Post Sermon Reflections

Navigating Doubt and Faith: Deconstructing for Growth

Welcome back to another episode of the Post-Sermon Reflections Podcast, where we help you apply Sunday morning learning to Monday morning living as we connect others to the love of Jesus and help them live on gospel mission. My name is Liam Castle, and I am joined by my friend Donna Hull.
In this episode, Donna recaps Pastor Brennan's sermon titled "Can My Faith Endure Deconstruction?" from the new River of Doubt series. We delve into Matthew 11:2-15, where John the Baptist, despite his lifelong dedication, faces doubts while imprisoned. His suffering raises questions, but Jesus responds with compassion and evidence, reinforcing John's faith.
We also discuss the importance of seeking answers within the spiritual community, differentiating between doubt and deconstruction, and the role of humility and sincere questioning in faith. Pastor Brennan highlights the dangers of deconstruction as spiritual warfare and the need for patience and support within the Christian community.
Looking ahead, we are excited about upcoming events, including an interview with Josh Baldwin, who will share his journey through doubt and deconstruction, and a Q&A session with Pastor Brennan. Join us as we explore how to navigate doubt and faith, ensuring our focus remains on Christ.
We hope this episode encourages you and helps you grow in your faith. Don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with anyone who might benefit from it. Have a blessed week!

Forging a Life of Prayer: Insights from the Sermon on the Mount

Welcome to another episode of the Post-Sermon Series Reflections Podcast, where we bridge Sunday morning teachings to Monday morning living. In this episode, hosts Jason Packard and Liam Gonzalez delve into Ben Burlaga's powerful sermon titled "Forge a Life of Prayer."
The sermon, rooted in Matthew 6:5-13 from the Sermon on the Mount, uses the vivid analogy of a blacksmith to illustrate how prayer transforms our lives, much like fire and pounding shape metal. The discussion highlights the importance of prayer as a direct line to our Heavenly Father and how Jesus modeled prayer as a daily practice.
Jason and Liam reflect on the sermon’s emphasis on the intimacy of prayer, the right heart posture, and avoiding the pitfalls of praying for public approval. They also discuss practical challenges and encouragements, including setting dedicated prayer times and integrating prayer into daily life. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that encourages a deeper, more authentic prayer life.

Finding Freedom from the Comparison Trap

Welcome back to another episode of the Post-Sermon Reflections Podcast, where we help you apply Sunday morning learning to Monday morning living, connecting others to the love of Jesus and helping them live on gospel mission. Join hosts Jason Packard and Mark Hull as they delve into the latest sermon by Jacob, which focused on the pitfalls of comparison.
The sermon began with an engaging story about Jacob's first car and how he fell into the snare of comparison when he saw his friend's Tesla. This set the stage for a deeper discussion on the dangers of valuing our worth through the eyes of others rather than God. The episode unpacks the scripture from Luke 18:9-14, highlighting the contrasting prayers of a self-righteous Pharisee and a humble tax collector.
Mark and Jason reflect on how easily we can fall into the trap of unhealthy comparisons, whether it's through social media or real-life encounters. They discuss the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus to find true joy and rest, rather than seeking self-glory. The episode also emphasizes the value of being part of a supportive Christian community to help ground us in our faith.
Through personal anecdotes and scriptural insights, this episode encourages listeners to examine their heart posture, seek humility, and find freedom in Christ. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges and inspires you to live a life focused on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Unveiling the Heart: Lessons from the Prodigal Son and His Brother

Welcome back to another episode of the Post-Sermon Reflections Podcast, where we help you apply Sunday morning learning to Monday morning living. Join Audley and Donna as they delve into the parable of the prodigal son, exploring the deeper lessons it holds for both the wayward and the self-righteous.
In this episode, we discuss the profound insights from Luke 15:11-32. Donna recaps the story of the younger son's rebellion and return, and the older brother's resentment. We reflect on the father's unconditional love and the shame he bore for both sons, mirroring Christ's sacrifice for humanity.
Audley and Donna highlight the dangers of self-righteousness and the importance of recognizing our own "older brother syndrome." They share personal reflections on how this parable challenges and encourages them in their faith journey, emphasizing the need for a balanced understanding of law and grace.
Finally, they discuss the concept of spiritual adoption and the transformative love of the Father. Tune in for an enriching conversation that will challenge your perceptions and deepen your understanding of God's grace.

