Keep The Main Thing The Maine Thing

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A podcast brought to you by The Pines Church in Bangor, Maine. We believe Jesus is the main thing, and we want to see him become the Maine thing. Founded in 2021 by Matt & Jess Gioia, The Pines Church’s goal is to help people encounter God, find freedom and discover their purpose. We hope this podcast meets you where you are today, and leaves an eternal impact.

Matt Gioia


    • Feb 22, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 206 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Keep The Main Thing The Maine Thing

    Relation-ships

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2026 43:34


    Marriage isn't just a relation—it's a ship, a covenant connection moving in kingdom direction, and if the direction drifts, the destination does too. This message calls couples to realign under pressure, fight for unity, forgive fiercely, and build homes that don't just survive storms but carry heaven's purpose to the shore.

    Love That Grows Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2026 49:11


    We spend billions celebrating romance, yet struggle to steward the relationships God calls holy—because love was never meant to stay immature. This message calls us to a love that grows up, where covenant outweighs chemistry, marriage preaches the gospel, and God uses love not just to make us happy, but to make us holy.

    The F-Word

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2026 63:00


    The F-Word isn't about pretending the pain didn't matter—it's about deciding whether offense or obedience will shape your future. In a world where reconciliation takes two but forgiveness takes one, this sermon calls us to release what hurt us, trust the kindness of God, and discover that forgiving others may be the very freedom our own hearts need.

    The Change that Changes Everything

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2026 59:51


    The change that changes everything isn't cosmetic—it's a collision of allegiance, where the gospel doesn't tweak the system but turns it upside down. This message confronts divided devotion, calls us to real repentance, and reminds us that a church wholly given to Christ is dangerous to darkness.

    Distraction Leads To Deception

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2026 50:36


    Distraction doesn't usually pull us away from God all at once—it slowly draws our hearts off course until devotion is diluted and deception feels normal. This message calls us to throw off what hinders, reclaim holy focus, and create space for God to move before good things quietly replace the best thing.

    The Church Is Not Optional

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2026 39:40


    Following Jesus was never meant to be done alone—devotion to Christ shows up in how we pray, give, gather, serve, and submit our lives to His Lordship. This message calls us back to wholehearted devotion, reminding us that the Church is not optional, community is spiritual warfare, and unity is one of God's loudest witnesses to the world.

    Tiff Shuttlesworth at the Pines

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2026 104:42


    We are thrilled that Evangelist Tiff Shuttlesworth of the Lost Lamb Evangelical Association will be here at The Pines this Sunday. Be prepared to be inspired and encouraged!

    Why Do We Fast?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2026 47:06


    Fasting isn't about starving the body—it's about awakening the soul, closing our mouths to lesser appetites so we can hear the voice of God more clearly. This message reveals how fasting humbles us, sharpens our hunger for God, and creates space for His strength to meet us in our weakness.

    Why Christmas Awakens Our Homesickness for Heaven

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2025 47:11


    From Gabriel's first “Rejoice!” to the angels' declaration of good news, Christmas reveals joy entering a joy-starved world—a joy rooted not in circumstances, but in God's goodness, faithfulness, and redemptive power. We explore how bitterness and hurry steal that joy, why our hearts are homesick for heaven, and how rejoicing in the Lord, dwelling in His presence, and learning contentment in Christ restores the joy that is our strength.

    Delayed Doesn't Mean Denied

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2025 50:47


    Delay is not God's denial—it's often the space where He's working both behind the scenes and deep within our hearts. This message reminds us that while waiting stretches our faith, the God who keeps His promises is never late, and what He's preparing will be delivered right on time.

    Born for Boldness

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2025 54:44


    Today we uncover what it means to live free from the fear of man and stand courageously for Christ in a world that often resists truth. Through Scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit, we learn that true boldness flows not from ego, but from intimacy with Jesus and obedience in the small things.

    God's Love Language

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2025 43:20


    We're discovering that real faith isn't about seeing to believe—it's believing until you see. Through stories of Noah, Abraham, and others who looked foolish in their obedience, we're reminded that faith often costs your image before it brings your inheritance.

    Seeing What Others Miss

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2025 52:29


    Today, we explore how spiritual perception allows us to see what others miss—from the Shunammite woman who recognized God's presence in the ordinary to the woman who reached for Jesus in a fleeting moment of faith. Learn how sharpening your spiritual sight through God's Word and obedient faith positions you to steward divine opportunities and receive what God is already doing among you.

    When the World Breaks, Where's God? | Pastor Matt & Jess

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2025 52:43


    It's been a heavy week... many have asked, "Why would a loving God allow this to happen? Tune in as Pastor Matt & Jess unpack the events of this week and share how we can find hope even in the midst of heartache.

