The Growth Factor

Prayer is important in the Christian faith. It is an act of communication. But who’s listening to us when we pray? Who do we address when we pray? God? Jesus Christ? The Holy Spirit? In this episode, we will discover who listens to us when we pray and the function of God’s Trinity in the prayer life of a believer.

What is the Lord’s Supper? Why we gotta eat his flesh and drink his blood? That’s a strange meal. We don’t do this for performance reasons or because it is done on a specific Sunday. Although we take it with some consistency it has a certain heaviness and weight to the moment. It’s our acknowledgment of God doing something for us that we didn’t deserve and never could repay. It’s about acknowledgi...

Baptism has been a traditional practice of the Christian faith for centuries. But what if someone feels the need to be re-baptized? Is that okay? What does Scripture say about re-baptism? In this episode, we will discover what baptism means for the Christian faith and what rebaptism looks like for someone seeking it out. Listen in as we talk about baptism and going down into the water…again.

Christians have a tendency to misrepresent God because there is an internal conflict between honoring culture and honoring Christ. When Christians choose to honor the culture (church, society) over Christ, we live up to the identity of hypocrisy. In this episode, we will look at what hypocrisy is and why Christians can be so hypocritical.

When you think about salvation, what does it mean? Whether a new believer, or someone who came to faith at an early age, you may sometimes ask yourself the question: “How do I know that I am Saved?” Can a Christian lose their salvation? Starting strong and falling away. This week’s episode will address these questions and more to help you better know where you stand.

What is the Gospel? Did Jesus really have to die on the cross? Making sense of Jesus’ death. In this episode, we will gain a better understanding of the “Good News” of the ministry of Jesus Christ.

The Christian faith doesn’t require mindless belief. Having questions about the faith are okay. That includes questions about the Bible. The Bible is the best-selling book of all time. It is the most quoted book of all time. It has been translated into more languages than any other book in human history. But how do we know we can trust the Bible? In this episode, we will discover why the Bible rea...

In our Grounded series, we will look at some grounding questions that can help you firm up your faith and learn more about God and the Bible. These podcast episodes will dive deeper into questions each week giving you a deeper look into the Word of God and the truths therein. This week’s episode dives deeper into the question of “Who Is God” with the specific question, “Is God a Misogynist?” Be su...

Context In this episode, our faith in the works carried out by Jesus Christ should prompt us to act according to His commands for us. Our commitment shows the faith we have in Jesus Christ and we should work out that faith in community with one another. Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr. Facebook:  Phillip Pointer Instagram:  Phillip L. Pointer Twitter:  Phillip L. Pointer John C....

Context In this episode, we are going to explore what to do when God speak and the consequences from refusing, disobeying, and rejecting the voice of God. We should accept when God speaks with gratitude and reverence because His righteous judgement will be severe if we reject it. Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr. Facebook:  Phillip Pointer Instagram:  Phillip L. Pointer Twitter: ...

Context In this episode, the kingdom that God establishes is compared to a great mountain that is better than that of the mountain in Exodus. God originally showed himself to Moses to establish the old covenant on Mount Sinai. Mount Zion represents a new and better covenant of Christ.  Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr. Facebook:  Phillip Pointer Instagram:  Phillip L. Pointer Twi...

Context In this episode, we are going to explore the discipline it takes to run the Christian race. Jesus is the example of how to endure a discipline given by the father through grace. Which should lead to our sharing of God’s grace to others. Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr. Facebook:  Phillip Pointer Instagram:  Phillip L. Pointer Twitter:  Phillip L. Pointer John C. Richards...

Context In this episode, Hebrews Chapter 11 shows the examples of significant people showing their faith. We are going to explore how their faith for things that they believed caused them to be committed to what God called them. Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr. Facebook:  Phillip Pointer Instagram:  Phillip L. Pointer Twitter:  Phillip L. Pointer John C. Richards, Jr., M.Div. Fa...

