Life in the Valley Podcast

Episode 22.  In this episode, we continue our Theology Talk series on spiritual disciplines and we are starting with the discipline of the Word. What is the biblical basis for devoting ourselves to the discipline of the Word? What does it look like? How does the discipline of the Word transform us? Book Recommendation: Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney Scripture Ref...

Episode 21. This is a sermon follow up episode from the sermon Pastor Zach preached on February 11, 2024 on Mark 6:30-44, "A Compassionate Shepherd."    Do you have questions? You can submit them on our website at www.machiasvalley.org/questions .   Hosts:   Zach Vaughn , Senior Pastor, MVBC and  Andrea Lyford , Director of Education & Communications at MVBC

Episode 20.  In this episode, we are introducing a series of Theology Talks over the next several episodes on spiritual disciplines. What do we mean by spiritual disciplines? What is the biblical basis for why we should commit ourselves to spiritual disciplines? What are some spiritual disciplines? Book Recommendation: Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney Scripture Ref...

Episode 19. In this episode, we answer a question submitted by a listener: "What is your take on head coverings and the cutting of hair?"  Pastor Zach explains the use of hermeneutics (the right interpretation of Scripture) and how to use the COMA method.   C - Context O - Observation  M - Meaning A - Application Scripture references:  1 Corinthians 11:2-6 Recommended resources:   Bible Study: A S...

Episode 18. This is a sermon follow up episode from the sermon Pastor Zach preached on January 21, 2024 on Mark 6:14-29.  Do you have questions? You can submit them on our website at www.machiasvalley.org/questions. Hosts:   Zach Vaughn , Senior Pastor, MVBC and  Andrea Lyford , Director of Education & Communications at MVBC

Episode 17.  In this episode, we answer a question submitted by a listener, “How do you answer someone who claims to be a follower of Jesus but is hurt by the church or refuses to gather with the church?” Scripture references: Hebrews 10:25 Matthew 16:17-20 Matthew 18:15-20 Matthew 22:36-40 Mark 10:29-30 Ephesians 5:25 Book recommendation:  Called to Stay: An Uncompromising Mission to Save Your Ch...

This episode is a Theology Talk on church covenant. What is a church covenant? What is the purpose of a church covenant?  MVBC's Church Covenant -  www.machiasvalley.org/about Book Recommendation: I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference by Thom Rainer   Hosts:   Zach Vaughn , Senior Pastor of MVBC and Andrea Lyford , Director of Education & Communications of MV...

Episode 15. We recently wrapped up a sermon series on the book of Ruth here at MVBC. In this episode, Pastor Zach recaps the entire story of Ruth and gives us two major takeaways from this Old Testament book of the Bible. Chapter 1 - Story about a family from Bethlehem Chapter 2 - Gleaning in Boaz's field Chapter 3 - Scene at the winnowing floor Chapter 4 - The conversation between Boaz and the cl...

Episode 14.  Happy New Year!  In this episode, we look back on 2023 and celebrate some of the good things that happened this year in three spheres - culturally, in the life of our church, and personally. In addition, we mention some of the resources that have been most helpful for us over the past year.  Recommended Resources Pastor Zach's Recommendations: Bible Talk Podcast Prayer by Timothy Kell...

Episode 13. Merry Christmas!  In this special Christmas episode, we have some fun talking about why Christmas is special for us and what makes it extra special for followers of Christ.  Fun Questions: What is your favorite Christmas tradition in your family? What is one of your most memorable Christmases and why? What is your favorite Christmas carol?  What is your favorite part of the Christmas s...