    Discerning Real Fruit from Counterfeit

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2025 54:30


    This week we begin our series on the fruit of the Spirit, diving into the deep and lasting joy that only comes from God's presence—not from circumstances. Joy is heaven's resistance to despair, and it becomes our strength in both good times and hard times.

    Found People, Find People

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2025 53:20


    The harvest isn't the problem—it's ready. The question is: will we answer the call? In this message, discover how Jesus turns followers into fishers of men, why prayer is the starting point for mission, and how every believer is called to share the gospel.

    Breaking The Orphan Mindset

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2025 49:28


    Are you living as a slave to striving, or as a beloved son or daughter of God? In this message, we confront the orphan mindset that traps us in legalism, fear, and weariness. Discover the rest that comes from sonship, the living water of Christ, and the Father's unshakable love.

    Do You Really Know What's Growing in Your Heart?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2025 52:38


    In this message, we're challenged to examine ourselves honestly before God, confronting hidden weeds like gossip, jealousy, pride, and self-pity. True revival starts in the mirror, and through humility and surrender, God can cultivate a heart that reflects His love.

    I Won't Be Shaken | Nate Pimentel

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2025 62:58


    In a world filled with uncertainty, conflict, and fear, this message reminds us that our foundation in Christ is unshakable. When everything else is shaken, God's Word and His Kingdom remain firm, and so can we.

    Becoming Worshippers | Nicole Anderson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2025 53:17


    Today we have the honor of hearing from our very own, Nicole Anderson, as she invites us to rediscover the heart of worship—what it is, who it's for, and why it matters. Rooted in Scripture, this teaching will inspire you to know Jesus more deeply and respond to Him with a life of wholehearted worship.

    End Times: Am I Ready?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2025 51:54


    The question isn't when Jesus will return—but are you ready? In this message, we explore what the Bible says about the end times, not to stir fear, but to stir faith, urgency, and hope in Christ's promised return.

    Holding on in the Midnight Hour | Micah Dewitt

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2025 43:58


    When life leaves you alone in the dark, will you wrestle or walk away? In this message, we dive into the midnight moment where Jacob refused to let go of God—wounded, desperate, and determined to be changed.

    Mercy Isn't a Mood—It's a Mission

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2025 50:56


    Forgiveness isn't optional—it's the overflow of a heart that remembers mercy. In this message, we explore how God's mercy is more than a mood; it's a mission that frees us, transforms us, and calls us to forgive as we've been forgiven.

    Fool Me Twice? No—Shame Off Me!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2025 45:49


    Shame tells us to hide—but Jesus invites us to step into the light, fully seen and fully loved. In this message, we uncover how Christ didn't just cover our shame—He conquered it—so we can stop running and start healing.

    There Is Something Behind Your Anger

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2025 58:48


    Anger is more than just a feeling—it often reveals what we love most. Today we explore how disordered love leads to disordered anger—and how the love of Jesus can bring us out of the fire and into peace.

    Is Baptism Important?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2025 30:50


    Is baptism really that important? In this message, we explore how baptism is more than a symbol—it's a step of obedience, a public declaration of faith, and a beautiful picture of our union with Christ in His death and resurrection. Commanded by Jesus and rooted in the gospel, baptism expresses our identity in Him and honors the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

    Resilient Hope

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2025 57:50


    Feeling overwhelmed by discouragement or uncertainty? This message explores how true, resilient hope is found not in circumstances, but in the God who fills us with joy, peace, and strength through the Holy Spirit. When you trust Him fully, you don't just hold onto hope—you begin to overflow with it.

    Cash Rules Everything Around Me... or does it?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2025 45:23


    Is money ruling your life—or is God? In this message, we explore the tension between culture's obsession with wealth and the biblical call to steward everything as God's, not ours. When we surrender our finances to Him, money becomes a tool for generosity, legacy, and eternal impact—not a master of our hearts.

    Built to Belong: Finding Where You Fit In

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2025 27:26


    You were never meant to do life alone. In this message, we explore how God designed each of us to belong—on purpose, with purpose—in His body, the Church. Every piece has a place, every part has a purpose, and when we trust the Master Builder, we discover where we truly fit.

    The Beauty of Motherhood

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2025 61:28


    In this special Mother's Day message, our very own Kids Pastor Kelley Bean reminds us that even in the messiness of motherhood, God is crafting a masterpiece. Through scripture she calls every mother to embrace her God-given worth, value, and influence.

    Servant First

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2025 52:56


    Serving isn't a stepping stone to greatness—it is greatness. Jesus, the King of all, led by stooping low, reminding us that true leadership looks like a towel in hand. When we understand our identity in Him, we stop chasing status and start living with purpose—faithful, joyful, and servant-hearted to the end.

    From Many, One

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2025 43:47


    In a world divided by differences, Jesus calls His Church to be one. Today we discover that unity is not just a nice idea—it's Heaven's strategy, our greatest witness, and a choice we must intentionally live out for the world to see Christ through us.

