Maynardville Fellowship Podcast

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Matthew-23_14-Woe-to-the-Wolves-In-Shepherds-Clothing.mp3 Listen as Pastor Matt uncovers the horrifying irony of those who wore the robes of shepherds while devouring the most vulnerable sheep. Each of the synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke, reveals the same chilling indictment: religious hypocrisy dressed in pious theater, preying on widows and the weak. Listen in as Jesus thunders judgment from Ezekiel and Zephaniah, declares covenantal divorce on a corrupt nation, and warns all who dare pose as Shepherds for personal gain: “You will receive greater condemnation.”May we all take refuge in the True Shepherd—the One who doesn't devour His sheep, but lays down His life for them.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Carr-ST-7-9-25.mp3 How does God make His presence known to His creation? While there are many secondary means—through beauty, providence, and conscience—Scripture reveals one primary method: covenant. In this lecture, we trace the major covenants of the Bible and discover how each one reveals God's intent to dwell with His people and bless them through His abiding presence.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Matthew-23_13-Woe-Unto-the-Gatekeepers-Outside-the-Gate-of-the-Kingdom.mp3 They claimed to be guides into God's Kingdom — but they were standing on the outside, slamming the gate shut on those who would enter. The hypocrisy of Israel's false shepherds was undeniable — men who didn't love the people, didn't know the way, and yet presumed to speak for God. Jesus' first woe in Matthew 23 isn't mere condemnation; it's the opening line of a covenantal divorce decree. The light of the world would no longer shine through national Israel. But make no mistake — the Kingdom from heaven is still invading the earth. “The kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing the fruit of it” (Matthew 21:43). With that transfer came new gatekeepers… and a new stewardship of the Keys.Christ has given those keys to His Church. Listen as Pastor Matt Cooke traces this theme through the Old Testament and the Gospel of Matthew — and calls believers to stop bowing to those outside the gate.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Carr-Systematic-2.mp3 If God is Lord — and He is — then nothing is neutral. Not your ethics, not your politics, not even your understanding of history or science. Everything must be interpreted through His revealed Word. Listen as Pastor Carr unpacks the massive implications of God's Lordship over all of life.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Carr-6-29-25.mp3 Ephesians 1 fills the believer with awe for God's glory in salvation. Listen as Pastor Carr shows how that awe produces deep gratitude and lasting unity in Christ's church.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Carr-ST-6-25-25.mp3 What exactly is Systematic Theology? And when we talk about God's attributes, where's the best place to start? In this episode, Pastor Michael Carr argues that it all begins with God's Lordship- and that His control, authority, and presence naturally flow from there.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Matthew-23_13-36-The-Covenantal-Implications-of-the-Seven-Woes.mp3 We hear it all the time from warmongering politicians: “God will bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse Israel.” They say it with conviction—rarely with context—and insist it's self-evident, even axiomatic. But what if I told you that Jesus cursed Israel? Cursed them to the point that He took the Kingdom from them and gave it to a new people, a people who would bear its fruit. What if I told you that the “Israel of God” isn't a modern political state, but a New Covenant community, gathered around the Risen King? It's not a hot take. It's Bible—every word of it. In this sermon, Pastor Matt walks through the covenantal logic behind Jesus' seven woes on the Scribes and Pharisees, and shows how rightly understanding these judgments delivers a fatal blow to the modern cult of Zionism.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Panel-6-18-25-noise-removed.mp3 Few topics ignite more heated debate among Christians than tithing. Is it a timeless expectation for God's people, or a relic of the Old Covenant? Passion runs deep on both sides. Tithers often view non-tithers as greedy or lacking faith, while skeptics of tithing accuse its defenders of legalism. In this panel, the Maynardville Fellowship elders tackle the real heart issues beneath the controversy; exploring generosity, humility, and how to walk with conviction without dividing the Body.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Matthew-23_11-12-The-Lowly-High-Calling-of-the-Kingdom-Citizen-Part-2-of-2-The-Humble-Path-to-Exaltation.mp3 Matthew 23:11 is one of the more familiar texts in the Bible: “But the greatest among you shall be your servant.” If you're anything like me, you've probably always taken this as a simple encouragement to serve others. Something like, “If you want to be the greatest, then serve the most,” or “In the Kingdom, greatness isn't measured by gifting or title, but by service.” But if we reduce this rich text to mere moralism, we miss the profound covenantal message Matthew intends his readers to grasp. In this sermon, Pastor Matt unpacks the verse in its full context, emphasizing its courtroom setting, revealing its Christ-centered thrust, and shining a light on the glory of the Gospel and the establishment of God's Kingdom on earth.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Panel-6-11-25.mp3 Is the pursuit of wealth ever a worthy pursuit for a Christian? Should we sell everything we have and give it to the poor? Is wealth especially dangerous for the Christian? Is poverty dangerous? Is money the root of all evil? And how can a Christian recognize when money has become an idol? Listen as the elders of Maynardville Fellowship consider these questions and others related to money.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Cooke-6-8-2025-Matthew-23_8-12-The-Lowly-High-Calling-of-the-Kingdom-Citizen-Part-1-of-2-The-Rejection-of-Exalted-Titles.mp3 What did Jesus mean when He told His followers not to be called Rabbi, to call no one on earth Father, and not to be called leaders? Is there something inherently wrong with those titles? Not at all. Listen as Pastor Matt digs into this text to show that something much greater than a legalistic ban on the use of a few titles is at the heart of Jesus' prohibition. In fact, the rejection of exalted titles is eternally important. It is nothing less than an indication of Kingdom Citizenship.  

