What does it look like when God truly transforms a life? In this episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow and Executive Pastor Jeremy Pray sit down with Dr. Greg Gifford, Associate Professor of Biblical Counseling at The Master’s University, host of the Transformed podcast, and contributor to Fortis+.Greg shares his story—from serving in the Army to teaching and writing on biblical counseling—and the surprising origins of Transformed, a project launched with Todd Friel to demonstrate how Scripture addresses real struggles with real hope. Together they explore topics like PTSD, habits of the heart, and the false promises of modern psychology.Drawing from his books Heart & Habits, Helping Veterans with PTSD, and Lies My Therapist Told Me, Greg helps believers see that true change doesn’t come from medication or self-help, but through the renewing work of God’s Spirit and Word.Whether you’re a pastor, counselor, or simply seeking biblical wisdom for life and ministry, this conversation will deepen your confidence in the sufficiency of Scripture and the transforming grace of Christ.__Welcome to NorthCreek Church! In glad reliance on the Holy Spirit and Scripture, we exist for the glory of Christ, to make disciples who worship God, walk in love, and witness to the world.Connect With Us:Sunday Services: 9:00AM & 10:45AM Address: 2303 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598Online Resources:Main Website: https://www.northcreek.org/ NorthCreek Academy (TK-8): https://ncapschool.org/ Sermon Archive: https://northcreek.churchcenter.com/channels/19901 Church App: Download the Church Center App and search for "NorthCreek Church"
What should Christians do with October 31? In this special Halloween edition of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow sits down with Executive Pastors Matt Rehrer and Jeremy Pray to talk costumes, candy… and the courage of Martin Luther. In a light, lively conversation (yes, including dad-tax debates and Pilgrim’s Progress nightmares), the guys offer a pastoral way to think about Halloween alongside Reformation Day—the anniversary of October 31, 1517, when Luther posted the 95 Theses at the Castle Church in Wittenberg and helped spark the Protestant Reformation and a recovery of justification by faith alone.They also explain how NorthCreek Church has shifted from hosting large “Fall Fest” gatherings to encouraging gospel presence in our neighborhoods—through hospitality, meaningful conversations, and creative outreach ideas that point to Christ. You’ll hear practical ways to engage your neighbors, a brief look at the history behind the Reformation, and some lighthearted reflection on how this unique day can be both fun and spiritually meaningful.Whether you say Happy Halloween or Happy Reformation Day, this special episode invites you to redeem October 31 for the glory of God and the good of your neighbors.NorthCreek Church Dr. Kent DresdowIn glad reliance on the Holy Spirit and Scripture, we exist for the glory of Christ, to make disciples who worship God, walk in love, and witness to the world.Sundays: 9:00AM & 10:45AM2303 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598https://www.northcreek.org/Church, Worship Service, All Ages Classes, Baptism, Membership, Discipleship, Children's Ministry, Students Ministry, College And Career Ministry, Adults Ministry, Outreach, Counseling, Food Pantry, Job Network, Church App, Sermons, Books And Cafe, Reading Plans, Giving, Prayer, Church Events, Men's Breakfast, Walnut Creek Church, Christian Community, Bay Area Church, northcreek church, walnut creek church, christian community, bay area church, faith based, bible study, community groups, worship music, serving others, Fellowship, Sunday School, Youth Group, Spiritual Growth, Faith Community, Volunteer Opportunities, Church Fellowship, Mission Trips, Family Ministry, Small Groups, Church Volunteering, Community Outreach, Church Gathering
What does faithful ministry of the Word look like—both from the pulpit and across the counseling table? In this follow-up episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow continues his conversation with Jeremy Pray and Kevin Carson, pastor of Sonrise Baptist Church in Ozark, Missouri, and Executive Director of the Biblical Counseling Coalition.Together they explore how expository preaching and biblical counseling flow from the same conviction: God’s Word is sufficient and authoritative for all of life. Kevin shares his passion for teaching Scripture with precision and clarity, rooted in passages like 1 Timothy 4, and explains why understanding a text’s meaning, significance, and application is vital in both public and private ministry.From the “scratch-and-sniff” aroma of Scripture in everyday life to the careful bridge between truth and compassion, this conversation will strengthen your confidence in the transforming power of God’s Word—whether you’re preaching, counseling, or simply seeking to apply the Bible faithfully.Hosts: Pastor Kent Dresdow and Pastor Jeremy PrayGuest: Pastor Kevin Carson (Sonrise Baptist Church, Ozark, MO; Biblical Counseling Coalition)Themes: expository preaching · biblical counseling · sufficiency of Scripture · pastoral ministry · application and wisdom · local churchNorthCreek Church Dr. Kent