Life Beyond the Summit

Nick came to ministry at the age of 28, with a sense of calling to reach men with an emphasis on being "All In" and fully devoted! His heart is in seeing men discover freedom through engaging Matthew 28:18-20 and living as Jesus lived, fully devoted to experiencing all that God has for each of those calling Jesus Lord!

In this podcast we continue our conversation with Justin Sparks, Missouri State House of Representative for the Republican party, father of 7, and Director of Men's Ministry at Grace Church St. Louis. Justin believes in living in an Extraordinary way, simply because we serve the Alpha and Omega -- the one who invites us to experience Eternal Life.

Meet Justin Sparks -- Christ Follower, Husband to Mandy, father to their 7 children, Volunteer Director of Men's Ministry Grace Church St. Louis, Former St. Louis County Police Officer, SWAT officer, Special Response Unit Sargeant, currently a second term Missouri District 110 Republican House Representative, and a friend to all he meets. By any measure, Justin is an extraordinary man of faith...

In this, the final podcast in this series, we discuss a man's role as husband and father in creating an environment rich in faith and its impact on the family, church, and community at large. Our guest is returning Pastor Phil Eppard, Groups Pastor, Grace Church STL.

In this episode, Pastor and Biblical Counselor Marty Haas returns to continue a discussion about the impact of the eroding family on faith, church attendance, and the spiritual condition of our country.

In this episode, hear from Pastor and Biblical Counselor Marty Haas, as we continue a discussion about Faith and the Family! Marty is in his 38th year as a family, marriage, and individual counselor at Grace Church St. Louis.

How Faith is impacted by the changing landscape of the family unit -- An interview with Community Groups Pastor Phil Eppard, Grace Church St. Louis. This is a two part series.

Life Beyond the Summit is proud to be sponsored by Ministry to Men St. Charles, Missouri.

The lines have been blurred, what was true yesterday is no longer. Standing on the side of what is right, has been redefined -- as either intolerant, incentive or even wrong. On every level, confusion seems to abound. Absolutes have become vague and now considered extreme. No area of life seems to be off limits. Even the church, once considered sacred, is now experiencing persecution, false accusa...

Every one needs a retreat, a break, a breather, a chance to relax and reflect! Andrew and I reflect on our time off, where we are in our faith and our circumstances. Life is challenging even in its best moments. Expectations both fulfilled and unfulfilled leave us longing for more! But leaning into the Lord brings refreshment and the assurance of HOPE! Listen and be encouraged that God is faithful...

In Matthew 5:10-13, Jesus speaks to the persecution of the Faithful, His followers, those whom have accepted him wholeheartedly, saying those persecuted will enjoy a great reward.    There are many causes that one may take up that may result in some level of persecution.  But NONE engage the meaning of life itself, NONE directly engage the source and essence of life.  NONE address Jesus Christ as...

In Matthew 5:9, Jesus addresses “peacemakers” saying that they will be called “sons of God.”  This is the message of the cross to reconcile man to God.  Jesus says those who are “peacemakers” shall be called “sons of God.”  Jesus’ very nature was to create peace between God and man.  God is Peace, when we walk in the likeness of Him, we are called “sons of God.” We are called to bring the message...

Many wrestle with whether Biblical truth can be trusted and is reliable.  Do we believe some and not all of Biblical text?  Is the Bible truly inspired by God or simply mythology?  The entirety of Bible accuracy and it’s power rests in the resurrection.  Was Jesus truly resurrected? “We are to walk out the values and the morals that Jesus set before us – specifically, the Sermon on the Mount.  We...

The heart is often thought of as the center, core, middle, or the most important part of something.  Regarding the human heart, it is the hardest working muscle in the body, providing a continuance stream of life giving oxygen and the nutrients necessary to sustain life.   Just as the human heart sustains the human body, the core of our Spiritual heart, when connected to the heart of God, produces...

In John 5:8, Jesus spoke “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”  This is the first of the beatitudes that comes with the promise of SEEING God.  Generally sin is defined as any form of self satisfaction, gratification, selfish desire, or immoral behavior.   Living with a pure heart does not refer to immoral actions ONLY, but to EVERY thought that distracts us from a deep, intimat...

When I think of the word “mercy,” I think of its application as being applied to significant injustices.  In Matthew 5:7, Jesus stated “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”  Mercy is the act of extending forgiveness or grace when a just response may be to do otherwise. A just and natural response would be to need out a judgment equal to or worse than the original offense.  But...

In Christian circles this word is familiar, though when asked for a specific answer to its meaning, most take pause.  In the simplest way, it means “doing right.”   We know we are made whole, complete, and “right” through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  He alone has taken the fallen nature of man and lifted us up, taken our sin and cleansed us, taken what was wrong and made i...

As we continue our discussion from Matthew the 5thchapter, in Verse 6, Jesus spoke these words – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.” Every living being has experienced hunger and thirst. On a physical level, without food or water we cannot survive and the need is on going and never ending. We depend on food and water for survival. But we also hunger...

In Matthew 5:5, Jesus spoke – “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” “Meek” is not likely a word that would make a modern day list of virtues worthy of the inheritance of the earth, if such an inheritance were even possible. Though familiar with the word “Meek,” a look online brought this definition – timid, reserved, quiet, gentle, easily imposed upon, and/or submissive. From t...

Most people define “Rich” in terms of wealth and financial prosperity in areas such as or the money, investments, property, and possessions. Often, we will refer to this level of wealth as living a “Blessed” life. We work hard, advance our intellect, reasoning, and human understanding for the causes of growth, gain, and accumulation of the comforts of life. How does the Bible define living a “Bles...

God’s word is life changing. In Hebrews 4:12, the writer proclaims “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow and attitudes of the heart.” The Bible is the portal through which we enter into relationship with God, know and understand Him, and begin to understand His purpose for our own lives. &nbs...

Unlike any other literary work, the Bible is unique in its ability to produce and give life to those who heed its call and redemptive power. The apostle Paul wrote these words in John 1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was th...

In the Biblical book of Revelation, the 12th chapter, 11th verse, the Apostle Paul wrote… “…they (followers of Christ), were saved by the blood of the lamb (Jesus death on the cross) and the word of our testimony.” So strong were those who believe that “they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” It is that same power, power written of by the Apostle Paul, prophetically, in A.D...

“For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations” -- Psalm 100:5. Faithfulness -- the first thoughts that come to mind -- loyal, trustworthy, dependable, committed, true, honorable, and perhaps most assuredly, reliable. Faithfulness also suggest fidelity. Fidelity suggests purity in purpose and loyalty without compromise. In Romans 5:8, we are remind...

In our last episode we spoke about being “resolute” in pursuing a deeper walk with the Lord. Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Unlike any other book, God’s word produces life to those who attend to it!  Proverbs 4:20-22, states “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within you...