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Panel-6-4-25.mp3 How should we understand forgiveness? Am I obligated to forgive everyone? What if they are not repentant? Does forgiveness always entail the elimination of any and all consequences? Listen as the Maynardville Fellowship elders consider these questions and others related to forgiveness.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Province-6-1-25.mp3 How much consideration do you give your spiritual growth?  How do you best determine where you are in your Christian development? Do you take a theological or doctrinal test?  The Bible has much to say about the importance of Christian maturity. Listen as Pastor David examines 1 John 2:12-17 to help us discover a biblical method for discerning our spiritual state. 

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Carr-5-25-25.mp3 Zechariah's book concludes with a prolonged revelation of the kingdom of the Messiah and the final five verses highlight the glories of that kingdom. Not only will God's enemies be defeated, but his people will be transformed into a holy people, fit for his presence.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Panel-5-21-25.mp3 There are a lot of opinions floating around about child discipline and training. Is spanking okay? Is spanking more always the answer? Are other methods of discipline acceptable or even advisable at times? And what is the goal of all of our discipline? How should children behave in the home, in the church, and after worship? Listen as these questions and others are biblically considered.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Carr-5-18-25.mp3 In this passage, Zechariah anticipates the new city that will come in the wake of the new creation narrative of v 6-9. That city will dwell in security and its enemies will be stripped of their oppositional power.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Panel-5-14-25.mp3 Our culture would have us believe that good order in the church is something that is relative to each congregation with minimal consequences. However, Paul writes to Timothy of the devastating consequences of having a church that is out of creational order. Listen as Pastors Michael Carr and Josh Woody discuss this controversial text and doctrine. 

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Carr-5-11-25.mp3 Our culture would have us believe that good order in the church is something that is relative to each congregation with minimal consequences. However, Paul writes to Timothy of the devastating consequences of having a church that is out of creational order. 

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Panel-5-7-25.mp3 What does the Bible say about birth control? Absolutely nothing! But that doesn't mean that it will not inform every question we might ask related to the subject. Is birth control sinful? If so, must Christians try to have as many children as possible as quickly as possible? If it is not sinful, does it follow that all types are permissible? Do motives matter? Listen as the elders discuss these questions and others related to yet another controversial issue.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Carr-5-4-25.mp3 As Zechariah's prophetic work draws to a close, he details the events surrounding the much anticipated arrival of the Messiah. In this passage he uses a creation motif to demonstrate the nature of the kingdom under the reign of the Righteous King. 

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Panel-4-30-25.mp3 You've probably noticed a resurgence of a 'weird' old term; courtship. What's the big deal? Who cares what you call it, right? Well... wrong actually. Listen as the elders at Maynardville Fellowship discuss another controversial, yet extremely important topic.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Carr-04-27-25.mp3 After all the warnings of judgment and final captivity for continued idolatry, in the final chapter of his prophetic work, Zechariah reveals the fate of Jerusalem and those who inhabit it physically and spiritually. 

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Panel-4-23-25.mp3 Just in case we didn't confuse you enough with our discussion of head coverings we decided to hit it again! Listen as the Maynardville Fellowship elders consider the historical understanding of head coverings, how and why it ceased to be the cultural norm, difficulties with the text, and if it matters in the 'culture wars.'

