One Step Closer

The Omnipotence of God What do you do when a problem is beyond your ability to fix? Michael Spurlock explores God's omnipotence through creation, impossible situations, and salvation. He also looks at Paul's thorn in the flesh and the strength God gives when a difficult situation remains. God's power is consistent with His nature and will. Michael considers the Red Sea, Jericho, and other biblical...

We planned to work through a chapter. We made it through eight verses. Brandon and Michael begin the Book of James with a conversation about trials, patience and asking God for wisdom. What does it mean to count a hard season as joy? How is growing in faith different from pretending nothing hurts? And what does James mean by being double-minded? We also catch up on church life and share details ab...

The Omniscience of God God knows our actions, our thoughts, and our future. Michael Spurlock walks through Psalm 139 to explain God's omniscience and why being fully known by God should lead us to honesty, trust, and prayer. Nothing about us is hidden from God. Michael explores how God's complete knowledge challenges our motives, comforts us when others misunderstand us, and gives us reaso...

What are we asking for when we pray for revival? Brandon and Michael talk about lasting change, the youth-group devotions that stayed with them, and the pride, attitudes and excuses they still have to surrender. From football heartbreak to honest self-examination, this conversation comes back to a personal question: what needs to change in me? 00:00 A question about revival 00:15 Welcome and footb...

What IS The Bible Actually About?  What is the Bible actually about? Michael Spurlock follows its central message from Genesis to Revelation: Jesus Christ, His sacrifice for sin, and His victory over death. The episode closes with a question for every reader: how will we respond to Jesus?  0:00 Intro and the question: What is the Bible actually about? 1:03 The Scriptures testify of Jesus 1:46 Th...

Whose approval are you living for? Brandon and Michael talk about people pleasing, the fear of disappointing others, and obeying God when everyone won't agree. They also discuss receiving criticism, setting boundaries, and knowing when to say no. Chapters 0:00 Opening 0:58 Welcome back 3:11 Why do we care what people think? 20:35 The fear of man 38:17 Appalachian Jubilee 39:54 Back to the conv...

Why Are There So Many Bible Versions? Why do English Bibles use different wording, and why does One Step Closer use the King James Version? Michael Spurlock discusses how God's Word came to us, the purpose of translation, and the conviction behind using the King James Version on One Step Closer and One Step Deeper. He also warns against arguing about Bible versions while neglecting to read and...

Where does a personal conviction end and a biblical command begin? Brandon and Michael talk about music, clothing, entertainment, church culture and the danger of treating our preferences like Scripture. There’s room for different convictions. There’s also a difference between Christian liberty and looking for a loophole. The goal is to know God’s Word, follow it and love people who may do things...

Can We Trust God's Word? The Bible claims to be more than a collection of good thoughts about God. It claims to be the Word of God. Michael Spurlock explains why Christians can trust Scripture as inspired, preserved, and profitable. God used human writers, preserved His Word, and gave it to teach, correct, equip, and point us to Jesus Christ. The question is more than whether we can trust the...

Forgiveness gets harder when the hurt is personal. Michael and Brandon talk about bitterness, forgiving someone who never apologizes, and the boundaries that may still need to stay in place. Through Scripture and their own stories, they work through letting go of an offense and rebuilding a relationship. Chapters: 00:00 Before we get started 00:31 Welcome and catching up 06:58 Why forgiveness is h...

Who Is God? Knowing what God does is different from knowing who He is. In this episode, Michael Spurlock looks at three truths Scripture reveals about God's character: He is eternal, unchanging, and personal. The God who existed before creation still keeps His promises. He knows our thoughts, struggles, failures, and fears, and He invites us to know Him personally through His Word and through...

Is AI becoming a help or a replacement in ministry? Michael and Brandon talk through where AI tools can serve pastors and church teams, and where they cross a line: writing your sermon for you, answering a hurting church member for you, or becoming your source of truth. Michael closes with six questions to check whether your use of AI is healthy. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome: is AI a help or a replacem...

Does God Really Exist? Michael opens One Step Deeper with one of life's biggest questions: Does God really exist? Michael follows three witnesses in Scripture. Creation points to a Creator. Conscience shows our awareness of right and wrong. Jesus Christ reveals God through His life, death, burial, and resurrection. The episode closes with a personal question for each of us: What will we do wit...

Michael Spurlock welcomes David King for a conversation about answering God’s call, reaching college students with the gospel, and staying faithful in ministry. David shares his experience as a preacher and his heart for campus outreach. Together, they discuss why young people step away from church, how to take their questions seriously, and the value of friendships that provide encouragement and...

What if your social media account became a place to point people to Christ? Michael and Brandon talk about sharing your testimony, encouraging others, supporting your church online, and thinking before you post. They close with a simple seven-day challenge you can try for yourself. The seven-day challenge: Day 1: Share your testimony. Day 2: Share a Bible verse and why it matters to you. Day 3: Se...

Unity with Differences Season 2, Episode 2 Jordan Asbury, Pastor of Bruner's Chapel Baptist Church, joins Michael Spurlock and Brandon Stone to talk about the differences Christians carry into their churches and friendships. Drawing from their Independent and Southern Baptist experiences, they discuss King James convictions, assumptions about other churches, and the line between biblical doctr...

Season 2 begins with Michael Spurlock welcoming Brandon Stone as co-host of One Step Closer. In “Why Media Ministry Matters,” Michael and Brandon discuss how churches can use media to reach people, encourage people, and carry the gospel beyond the walls of the church. They talk about starting with limited equipment, creating volunteer buy-in through vision and communication, pursuing excellence wi...