To listen to full unabridged audio listen here: Revelation 5 - Horses and the Multitude
We are moving into the “tricky stuff” today as we pick up in Revelation chapter 6. Up to this point, we’ve witnessed the glorious worship of the heavenly throne room. We’ve seen Jesus identified as the only one worthy to open the scroll—the representation of God’s will and His plan for the world. Now, we get to see that plan begin to unfurl.
Tomorrow at Tap Room we are discussing nationalism, not just the Christian variant. This description of Christian nationalism by Tom Wright hits the nail on the head.
For the full unabridged message listen here: God’s Kingdom Come - The Joy of the Kingdom
Last year, two hikers in Czechia were walking through the woods when they spotted something metallic sticking out of the dirt. At first, they figured it was just trash—the kind of random debris you find in the wilderness. But when they pulled it out and opened it, they found pounds of gold.
In an instant, their lives were transformed. They weren’t looking for treasure; they just stumbled upon it.
We live in an age of distraction. Our attention is constantly being captured, pulled, and shaped—often without us realizing it.
In this episode, we explore a simple but powerful truth: what you repeatedly give your attention to quietly forms you.
Spiritual formation doesn’t begin with intensity or effort. It begins with attention. The question isn’t whether you’re being formed—it’s by what.
Rooted in Jesus’ words about the attention and focus (Matthew 6:19–24), this conversation looks at how our daily focus trains our fears, our loves, and our hopes—and how small, grace-filled shifts in attention can reshape us over time.
No heroic practices. No spiritual hustle. Just learning to notice what’s shaping us.
New here? Start with Season 0, a short two-episode introduction to the heart of The Pastor Next Door. It sets the tone—grace-first, honest about doubt, and committed to the slow work of formation.
To listen to the whole unabridged teaching, listen here: A Glimpse into the Throne Room
As we move from the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 into the vision of the heavenly throne room in chapters 4 and 5, things are about to get “weird.” We are moving from the clear to the less clear—into the realm of deep imagery and symbolism.
To listen to the full unabridged audio listen here: The Scandalous Guest List
Today is Super Bowl Sunday—a day synonymous with gatherings, snacks, and “sportsball.” Whether you’re there for the game or just the commercials, it’s one of those rare nights where everyone chills out and has a good time.
But in the first century, parties were a different story. They weren’t “democratic” like ours today; they were highly structured, intentional, and governed by strict social rules. This context makes the story of Jesus at a dinner party in Luke 14:1-14 all the more shocking.
This made me laugh too hard…
A new season of The Pastor Next Door is live.
Season 1 begins with a simple question: What do we mean when we talk about “spiritual fitness”?
Not hustle. Not self-improvement. Not another thing to fail at.
Just a conversation about forming the capacity to trust, love, and stay rooted in grace over time.
If faith has felt tiring or complicated lately, you’re not behind—you’re paying attention.
🎧 Episode 1: What Is Spiritual Fitness? (And What It Is Not)
#podcast #faith #spiritualformation
To listen to the full unabridged audio listen here: The Last Four Churches
We are picking up right where we left off in Revelation chapter 2. Last time, we covered the first three churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum. Today, we turn our attention to the final four.
In light of recent events in Minnesota and elsewhere regarding the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), I have seen many people cite Romans 13:1–7. It is often used as a “trump card” to end any argument. Too often, I think those citing the passage haven’t thought deeply about it or considered its original context. So, I revisited the text to consider again what Paul is actually arguing in the opening verses of chapter 13 in his magisterial letter to the Romans.
To listen to the unbridged message: God’s Kingdom Come - The Kingdom That Grows Small
There is a famous story about a little boy walking along a beach scattered with starfish that have washed ashore. As he walks, he bends down, picks up a starfish, and throws it back into the ocean. Over and over again, he does the same thing.
A grizzled old man approaches him and says, “You know you’re making no difference, right? There are far too many starfish. You can’t possibly save them all. What does it matter?”
The boy bends down, picks up another starfish, and replies, “It matters to this one.” And he throws it back into the sea.
It’s a story most of us have heard before, but it remains a powerful reminder of how easily we fall into all-or-nothing thinking. If we can’t fix everything, why do anything at all? If we can’t make a big dent, why bother with the small effort?
Absolutely true. I know I’ve hit on a Kingdom message when people who are on the political right and people on the political begin a sentence with, “Pastor, you know…”
It is remarkable to be able to come to a place like this to rest. I am beyond grateful for this time.
When little bro flies in on the same plane you’re about to leave on…
You can listen to the unabridged message here: God’s Kingdom Reorders Our Lives
Matthew chapter 5 opens what we often call the Sermon on the Mount. If you’ve ever read this section in a red-letter Bible, you know the feeling: suddenly the page looks packed, your eyes start swimming, and it can feel a little overwhelming.
This morning we’re focusing our attention on the opening 11 verses—the Beatitudes—as we continue our Epiphany series, God’s Kingdom Come. Each week we pray the Lord’s Prayer, asking:
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
During this season we’re wrestling with a simple but challenging question: What are we actually praying for when we pray for God’s kingdom to come?