Episode 12. Why does the New Testament start with a genealogy? Why is this important for the story of Christmas? Matthew 1 Hosts: Zach Vaughn, Senior Pastor, MVBC and Andrea Lyford, Director of Education & Communications, MVBC www.machiasvalley.org/leadership

This episode is a Theology Talk on the “missional.”  What does it mean to be missional as a Christian? What does it mean to live on mission? Hosts: Zach Vaughn, Senior Pastor, MVBC and Andrea Lyford, Director of Education & Communications, MVBC www.machiasvalley.org/leadership

In this episode, we answer a question submitted by a listener: "How should Christians handle Santa Claus?" Scripture references:  Ephesians 2:8; Colossians 3:9; Colossians 1:15-18 Recommended resources: 1. " Saint Nicholas and the Origins of Santa Claus " by Stephen Nichols. 2. Advent Blocks/The King Is Coming 3. Luke 2:1-20   Do you have questions about the Bible or living out your faith? Submit...

In this episode, we are following up with some questions from Sunday's sermon from November 26, 2023 - Mark 5:21-43, Christ's Authority Over Disease and Death.  www.machiasvalley.org/sermons Sermon Follow Up Questions/Thoughts: 1. Why did Jesus ask who touched Him? Doesn't He know everything? 2. The desperation of Jairus. 3. The doctrine of the intercession of Christ. 4. Song: Before the Throne of...

In this episode, we answer the question: “Is there a way to balance what Jesus says about not caring what people think of His teaching and not being unnecessarily offensive? What would the common principles be?” Scripture references:  Ezekiel 34:1-6; 2 Corinthians 2:14-16   Do you have questions about the Bible or living out your faith? Submit your question at www.machiasvalley.org/questions and w...

In this episode, we answer the question, "How do I love my spouse when I don't love him?"  The purpose of marriage The power of the Holy Spirit, God's Word, and prayer Sister Support Romans 8 1 John Recommended Resources: The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller Loving Him Well (formerly Sacred Influence) by Gary Thomas The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick Anchored Hope Biblical Co...

In this episode, we are following up with some questions from Sunday's sermon from October 22, 2023 - Mark 5:1-20, Satanic Swine and the Merciful Son.  www.machiasvalley.org/sermons Sermon Follow Up Questions: 1.  Are there two demon possessed men or one? Matthew’s account indicates that there were two, but Luke and Mark only talk about one.  Is this a discrepancy in Scripture? 2.  In the text, th...

This episode is a Theology Talk on the “gospel.”  What does the word gospel mean? How do we explain the gospel? Greek word is “euaggelion” which means “good news” It is an announcement, like when a king won a victory over an enemy It is historical – the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ It is about the work of Jesus alone It is the key to understanding all of the Bible A summary of the...

In this episode, Pastor Zach answers the question, “Should Christians participate in Halloween?” Distinction between “celebrate” vs. “participate” Do not cause anyone to stumble This is a call to wisdom Christians have different convictions on this; let’s be sure we show love and grace toward one another Do all to the glory of God Scripture references: 1 Corinthians 8-10; Romans 14; 1 Corinthians...

Episode 3. This episode is a Theology Talk on Christ-centeredness. This is a word/concept we talk about often at MVBC.  What does it mean to be Christ-centered? We look at this through four lenses: Christ-centered approach to Scripture Christ-centered approach to church Christ-centered approach to worship Christ-centered approach to living on mission Books mentioned: The Jesus Storybook Bible by S...

In this episode, we are following up with some questions from Sunday's sermon from October 1, 2023 - Mark 4:1-20, The Parable of the Sower.  www.machiasvalley.org/sermons Sermon Follow Up Questions: 1. What is a parable? 2. What is a carnal Christian?  Why did you say this concept is false?   Hosts:  Zach Vaughn , Senior Pastor, MVBC and Andrea Lyford , Director of Education & Communications a...

Welcome to the first episode of our new podcast "Life in the Valley." Hosts: Zach Vaughn , Senior Pastor of Machias Valley Baptist Church (MVBC)  and Andrea Lyford , Director of Education & Communications at MVBC. In this podcast, we discuss: Why the name "Life in the Valley?"  What are we hoping to accomplish with this podcast? Equip Christians. Define and clarify "Christianese." Give a space...