Shows / Gospel Explorations
Gospel Explorations
A weekly podcast designed to dive deep into God’s Word and help answer the hard questions that life throws at us from a biblical perspective.
Episodes
- Gospel Explorations
082: Greatness Through the Cross - Matthew 20:17-23
Pastor Mark explores Matthew 20:17–23 as Jesus once again tells His disciples exactly what awaits Him in Jerusalem—betrayal, condemnation, mocking, scourging…
- Gospel Explorations
081: When Grace Doesn't Seem Fair - Matthew 20:1-16
In Episode 81 of Gospel Explorations, Pastor Mark explores Jesus’ parable of the laborers in the vineyard in Matthew 20:1–16. Through workers hired at…
- Gospel Explorations
080: Is Following Jesus Worth the Cost? - Matthew 19:23-30
What does it really cost to follow Jesus—and is it worth it? In Episode 80 of Gospel Explorations, Pastor Mark explores Matthew 19:23–30, where Jesus warns…
- Gospel Explorations
079: What Are You Unwilling to Surrender? - Matthew 19:13-22
In Episode 79 of Gospel Explorations, Pastor Mark explores two striking encounters in Matthew 19:13–22: Jesus welcoming little children and His conversation…
- Gospel Explorations
078: What Does Jesus Say About Divorce and Remarriage? - Matthew 19:7-12
Pastor Mark continues through Matthew 19 as Jesus addresses the difficult subjects of divorce, remarriage, and singleness. Jesus calls His followers beyond the…
- Gospel Explorations
077: God's Design for Marriage - Matthew 19:1-6
When the Pharisees try to trap Jesus with a controversial question about divorce, Jesus refuses to begin with their debate. Instead, He takes them all the way…
- Gospel Explorations
076: How Many Times Do I Have to Forgive? - Matthew 18:21-35
In Matthew 18:21–35, Jesus calls us to a radical kind of forgiveness. It's a forgiveness that keeps no record and reflects the mercy we’ve received from God…
- Gospel Explorations
075: How Should Christians Handle Conflict? - Matthew 18:15-20
In Matthew 18:15–20, Jesus gives a clear process for dealing with sin in the church. It's a process that prioritizes restoration, unity, and the presence of…
- Gospel Explorations
074: The Shepherd Who Goes After the One - Matthew 18:7-14
In Matthew 18:7–14, Jesus gives sobering warnings about offenses and sin, but also reveals the heart of the Good Shepherd who pursues the one who strays. In…
- Gospel Explorations
073: What Does True Greatness Look Like - Matthew 18:1-6
In Matthew 18:1–6, Jesus completely redefines greatness. Instead of status and position, He points to humility by using a child as the model for kingdom…
- Gospel Explorations
072: The Son, the Tax, and the Fish - Matthew 17:22-27
In Matthew 17:22–27, Jesus again reveals His coming death and resurrection, yet the disciples still struggle to understand. Then, in a surprising moment, Jesus…
- Gospel Explorations
071: When Your Faith Feels Too Small - Matthew 17:9-21
In Matthew 17:9–21, Jesus explains the coming of Elijah, then descends from the Mount of Transfiguration into a scene of suffering and spiritual conflict. A…
- Gospel Explorations
070: When They Saw Jesus in His Glory - Matthew 17:1-8
In Matthew 17:1–8, Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John. His face shines like the sun, Moses and Elijah appear, and the Father declares, “This…
- Gospel Explorations
069: What Does it Mean to Take Up Your Cross? - Matthew 16:21-28
In Matthew 16:21–28, Jesus reveals that He must suffer, die, and rise again — and then calls His disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow…
- Gospel Explorations
068: Who Do You Say Jesus Is? - Matthew 16:13-20
In today's passage, Jesus asks the most important question anyone will ever face: “Who do you say that I am?” In this episode of Gospel Explorations, Pastor…
- Gospel Explorations
067: Beware the Leaven: The Danger of Spiritual Blindness - Matthew 16:1-12
In Matthew 16:1–12, Jesus confronts spiritual blindness, refuses the demand for signs, and warns His disciples about the dangerous influence of false teaching…
- Gospel Explorations
066: "Lord, Help Me:" A Faith that Would Not Give Up - Matthew 15:21-39
Jesus answers the persistent faith of a Canaanite woman, heals multitudes, and feeds four thousand. Join Pastor Mark in this episode of Gospel Explorations, as…
- Gospel Explorations
065: What Really Makes a Person Unclean? - Matthew 15:1-20
Jesus confronts the Pharisees over their traditions and exposes the danger of outward religion without inward transformation. Discover why God is more…
- Gospel Explorations
064: When Jesus Comes Walking Through the Storm - Matthew 14:22-33
In Matthew 14:22–33, Jesus sends His disciples into a storm, comes to them walking on the sea, and rescues Peter when his little faith begins to fail. In this…
- Gospel Explorations
063: When What You Have Isn't Enough - Matthew 14:14-21
In Matthew 14:14–21, Jesus looks on a hungry multitude with compassion, takes five loaves and two fishes, and feeds thousands with abundance left over. In this…
