reflect on how important it is to read the scriptures thoughtfully and how much of an impact they can have on our lives if we are willing to listen. Be sure to share this with anyone who […]
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Apr 18, 2022
1 Timothy 4:1-5
Imagine a great controversy that would enrage the Apostle Paul to such an extent that he would write a blistering critique of “hypocritical liers.” Today, the Pastors explore the heart of the controversy in Ephesus and what we can learn today from the conflicts from the very first generation of Christians. Be sure to share […]
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Apr 14, 2022
1 Timothy 3:14-16
Today, Paul explores the mystery of the faith and instead of it being big theological words, or stuffy academic ideas, it is a simply, invitational exploration of the revelation of God in Jesus Christ. Join the Pastors as they explore this beautiful text for what it might have meant to the church in Ephesus and […]
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Apr 13, 2022
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Paul’s expectations for Deacons are strikingly similar to his expectations for Elders. In this conversation, the Pastors explore what is different and what every Christian can learn from this down to earth spiritual wisdom. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going along on this journey together through […]
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Apr 12, 2022
1 Timothy 3:4-7
Have you ever wondered what it is like to be in a pastor’s family? Join Pastors Clint and Michael for a candid conversation as they explore what scripture has to say to pastoral leaders and their families. Maybe most interesting is how applicable these insights are for any Christian household. Be sure to share this […]
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Apr 12, 2022
Are the 7 Deadly Sins still relevant? | Vices & Virtues
Are the sins identified by ancient monks still relevant today or has the church become so obsessed with judgementalism that our hypocrisy will keep us from understanding and using this spiritual tool as it was intended? Join the Pastors as they explore how the seven deadly sins and virtues might still be helpful for the […]
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Apr 11, 2022
1 Timothy 3:1-3
When Paul turns his attention to the criteria for Christian leadership, he compiles a nearly exhaustive list of both the positive and negative traits for every Christian seeking to grow in their faith and discipleship. In this episode, the two Pastors reflect from their own roles in the church how applicable these words still are… […]
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Apr 7, 2022
1 Timothy 2:11-15
Today, the Pastors tackle one of the most challenging New Testament texts concerning women and leadership. When Paul writes very specific instructions to Timothy about women, he includes references to natural theology, to church order, and to a highly unusual statement about salvation itself. Though there won’t be any kind of definitive interpretive resolution, the […]
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Apr 6, 2022
1 Timothy 2:8-10
What does Paul mean when he tells men to pray with holy hands and women to wear clothing becoming of their Christian works? Join the Pastors as they unpack the beginning of Timothy’s most challenging passages for the Christian interpreter, and a historical source of tension (and even distraction) from the church’s attempt to live […]
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Apr 5, 2022
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Paul instructs Timothy to pray for everyone, including the king and other civic leaders, so that the Christian church could live out its faith in peace and tranquility. Today, the Pastors discuss what this passage might mean for us and our own Christian responsibilities today. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think […]
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Apr 5, 2022
Sloth & the 7 Deadly Sins | Vices & Virtues
While “sloth” might conjure images of lazy people wasting their time and energy, the Christian understanding of sloth might be better described by the ancient word “acedia.” Join the Pastors as they explore what the ancient monks called the “noon-day demon” and how this very ancient realization has incredible implications for our modern lives. While […]
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Apr 4, 2022
1 Timothy 1:18-20
Paul instructs Timothy to “fight the good fight” of faith but what does that have to do with what he has to say about conscience? Join the Pastors as they unpack this text both with its encouragement and its strong language for those leaders who Paul criticizes so strongly. Be sure to share this with […]
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Mar 31, 2022
1 Timothy 1:15-17
When Paul writes to his young mentor Timothy, he wastes no time in reminding him of the central purpose of the Gospel, that Jesus Christ came with the sole purpose of saving sinners. The depth of this truth moves Paul to a moment of pure spiritual ecstasy as he breaks out in praise of God. […]
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Mar 30, 2022
1 Timothy 1:12-14
Paul makes it clear that our past choices, even our past unbelief, cannot keep the life changing mercy and grace of Jesus Christ from transforming our lives. Today the Pastors explore how Paul uses this powerful theological vision to both lift up Jesus’s Lordship while simultaneously censuring the false teachers in Ephesus. Be sure to […]
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Mar 29, 2022
1 Timothy 1:9-11
When the Apostle Paul turns to make a list exemplifying the marks of wrongheaded legalism, he unwittingly created one of the most famous and debated passes of scripture. Join the Pastors as they navigate one of the most studied scriptures in the New Testament and try to offer practical insight for what it might mean […]
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Mar 29, 2022
Lust & Gluttony & the 7 Deadly Sins | Vices & Virtues
Lust and Gluttony are the two deadly sins that are directly connected to our physical natures and, as a result, the ancient Christians were understanding of our struggle to resist their temptations. That said, the Pastors explore how these two human vices, when left unchecked, can become a powerfully destructive force in our lives. What […]
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Mar 28, 2022
1 Timothy 1:6-8
When Paul takes on false teachers directly, he almost always challenges their teachings about the law. Join the Pastors as they explore what these false teachings might have been and how the church still fights the temptation to “secret decoder ring” faith even today. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might […]
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Mar 24, 2022
1 Timothy 1:3-5
Today Paul makes it abundantly clear why he is writing to Timothy, to urge him to stand strong in his opposition to the Christian false teachers in Ephesus. With just a few short words, Paul both undercuts the religious temptation to create a “secret decoder ring” and also reminds Timothy that all true Christian teaching […]
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Mar 23, 2022
1 Timothy 1:1-2
When Paul writes to Timothy, he starts with the first and only thing that matters, Jesus Christ. Join the Pastors as they explore the surprisingly deep theology of the very first words of 1 Timothy. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in going along on this journey together […]
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Mar 22, 2022
Anger & Envy & the 7 Deadly Sins | Vices & Virtues
Anger and Envy are two of the most dangerous social sins identified by ancient Christians. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they explore how these sins can both wreak damage with explosive force and also slowly eat away at the foundations of our souls. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might […]
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Mar 21, 2022
1 Timothy: An Introduction
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Mar 17, 2022
We’re Starting 1 Timothy!
