Focused on Christ

In this episode of Focused on Christ, Mike and Nathan walk through the beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. What was the purpose of this sermon and what in the world is a beatitude? Are these rules to govern our lives or a description of what it looks like to follow Jesus? Sermon Outline: https://gamma.app/docs/Jesus-Bears-His-Fathers-Name-27b1vpta3d0un8y/preview

Is there a promise that all those who are in Christ will be healed? The answer is a resounding "yes" but the timing and context of that healing may be different than we think. In this reflection, Pastor Mike looks at Paul's encouragement from 2 Corinthians 4 & 5. We can be honest with out illnesses and struggles while at the same time finding hope in what is to come. #healing #miracle #jesus #...

Why was healing an important part of Jesus ministry? Was he simply desiring to show kindness or is there something more? In this episode Mike is joined by Dr. Jeff Scott, who is the Pastor of Biblical and Theological Resourcing at Heritage Baptist Church. They discuss 3 instances of healings from the Gospels in order to understand better the nature of Jesus and His plan of redemption. #healing #he...

How should we approach some of the difficult passages of scriptures that confuse our understanding of the Godhead? In this Weekend Reflection, Mike points to the necessity of humility when approach these passages. When we examine our sinful corruption and God's perfect holiness we are better able to trust in His purposes - even we don't fully understand them.#faith #jesus #struggle #yahweh #bible...

Is there really a difference between the God of the Old Testament and Jesus in the New Testament? How do we reconcile some of the difficulty realities of stonings, conquest, and polygomy spoken about in the Hebrew Scriptures? In this episode, Pastor Joshua Hankins joins Mike for a discussion on this often misunderstood topic. #oldtestament #yahweh #lawofmoses #polygamy #jesus #focusedonchrist

Welcome to a new segment title, Weekend Reflections. Earlier this week Pastor Nathan and Mike revisited an episode on online convtroversies. In this weekend's reflection Mike looks at Romans 12 and the book of Jude for some biblical insight into how we are to engage people online who may be orthodox in their doctrine yet have a diffferent way of applying that doctrine to cultural issues. #focusedo...

In this revisted episode, Pastor Nathan and Mike discuss online controversies that are connected to comments made last week about a theology of space. How do we make room for the transcendent in a culture of the common? Also, we look at the question of attending a gay wedding and how we can interact with those with a different stance on applied theology. #focusedonchrist #wedding #coffee #theology...

In John 2 we see Jesus respond in anger when he witnesses the Temple of God being turned into a marketplace. What was driving this righteous indignation and how should we respond when we are faced with injustice? In this episode, Mike and Nathan ask questions about the santity of holy spaces and our role when faced with evil in our world. Teaching Resource from Pastor Nathan: The Cleansing of the...

Recently Wes Huff was recently interviewed by Joe Rogan, which exposed millions of people to the truth of Jesus' existence and the historic reliability of the scriptures. At the same time Jordan Peterson is releasing a series analyzing the Gospels along side priests, secularist, and psychologists. How are we to understand this cultural movement towards a more receptive and celebratory view of the...

In this episode of Focused on Christ you will discover the profound meaning behind Jesus's early ministry and His first miracle at Cana. Learn how authentic discipleship transforms lives through relationship rather than mere religious knowledge. Explore the deep symbolism of water turning into wine and its significance for modern believers. Mike and Nathan examine the transition from old relig...

Discover the fascinating historical facts about Jesus's birth and early life that differ from common traditions. Learn about the cave in Bethlehem where Jesus was born, the stone manger that held him, and the true timing of the Magi's visit. Explore the significance of the shepherds as first witnesses and understand the deeper meaning behind the three gifts. This historical exploration brings new...

Discover the fascinating story behind Jesus's family tree and the events leading to His birth. From Abraham to David, explore how God worked through both saints and sinners to bring about His perfect plan. Learn about the significance of the 400-year silent period, the importance of biblical genealogies, and why the virgin birth was essential to God's redemptive plan. Understanding Jesus's ancestr...