The Lost Sons: A Tale of Grace and Redemption

Welcome back to another episode of the Post-Sermon Reflections Podcast, where we help you apply Sunday morning learning to Monday morning living, as we connect others to the love of Jesus and help them live on gospel mission. My name is Ben, and I am joined by my friend Liam. In this episode, we dive into the powerful story of the Prodigal Son, which our pastor aptly renamed the story of the two lost sons.
We explore the parables leading up to this story and the profound lessons they hold, especially focusing on the younger son's journey from reckless living to redemption and the older brother's struggle with self-righteousness. This parable offers a deep lens into the gospel, revealing the extravagant grace of the father and the need for both sons to repent and find faith.
Join us as we discuss how we identify with the older brother's heart, the dangers of pride and entitlement, and the importance of welcoming and celebrating the return of the younger brothers in our lives. We also touch on practical applications for living out this parable, such as extending grace, avoiding judgment, and celebrating those who come back to the fold.
Don't miss this insightful conversation that challenges us to be better older brothers and embrace the grace that Christ offers to all. Subscribe for more episodes and share this with anyone who needs encouragement or a fresh perspective on the gospel.

Balancing Mercy and Gospel Ministry: Lessons from Acts 6

Welcome to another episode of the Post Sermon Reflections Podcast! Join hosts Liam Castle and Donna Hull as they dive deep into the application of Sunday morning's sermon to everyday life. Today, they discuss Pastor Brennan's powerful message from Acts 6:1-7, exploring the early church's explosive growth and the critical balance between mercy ministry and gospel ministry.
Donna provides a recap of the text, highlighting the apostles' wise decision to appoint deacons to handle the distribution of food, allowing them to focus on preaching. This strategic move resulted in even greater growth and surprising conversions, including some priests.
Liam and Donna reflect on how this passage emphasizes the importance of each ministry and the need for everyone to contribute their unique gifts. They also share personal takeaways and challenges, such as the significance of showing up with a "yes" in your spirit and the necessity of meeting people's practical needs while sharing the gospel.
Tune in for an encouraging and convicting discussion that will inspire you to serve with joy and purpose. Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode to spread the love of Jesus and help others live on gospel mission!

The Challenge of Submission: Trusting Leadership in the Church

Welcome back to another episode of the Post Sermon Reflections Podcast, where we help you apply Sunday morning learning into Monday morning living by connecting others to the love of Jesus and helping them live on gospel mission. In this special episode, Ruth hosts her final podcast, joined by friends Jason and Brianna, as they dive into the 'Body' sermon series focusing on the role of elders and the concept of submission in the church.
The discussion centers around Hebrews 13:7 and 13:17, exploring the responsibilities of elders to guard and protect God's word while leading by example. The conversation tackles the challenge of submission within the church, especially within the context of Western individualism, and emphasizes the importance of accountability and trust in leadership.
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own attitudes towards submission and authority, examining how their relationship with God influences their willingness to submit to church leaders. The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer and a call to trust and obey God's design for church leadership.

Guarding the Flock: The Lifeguard Analogy and Corrective Love

Welcome to another episode of the Post Sermon Reflection Podcast! In this episode, we explore how to apply Sunday morning learning into Monday morning living. Join us as we connect others to the love of Jesus and help them live on a gospel mission.
We're excited to have Amber join us for the first time, alongside Liam, as we delve into a new series titled "The Body." This episode focuses on the idea that the body of Christ protects one another, primarily through correction. We discuss how challenging it can be to stand in the gap for our brothers and sisters in Christ and offer loving correction when necessary.
We dive into 1 Corinthians 5, where Paul rebukes the church for tolerating sin, and explore the analogy of lifeguarding to understand proactive and reactive correction within the church. We also tackle the difficulties of balancing truth and love, particularly in a relativistic culture, and the importance of humility and willingness to receive correction ourselves.
Join us as we pray for the courage to both give and receive correction in love, and for the strength to live out our faith in community. We hope this episode encourages you to seek Christ with your whole heart and to actively participate in the body of Christ.