Focused on Christ

The book of Revelation is an important book for the followers of Jesus, but it is often misunderstood or hijacked for unhelpful or unbiblical purposes. The purpose of the book is to "reveal" but what is it that is being revealed and why? In this episode, Nathan and Mike look at the introduction of the book of Revelation, including the message to the churches in order to better understand...

It's no surprise that the world is growing increasingly hostile towards Jesus and his people. How then are we to live in a world that hates everything we believe and stand for in life? In this episode, Pastors Nathan and Mike look at the book of 1 Peter in order to understand our posture as sojourners in this fallen world. #bible #jesus #america #life #persecutedchurch #persecution #hope #suff...

Ephesians 1 provides an amazing list of the blessings of Christ. Within a handful of verses are profound statements about our identity and God's sovereignty. How should we understand these verses and what implications do they have over my life? #jesus #bible #sovereigntyofgod #predestined #eternity #eternallife #trinity #identity #joy

There is a lot of disagreement about certain gifts of the Spirit inside the church. What are these gifts for and are they all legitimate for today? Pastors Nathan and Mike discuss the importance of spiritual gifts as well as the clear scriptural boundaries placed on them. #jesus #bible #spirituality #spiritualgifts #speakingintongues #healing #holyspirit #miracle

In 1 Thessalonians, Paul gives helpful instructions for a church desiring to live a life pleasing to God. What does it look like to pursue holiness? What does this pursuit look like in a world that seems focused on sex and anger? #jesus #bible #sexuality #church #holy #purity #gospel #selfcontrol

The book of James has led many Christians to be anxious over their salvation. What does it mean that "faith without works is dead?" How many works? What does a living faith look like? What does a dead faith look like? Is there any way to be sure of my salvation? Pastor Nathan and Mike dive into this important book and help provide clarity about the good news of Jesus Christ. Pastor Natha...

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is the greatest act of love and power ever displayed. Inside the conspiracy and gruesomeness of Christ's trial and crucifixion, we find a Holy God working. In this conversation, Pastors Nathan and Mike walk through aspects of the crucifixion in order that our love and affection for Christ would be affected. #jesus #bible #hope #cross #crucifixión #conspiracy #is...

Do you know the signs of Jesus' return? What does Israel have to do with the last days and can we know a day for the return of Christ? Pastor Nathan and Mike talk through Jesus' words in Matthew 24 in order to better understand the truth about Jesus' return and how we should approach scriptures about the end times. #returnofjesus #jesus #bible #eschatology #judgment #secondcoming #wrat...

Divorce is a tragic reality for many people in our world, yet our world has continued to normalize and even celebrate the practice. In the church, the topic of divorce continues to cause debate and sometimes division. What does Jesus say about divorce and how should we approach this topic with gentleness while also standing for God's holy standard? Pastors Nathan and Mike dive into the book of...

In John 10 Jesus describes himself as a door and also a shepherd. What does it mean that he is a door and what is his role as shepherd? Also, is there any familiar shepherding imagery that we have come to love that is not implied in the scriptures? #jesus #bible #sheep #shepherd #John10 #thedoors #hope #church #pastor #spiritualabuse

In Mark 7 Jesus makes several comments that can be a bit confusing. Does he really call a woman a dog? Why was everyone upset at his comments about eating and drinking, and why did he tell people not to tell others about his miracles? #miraculous #miracle #jesus #bible #gentiles #hope #teaching #mud

In Matthew 5 Jesus provides a list summarizing the blessed life. This list consists of things like mourning, meekness, suffering, and mercy. How do these things lead to a blessed life? Is this blessing one of prosperity or something else? Alistair Begg teaching on anxiety - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efkVtXWI_LU&ab_channel=DallasTheologicalSeminary #jesus #matthew5 #beatitudes #suffering...