Today we are thrilled to announce that our next daily Bible study will be from the book of 1 Timothy! Written to a young passionate Christian leader by a seasoned pastor, 1 Timothy is packed with spiritual insights and a deep encouragement to live out our faith to the fullest. Don’t miss the series kick […]
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Mar 16, 2022
Concluding Thoughts
Pastors Clint and Michael conclude the Genesis study with a few personal reflections on what they learned in this study, how it is a critically important book for any Christian wanting to understand the New Testament, and an invitation to join them for their next study 1 Timothy! Be sure to share this with anyone […]
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Mar 15, 2022
From the Patriarchs to the Nation
As Genesis closes and Exodus begins, the story zooms out from the individuals who carried that promise forward to the very nation that flourished in Egypt. This connection to Egypt will receive significant attention throughout the rest of the Bible, including the New Testament. Join the Pastors as they trace some of these essential themes […]
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Mar 15, 2022
Pride and Greed & the 7 Deadly Sins | Vices & Virtues
Today Pastors Clint and Michael introduce Pride and Greed as part of the seven deadly sins. Pride, often called the chief sin, is the innate human temptation to evaluate the value of our lives based upon the perception of others and to reach for privilege and power for our own sake. Greed flows out of […]
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Mar 14, 2022
The Bridge to Exodus
Join the Pastors as they explore how the people and themes of Genesis seamlessly continue into the book of Exodus. Upon closer inspection, we discover that Genesis has been far more than just a history of the beginning of the world, it reveals the nature of God’s heart and the limits of human agency. Be […]
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Mar 10, 2022
Genesis 50:15-26
Join the Pastors as the conclude Joseph’s story and reach the end of the book of Genesis. In what is one of the most strong professions of faith in the entire book, we see Joseph pronounce his firm believe that God has been able to be faithful to his promise and even make good out […]
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Mar 9, 2022
Genesis 50:1-14
Joseph and his entire family join together with a large company of the Egyptian nobility to honor his father, Jacob. For just a moment, the mighty nation of Egypt grieves the death of the father of Israel, and we see how God continues to be faithful to bring about the promise that he made to […]
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Mar 8, 2022
Genesis 49:19-33
Jacob offers his final blessings to his remaining sons, including his favored son Joseph. When he finishes passing on his blessing to the very people who will one day become the nation of Israel, he then breathes his last. Join the Pastors as they explore this incredibly important moment in the Genesis story as Abram’s […]
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Mar 8, 2022
What are the 7 Deadly Sins? | Vices & Virtues
In this introductory conversation, Pastors Clint and Michael explore the basic vocabulary, history, cultural impact, and theological foundation that will be necessary for studying the seven deadly sins and their corresponding virtues. Don’t miss this important conversation and don’t miss a single vice or virtue released every Tuesday morning through the season of Lent! Be […]
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Mar 7, 2022
Genesis 49:1-18
When Jacob blesses his twelve sons, he both recounts some of the most notable moments in his family’s history but he also prophetically points towards some of the character and future experience of the twelve tribes of Israel. Join the Pastors as they explore Jacob’s blessing of Simeon, Reuben, Levi, Judah, Zebulun, Issachar, and Dan. […]
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Mar 3, 2022
Genesis 48
When Jacob goes to bless his son Joseph, he goes to the next level blessing his two grandsons as well. Join the pastors as they explore this recurring theme of generational blessings and how Jacob’s subversion of our expectation will later be significant to the Old Testament stories of the twelve tribes of Israel. Be […]
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Mar 3, 2022
Get to Know the 7 Deadly Sins | Series Promo
Lots of us think that we know something about the 7 deadly sins, join Pastors Clint and Michael as they introduce their new podcast series (which will be recorded live) where they explore both the 7 deadly sins (Vices) but also their opposing Virtues. This will be a thoughtful and engaging series where we are […]
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Mar 2, 2022
Genesis 47:13-31
God’s blessing is so great that it makes the entire might of Egypt looks small and when Jacob comes to the end of his life, he demands that Joseph return his body to his ancestors in the land of God’s promise. Be sure to share this with anyone who you think might be interested in […]
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Mar 1, 2022
Genesis 47:1-12
Joseph’s family come before Pharaoh, and he favors them with the choicest land in Egypt. And yet, even though Joseph’s father Jacob stands before the most powerful man in the world, Jacob goes out of his way to offer a blessing upon him. It turns out that the blessing comes not from earthly power but […]