DresdowIn glad reliance on the Holy Spirit and Scripture, we exist for the glory of Christ, to make disciples who worship God, walk in love, and witness to the world.Sundays: 9:00AM & 10:45AM2303 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598https://www.northcreek.org/Church, Worship Service, All Ages Classes, Baptism, Membership, Discipleship, Children's Ministry, Students Ministry, College And Career Ministry, Adults Ministry, Outreach, Counseling, Food Pantry, Job Network, Church App, Sermons, Books And Cafe, Reading Plans, Giving, Prayer, Church Events, Men's Breakfast, Walnut Creek Church, Christian Community, Bay Area Church, northcreek church, walnut creek church, christian community, bay area church, faith based, bible study, community groups, worship music, serving others, Fellowship, Sunday School, Youth Group, Spiritual Growth, Faith Community, Volunteer Opportunities, Church Fellowship, Mission Trips, Family Ministry, Small Groups, Church Volunteering, Community Outreach, Church Gathering
What shapes a pastor’s heart for people? In this episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow sits down with Jeremy Pray and longtime NCT guest Kevin Carson—pastor of Sonrise Baptist Church in Ozark, Missouri, and incoming Executive Director of the Biblical Counseling Coalition—to trace the Lord’s providence through Kevin’s life and ministry.
From growing up in a pastor’s home to planting and pastoring in the heartland, Kevin shares how the loss of his first child and the mentorship of early biblical counseling leaders deepened his compassion and dependence on Christ (2 Cor. 1:3–4; James 1:2–4). Together they reflect on decades of ministry, the growth of biblical counseling, and why church-based, Word-saturated care remains essential for the health of Christ’s people.
Whether you’re a pastor, counselor, or believer who wants to care well for others, this conversation will encourage you to trust God’s purposes in suffering and to serve with Christlike wisdom and grace.
Hosts: Pastor Kent Dresdow and Pastor Jeremy Pray
Guest: Pastor Kevin Carson (Sonrise Baptist Church, Ozark, MO; Biblical Counseling Coalition)
Themes: biblical counseling · pastoral ministry · suffering and comfort · compassion · faith in trials · church leadership
What is church membership, and why does it matter right now? In this episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow sits down with Executive Pastors Matt Rehrer and Jeremy Pray to consider the biblical foundations and practical blessings of committing to a local church. While the pulpit focuses on the public ministry of the Word, this conversation tackles a timely pastoral question many at NorthCreek are asking: Is membership in the Bible, and how does it shape the life of our church?Walking through passages like Acts 1:15; 2:41; 6:1–7, 1 Timothy 5:9, Hebrews 13:17, Ephesians 4:11–13, Colossians 1:28, and Hebrews 10:23–25, the team shows how Scripture assumes known lists, counted people, and accountable care. Membership clarifies who our elders will “give an account” for, equips saints for ministry, and anchors believers in mutual encouragement and loving accountability. You’ll hear practical counsel on moving from “you guys” to “we”—owning the life, mission, and witness of your church family.Whether you’re new to NorthCreek, a longtime attender, a traveling nurse or student here for a season, or a member needing refreshment, this episode invites you to go all in—to belong, be equipped, and build up the body of Christ. Keywords: church membership, local church, biblical accountability, pastoral care, spiritual growth, elder leadership, deacon service, expository ministry, Bay Area Christians, membership class.NorthCreek Church Dr. Kent DresdowIn glad reliance on the Holy Spirit and Scripture, we exist for the glory of Christ, to make disciples who worship God, walk in love, and witness to the world.Sundays: 9:00AM & 10:45AM2303 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598https://www.northcreek.org/Church, Worship Service, All Ages Classes, Baptism, Membership, Discipleship, Children's Ministry, Students Ministry, College And Career Ministry, Adults Ministry, Outreach, Counseling, Food Pantry, Job Network, Church App, Sermons, Books And Cafe, Reading Plans, Giving, Prayer, Church Events, Men's Breakfast, Walnut Creek Church, Christian Community, Bay Area Church, northcreek church, walnut creek church, christian community, bay area church, faith based, bible study, community groups, worship music, serving others, Fellowship, Sunday School, Youth Group, Spiritual Growth, Faith Community, Volunteer Opportunities, Church Fellowship, Mission Trips, Family Ministry, Small Groups, Church Volunteering, Community Outreach, Church Gathering
In this follow-up to our Sing! recap, Pastor Kent Dresdow sits down with Dan Grassi, Minister of Music at NorthCreek Church, to unpack the vision behind the new Sing Hymnal—a collaboration from Getty Music and Crossway—and how curated hymnody can shape both our services and our homes. Dan traces a brief history of hymnals from the Reformation to the modern-hymn movement (think “In Christ Alone,” “Before the Throne of God Above”), then explains why a carefully chosen body of songs helps truth take root in our memories and discipleship.