- Gospel Explorations
062: The Cost of Speaking the Truth - Matthew 14:1-13
In today's passage, Herod is haunted by guilt, John the Baptist is imprisoned and executed, and Jesus withdraws in wisdom after hearing the news. Join us as we…
- Gospel Explorations
061: The Kingdom Worth Everything - Matthew 13:44-58
In Matthew 13:44–58, Jesus tells of hidden treasure, a pearl of great price, and a dragnet that gathers every kind — then returns to Nazareth and is rejected…
- Gospel Explorations
060: Why Does God Allow Good and Evil to Grow Together? - Matthew 13:24-43
In Matthew 13:24–43, Jesus reveals that the visible outward kingdom community in this age will include both true and false, wheat and tares, visible growth and…
- Gospel Explorations
059: What Kind of Soil is Your Heart? - Matthew 13:1-23
In Matthew 13:1–23, Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower and reveals four different responses to the Word of God. Pastor Mark invites you to explore these…
- Gospel Explorations
058: What Your Words Reveal About Your Heart - Matthew 12:33-50
In today's passage, Jesus exposes the heart behind our words, rebukes the demand for signs, warns of the danger of spiritual emptiness, and redefines His true…
- Gospel Explorations
057: What is the Unforgivable Sin? - Matthew 12:22-32
In Matthew 12:22–32, Jesus delivers a demon-possessed man, silences the Pharisees’ accusation, and gives a sobering warning about blasphemy against the Holy…
- Gospel Explorations
056: The Savior Who Won't Break a Bruised Reed - Matthew 12:9-21
In Matthew 12:9–21, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath — and the Pharisees respond by plotting His death. In this episode of Gospel…
- Gospel Explorations
055: When Religion Gets in the Way of Mercy - Matthew 12:1-8
In Matthew 12:1–8, the Pharisees condemn hungry disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath—but Jesus reveals something deeper: God desires mercy, not…
- Gospel Explorations
053: What Do You Do When You Doubt God? - Matthew 11:1-19
Even John the Baptist wrestled with doubt when Jesus didn’t fit his expectations. In Matthew 11:1–19, Jesus reminds us that His kingdom isn’t about political…
- Gospel Explorations
054: Are You Weary? Jesus Offers Rest - Matthew 11:20-30
In Matthew 11:20–30, Jesus warns of judgment for those who see His works but refuse to repent—and then offers one of the most tender invitations in Scripture…
- Gospel Explorations
052: Following Jesus When the World Turns Against You - Matthew 10:16-42
Jesus never promised safety, but He did promise His presence. In Matthew 10:16–42, we are going to discuss how Jesus prepares His disciples for persecution…
- Gospel Explorations
051: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Calling - Matthew 10:1-15
Jesus chose twelve ordinary men — fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot — and sent them out with His authority to preach the kingdom. In Matthew 10:1–15, we see…
- Gospel Explorations
050: When Desperate Faith Meets a Powerful Savior - Matthew 9:18-26
Two people in desperate need reach out to Jesus: a grieving father and a suffering woman. Both find healing, hope, and life in Him. In Matthew 9:18–26, we see…
- Gospel Explorations
049: Jesus Didn't Come to Patch Up Your Religion - Matthew 9:14-17
Jesus didn’t come to patch up old religion, He came to bring something completely new. In Matthew 9:14–17, He calls Himself the Bridegroom and explains why…
- Gospel Explorations
048: Why Did Jesus Eat with Sinners? - Matthew 9:9-13
Jesus calls a tax collector — the outcast no one wanted — to follow Him. And then He sits down to eat with a house full of sinners. This is the heart of the…
- Gospel Explorations
047: What If Your Greatest Need Isn't Physical? - Matthew 9:1-8
A paralyzed man is lowered through the roof to Jesus. His friends want healing. But Jesus says something unexpected: “Your sins are forgiven.” In this episode…
- Gospel Explorations
046: The Town That Asked Jesus to Leave - Matthew 8:28-34
Two men enslaved by darkness. A herd of pigs. A town that begged Jesus to leave. In this episode of Gospel Explorations, we look at Jesus’ power over demonic…
- Gospel Explorations
045: Where Is Jesus When Life Gets Stormy? - Matthew 8:23-27
What do you do when the waves are crashing and it feels like your life is sinking? Join Pastor Mark in this episode of Gospel Explorations, as we look together…
- Gospel Explorations
044: Are You Willing to Pay the Price of Following Jesus? - Matthew 8:18-22
In this episode of Gospel Explorations, Jesus challenges two would-be disciples: one who is too quick to follow without counting the cost, and another who…
- Gospel Explorations
043: The Compassionate Savior Who Heals - Matthew 8:14-17
In Matthew 8:14–17, Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law with a gentle touch and delivers multitudes with a word. These healings not only reveal His compassion…