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Feb 28, 2022
Genesis 46
Not every story in Genesis has a happy ending. In fact, every character thus far had at least one very dark season. Today, Joseph is reunited with his father at the same time that God renews his covenantal promise that he had made to Abram and Isaac. In one short chapter, reconciliation leads to blessing, […]
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Feb 24, 2022
Genesis 45:16-28
When Joseph, on the order of Pharaoh, sends his brothers home laden with gifts, he instructs them to bring his father to Egypt so that he could see him with his own eyes. Jacob, hardly able to believe that his son is alive, resolves to travel to Egypt at any cost so that he can […]
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Feb 24, 2022
Next Steps | Unhindered
Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they offer some concluding thoughts on how Christians can live a more unhindered life. No matter what we have learned about ourselves in the midst of this self-assessment, it all hinges on whether we are willing to put that knowledge into practice. Don’t miss this down to earth conclusion […]
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Feb 23, 2022
Genesis 45:1-15
This moment has been building for chapters and it finally arrives! Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers, and in a scene rarely scene in the scriptures, he weeps over them. With all of the challenges that he has seen along the way, Joseph makes a stunning profession of faith in God and we catch […]
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Feb 22, 2022
Genesis 44:18-34
In the climactic moment of the story, Judah stands before the man who is second in command of all of Egypt and makes an impassioned plea for the life of his youngest brother. Joseph watches as the same brothers who sold him into slavery now beg with their own lives for the sake of Benjamin. […]
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Feb 21, 2022
Genesis 44:1-17
The trap that Joseph has been preparing is now set and his brothers walk right into it. When the youngest (and their father’s favorite) Benjamin is found to have the silver cup, they are terrified. In fact, they even confess that they may have finally been found guilty for what they had done to Joseph. […]
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Feb 17, 2022
Genesis 43:26-34
Joseph’s brothers are treated to an extravagant meal and they, for a moment, enjoy themselves. Join the Pastors as they explore this fascinating part of Genesis and some of its small details that you might miss on a first reading. It turns out, there is more happening beneath the surface than the nice meal might […]
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Feb 17, 2022
Owning Our Pitfalls | Unhindered
Let’s be honest, no one is perfect and, unfortunately, that means you aren’t perfect either. Join Pastors Clint and Michael as they discuss the many pitfalls that often get in the way of Christians living out the faith. Though taking an honest assessment of our lives isn’t often easy, it is absolutely essential to become […]
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Feb 16, 2022
Genesis 43:1-25
Hunger drives Joseph’s brothers to convince their father to take Benjamin to Egypt. They rejoice to see on Simeon who had been held captive but fear retribution from Joseph (who they still don’t recognize) who has already spoken harshly to them. Little do they know things are only going to get harder… Be sure to […]
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Feb 15, 2022
Genesis 42:27-38
Joseph’s brothers return home dismayed after discovering that their money had been returned to them. Jacob is crestfallen because the only way to save his son imprisoned in Egypt is to risk the last remaining son of his beloved wife. In this crossroads of pain and grief, Israel’s family tries to make sense of what […]
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Feb 14, 2022
Genesis 42:1-26
When Joseph’s brothers arrive in Egypt seeking food, Joseph sees them for the first time since the moment they sold him into slavery. This painful encounter forces Joseph to choose how he will treat the very brothers who years before had intended to kill him. Today we discover the importance of his younger brother Benjamin […]
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Feb 10, 2022
Genesis 41:37-57
In a day, Joseph goes from the prison to the second in command of the world’s greatest power. Join the Pastors as they explore how Joseph’s remarkable story points us to God’s original promise for the whole world and how some of the unexpected details of the story continue to teach us that God works […]
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Feb 10, 2022
Growing in Grace | Unhindered
The central message of the Christian faith is the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Today the Pastors invite you to explore how that forgiveness has made a difference in your own life. Do you find yourself getting angry with others quickly or do you keep a long list of wrongs? Maybe you been unable to forgive […]
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Feb 9, 2022
Genesis 41:1-36
After two long years, when Pharoah has a dream that none of his priests can interpret, the cup bearer remembers Joseph. Suddenly, in a twinkling of an eye, Jospeh gets a chance to stand before the most powerful man in the world and offer an interpretation of his dream that might not only change his […]
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Feb 8, 2022