You’ll hear how the hymnal is organized—by the flow of gathered worship, the Christian life, and the life of Christ (Advent to Ascension and beyond)—and how that serves pastors, worship planners, and families alike. Dan also clarifies psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16): what each is aiming to do, how they overlap, and why a healthy church sings all three. Along the way, we talk practicals: using hymn stories and Scripture references at the dinner table, learning melodies from simple recordings, and cultivating singable truth for kids and adults.
If you care about congregational singing, family worship, and passing the faith to the next generation, this episode will help you bring biblically rich, Christ-centered songs into weekly rhythms—on Sundays and around the table. Our hope: not just a hymnal in the pew, but a hymn in every home.
What happens to a church when it sings rich truth together? In this episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow sits down with Matt Rehrer and Jeremy Pray to unpack highlights from the Sing! Conference in Nashville and why those days of Scripture-saturated worship were such a gift to our staff and church family. From the joy of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with believers from around the world to the refreshment of unhurried fellowship, the conversation explores how corporate singing shapes unity, discipleship, and mission.Drawing from Revelation 5, Psalm 22, Psalm 47, Psalm 78, and Ephesians 4, the guys reflect on a biblical theology of singing—why we proclaim who God is (not merely how we feel), and how melody and poetry help lodge doctrine deep in our hearts for both ordinary days and suffering. They discuss the beauty of skillful musicianship paired with sound theology, the encouragement of robust congregational harmonies, and simple, singable hymns and songs (think CityAlight) that serve the whole body.You’ll also hear practical takeaways for corporate worship and family worship—from preparing our hearts on Sundays to filling our homes with singable truth throughout the week. The episode closes with a preview of the newly released Sing! Hymnal and why recovering hymn-singing in our homes could strengthen the next generation.If you care about congregational singing, biblical worship, and passing the faith “from one generation to another,” this conversation will encourage you to sing with understanding and joy.Stay tuned for Part 2, where we talk about using a hymnal in everyday family life.2303 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598https://www.northcreek.org/Church, Worship Service, All Ages Classes, Baptism, Membership, Discipleship, Children's Ministry, Students Ministry, College And Career Ministry, Adults Ministry, Outreach, Counseling, Food Pantry, Job Network, Church App, Sermons, Books And Cafe, Reading Plans, Giving, Prayer, Church Events, Men's Breakfast, Walnut Creek Church, Christian Community, Bay Area Church, northcreek church, walnut creek church, christian community, bay area church, faith based, bible study, community groups, worship music, serving others, Fellowship, Sunday School, Youth Group, Spiritual Growth, Faith Community, Volunteer Opportunities, Church Fellowship, Mission Trips, Family Ministry, Small Groups, Church Volunteering, Community Outreach, Church Gathering
In this special episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow reflects on the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, exploring how Christians are called to respond when political violence shakes our hearts. Rather than allowing anger, fear, or vengeance to dominate, Kent points us back to Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:37–39: love God fully and love our neighbor as ourselves.Rooted in Leviticus 19 and illustrated through passages like the Good Samaritan and Jesus’ call to repentance in Luke 13, this conversation helps us discern what loving looks like—especially toward those we naturally struggle with. We are reminded that love begins in the heart, shapes our speech, and is expressed through our actions. Even in confusion, grief, and anger, the essentials remain clear: fix our gaze on Christ, resist hatred, speak truth with grace, and pray for justice, healing, and revival.If you’ve been unsettled by what’s happening in our country, you’re not alone. Whether you knew Charlie Kirk well or only by name, may this reflection bring clarity, hope, and a renewed commitment to walk in the footsteps of Jesus—in love, humility, and faith.NorthCreek Church Dr. Kent DresdowIn glad reliance on the Holy Spirit and Scripture, we exist for the glory of Christ, to make disciples who worship God, walk in love, and witness to the world.Sundays: 9:00AM & 10:45AM2303 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598https://www.northcreek.org/
How does biblical counseling take root and flourish in churches around the world? In this second part of our conversation, Pastor Kent Dresdow and Executive Pastor Matt Rehrer continue with Andrew Rogers, Executive Director of Biblical Counseling Ministries Worldwide (BCMW), to explore the heart and vision of this global ministry.
