The TakeAway

Send us Fan Mail What if the greatest joy in ministry is learning to step aside? We walk through John 3:22–36 and watch John the Baptist face the moment many leaders fear: the crowds shift, influence fades, and another rises. Instead of clutching the spotlight, John rejoices. His secret is simple and searching: every gift comes from heaven, and the friend of the Bridegroom delights in the Bridegro...

Send us Fan Mail What if your most sincere efforts could never open the door to God—and that’s the best news you’ll ever hear? We sit with Jesus and Nicodemus under the cover of night and watch the conversation that reframes salvation from the ground up: you must be born from above. Pastor Harry Behrens traces the thread from Ezekiel’s promise of cleansing and a new heart to the wind of the Spirit...

Send us Fan Mail The coins scatter, the animals bolt, and all at once the temple grows quiet enough to hear what really matters. We walk through John 2:13–25 with Pastor Harry Barens to see why Jesus’ most confrontational moment is also one of His most loving—an act of cleansing that restores worship to its true center. We start with the Passover backdrop and how a system meant to serve pilgrims d...

Send us Fan Mail The story of Jesus turning water into wine reveals so much more than a simple miracle. When we look deeper at the wedding at Cana, we discover a profound revelation of Christ's identity and mission that changes everything. This first sign Jesus performed wasn't merely about solving a social embarrassment at a wedding feast. It was a carefully positioned moment revealing...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever noticed the remarkable pattern hidden within the opening chapters of John's Gospel? Like an intricate tapestry, John weaves together days and events that mirror Genesis creation week, revealing Jesus as the divine Bridegroom of new creation. From the very first words—"In the beginning"—John invites us beyond mere history into divine revelation. As Past...

Send us Fan Mail The ancient scriptures didn't just predict Jesus—they revealed him. When Philip encountered Christ and immediately sought Nathanael, he framed his discovery not as personal opinion but as scriptural fulfillment: "We have found him of whom Moses and the prophets wrote." Though Nathanael's initial skepticism echoes our modern doubts, Philip's simple invitati...

Send us Fan Mail What are you truly seeking? This question—the first words Jesus speaks in John's gospel—cuts straight to the heart of our faith journey and forms the centerpiece of our exploration in "Revealed and Recognized." Pastor Harry Behrens guides us through John 1:29-42, where we witness two profound revelations of Jesus Christ. First comes the public declaration by John th...

Send us Fan Mail The question echoes through time: "Who are you?" When religious leaders confronted John the Baptist, his answer wasn't about credentials or achievements. "I am not the Christ," he declared with striking humility. "I am a voice." Pastor Harry takes us to the banks of the Jordan River in John 1:19-28, where this pivotal exchange reveals profound tr...

Send us Fan Mail The mystery of incarnation—God wrapping Himself in human flesh—stands as Christianity's most profound paradox. When John writes that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," he uses language deliberately echoing the ancient tabernacle, where God's presence once dwelled among Israel. But this dwelling was different. Not a sacred tent but a sacred person. Not...

Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean that Jesus is the Word who was with God and is God? How can we reconcile our theological understanding with persistent feelings of spiritual darkness? And perhaps most importantly, how can we know if our faith is genuine? These questions aren't just intellectual exercises—they touch the very heart of what it means to follow Christ. In this special Q&a...

Send us Fan Mail How does God make Himself known in a world drowning in noise? What happens when the eternal Word—the very Creator—steps into His creation? Pastor Harry takes us deep into John 1:6-13, unpacking the profound revelation of how light entered our darkness. At the heart of this passage stands John the Baptist, divinely commissioned as the first witness to Christ. Far from generating li...

Send us Fan Mail Ever felt like something fundamental was missing in your understanding of salvation? That nagging sense that there's more to Jesus being "the life" than we typically grasp? Pastor Harry Behrens tackles this profound mystery by diving deep into John 1:4-5, where we encounter one of Scripture's most transformative truths: "In Him was life, and the life was t...

Send us Fan Mail Beyond mangers and miracles lies a profound revelation—Jesus as the eternal Word who existed before time began. Pastor Harry Behrens launches Season 3 of The Takeaway by diving into the theological depths of John's Gospel, exploring why John takes such a dramatically different approach than Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Unlike the synoptic gospels that begin with earthly events, J...

