Pastor Talk

In today’s episode, we dive into one of the most emotionally charged moments in the Gospel of John. As Jesus stands before the high priest, he endures both questioning and violence with a calm, unwavering response rooted in truth. Meanwhile, Peter, once bold and loyal, completes his triple denial just as the rooster crows—fulfilling Jesus’ painful prediction. Clint and Michael explore how John’s G...

Pastors Clint and Michael continue their Lenten series exploring the many different instigators of grief throughout our lives as well as the key moments of grief that provide opportunities to reorient and continue living while carrying the realities of our losses with us.

In this episode, we step into the chilling courtyard of John 18 as the passion narrative gains momentum. Jesus has been arrested and taken to the high priest, and we find ourselves watching Peter—who just recently seemed bold and loyal—begin to unravel. The group explores how John uniquely structures the story, using Peter’s denials as scene transitions and revealing the complex motivations behind...

In this episode, Clint and Michael dive into the dramatic shift in John’s Gospel as Jesus moves from prayer to arrest. Unlike the other Gospels, John paints a portrait of Jesus who is entirely in control—no betrayal kiss, no surprise attack, just divine authority on full display. They unpack how Jesus steps forward, names himself with the powerful "I AM," and causes soldiers to fall to the ground....

In this lesson, Pastor Michael explores some of the surprising ways that grief impacts us from the inside out. He also explores the historic Christian understanding of lament and what it has to teach us about the strength and frustrations of faith in the midst of grief.

In John 17, Jesus prays not just for His disciples but for all future believers who will come to faith through their testimony. This profound moment in Scripture highlights Jesus’ deep concern for the unity of His followers. He prays that the Church would be one—just as He and the Father are one—so that the world may know the truth of His mission. Clint and Michael explore what this means for us t...

In this second session, Pastors Clint and Michael introduce and explore Elisabeth Kübler-Ross' stages of grief. Tune in for a succinct overview of some of the common experiences of grief, including some aspects that may surprise you.

In John 17, we get a rare glimpse into Jesus' longest recorded prayer, where He intercedes for His disciples and, by extension, for all who follow Him. Jesus prays for their protection, sanctification, and unity as they are sent into the world—just as He was. In this episode, we unpack the tension of being "in but not of" the world and explore how Jesus' prayer shapes our mission as Christians tod...

In John 17, we encounter the longest recorded prayer of Jesus—a profound and deeply theological moment found only in this gospel. As Jesus prays for God’s glory, his disciples, and those who will believe through them, we see a powerful summary of his mission and identity. This prayer marks the turning point as Jesus moves toward the cross, revealing his deep connectiv https://youtu.be/9qJDKT5IOB4...

In today’s study, we explore Jesus’ powerful words in John 16:25-33, where He reassures His disciples that even in the face of trials, they can have peace because He has already overcome the world. We wrestle with the disciples' misunderstanding, Jesus' promise of coming persecution, and the profound encouragement that our peace and courage come from Christ alone. How do we respond when we think w...

In this introductory episode from the 2025 Soup Supper series, Pastors Clint and Michael introduce grief and grieving from a Christian perspective. Whether you are someone currently navigating a season of personal loss or someone who would like to be a better support for those who are, this study is for you.

In John 16, Jesus prepares His disciples for His coming departure, using the imagery of childbirth to explain how their present sorrow will turn into joy. The conversation highlights a key theme in John's Gospel—the glory of Christ, not just in the cross but in His entire mission. While the disciples struggle to understand Jesus’ words, He reassures them that their pain is temporary and will give...

In this study of John 16, Jesus tells His disciples something surprising—it’s actually good news that He is leaving. Why? Because His departure makes way for the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will guide, teach, and convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. Clint and Michael unpack the significance of Jesus’ promise, the ongoing work of the Spirit in the church, and what it means for...

In John 16:1-4, Jesus speaks directly to the cost of discipleship, warning his followers that their faithfulness to him will bring opposition—even to the point of persecution. He makes it clear that this isn’t about seeking conflict but about standing firm when it comes. Clint and Michael explore how these words resonated with the early church, where following Christ was truly a life-and-death dec...

Why does the world hate Christians? In John 15:18-27, Jesus gives his disciples a stark warning—following him comes with opposition. But what does he mean by "the world," and how should we understand this tension today? In this episode, we unpack Jesus’ words, exploring the clash between faith and worldly values, the call to testify, and the challenge of remaining faithful in the face of animosity...

In this episode, we explore one of the most profound teachings of Jesus in John 15:12-17—his call to sacrificial love. Jesus commands his disciples to love one another as he has loved them, making it clear that the greatest love is one that lays down its life for others. But what does that really mean for us today? We unpack the difference between Christian love and cultural ideas of love, the shi...

In this episode, we dive into John 15:1-11, where Jesus declares, “I am the true vine.” This powerful metaphor reminds us that true discipleship requires staying connected to Christ, which naturally leads to bearing fruit in our lives. We explore the tension between faith and action, how abiding in Jesus transforms both our relationships and everyday choices, and why this connection ultimately lea...

In this study of John 14:22-31, we explore Jesus’ promise of peace and the presence of the Holy Spirit. As Judas (not Iscariot) questions how Jesus will reveal Himself, Jesus explains that those who love Him will keep His word, and God’s Spirit will dwell with them. The Holy Spirit, called the Advocate, will teach and remind the disciples of everything Jesus said, ensuring they are never alone. Th...

In this study of John 14:15-21, we explore Jesus' promise to His disciples that they will not be left alone after His departure. He assures them that the Father will send the Holy Spirit—the Advocate and Spirit of Truth—to guide, comfort, and empower them. This passage highlights the relational nature of faith: loving Jesus means keeping His commandments, yet we are not expected to do so by our ow...

In this episode, we explore John 14:8-14, where Philip’s request to “show us the Father” leads to one of Jesus’ most profound responses. We discuss why the disciples struggled to recognize God’s presence in Jesus and how we often face the same challenge in our faith. We also unpack Jesus’ surprising promise that those who believe in Him will do even greater works, exploring what that means for the...

In John 14, Jesus makes one of his most well-known and theologically rich statements: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." This study unpacks the significance of Jesus’ words, particularly in response to Thomas’ question about knowing the way. We explore how Jesus doesn’t just show the way—he is the way, and how truth and life are found in him alon...

In John 14, Jesus speaks words of deep comfort to His disciples, reminding them not to let their hearts be troubled. This passage, often read at funerals, carries a promise that extends beyond grief—it assures all believers that there is a place prepared for them in the Father's house. Clint and Michael reflect on the pastoral nature of this text, highlighting how Jesus acknowledges human weakness...

As Jesus prepares for what lies ahead, Peter makes a bold declaration: “I will lay down my life for you.” But Jesus responds with a sobering truth—before the rooster crows, Peter will deny him three times. In this study, we explore the weight of Jesus’ words, the human struggle between intention and failure, and how this moment sets the stage for the events to come. Join us as we reflect on the si...

In this episode, we dive into John 13, where Jesus gives his disciples a new commandment—one that will define them in the world: "Love one another as I have loved you." But what does that love look like? And why does Jesus say this after speaking about his own glorification? We explore how John's Gospel resists oversimplification, pushing us to see the mystery and depth of Christ’s love. This pass...

In this episode, we explore John’s unique telling of the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. Unlike the other Gospels, John doesn’t emphasize the Last Supper in the same way, but instead focuses on the moment of betrayal. Why is Jesus troubled in spirit? What does the act of giving bread to Judas signify? And why does John make a point to say, “It was night”? We dive into the themes of light and darkness,...