Andrew unpacks how BCMW equips pastors and leaders internationally with training in biblical counseling that is grounded in the sufficiency of Scripture and deeply connected to the local church. From Ephesians 4 to the Great Commission, the discussion highlights how God’s Word transcends culture and equips believers everywhere to make disciples and build up the body of Christ.
Listeners will also hear how BCMW is currently training leaders in more than 30 countries, developing accredited biblical counseling programs, and even caring for missionaries on the field so they can remain faithful in their calling. The conversation points to the urgent need for both equipping and sending, and how churches can pray, give, and join in the work.
This is part two of a two-part conversation. If you missed part one, go back and hear Andrew’s testimony and the story of how God prepared him for this ministry.
To learn more about BCMW, visit:
https://bcmworldwide.org/
What shapes a ministry leader with a passion for both the local church and the nations? In this episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow sits down with Executive Pastor Matt Rehrer and special guest Andrew Rogers to trace Andrew’s journey of faith and ministry.
From his early years in central California, to coming to Christ as a teenager, to discovering a love for discipleship and biblical counseling, Andrew shares how the Lord redirected his path from corporate law to pastoral ministry. Along the way, he recounts how godly mentors, exposure to expository preaching, and experiences in both local and overseas ministry deepened his conviction in the sufficiency of Scripture for life and godliness.
Now serving as the Executive Director of Biblical Counseling Ministries Worldwide (BCMW), Andrew explains the background that shaped his burden for the global church—asking the pivotal question, “Who’s training them?” His story highlights how God faithfully prepares servants for the unique callings He entrusts to them.
This is part one of a two-part conversation that will help you see God’s hand in equipping leaders and expand your vision for how biblical counseling strengthens churches around the world.
To learn more about BCMW, visit:
https://bcmworldwide.org/
What do you do in the painful aftermath of discovering your child has walked away from the Lord? In this second conversation of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow and Executive Pastor Jeremy Pray sit down again with guest speaker Brad Bigney Lead Pastor of Grace Fellowship Church to offer gospel-centered hope and practical help for parents of prodigals.Building on Part 1, Brad speaks candidly about the immediate temptations parents face—blaming themselves, isolating from the church, or scrambling to find a “formula” to fix their child. He and his wife, Vicki, know firsthand the grief and confusion of watching children rebel, and yet they’ve learned that true comfort comes not from control but from Christ.Drawing encouragement from the Psalms of lament, Luke 7, and 2 Corinthians 12, the discussion points parents back to God’s sovereignty, the importance of grieving honestly, the necessity of staying connected to the body of Christ, and the hope that only the gospel provides. They also speak directly to parents who aren’t walking through this trial—urging them to respond with humility, compassion, and grace toward those who are.If you’re a parent in the “blast zone” of prodigal pain, or simply want to better walk alongside others in your church, this episode offers biblical wisdom, pastoral encouragement, and the reminder that God alone saves—and He is faithful.
What do you do when you’ve raised your children to know the Lord, only to watch them walk away from the faith? In this episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow sits down with Executive Pastor Jeremy Pray and guest speaker Brad Bigney Lead Pastor of Grace Fellowship Church, a longtime teacher at NorthCreek’s Counseling Training Conference. Together, they open a heartfelt conversation on parenting wayward children—a subject often overlooked in the church but deeply felt by many families.Brad shares from his own family’s story of walking through years of prodigal rebellion, and the lessons God taught him and his wife, Vicki, through the pain. The discussion addresses the false idea that faithful parenting guarantees godly kids, the unique burdens mothers and fathers carry, and how compassion—not quick fixes—is often the most Christlike response. Passages like Luke 7, where Jesus sees and loves the brokenhearted, and 2 Corinthians 12, where God’s strength is made perfect in weakness, shape the hope and comfort offered in this episode.Whether you’re a parent grieving a prodigal, a pastor counseling families, or a believer seeking to understand God’s purposes in suffering, this conversation offers honesty, encouragement, and the reminder that Christ meets us in our weakness.
