Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr. and John C. Richards, Jr., JD
The Growth Factor
Thank you for connecting with The Growth Factor Podcast, a broadcast ministry of Saint Mark Baptist Church. Our pastoral team will help you understand the scripture and its relevance in contemporary affairs. Learn how to read it and apply it to your life in practical ways. Let the Bible guide how you live today. At Saint Mark Baptist Church You. GROW.Here.
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Episodes
Going Further: What Happens When My Kindness Creates Controversy 03.04.2025 27:29
This study explores Acts 17:1-9, where Paul and Silas arrive in Thessalonica and face opposition despite their faithful ministry. A key figure in this passage, Jason, experiences persecution simply for showing hospitality to these missionaries. Through this story, we will examine how acts of kindness, particularly within Christian hospitality, can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges, controver...
Going Further: How Do I Handle God’s Redirection 21.03.2025 28:24
This study explores Acts 16:6-40, where Paul, Silas, and their companions face divine redirection, unexpected challenges, and powerful breakthroughs. Through this passage, we will examine how to trust God’s purpose when our preferences are challenged, how to discern His leading, and how to respond to redirection with faith and flexibility.
Going Further: When Do I Know When Its Time to Move On 13.03.2025 29:14
This study explores Acts 16:1-5, where Paul makes a significant decision regarding Timothy and his cultural background. Through this passage, we will examine how to navigate family differences, discern when to compromise for the sake of unity, and recognize when it is time to move on from certain relationships or situations while staying faithful to God’s call.
Going Further: What Happens When God Does Something New 06.03.2025 32:13
This study explores Acts 15:1-41, a pivotal chapter in the early church that highlights the tension between religious tradition and God’s unfolding truth. By examining this passage, historical church developments, and insights from theologians, we will consider how to navigate change while staying faithful to the gospel.
Going Further – How Do I Handle Human Applause 27.02.2025 26:47
In today’s culture, fame and recognition are often seen as signs of success. Whether in ministry, work, or social life, human applause can be intoxicating. However, Acts 14:8-28 gives us a powerful example of how Paul and Barnabas responded when people tried to elevate them to celebrity status. Their humility reminds us that all glory belongs to God alone.
Going Further – How Do I Handle Disappointments_Pt2 20.02.2025 26:38
Disappointments, especially those rooted in opposition and jealousy, can threaten to derail our purpose. Acts 14:1-17 continues Paul and Barnabas’ journey, showing us that even when jealousy disrupts, faithfulness to God’s mission leads to transformation.
Going Further – How Do I Handle Disappointments_Pt1 13.02.2025 28:01
Disappointments in life and ministry are inevitable, especially when rooted in opposition, jealousy, or rejection. Acts 13:13-52 gives us a real example of how Paul and Barnabas navigated jealousy and disruption while staying focused on their mission.
Going Further: Why Do We Need the Black Church 06.02.2025 26:36
This study draws on Acts 13:1-12 to explore the biblical and historical necessity of the Black Church in America. By examining relevant scripture, key moments in American history, and the writings of influential scholars, we aim to understand the unique role of the Black Church in addressing spiritual, cultural, and social needs.
Grounded: Is Jesus the Only Way? 10.10.2024 26:45
Grounded: Is Jesus the Only Way?
Why Does God Allow Preachers to Profit Off His Name? Why Does God Allow Preachers to Profit Off His Name? 03.10.2024 20:42
God’s sovereignty means that God reigns supreme and there is no one higher than God. God’s sovereignty means God is supreme over all things including mankind, animals, and nations. God’s sovereignty doesn’t mean that God doesn’t give us choice and freedoms in our lives and over our decisions. God’s sovereignty just tells us that even through our own freedom and choice God is still God.
Can Women Be Preachers? 26.09.2024 27:20
One of the most debated issues in the Church today is that of women in pastoral leadership positions as they preach to and guide God’s people. As a result, it is important to have a conversation about this sensitive subject, especially with the growing amount of female preachers who feel called to ministry. Are we still allowing women to speak and teach only in Sunday School? Let’s learn what the...
Grounded: Does The Bible Condone Slavery? 23.09.2024 15:32
The Bible doesn’t condone slavery, the bible deals with slavery as a reality and it’s economic structure.