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Carr-4-20-25.mp3 What does a random passage in Leviticus have to do with the resurrection of Christ. More than you've probably realized. Find out how this passage enhances your understanding of the glories of Christ's work of atonement.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Carr-4-13-25.mp3   Zechariah continues his incredible unveiling of the events of Christ's arrival, the Jews' rejection of him, his ultimate victory, and the aftermath of his ministry on both his enemies and his friends. Listen as Pastor Michael Carr handles the penultimate chapter of Zechariah's prophetic masterpiece. 

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Headcovering-1-Edited.mp3 What do we do with difficult text like I Corinthians 11:2-16 that have no other texts that add clarity? Is Paul's command to women that they wear head coverings cultural or timeless? How are men the glory of God, but the woman the glory of the man? Why does Paul say long hair is a shame to a man and a glory to a woman? And what is with this weird reason Paul gives for the command to cover; 'Because of the angels!?!?!' Listen as the Maynardville Fellowship elders consider these questions and others related to this difficult text.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Josh-woody-4-6-25.mp3 God disciplines those whom He loves and trains them as sons. Listen as Pastor Josh Woody explains from Hebrews 12:5-11 how and why God disciplines His people, the danger of His discipline being absent in your life, and how you are to receive and participate in the discipline of the Lord. 

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Panel-4-2-25.mp3 Why do we have clothing? What does clothing symbolize theologically, and what practical purposes do they serve? What makes some types of clothing inappropriate? What should a Christian consider when choosing what to wear? Listen as the Maynardville Fellowship elders consider these questions and others related to clothing.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Carr-3-30-25.mp3 Who is the one who was pierced in Zechariah 12? To what is “that day” referring? Is this something we are to look forward to or have the events of this passage already taken place? Pastor Carr answers these questions and more in this sermon.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Carr-3-23-25.mp3 What if God told us exactly what would happen during and after the ministry of Christ on earth? What if he did it 500 years before it happened? In this sermon, Pastor Michael Carr shows how God did just that and why it matters for the church today.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Panel-3-19-25.mp3 What is a man's role and duties in his home? Are these roles arbitrarily assigned by God or are they rooted in the created order? Are there any theological or soteriological doctrines that risk being misunderstood if these truths are rejected, neglected or forgotten? Listen as the elders discuss these, and other questions, related to biblical patriarchy.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Carr-03-16-25.mp3 Zechariah informs much of our current political discourse. See what this text teaches about the role and importance of modern Israel in our political future. 

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Panel-3-12-25.mp3 How is the use of unleavened bread for communion rooted in the Old Testament tradition? Does it matter if unleavened bread is used? Are individual 'wafers' okay for communion, or is symbolism lost by not using a 'loaf'? How important is it ti maintain the purity of symbols? Is communion a time of celebration or introspection and mournful solemnity? Listen as the elders discuss these, and other questions, related to the symbolism of the communion bread.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Carr-03-09-25.mp3 Zechariah's oracle continues with the anticipated righteous King taking in the role of the Good Shepherd who judges the bad shepherds, and unites, expands, and defends his flock. 

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Panel-3-5-25.mp3 Does something mystical take place when Christians take communion, or is it just a symbolic remembrance? What does wine symbolize in communion? Why do have we, and many churches, used grape juice instead of actual wine? When did that start? Is it okay? Listen as the elders discuss these, and other questions, related to the symbolism of wine in communion.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Carr-3-2-25.mp3 What type of king was promised to post-exilic Israel? How would he be different from the kings that came before him? In this passage Zechariah captures the mind as he foretells of the coming King and the extent of His glory and reign. 