What does the Bible have to say about caring for both body and soul? In this episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow continues the conversation with Executive Pastors Jeremy Pray and Matt Rehrer on the foundations and distinctives of biblical counseling. Building on part one, they explore how Scripture’s sufficiency shapes our approach to life’s problems, the difference between biblical and Christian counseling, and how to navigate the interplay between physical health and spiritual care.Drawing from passages including 2 Timothy 3:16, 1 Peter, John 9, and 2 Corinthians 4, they discuss why the Bible is not only sufficient for salvation but also for sanctification—helping believers respond faithfully to trials, whether rooted in spiritual struggle, medical diagnosis, or both. They address common misconceptions about biblical counseling, including the false notion that it ignores medicine, and emphasize the need to see physical and spiritual realities as intertwined rather than separate.Whether you are a pastor, counselor, or believer seeking clarity on how God’s Word meets us in suffering, this episode offers a biblically grounded, pastorally wise look at how to walk with others—and be counseled yourself—through the challenges of both outer-man ailments and inner-man struggles.
Why does NorthCreek Church practice biblical counseling—and what makes it different from Christian or secular therapy? In this episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow sits down with Executive Pastors Jeremy Pray and Matt Rehrer to begin a two-part series on the private ministry of the Word, shifting from the pulpit to the counseling room. Together, they unpack what biblical counseling is, when it’s most helpful, and why it matters in the life of the church.Drawing from convictions about the sufficiency of Scripture and the transforming power of the gospel, they define biblical counseling as intentional, Word-centered discipleship for those who feel stuck—whether in grief, sin, anxiety, or suffering. They walk through practical distinctions between everyday encouragement, community care, and formal counseling, and offer examples of how the church can come alongside someone in crisis with both hope and help from God’s Word.You’ll also hear about the intake process, what a typical counseling meeting looks like, and how “homework” is rooted not in self-help but in sanctification. Whether you’re curious about getting help, giving help, or growing as a disciple, this conversation will encourage you to see biblical counseling not as a last resort, but as a vital expression of Christlike care.To explore more, visit nctconference.org for workshop audio on issues like depression, anger, and anxiety.
What happens in the pulpit when the preacher isn’t suffering—but the text is? In this unique episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow sits down with Executive Pastors Matt Rehrer and Jeremy Pray to reflect on a recent sermon from Psalm 119:25–32. Together they explore the distinction between interpreting affliction versus personal sin, how that decision shaped the structure and tone of the message, and what it means to “get it right” in study and “get it across” in preaching.The conversation pulls back the curtain on what happened between services—a quiet moment of prayer in Kent’s office that shifted his focus from personal detachment to pastoral compassion. It’s a powerful look at how the Spirit can reorient a preacher’s heart in real time.They also tackle the tension between lamenting evil and longing for God’s justice, considering how we should respond when public figures fall into sin. Drawing from Psalm 35 and Proverbs 24:17, they offer a biblically faithful approach to mourning with humility, praying for repentance, and desiring God’s glory above all.Whether you’re a pastor, teacher, or faithful listener, this episode will deepen your understanding of preaching, spiritual formation, and how God uses His Word—even when the preacher isn’t feeling it.
How can we become not just hearers of the Word, but doers? In this episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow continues the conversation with Executive Pastors Matt Rehrer and Jeremy Pray on expository listening—this time focusing on practical habits that help believers engage with sermons during and after the Sunday gathering. Building on the biblical foundation from Part 1, this episode dives into spiritual disciplines that transform listening into life change.
With heartfelt stories, pastoral wisdom, and insights from the Puritans, the team discusses how consistent presence, note-taking, family discussions, and follow-up meditation on Scripture can shape a life of ongoing sanctification. Whether you’re a seasoned note-taker or a quiet listener, you’ll discover new ways to treasure God’s Word and apply it throughout your week.
This part-two conversation reminds us that listening well is not just a Sunday task—it’s a spiritual rhythm that fuels faith, family, and the local church.
Topics Covered:
What does it mean to truly listen to a sermon? In this episode of afterWord, Pastor Kent Dresdow sits down with Executive Pastors Matt Rehrer and Jeremy Pray to explore the biblical concept of expository listening—a vital spiritual discipline often overlooked in modern church life. This is part one of a two-part conversation equipping believers to hear the Word of God with reverence, attention, and transformation.