Genesis 40
While Joseph serves the prison warden, he interprets the dreams of Pharaoh’s cup bearer and chief baker. The radically different interpretation of each dream sets the stage for the remarkable transformation that lies just around the corner for Joseph, it also makes it explicitly clear that God continues to be faithful to him despite his […]
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Feb 7, 2022
Genesis 39
If you thought that Joseph becoming a slave would be the lowest point in his life, today’s story will come as a shock. When Potiphar’s wife tries to convince Joseph to lay with her and he refuses, she turns the tables on him and falsely accuses him of attempting to take advantage of her. This […]
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Feb 3, 2022
Genesis 38
In today’s story, Judah and his sons refuse to do their part to take care of Tamar when her husband dies. What follows is a rare kind of story in Genesis, when a strong woman makes the very best of a very bad situation and ends up not only tricking her father-in-law but also writing […]
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Feb 3, 2022
Connections | Unhindered
Today the Pastors explore what our relationships with others can to teach us about the state of our own spiritual health. For those with eyes to see, our closest relationships can become a mirror that reveal our greatest strengths and deepest burdens, a glimpse that can become a catalyst for becoming more Christ like people […]
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Feb 2, 2022
Genesis 37:12-36
When Joseph’s brothers scheme to kill him, they aren’t kidding. Joseph is sent by his father to the fields where his brothers plan to end his life. Join the Pastors as they explore how Joseph goes from the favored in his family to a slave. What follows is a story of jealousy, anger, self-advancement, and […]
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Feb 1, 2022
Genesis 37:1-11
Today we are introduced to Joseph, the last major character of Genesis (and the first introduction isn’t great). He rats on his brothers, is pampered by his father with luxurious gifts, and is well known as his father’s favorite son. In fact, we learn in just the first four verses that his brothers hate him […]
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Jan 31, 2022
Genesis 35-36
Today marks the final major character transition in the book of Genesis. Isaac dies, Jacob is named Israel, and becomes father to his 12th son, and for the first time we can see a glimpse of the 12 tribes of Israel that are to come. Though these transitional chapters may not always be devotional in […]
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Jan 27, 2022
Genesis 34
When Jacob and Leah’s daughter Dinah is violated by a foreigner, it sets off a series of negotiations, trickery, and, ultimately, deadly justice. The cost of intermingling with foreigners is clear but the lasting impact on Dinah is left untold. Join the Pastors as they explore a difficult chapter of Genesis and its implications for […]
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Jan 27, 2022
Christian Character | Unhindered
The power of the good news of Jesus Christ transforms Christians from the inside out. Therefore, any deep reflection on the Christian life must explore our personal conduct and, ultimately, our character. Join the Pastors as they explore how our attitude and demeaner can all be signs of our spiritual health and what practical steps […]
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Jan 26, 2022
Genesis 33
Several chapters come to a head when Jacob and Esau finally meet in their long-awaited showdown. We discover that instead of violence there is peace and instead of division there is reconciliation. We are surprised to find that the man who was bested by his younger brother is ready to forgive, while the youngest is […]
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Jan 25, 2022
Genesis 32:22-32
In just one night, Jacob the heal grabber becomes the one who has strived with God. This well-known story not only recounts Jacob’s struggle with God but how that struggle transforms him into the father of Israel. We find within Jacob’s story of struggle and woundedness the encouraging reminder that God promises to be with […]
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Jan 24, 2022
Genesis 32:3-21
Having closed his chapter with Laban, Jacob opens a new chapter with his brother Esau. In a story brimming with tension, Jacob prepares to meet his brother (and his 400 men). Overcome with anxiety, Jacob beseeches God to preserve his family and to continue the blessing. Join the pastors as they explore what this story […]
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Jan 20, 2022
Genesis 31:43-32:2
The end of Jacob’s time with his father-in-law Laban ends peacefully with the construction of a new monument, symbolizing a covenant between both men (and the nations that they represent). We go with Jacob as he crosses over, away from the life he has created in the outer lands, back to his home country. Of […]
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Jan 20, 2022
Open Hands | Unhindered
Many have wanted to spend more time in prayer and spiritual study, but few have been able to “find the time.” Today, the Pastors introduce the first self-assessment in our Unhindered series. Join the conversation as we examine the things that demand our attention, and we address the most common traps for those seeking to […]
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