In our first show of the new year we open up the mailbag and cover some questions sent in last year. One listener asks if it's possible for those apart from Jesus to experience a life of happiness? Other questions include whether a mega church is biblical and whether cremation is a sin. The answers to these questions may surprise you! Tim Keller Article on Church Size Dynamics FOC Ep. 93: Signs of...

The church of Laodicea is common considered a representation of the American church...but is this accurate? What does it mean for a church to be lukewarm? In this episode, Mike and Nathan look at this well known section of scripture and consider the implications for the church today. Note: Due to some technical issues the audio quality is not as good normal. #podcast #focusedonchrist #church #reve...

Explore the profound lessons from the letters to the churches in Sardis and Philadelphia in the Book of Revelation. Discover the true relationship between faith and works, and understand the dangers of spiritual complacency. Sardis, a wealthy city, had a church that appeared alive but was spiritually dead, highlighting the need for genuine faith and repentance. Philadelphia, though weary, was comm...

The Church of Thyatira, located in a commercial hub, faced challenges from various religious influences. Jesus commends their love, faith, and endurance but condemns their tolerance of false teachings led by a prophetess called Jezebel. The message emphasizes the importance of adhering to biblical guidelines, the call to repentance, and the promise of reward for those who remain faithful. Reflect...

In this episode of Focused on Christ, Mike and Nathan look at the letters to the churches in Smyrna and Pergamum who both dealt with persecution. What role does persecution play in the local church? What happens when persecution leads to compromise in the church? #podcast #focusedonchrist #persecution #martyrs #suffering #church

In Revelation 2-3 Jesus Himself speaks to the churches. This message to specific, historic churches rings through the ages to the churches today. How are we to understand these messages to the churches? In this episode, Pastors Mike and Nathan look at the message to the church in Ephesus. What does it mean that they lost their first love and what does this have to do with legalism? #podcast #revel...

Now that the election is complete and the next administration is returning in 2025, we thought it may be helpful to remind ourselves of God's sovereignty over the nations. Last year Pastors Mike and Nathan had a conversation about the prophecies of Daniel and how God's revelation about future nations bring us great comfort and hope.

In this episode of Focused on Christ, Pastors Mike and Nathan explore eight humanistic errors that have subtly infiltrated the church, impacting faith and community. Continuing a conversation from the previous episode, they examine the concept of individual autonomy, highlighting its potential to lead to moral decay and a life devoid of true spiritual guidance. They also addresses the flawed idea...

In this episode of Focused on Christ, Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith delve into how Christians should approach content from questionable or theologically problematic sources. They emphasize the importance of #discernment and personal #conviction when consuming #christian media, urging believers to evaluate content based on its alignment with Scripture. The conversation also identifies four #hu...

You're invited, along with our live audience, to celebrate the 100th episode of the Focused on Christ podcast. In this episode Pastors Mike and Nathan share about the beginning of the podcast and then jump into a series of questions including: How much access does #Satan have to our thoughts? Are my deeds as a Christian still "dirty rag" (Is. 64:6) How do we fight #perfectionism ? How do we combat...

In this special episode of Focused on Christ, Pastor Nathan and Mike discuss the current election season and provide some biblical and historical frameworks for engaging our political system. How is a Christian supposed to vote when neither candidate is godly? Is NOT voting a sin? How do we prioritize issues when considering our vote? What biblical principles help inform our decisions on who to vo...

Hell is a crucial yet often misunderstood aspect of Christian theology. Contrary to popular belief, hell is not Satan's headquarters but a place of eternal separation from God for those who reject Christ. The doctrine of hell underscores the seriousness of sin, the need for a Savior, and the justice of God. Understanding this #doctrine motivates believers to take sin seriously, share the gospel ur...

Is there anything biblical about deliverance ministries? How are we to understand the demonic influence in our lives? In this episode, Mike and Nathan respond to a recent clip of Isaiah Saldivar speaking about the need for regular deliverance for the Christian and then dive into some of the problematic beliefs of deliverance ministries. Along the way Mike and Nathan talk through the real influence...