Context In this episode, we are going to explore the ability to persevere through hardships and sufferings by faith. Christ’s acceptance doesn’t dismiss the suffering we must face. His acceptance should produce determination through our suffering. Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr. Facebook:  Phillip Pointer Instagram:  Phillip L. Pointer Twitter:  Phillip L. Pointer John C. Richa...

Context In this episode, we are going to talk about God’s judgment for sin and our potential to deliberately abuse grace.  Once we have the knowledge of God’s truth and Jesus Christ’s work, we should turn to a life of repentance. Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr. Facebook:  Phillip Pointer Instagram:  Phillip L. Pointer Twitter:  Phillip L. Pointer John C. Richards, Jr., M.Div. F...

Context In this episode, we are going to explore the final sacrifice Jesus made to redeem the sins of the people and fulfill the God’s judgment through the New Covenant. We will explore the temporal nature of Old Covenant sacrifices and contrast them with the finality of Jesus’ New Covenant sacrifice. Let’s talk about why Jesus is “The Last Sacrifice: One and Done.” Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phi...

Context In this episode, we are going to examine the contents that made up the different sections of the tabernacle. The old tabernacle was a replica of the True Tabernacle of God, where He would dwell with the Israelites. The new tabernacle is a better sanctuary because Christ inaugurated a new covenant through his priestly work.  Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr. Facebook:  Phi...

Context In this episode, we are going to examine the superiority of the New Covenant compared to the Old Covenant and why the need for a New Covenant was necessary. The Old Covenant was good for the Israelites while they were establishing a new life outside of slavery, but the New Covenant is best for everyone while Jesus established a new life for us outside of sin. Connect with our hosts: Dr. Ph...

Context In this episode, we are going to talk about Jesus Christ coming to reestablish the relationship and bond between God and His children through His sanctuary, His sacrifice, and His covenant. The old covenant served its temporary purpose for the children of Israel until Jesus Christ came and solidified a new permanent covenant for all of God’s children. Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L....

Context In this episode, we are going to compare the Levitical priesthood to that of  Jesus and look at why Jesus’ eternal priesthood is better than the Levitical temporal one. Let’s take a look at why, when it comes to priesthood, Jesus has a permanent tenure.  Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr. Facebook:  Phillip Pointer Instagram:  Phillip L. Pointer Twitter:  Phillip L. Pointe...

Context In this episode, we are going to compare the priesthood of Jesus to the Aaronic priesthood. In doing so, we’ll recognize that Jesus’ priesthood wholly different from that of Aaron. Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr. Facebook:  Phillip Pointer Instagram:  Phillip L. Pointer Twitter:  Phillip L. Pointer John C. Richards, Jr., M.Div. Facebook:  John C. Richards, Jr. Instagram...

Context In this episode, we are going to compare the priesthood of Melchizedek to the priest of the Levites and discuss why his priesthood is better. And why it’s important to understand Abraham (and his descendants’) relationship to this priest.. Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr. Facebook:  Phillip Pointer Instagram:  Phillip L. Pointer Twitter:  Phillip L. Pointer John C. Richa...

Context In this episode, we are going to be introduced to the priesthood and kingship of Melchizedek.  Melchizedek foreshadowed Jesus Christ and there are some hints in his biography that help point to Christ. Let’s explore this strange biography. Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr. Facebook:  Phillip Pointer Instagram:  Phillip L. Pointer Twitter:  Phillip L. Pointer John C. Richa...

Context In this episode, we will look at why we should be exercising our hope in Christ. Hanging our hope on God’s promises enables us to serve others while suffering, keeping us from being cold and dry in our Christian walk. Exercising our hope through serving God and his people is a sign that our soul has been anchored in Christ. Why should we exercise our hope? We’ll see in this lesson. Let’s t...

Context Context: In this episode, we will look at the danger of giving up the Christian race. We are called to “go on to maturity.” However, adversity can cause us to contemplate giving up, hindering our growth in Christ. Although life can be hard, we must allow Christ’s superiority to help us prioritize our growth and endurance over what we experience. Let’s dive into the dangers of giving up the...