In today's episode, Pastor Nathan and Mike begin the New Testament with a look at the baptism and temptation of Jesus. Why did the perfect, Son of God, desire to be baptized? Why did the Spirit of God lead Him into the desert to be tempted? What is the significance of Jesus' conversation with Satan? #Satan #temptation #baptism #Jesus #Bible #sin #devil

Malachi is the final book of the Old Testament. It provides a final rebuke of the people of Israel who have grown apathetic to God's commands. We also find some familiar passages about tithing, marriage, sacrifices and more. The end of Malachi also points towards a coming day of the Lord and an Elijah-like figure who will lead the way. #prophecy #tithing #prosperity #gospel #marriage #Jesus #B...

The book of Esther provides a historical narrative that weaves into it's pages the sovereign work of God while never mentioning his name. In this episode Pastor Nathan and Mike walk through the narrative while highlighting this truth and consider what it means for us today. #soverienty #hope #Israel #esther #persia #greeks #300

In the book of Daniel, we see a dream and a vision featuring images that seem to describe real, historical kingdoms that ended up coming to power. Are these images truly describing future kingdoms? Does history bear out the accuracy of this vision? Why would God reveal his plan for 1000 years of human kingdoms and what does this have to do with Jesus? #prophecies #prophet #Daniel #kingdoms #God #J...

In this episode, Nathan and Mike discuss Ezekiel's vision of the Valley of dry bones and his closing vision of the future temple. What do these two visions have in common and is the description of the temple symbolic or something else? #prophecy #prophets #Ezekiel #future #temple #Israel #God #Bible #Jesus #hope #prophecies

The book of Ezekiel opens with a mind-bending vision of animal-like creatures, wheels with eyes, and a person standing in the midst of the heavens. What in the world is going on here!? Pastors Nathan and Mike walk through the elements of this vivid image to better understand what God was trying to communicate to the people of Israel and us today. #prophecy #prophets #visions #dreams #Jesus #God #B...

The book of Habakkuk records a conversation between a frustrated prophet and God. Habakkuk sees such injustice all around him and yet God seems to not be doing anything to stop it. When God finally responds Habakkuk is even more taken aback by God's plan to use evil men for his divine purposes. How is this possible? Pastor Nathan and Mike discuss the tensions of waiting on God's judgment w...

When the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and the temple, the people of Israel were forever changed. How did this historical moment impact the people of Israel, their worship, and their lives? What did life look like in Babylon and who in the world is King Nebuchadnezzar? #israel #temple #destruction #jerusalem #bible #jesus

In the book of Zephaniah, we get a vivid description of the coming wrath of God on both Judah and the world. In this episode, Nathan and Mike discuss the important truth about the wrath of God, His coming judgment, and the mercy of God. #wrath #judgment #anger #God #Jesus #Bible #truth

What made King Josiah one of the better kings of Israel and how was he able to begin serving as king at 8 years old? Nathan and Mike discuss the life of Josiah but helped revitalize the temple and point the nation back to Yahweh. #Israel #Jesus #Yahweh #king #repetance #judgment

Isaiah 53 is one of the most detailed descriptions of the coming Messiah, yet it's words speak of a Messiah who would suffer great pains for the sake of His people. Does this really speak about Jesus? How do Jews today reconcile this passage? Why was it necessary for the Messiah to suffer? #jesus #suffering #cross #messiah #isaiah53 #israel #atonement

The prophet Hosea provides one of the most heartbreaking yet beautiful pictures of the love of God toward wayward sinners. Commanded by God to marry a prostitute, Hosea demonstrates incredible love and grace towards a woman who continued to pursue others. What can we learn from this story and how does it relate to the Gospel? #marriage #adultery #hosea #jesus #bible #love #forgiveness #grace

Amos is one of the minor prophets sent by God to declare a message to the people of Israel and Judah. In this episode, Nathan and Mike discuss who Amos was and why God was giving him a message of warning and judgment. They also talk about the seriousness of knowing the truth of God yet refusing to submit to God by way of obedience. #Amos #OldTestament #prophets #prophecies #judgment #Israel #Bible...