The Branch

In this episode of the Branch Podcast, Pastors Chris Reed, Matthew Johnson, and Anthony Lombardi unpack what pastors really mean when they encourage everyday practices like reading the Bible, prayer, worship, going to church, and loving your neighbor. Rather than presenting these as religious checklists, the conversation focuses on how these disciplines are meant to shape a real, ongoing relations...

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastor Matthew Johnson is joined by Pastor Anthony Lombardi and Pastor Chris Reid for an honest and thoughtful conversation about unity. What does unity actually mean in the church, and how does it differ from uniformity? How should Christians navigate disagreements while remaining committed to one another? The discussion explores Scripture, church history, a...

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Anthony, Matthew, and Chris take a look at prosperity theology and why it often creates confusion within the Christian faith. They unpack the idea that faith or obedience guarantees wealth, health, or happiness, and contrast it with what Scripture actually teaches about blessing and the Christian life. Throughout the conversation, the pastors explore...

Artificial intelligence is becoming a normal part of life, and many people are unsure how to think about it. In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Matthew, Anthony, and Chris talk through the opportunities and challenges AI brings to followers of Jesus. They discuss how technology can strengthen learning, creativity, and global connection, while also exploring the risks of replacing real...

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Anthony, Matthew, and Chris take a closer look at what Jesus meant when He spoke about the kingdom of God. They talk through why this theme appears so often in His teaching, how His life showed what God’s reign looks like, and what it means for believers to live in the tension of a kingdom that has begun but is not yet complete. Their conversation is...

In this episode of the Branch Podcast, Pastor Matthew and Pastor Chris sit down for an honest conversation about what it means to love God, love others, and also learn to love ourselves in a healthy way. They walk through how love shapes our thoughts, emotions, spiritual rhythms, and daily choices, and they share practical examples from their own lives and ministries. The pastors also talk about n...

In this Branch Podcast Q&A episode, Pastors Matthew, Anthony, and Chris take on real questions from listeners about faith, Scripture, and life’s most challenging topics. Together they discuss reconciliation, fasting, sexuality, baptism, and why God allows suffering, all through the lens of Scripture and with honest, grace-filled conversation. The pastors also explore deep theological questions...

In this episode of The Branch Podcast , Pastors Matthew, Chris, and Anthony talk about what it really means to live a life of biblical submission. They look at Philippians 2 and Ephesians 5 to show how Jesus modeled humility and obedience, even when it came at a cost. The pastors unpack why submission isn’t weakness but a loving trust in God’s plan, one that shapes marriages, leadership, and every...

In this episode of The Branch Podcast , Pastors Matthew Johnson and Anthony Lombardi talk about the rise of “deconstruction” in today’s culture. They explore both healthy and unhealthy ways to question your faith, showing that doubt doesn’t have to lead to disbelief. Through personal stories, honest reflection, and biblical truth, they reveal how examining what you believe can actually strengthen...

In this episode of The Branch Podcast , Pastors Matthew, Anthony, and Chris share an unscripted conversation that begins with lighthearted prank stories and then shifts into a thoughtful discussion on faith, culture, and politics. Looking at Matthew 21 and Revelation 5, they explore the tension of Jesus as both Lion and Lamb, powerful, yet victorious through sacrifice. The pastors consider how Chr...

Too often, we say the right things about Jesus while living lives that tell a different story. In this episode, we confront the uncomfortable truth about giving Him lip service instead of true surrender—and explore what it really means to honor Jesus with every part of our lives. If you've ever felt the tension between your words and your walk, this conversation is for you. Through honest refl...

In the face of tragedy, how do we respond as Christians? This powerful discussion challenges us to examine our hearts and actions when confronted with evil. The central message revolves around Jesus' teaching to 'overcome evil with good' (Romans 12:21). We're reminded that our primary calling is not to win political battles, but to point people to Jesus and His transformative love. The conversatio...

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, we explore Jesus' countercultural teachings on forgiveness and reconciliation and how they challenge Christians to take a posture of redemption and restoration. We dive into the practical implications of these teachings, discussing how embracing the heart of Christ can transform our lives and relationships. Whether it's with situations concerning marr...

Everyone wants to be great, but how we define greatness makes all the difference. Jesus teaches that true greatness begins with humility, values the vulnerable, and is expressed through serving others.   In this episode, we unpack what it means to follow Jesus into a different vision of greatness. Why does humility matter so much? How do we guard against pride? And what would happen in our familie...

In a culture where “more” often feels like the default setting, what does it mean for followers of Jesus to live with enough? In this conversation, we explore the subtle and not-so-subtle ways consumerism shapes our faith, our ethics, and even our worship. We’ll discuss practical choices—from how we shop to how we scroll to how we eat—and wrestle with the tension between enjoying God’s blessings a...

Many Christians today wrestle with the question: Can’t I just follow Jesus on my own? In this episode, we unpack where that mindset comes from and how it stacks up against Scripture. We explore the impact of American individualism, the biblical model of faith in community, and the real expectations between a church and its members. What does the Church owe its people, and what do its people owe th...

In this episode, we explore the story of Jesus and Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:22–33. We discuss how fear, uncertainty, and failure intersect with Jesus’ authority, his presence in our struggles and his grace in our failures. Join us as we consider how this passage reshapes our understanding of faith, doubt, and how we as Christians should respond to failure.

In our journey of faith, we often grapple with the complexities of relationships. This discussion delves into the biblical perspective on who we're called to be in relationship with and how to navigate difficult interactions. We're reminded that while we're called to love everyone, we're not obligated to maintain close relationships with those who consistently hurt us or hinder our...

In our exploration of desire from a Christian perspective, we uncover profound truths about our relationship with God. We learn that desire itself isn't inherently sinful, but rather a God-given mechanism that can lead us towards or away from Him. The story of Jesus and the woman at the well beautifully illustrates how our earthly desires often mask deeper spiritual longings. Just as Jesus offered...

What does it really mean to “use the Bible” when forming our views on today’s most complex and controversial issues? In this episode, we ask hard questions about how scripture shapes our opinions—and whether we’re letting it lead or using it to reinforce what we already think. From immigration to AI, gun laws to government spending, we explore how to navigate cultural debates with biblical integri...

In this powerful discussion, we delve into the destructive nature of gossip and slander, exploring how these seemingly small acts can have far-reaching consequences in our relationships and spiritual lives. Drawing from James 3, we're reminded that our tongues, though small, can set entire forests ablaze. This vivid imagery underscores the immense power our words hold - for both good and ill....

In this profound discussion on hearing God's voice, we're reminded of the incredible privilege and responsibility of divine communication. The central message revolves around the idea that God still speaks to His people today, not just through Scripture, but in various ways in our daily lives. We're encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle of listening, creating space for solitude and praye...

Unlike any other major faith, Christianity rises or falls on real, historical events. In this episode, we explore why the death and resurrection of Jesus aren’t just matters of belief—but of verifiable history that offers both logical and life-changing reasons to trust. 

Today we explore what the Bible teaches about the purpose of our physical bodies, the hope of resurrection, and how these truths shape our understanding of death and the afterlife. Join us as we address common misconceptions, the significance of burial practices, and how Christians can finish well by honoring God even in life’s final chapter.

Is stealing a cookie really the same as committing murder—in God’s eyes? In this episode, we dive into one of the most misunderstood ideas in Christian theology: the equality of sin. Join us as we explore Scripture, debate the difference between spiritual guilt and earthly consequences, and maybe even laugh about our childhood crimes along the way. Whether you’ve wrestled with legalism or leniency...