The Biltmore Church Podcast

What do you do when prayer feels confusing, awkward, or unproductive? If you've ever felt like you're doing it wrong—or just don't know where to start—this episode is for you. Pastor Bruce joins Michelle and Christian to talk about the heart of prayer, using Luke 11 as a launchpad for an honest, practical conversation about how to build a daily rhythm of prayer.Join our 21 Days of Prayer Reading Plan on the Bible App! - https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/60128 

Luke 11:1-41 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father,hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.'”

In this episode, we're talking about a feeling that many believers experience but often don't know how to voice: What do I do when it feels like nothing is happening when I pray? Pastor Bruce joins Michelle and Christian to unpack Psalm 46 and explore what it means to trust in God's presence and power even when He seems silent. If you're in a season of waiting, doubt, or discouragement—this conversation is for you.Join our 21 Days of Prayer Reading Plan on the Bible App! - https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/60128 

Psalm 461 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth.9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

We're back for Season 7 of the Biltmore Church Podcast! In this episode, Pastor Bruce joins Christian and Michelle to talk about one of the biggest challenges in prayer: distraction. Whether your mind wanders mid-sentence or weeks go by without meaningful conversation with God, you're not alone. We'll explore Luke 18 and practical ways to overcome distraction so you can grow in persistent, powerful prayer.Join our 21 Days of Prayer Reading Plan on the Bible App! - https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/60128 

Luke 18:1-8And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.' 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.'” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Titus 3Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. 12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. 14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful. 15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

Titus 2:1-15But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. 15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Titus 1:6-166 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. 10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. 12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

In this special summer bonus episode of the Biltmore Church Podcast, we sit down with Matt Herrington, our Lead Missions Pastor, and two of our own staff members here at the church who will soon be moving with their families to Asia as missionaries!

Titus1:11 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began 3 and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; 4 To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. 5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. 10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. 12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

John 8:31-3831 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free'?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. 38 I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.”

2 Timothy 4:9-229 Do your best to come to me soon. 10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 12 Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. 21 Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers. 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

2 Timothy 4:6-86 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:1 - 5 (ESV): 4 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

In this special summer bonus episode of the Biltmore Church Podcast, Christian sits down with Holden and Carleigh from our worship team to count down their Top 5 Country Songs About God. Whether you're at the beach, the lake, or just enjoying the summer, join us for a fun conversation about how God shows up in some of country music's greatest hits.Check out our Spotify playlist with all the songs we talked about today! - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6vWImHQuvNK55bMF6CZEH5?si=699ef92a977f445bCheck out our Apple Music playlist with all the songs we talked about today! - (0:00) Introduction(2:39) Our History with Country Music(10:25) The Building - Emily Ann Roberts(13:20) Where I Get Where I'm Going - Brad Paisley & Dolly Parton(15:01) That's What I Love About Sunday - Craig Morgan(17:26) I Saw God Today - George Strait(19:24) Lead Me Home - Jamey Johnson(21:09) 5 Leaf Clover - Luke Combs(22:22) Changed - Rascal Flatts(25:23) Three Wooden Crosses - Randy Travis(29:28) Bible & a .44 - Ashley McBryde(35:14) Temporary Home - Carrie Underwood(40:14) I Believe - Diamond Rio(41:50) Love Without End, Amen - George Strait(43:22) Honorable Mentions(55:08) Believe - Brooks & Dunn(57:41) Go Rest High on That Mountain - Vince Gill(1:01:24) Where I Find God - Larry Fleet

2 Timothy 3:16-1716 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:1-16But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

2 Timothy 2:20-2620 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable,[a] he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant[b] must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

2 Timothy 2:14-1914 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God[a] not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,[b] a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

2 Timothy 2:1-131 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. 8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

Episode 14 of Season 6 of the Biltmore Church Podcast, where each week we have helpful conversations to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus. In this week's episode, we'll be talking about how every follower of Jesus has a calling on their life!You can access a digital copy of our 2 Timothy + Titus Scripture Journal at biltmorechurch.com/journal.

2 Timothy 1:8-188 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.

 Episode 13 of Season 6 of the Biltmore Church Podcast, where each week we have helpful conversations to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus. In this week's episode, we dive into 2 Timothy 1:1–7 — a powerful call to courageous faith, generational discipleship, and stepping boldly into "our turn" in God's mission.You can access a digital copy of our 2 Timothy + Titus Scripture Journal at biltmorechurch.com/2timothy. 

2 Timothy 1:1-71 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Luke 24:36-4736 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them. 44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

Episode 12 of Season 6 of the Biltmore Church Podcast, where each week we'll be having helpful conversations to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus. In this week's episode, we'll be discussing the fascinating book of Judges. You can access a digital copy of our Judges Scripture Journal at biltmorechurch.com/judges!

Warning: the book of Judges is both disturbing and violent. It recounts the tragedy of Israel's growing moral corruption, caused by a repeating cycle of disobedience, disaster, and deliverance.The Israelites seem to be stuck on a hamster wheel, repeating the same foolish choices over and over again. This downward spiral leads the people of Israel to become no different than the Canaanites they were called to drive out. They eventually adopt all the Canaanite cultural and religious practices, even the ones God had warned them against. Instead of showing the world who God was by being distinctively different from the nations around them, they "did what was right in their own eyes" (17:6; 21:25).However, this sad story is also meant to generate hope for the future. The book of Judges reminds us that even when we are faithless, God remains faithful. It also sets the stage for the books that follow, introducing the themes and circumstances that lead to the crowning of King David and his family line, that would lead us to the birth of Jesus.