    Risen Beyond Doubt

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2025 43:26


    He is risen! Happy Easter Sunday. Today we explore the unshakable evidence and life-changing truth of Jesus' resurrection. Through Scripture and story, we're reminded that our faith is not blind—it's grounded in a risen Savior. Join us as we celebrate the hope that conquers fear, doubt, and even death itself.

    7 Last Words of Jesus on the Cross

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 31:15


    Tonight we reflect on Christ's final sayings before His death—each one rich with meaning, mercy, and purpose. These powerful words reveal the depth of His love and the heart of the gospel. Join us as we journey to the cross and find hope in His suffering.

    The Armor of God - Jordan Lewis

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2025 46:20


    We have the privilege of hearing Jordan Lewis share with us today. She is an Associate Pastor at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, CO. We believe you will be blessed as you receive what she has to share!

    Biblical Sacrifice - Chris Coppola

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2025 46:27


    Join us today as Chris Coppola shares with us a word about sacrifice. We dive into the biblical meaning of sacrifice and how we can live it out today. Tune in today to be blessed!

    Big Things Have Small Beginnings

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2025 47:14


    Join us for our 4 year anniversary! Today we celebrate all that God has done in and through us at the Pines Church. Pastor Matt also shares with us the vision for the next year!

    You Asked For It - Marriage Q&A

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2025 53:59


    Pastor Matt & Jess answer questions submitted by our church body in regards to marriage! Tune in today as we unpack these questions and dive into the scriptures.

    The Foundations of Marriage

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2025 42:33


    Pastor Matt & Jess introduce our 2 part series on marriage and relationships. The Bible has a lot to say about marriage! Tune in as we study what it means to be a Godly husband and wife.

    What Happens After You Die?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2025 50:44


    What happens after we die? In this episode, we dive into the biblical foundation of the resurrection—both for the just and the unjust—exploring what awaits us beyond this life. With scripture as our guide, we'll unpack the hope, promise, and urgency of eternity in Christ.

    The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2025 53:18


    Jesus commanded His followers to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit, which brings intimacy with God, the ability to pray in the Spirit, and the power to be His witnesses. If you desire more of God's presence and the fullness of His Spirit, this message will guide you in receiving and walking in the power of the Holy Spirit.

    Repentance & Faith in God

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2025 54:09


    Part two of our series unpacking the foundations of our faith! Today we dive into the importance of repentance and how it is essential to our faith.

    The Foundations of Faith

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2025 39:27


    Join us as we begin a series on the foundations of our faith. Pastor Matt shares what the Bible has to say about our faith and the pillars for what we believe and the "why" behind what we believe!

    The Fast & The Furiously Faithful

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2024 47:06


    In this episode, we dive into the power of fasting—not as a way to twist God's arms for answers but as a sacred act of emptying ourselves to create space for His presence. Fasting sharpens our spiritual sensitivity, humbles our hearts, and aligns our desires with God's will.

    God with Us = Us with God

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024 35:19


    So, what does it mean to call Jesus, Emmanuel? We are never alone. You are never alone, and you've never been alone.  He has been and still is and will always be Emmanuel with you.

    Hope in the Present

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2024 41:05


    Many of us are wishing we had more time in a day, today we dive into the two different types of time: Chronos and Kairos. We find that God's present, truly is His presence. How will you spend your time this Christmas season?

    Peace with God, Ourselves, & Others

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2024 43:02


    Today we learn about peace through faith in Jesus Christ. We explore scripture about the emphasis of spiritual peace with God, emotional peace within ourselves, and relational peace with others as the foundation of a fulfilled life. By embracing God's grace and relinquishing fear, we find true rest and freedom, even amidst life's challenges. Tune in today!

    Your Good, My Good, & God's Good

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2024 57:29


    How do we define true goodness in a world filled with conflicting opinions? This message dives deep into how God's standard of holiness and grace transcends human understanding of right and wrong. Join us as we unpack the transformative power of aligning our lives with God's divine will, revealing the path to peace, purpose, and eternal truth.

    Thanksgiving > Anxiety-Living

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2024 54:28


    The Bible has a lot to say about worry, anxiety, and thankfulness. Today we explore all that the Word says about thankfulness and how living a life of thanksgiving is far greater than living in anxiety.

    A God Sized Vision for Maine

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2024 52:56


    Today we celebrate our first service in our new home! Pastor Matt shares with us the vision that God has for Maine. One that will build your faith and encourage you to believe for more! Tune in today.

    Let Your Voice (Vote) Be Heard

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2024 48:17


    As believers…. we vote for life, we vote for marriage, we vote for Israel, and we vote for family. “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:14 | ESV Who knows if YOU have not come for such a time as this?

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