Send us Fan Mail What if you could arm yourself against life's greatest challenges with a divine toolkit? Unravel the profound teachings of Ephesians 6:10-24 in our latest episode, where we unpack the concept of "Putting on the Whole Armor of God." We journey through Paul's powerful guidance on the transformation from sin's enslavement to becoming true embodiments of Chris...

Send us Fan Mail Is faith the key to unlocking a Christ-like life, even in our professional relationships? On this episode of The Takeaway, we dissect Ephesians 5:5-9, shedding light on the profound teachings about the master-servant dynamic. We'll uncover how embodying Jesus' unwavering trust in the Father's love can transform our daily interactions and actions. With insights from...

Send us Fan Mail How does honoring your parents glorify God and lead to a more joyful life? Join us on "The Takeaway" as Pastor Harry Behrens unpacks the profound insights of Ephesians 6:1-4, shedding light on the biblical mandate for children to obey their parents. You'll discover how this act not only pleases God but also fosters a fuller, more satisfying life. We unravel the cruc...

Send us Fan Mail How can understanding the sacrificial love of Jesus transform your marriage? This episode of the Takeaway promises to uncover the profound spiritual truths behind Ephesians 5:22-32, exploring how a wife's submission and a husband's sacrificial love are intertwined acts of devotion to God. We unravel common misconceptions by referencing Genesis 2:21-23, affirming that wom...

Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to truly shine your light in a world filled with darkness? In this episode of The Takeaway, we unlock the profound spiritual truths found in Ephesians 5:7-21, guiding you to be an imitator of Christ by embracing a godly perspective that transcends our limited understanding of good and bad. You'll discover how to find joy even in suffering, just as Paul did d...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever considered what it truly means to walk in love and unity as a Christian? On today's episode of The Takeaway, we uncover Paul's profound teachings from Ephesians 5:1-6, offering a roadmap from spiritual deadness to a vibrant life in Christ. We delve into living a godly life by imitating God and walking in love, just as Christ did. Through this journey, we ex...

Send us Fan Mail What if living as true ambassadors for Christ could transform not only your life but also the world around you? Join us on The Takeaway as we dissect Ephesians 4:17-32 and uncover profound insights into embodying Christ's teachings in a secular world. We draw lessons from Peter's faltering behavior in Galatians 2:11-14 to illustrate our human vulnerabilities and emphasiz...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what gifts Jesus bestowed upon the church and their significance for believers today? Join us as we journey through Ephesians 4:8-16, uncovering how the apostles and other spiritual leaders play a pivotal role in our faith journey. With a vivid analogy of a moving boat, we highlight why active participation and openness to God's guidance are essential for spirit...

Send us Fan Mail Why should we spread the gospel if God has already decided who will be saved? We're tackling this profound question with Pastor Donnie Garrison, revealing insights that will not only deepen your understanding but also inspire you to embrace evangelism as a joyful necessity. In our discussion, we redefine evangelism beyond mere obligation, highlighting its role as a vessel for...

Send us Fan Mail What if the church wasn't just an option, but a divine gift with a profound purpose? Tune in as we unravel Ephesians 4:4-7, highlighting the church's essential role in God's plan and its mission to glorify Jesus through unity. Discover how the concepts of one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism are foundational to fostering unity among b...

Send us Fan Mail Signup for Weekly Newsletter: What does it mean to truly live a life worthy of your calling? Join Pastor Harry Behrens as he unpacks Ephesians 4:1-3, revealing the profound connection between Paul's imprisonment and his impassioned plea for Christians to live spirit-filled lives. Discover the divine power and promises that empower us to share the gospel with joy and enthusias...

Send us Fan Mail Signup for Weekly Newsletter: How can understanding Paul's prayer for the Ephesians transform your spiritual journey? In this enlightening episode of the Takeaway, Pastor Harry Behrens unpacks Ephesians 3:14-21, revealing the profound importance of receiving God's promises and being fully equipped for our spiritual path. We explore how Paul's prayer for spiritual st...