Grounded: What Does The Bible Say About Angels And Demons? 23.09.2024 29:39
The Bible mentions or alludes to angels over 300 times. So God’s Word has enough to say about angels that we need to make sure we understand them. In this session, we will look at several things about angels, including the perception of angels, the place of angels, the purpose of angels, and the presence of angels in the Bible.
Grounded: Would God Really Condemn People To Hell? 23.09.2024 25:22
Christians and non-Christians, both, have questions about the afterlife. All of us have asked questions about what happens after we die. At some point we have asked, “Would God really send us to Hell?” This episode is going to be about Hell, and we are going to explore the question surrounding it and examine what the Bible really says about Heaven, Hell, and everything in between.
Grounded Conversations: Does God Turn His Back on Suffering? 29.08.2024 25:36
Despite all our differences in humanity there is one thing we all have in common – we all suffer. The reality of suffering and our Christian belief in God appear to be a contradiction. How can a God who is loving, kind and good allow people to suffer? Most important, where is that God when I am dealing with the pain and disappointments of life. Has God abandoned me or turned his back on me? This l...
Grounded: Does God Turn His Back on Suffering? 29.08.2024 25:22
Despite all our differences in humanity there is one thing we all have in common – we all suffer. The reality of suffering and our Christian belief in God appear to be a contradiction. How can a God who is loving, kind and good allow people to suffer? Most important, where is that God when I am dealing with the pain and disappointments of life. Has God abandoned me or turned his back on me? This l...
Grounded Conversations: Does God Change His Mind? 22.08.2024 33:00
Have you ever wondered if God changes His mind? Can the God who has predetermined everything change His mind? In this episode, we will explore how God does God change His mind based on the responses and reactions of His people.
Grounded Conversations: Does God Hate Gay People? 15.08.2024 29:21
It is no question that homosexuality or one’s sexual orientation has become culture’s greatest moral and spiritual issue for the Christian community. Yet, the Church often avoids discussing this taboo topic. But what is God’s heart on the matter? Does God hate gay people? This lesson addresses the cultural and Christian worldview of alternative lifestyles by providing biblical truth and practical...
Grounded: Is God Bipolar? 08.08.2024 30:31
Reading through the Bible from cover to cover could lead some to conclude that the God who showed up in the Old Testament is very different from the God who showed up in Jesus Christ. Which may lead some to ask, “Is God bipolar?” In this episode, we will discover God’s grace at work in the Old Testament and his judgment at work in the New Testament. Listen in as we talk about God’s nature and char...
Grounded: Who Got the Body? 29.04.2024 30:15
Context Discussing death and the afterlife presents challenges due to varying perspectives and uncertainties regarding the fate of the body post-death. However, for Christians, there is assurance that death doesn’t have the last word. We look forward to an everlasting existence with our Eternal Father. In this study, we’ll explore how Christians can grieve yet remain hopeful when a loved one passe...
Grounded: What About People Who Haven’t Heard the Gospel? 22.04.2024 17:25
Grounded: What About People Who Haven’t Heard the Gospel?
Grounded: What About Those Who Haven’t Heard the Gospel? 22.04.2024 18:31
If God is loving and good, how will he resolve the destiny of so many people who will never get a chance to be introduced to Jesus Christ? This has been a troubling question for so many believers, especially when statistics say there are 3 billion people on this planet who are considered to be the “unreached” because they have no access to the Gospel.
Grounded: Aren’t People Basically Good? 15.04.2024 29:29
It’s often emphasized that God’s understanding of what is truly good surpasses human comprehension. Humans may perceive goodness based on personal experiences or cultural norms. But God’s perspective transcends our limited understanding. So, what is good? How does God define it? Are humans any good? In this episode, we will discover how God defines good and how He sees us outside of Christ and in...
Grounded: Can Christians Be Wealthy? Riches and the Christian Faith 09.04.2024 22:57
When we look at scripture, wealth and riches are used interchangeably. Apart from wisdom itself, the writer addresses wealth and poverty in Proverbs. There are more than 100 verses in Proverbs related to wealth and poverty. Wealth is a gift to the believer when it comes from God; however, it can be a curse if it leads us away from God.
Grounded: How Do I Share My Faith? Did Jesus Preach A Revival In Hell? 01.04.2024 15:13
Sharing the faith should not be a chore or stressful experience. Christ’s death helps take the fear and stress out of sharing the Gospel because Christ went to the depths of hell to share the faith. Christ shows how we can go to the worst places and yet the Gospel still has the power to move forward.
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