Drawing from passages like Acts 17:11 and Revelation 2–3, the discussion covers the difference between hearing and listening, why the posture of our hearts matters when we sit under preaching, and how sermon listening is part of our worship and sanctification. They also emphasize the importance of preparing to hear the Word—through prayer, minimizing distractions, and coming regularly to gather with the body of Christ.
Whether you’re a pastor, longtime believer, or new to church life, this episode will deepen your understanding of why God calls us to be hearers of His Word—and how doing so can shape our faith, families, and church community.
Topics Covered:
What is expository listening?
How to prepare your heart before a sermon
Why hearing Scripture is a spiritual act of worship
How regular Sunday attendance shapes your walk with Christ
Why live preaching matters more than passive content consumption
How the Holy Spirit works through faithful listening
In this follow-up episode, your host Pastor Kent Dresdow is joined again by Jeremy and Matt to continue their discussion on expository preaching.Building on their previous conversation about the definition and biblical foundation of expository preaching, this episode delves into its practical application and profound benefits for the average churchgoer. The guys address common misunderstandings, clarifying that expository preaching doesn't always mean a strict verse-by-verse approach, but rather letting the structure and flow of the biblical text set the pace—whether it's by scene, pericope, stanza, or argument.Key discussion points and benefits highlighted include:God sets the agenda, not the preacher: Ensuring the sermon's message is derived directly from Scripture.Addressing hard topics: Expository preaching naturally leads to confronting difficult subjects that might otherwise be avoided.Balanced spiritual diet: Over time, listeners receive comprehensive teaching across the breadth of God's Word.Empowering the listener: People learn to understand the context of Scripture and feed on it themselves, becoming less dependent on the preacher.Addressing unfelt needs: The Word speaks to areas of life listeners may not even realize they need to address, often in profoundly surprising ways.The conversation also explores the role of "text-topical" preaching, where specific topics are addressed directly from relevant biblical passages. Finally, the team distinguishes between preaching, teaching, and dialogue, explaining how the principles of exposition extend beyond the Sunday pulpit into smaller group settings and individual discipleship, always with the aim of letting Christ speak through His Word to mature His people.This episode underscores that faithful proclamation of the Word is alive, active, and capable of converting souls and sanctifying saints, moving listeners from merely hearing a man to truly hearing from God.
In this episode, your host Pastor Kent is joined by Matt and Jeremy for an in-depth discussion on expository preaching.The conversation begins by defining expository preaching, emphasizing how it ensures the sermon's shape and emphasis are solely derived from the biblical text. They explore the historical and biblical mandate for this approach, drawing from significant passages and examples:2 Timothy 3:16-17 & 4:2: Highlighting Paul's charge to Timothy to "preach the word" and the divine inspiration and profitability of Scripture.1 Timothy 4:13: Underscoring the importance of devoting oneself to the public reading, exhortation, and teaching of the Word.Nehemiah 8: Examining Ezra's public reading and explanation of the Law, demonstrating an Old Testament example of exposition leading to understanding, worship, and obedience.Luke 24:45-47: Discussing how Jesus himself, post-resurrection, opened the minds of his disciples to understand how all the Scriptures speak of him, reinforcing Christ-centered preaching.The discussion also clarifies what expository preaching is not, dispelling misconceptions about verse-by-verse constraints while maintaining a focus on the text's intended meaning. The speakers emphasize that the goal is not merely intellectual understanding but ultimately to lead listeners to worship, obedience, and a deeper grasp of Christ as revealed throughout the entire Bible. The episode concludes by portraying the Sunday service as a "kitchen table" where Christ feeds his people through the faithful proclamation of his Word, strengthening them for the week ahead.This conversation sets the stage for future episodes, particularly focusing on the practical benefits and applications of expository preaching in the life of believers and the church.
Questions Addressed in This Episode:
Episode Summary:
In this Part 2 episode of afterWord, Matt and Jeremy continue their discussion of questions submitted during the Great Family Gathering. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from lighthearted reflections on past church events and future podcast plans to deeper theological and practical matters. You'll hear insights on navigating complex friendships, understanding the biblical account of Satan's fall, and clarifying the essential relationship between faith and repentance in salvation. This episode aims to provide thoughtful, grounded perspectives on questions that matter in both life and ministry.