- Gospel Explorations
042: What Kind of Faith Amazes Jesus? - Matthew 8:5-13
What kind of faith makes Jesus marvel? In Matthew 8:5–13, a Roman centurion approaches Jesus with a desperate plea for his servant and displays faith unlike…
- Gospel Explorations
041: When the Untouchable Meets Jesus - Matthew 8:1-4
What happens when the untouchable meets the willing Savior? In Matthew 8:1–4, a desperate leper kneels before Jesus with the words, “Lord, if You are willing…
- Gospel Explorations
040: Is Your Life Built on Rock or Sand? - Matthew 7:24-29
Storms are coming — are you ready? Jesus closes His Sermon on the Mount with a story of two builders. One built on rock. One on sand. One stood. One fell. This…
- Gospel Explorations
039: How Can You Recognize a False Prophet? - Matthew 7:15-23
Not everyone who claims to speak for God actually does. In this powerful conclusion to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, we’re warned about wolves in sheep’s…
- Gospel Explorations
038: Two Roads, Two Destinations: Which Will You Choose? - Matthew 7:12-14
What if the way to true life is narrower than we think — and love means more than just avoiding harm? In this episode of Gospel Explorations, we dive into…
- Gospel Explorations
037: Does God Really Answer Prayer? - Matthew 7:7-11
In this episode of Gospel Explorations, we dive into Matthew 7:7–11, where Jesus invites us to boldly ask, seek, and knock—promising that our heavenly Father…
- Gospel Explorations
036: Before You Point Out Someone Else's Sin - Matthew 7:3-6
In this episode of Gospel Explorations, we explore Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:3–6 about judgment, humility, and discernment. Jesus warns us against the…
- Gospel Explorations
035: What Did Jesus Really Mean by "Judge Not"? - Matthew 7:1-2
In this episode of Gospel Explorations, Pastor Mark unpacks one of the most quoted — and misunderstood — verses in the Bible: “Judge not, that you be not…
- Gospel Explorations
034: Why Worry About Tomorrow? Seek God's Kingdom Today - Matthew 6:31-34
What if your anxiety could be answered — not with a quick fix, but with a deeper trust? In this episode, we explore Jesus' powerful call to stop chasing what…
Gospel Explorations033: If God Cares for the Birds, Won't He Care for You? - Matthew 6:25-30
In this episode of Gospel Explorations, Pastor Mark looks into Matthew 6:25–30, where Jesus addresses worry and invites us to trust God’s faithful provision…
Gospel Explorations032: Where is Your Treasure? You Cannot Serve Two Masters - Matthew 6:19-24
Pastor Mark explores Jesus’ challenge in Matthew 6:19–24 to examine where our true treasure lies. Are we living for temporary earthly gain or investing in…
Gospel Explorations031: Forgiveness, Fasting, and the Faith Nobody Sees - Matthew 6:14-18
In this episode of Gospel Explorations, we explore Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness and fasting from Matthew 6:14–18. Learn why forgiveness is a non-negotiable…
Gospel Explorations030: How Did Jesus Teach Us to Pray? - Matthew 6:9-13
In this episode, we take a fresh look at the Lord’s Prayer—not just as words to recite, but as a powerful framework for real, intimate connection with God…
- Gospel Explorations
029: Are You Praying to Be Heard or To Be Seen? - Matthew 6:5-8
In this episode, we explore Jesus' teaching from Matthew 6:5–8 on authentic prayer. Jesus warns against turning prayer into a performance for others and…
- Gospel Explorations
028: Giving for God's Glory, Not Man's Applause - Matthew 6:1-4
In this episode, we dive into Matthew 6:1–4 and explore what Jesus teaches about the heart behind our good deeds. It's not about the applause of people — it's…
Gospel Explorations027: What Does It Mean to Love Your Enemies? - Matthew 5:43-48
In this episode of Gospel Explorations, we explore one of Jesus' most radical teachings: love your enemies (Matthew 5:43–48). Jesus calls us beyond mere…
- Gospel Explorations
026: Turning the Other Cheek: Integrity, Humility, and Generosity - Matthew 5:33-42
In this episode of Gospel Explorations, we continue through the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on Matthew 5:33–42. Jesus challenges us to live with deep…
- Gospel Explorations
025: What Does Jesus Teach About Divorce? - Matthew 5:31-32
Pastor Mark explores Jesus’ words on divorce in Matthew 5, challenging cultural norms and calling us back to God’s design for marriage. With both truth and…
- Gospel Explorations
024: Why Jesus Says Lust Is a Matter of the Heart - Matthew 5:27-30
Pastor Mark dives into Matthew 5:27–30 where Jesus reveals that sin begins in the heart—not just in outward actions. Learn why lust is more than just a…
- Gospel Explorations
023: When Anger Becomes a Matter of the Heart - Matthew 5:21-26
Jesus takes the law deeper, beyond actions to the heart. In this episode, Pastor Mark unpacks Matthew 5:21–26, where Jesus teaches that inward sins no one can…