Matt Ayars Podcast

In this episode, we dive deep into the mystery and power of the Holy Spirit—tracing His work from the Old Testament to Pentecost and beyond. Pastor Matt responds to a thoughtful question about the difference between the Spirit’s activity before and after Christ, revealing how the Spirit moved selectively in the Old Testament but is now poured out on all believers for the building up of the Church....

In this follow-up reflection to Sunday’s message on Acts 1:1–11, Pastor Matt Ayars explores the significance of the  40 days  between Jesus’ resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Why did Jesus wait? What do the biblical patterns of 40 days and 40 years teach us about the Christian life? Drawing from Exodus, the Gospels, and Revelation, Pastor Matt unpacks the meaning of wait...

In this episode, Pastor Matt Ayars walks through Acts 1:1–11 to answer a vital question:  How do we prepare ourselves to receive the Holy Spirit?  With insight, honesty, and a touch of humor, Pastor Matt shares four essential steps to spiritual readiness: submitting to the lordship of Jesus, waiting on God’s timing, aligning with His kingdom purposes, and embracing our calling as Christ’s witnesse...

In this powerful Memorial Day message, Pastor Matt Ayars takes us into Revelation 1:12–20 to explore the often-overlooked but absolutely essential doctrine of Christ’s Ascension. Many Christians focus on the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus—but what about the Ascension? Why does it matter that Jesus rose  not just from the grave , but also into glory? In this episode, Pastor Matt unpacks th...

In this episode, Pastor Matt Ayars takes us deep into the Spirit-led journey of salvation. From prevenient grace to glorification, we explore how the Holy Spirit draws us to Christ, convicts us of sin, brings about new birth, and shapes us into the image of Jesus. What does it mean to be truly “born again”? Why is regeneration more than just forgiveness? And how does the Spirit heal our shame and...

In this episode, Matt Ayars unpacks the urgency and depth of Jesus’ final words in Matthew 28: “Go and make disciples.” With passion and clarity, he challenges the Church to move beyond passive belief and toward active discipleship, exploring what it really means to obey the Great Commission. Along the way, he addresses the root of human brokenness—shame—and how only the divine blood of Christ can...

In this episode, Pastor Matt Ayars unpacks the profound and personal work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer, beginning with a recap on spiritual gifts—especially tongues—and how they fit within the Methodist tradition. From there, we transition into the heart of the conversation:  the Holy Spirit’s role in salvation . What does it mean to be united with Christ? How does the Spirit mak...

In this special Mother’s Day episode, Pastor Matt Ayars opens up Revelation 12 to reveal a powerful and often-overlooked truth: the Church is not only the bride of Christ and the body of Christ—it is also a  mother . Drawing from the vivid imagery of the woman clothed with the sun, Pastor Matt explores how the Church brings Christ into the world, nurtures spiritual children, and perseveres in the...

In this episode, Pastor Matt Ayars shares a personal story that launches a deep dive into the gifts of the Holy Spirit—starting with the moment his wife, Stacy, unintentionally “slayed” someone in the Spirit. What follows is an honest, engaging, and theologically grounded conversation about charismatic gifts like speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing, and discernment. Pastor Matt unpacks the diff...

In this compelling episode of  Seminary Unboxed , host Dr. Matt Ayars welcomes back theologian and comparative religion expert Dr. Steven Tsoukalas to expose and unpack a subtle but pervasive theological error: “Great Gulfism.” Also known as cosmological dualism, Great Gulfism refers to the mistaken belief—often unconsciously held—that there is a fixed chasm between God and the material world. Dra...

In this powerful and personal message, Pastor Matt Ayars walks us through John 21, where the risen Jesus restores Peter after his threefold denial. With humor, vulnerability, and pastoral insight, this sermon explores what it means to be forgiven, called, and sent again—no matter how deeply we’ve failed. Jesus doesn’t just restore Peter’s status—He restores his mission:  Feed my sheep.  This messa...

Discussion on the Holy Spirit in the Trinity.

In this episode, Pastor Matt Ayars takes us into the scene of John 20:19–23, where the risen Jesus appears to His fearful disciples hiding behind locked doors. What does Jesus offer them first? Peace. We explore how the resurrection of Christ is not just about an empty tomb—it’s about the living Lord who meets us in our fear, breathes new life into our hearts, and gives us hope beyond death. Pasto...

In this episode, Pastor Matt Ayars kicks off a new series on the Holy Spirit by asking a vital question: Why study the Spirit at all? As we move from Easter toward Pentecost, Matt lays a theological and devotional foundation for understanding the Spirit’s role in the life of Christ, the Church, and the believer. You’ll explore: Why the Holy Spirit often remains behind the scenes—and why that’s bib...

In this special Easter Sunday message, Pastor Matt Ayars proclaims the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the foundation of our faith and the force that shapes every part of the Christian life. Why do we worship on Sundays? Why do the sacraments matter? Why do we believe the Bible is the Word of God? It all comes back to the empty tomb. Drawing from Matthew 28:1–10, Pastor Matt explores how the resur...

Why did the story of redemption include betrayal? In this Holy Week teaching, Pastor Matt Ayars explores the meaning of Spy Wednesday—the day Judas conspired to betray Jesus—and why that act of treachery is not just a tragic footnote but a theologically necessary part of the gospel story. Drawing from Matthew 26:14–16, this episode unpacks the layers of human sin, divine grace, and spiritual warfa...

In this powerful Palm Sunday message, we journey from the joyous cries of  “Hosanna!”  to the crushing silence of Gethsemane. As Jesus enters Jerusalem to the cheers of the crowd, expectations are high—but by week’s end, those same voices cry  “Barabbas.”  Why? Because Jesus came not to fulfill our will, but the Father’s. Through vivid storytelling and pastoral reflection, this sermon explores the...

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In this sermon we explore Luke 22:14–23.

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Will you submit to Jesus even when he doesn't meet your expectations?

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Explore the meaning of Lent, the significance of Jesus’ baptism, and the power of true repentance through Psalm 51. Discover how sin, grace, and atonement shape our journey to Easter.

What does it truly mean to follow Jesus? In this episode, we dive into Luke 9:23, where Jesus calls His disciples—not just to believe in Him, but to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him. Too often, Christianity is reduced to admiring Jesus from a distance. But Jesus’ invitation isn’t just to watch—it’s to walk the road He walked, even when it leads to sacrifice and suffering....