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Closed-Communion-Panel-2-26-25.mp3 What is the meaning and purpose of communion? Who can partake of the table? What is a person professing when they partake? Should you ever refrain from taking of the table because you feel unworthy that Lord's Day? And can a person take communion at home, or at some other event outside the church? Listen as the elder's of Maynardville Fellowship collaborate to answer these questions and others in a panel discussion format.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Carr-2-23-25.mp3 God didn't just keep his promise to judge the enemies of Israel after they returned from exile, but he told them exactly how he would do it. Not only does this passage show how God would judge his enemies, but it also demonstrates his attributes that his people should follow.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Elder-Panel-2-19-25.mp3 What is an elder? Is it different from a pastor? What is the difference between a church that is elder led and elder ruled? Which is Maynardville Fellowship? And what is the extent of a pastor's authority, and what can a congregant do if they feel a pastor has disqualified himself from the ministry? Listen as the elder's of Maynardville Fellowship collaborate to answer these questions and others in our first Wednesday night panel discussion.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Carr-2-16-25.mp3 Do we live in a time of defeat and retreat, or do we live in a time of victory and dominion? If Christ has declared victory then it would be inappropriate for his people to live in defeat. It is necessary for the people of God to understand what time it is and to live accordingly.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/I-Thessalonians-1_2-4-Cultivating-Continual-Gratitude-for-ALL-Believers.mp3 Do you ever find yourself withdrawing from fellowship? Neglecting your duty to make disciples and encourage your brothers in the Lord? Perhaps you are may even be hiding in plain sight, avoiding spiritual conversations like the plague. What causes us to get in such a state? Listen as Pastor Matt explains how such withdrawal is due to a lack of gratitude for your fellow believers, and points out four ways the Apostle Paul cultivated continual gratitude for all believers.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Gospel-Centered-Apologetics-Lecture-13-ConfirmingDefending-the-Resurrection-Part-2-Answering-the-Skeptic.mp3 Not everyone who hears of the resurrection of Christ will believe. Some will believe, some will mock/sneer, and others will be open to hearing more on the matter  (Acts 17:32-34). Not every skeptic is created equal! Some are mockingly antagonistic, while others just aren't convinced. How do we answer those who suggest that the resurrection is not the most plausible explanation for the empty tomb? Is it possible that the disciples hallucinated the resurrection appearances? Perhaps someone stole the body? Some even suggest Jesus didn't actually die, but only passed out and then when He came to He pretended He had risen. Listen as Pastor Matt cross-examines these skeptical suggestions and shows that the bodily resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the only logical conclusion given the data we have.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Gospel-Centered-Apologetics-Lecture-12-ConfirmingDefending-the-Resurrection.mp3 The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the crowning proof of Christianity.  If the resurrection didn't take place then Christianity is a false religion. If it did take place, then Christ is God & the Christian faith is absolute truth. Listen as Pastor Matt walks your through how to defend the historicity of the resurrection to a skeptic.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Carr-1-26-25.mp3   Zechariah continues his pronouncement of God's dealings with national and spiritual Israel in chapter 8. Pastor Carr shows the great promise God had for his people even if the nation should fail to obey.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Gospel-Centered-Apologetics-Lecture-11-Why-I-Choose-to-Believe-the-Bible.mp3 When defending the Christian faith it is necessary to appeal to the Scriptures. Unfortunately, most Christians can be stumped by one simple question from the skeptic: "Why do you believe the Bible?' Listen as Pastor Matt explores the power and wisdom of the thoroughly biblical answer put forth by Voddie Bauchum based off of 1 Peter 1:17-21. “I choose to believe The Bible because it is a reliable collection of historical documents, written by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses, reporting supernatural events that took place in fulfillment of specific prophecies & claimed their writings are Divine rather than human in origin.”

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Carr-1-19-25.mp3 As Zechariah seven comes to a close, the prophet gives the Lord's answer to the envoy from Bethel concerning worship that pleases God. Pastor Carr walks through the text highlighting the nature of the prohibitions levied against the people for their good.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Carr-1-12-25.mp3 This week Pastor Carr takes a topical look at the failures in Israel's history that led to the spiritual captivity that brought their demise. He uses that history as a warning for the church and challenges to greater affection.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Sermon-Carr-01-05-25.mp3 In this message Pastor Carr continues to handle Zechariah's response to the delegation from Bethel in Zechariah 7 and gives a brief exhortation toward the type of worship that pleases and honors God.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Carr-12-29-24.mp3 Why do we perform the religious duties that we do? Can we do that which is good and Scripture requires of us in a way that is displeasing to God? In this sermon Pastor Michael Carr explores the important distinction between outward conformity and inward submission to the commands of God.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Carr-12-22-24.mp3 As Zechariah moves out of the night visions his attention turns to the long awaited Branch figure. This passage serves as a more formal introduction to the person and work of the Branch Messiah that will be developed in the remainder of the book.

https://www.maynardvillefellowship.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cooke-Gospel-Centered-Apologetics-Christmas.mp3 A couple of week's ago I stumbled on an article titled ‘Why You Should Stop Treating Jesus's Birth Narratives as History.' This guy loved the Spiritual lessons one could glean from the whole Jesus story. In his construct, the story is ‘truth' but it isn't TRUE. That is to say that it did not happen. Let me tell you right now, if we neglect the historicity of the nativity of Jesus, the Christian faith is of ZERO value. But how can we know? When you really bear down on the birth narrative of Christ, & ask the questions that the text demand you ask, you actually find great apologetic value in this familiar little story.