Episode 11 of Season 6 of the Biltmore Church Podcast, where each week we'll be having helpful conversations to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus. In this week's episode, we'll be discussing the fascinating book of Judges. You can access a digital copy of our Judges Scripture Journal at biltmorechurch.com/judges!

Warning: the book of Judges is both disturbing and violent. It recounts the tragedy of Israel's growing moral corruption, caused by a repeating cycle of disobedience, disaster, and deliverance.The Israelites seem to be stuck on a hamster wheel, repeating the same foolish choices over and over again. This downward spiral leads the people of Israel to become no different than the Canaanites they were called to drive out. They eventually adopt all the Canaanite cultural and religious practices, even the ones God had warned them against. Instead of showing the world who God was by being distinctively different from the nations around them, they "did what was right in their own eyes" (17:6; 21:25).However, this sad story is also meant to generate hope for the future. The book of Judges reminds us that even when we are faithless, God remains faithful. It also sets the stage for the books that follow, introducing the themes and circumstances that lead to the crowning of King David and his family line, that would lead us to the birth of Jesus.

Episode 10 of Season 6 of the Biltmore Church Podcast, where each week we'll be having helpful conversations to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus. In this week's episode, we'll be discussing the fascinating book of Judges. You can access a digital copy of our Judges Scripture Journal at biltmorechurch.com/judges!

Warning: the book of Judges is both disturbing and violent. It recounts the tragedy of Israel's growing moral corruption, caused by a repeating cycle of disobedience, disaster, and deliverance.The Israelites seem to be stuck on a hamster wheel, repeating the same foolish choices over and over again. This downward spiral leads the people of Israel to become no different than the Canaanites they were called to drive out. They eventually adopt all the Canaanite cultural and religious practices, even the ones God had warned them against. Instead of showing the world who God was by being distinctively different from the nations around them, they "did what was right in their own eyes" (17:6; 21:25).However, this sad story is also meant to generate hope for the future. The book of Judges reminds us that even when we are faithless, God remains faithful. It also sets the stage for the books that follow, introducing the themes and circumstances that lead to the crowning of King David and his family line, that would lead us to the birth of Jesus.

Episode 9 of Season 6 of the Biltmore Church Podcast, where each week we'll be having helpful conversations to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus. In this week's episode, we'll be discussing Judges 3 & making weakness your strength.

This weeks message is out of Judges 3Warning: the book of Judges is both disturbing and violent. It recounts the tragedy of Israel's growing moral corruption, caused by a repeating cycle of disobedience, disaster, and deliverance.The Israelites seem to be stuck on a hamster wheel, repeating the same foolish choices over and over again. This downward spiral leads the people of Israel to become no different than the Canaanites they were called to drive out. They eventually adopt all the Canaanite cultural and religious practices, even the ones God had warned them against. Instead of showing the world who God was by being distinctively different from the nations around them, they "did what was right in their own eyes" (17:6; 21:25).However, this sad story is also meant to generate hope for the future. The book of Judges reminds us that even when we are faithless, God remains faithful. It also sets the stage for the books that follow, introducing the themes and circumstances that lead to the crowning of King David and his family line, that would lead us to the birth of Jesus.

Episode 8 of Season 6 of the Biltmore Church Podcast, where each week we'll be having helpful conversations to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus. In this week's episode, we'll be discussing the fascinating book of Judges.You can access a digital copy of our Judges Scripture Journal at biltmorechurch.com/judges! 

This weeks message is out of Judges 1 & 2Warning: the book of Judges is both disturbing and violent. It recounts the tragedy of Israel's growing moral corruption, caused by a repeating cycle of disobedience, disaster, and deliverance.The Israelites seem to be stuck on a hamster wheel, repeating the same foolish choices over and over again. This downward spiral leads the people of Israel to become no different than the Canaanites they were called to drive out. They eventually adopt all the Canaanite cultural and religious practices, even the ones God had warned them against. Instead of showing the world who God was by being distinctively different from the nations around them, they "did what was right in their own eyes" (17:6; 21:25).However, this sad story is also meant to generate hope for the future. The book of Judges reminds us that even when we are faithless, God remains faithful. It also sets the stage for the books that follow, introducing the themes and circumstances that lead to the crowning of King David and his family line, that would lead us to the birth of Jesus.

Episode 7 of Season 6 of the Biltmore Church Podcast, where each week we'll be having helpful conversations to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus. In this week's episode, we'll be discussing how to break the lies.

Matthew 7:24-2924 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” 28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

Episode 6 of Season 6 of the Biltmore Church Podcast, where each week we'll be having helpful conversations to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus. In this week's episode, we'll be discussing Proverbs & finding the friends you need.

Proverbs 13:20Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.Proverbs 18:24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.Proverbs 4:14Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil.Proverbs 14:7Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.Proverbs 27:17Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.Proverbs 13:20Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.Proverbs 18:1Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.

Episode 5 of Season 6 of the Biltmore Church Podcast, where each week we'll be having helpful conversations to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus. In this week's episode, we'll be discussing 1 John 3 & parenting with purpose.

1 John 3:11-1811 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

Episode 4 of Season 6 of the Biltmore Church Podcast, where each week we'll be having helpful conversations to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus. In this week's episode, we'll be discussing 1 Timothy 1 & breaking family cycles.

1 Timothy 1:12-1712 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Episode 3 of Season 6 of the Biltmore Church Podcast, where each week we'll be having helpful conversations to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus. In this week's episode, we'll be discussing Jeremiah 29 and how God comes where He's wanted.

Jeremiah 29:10–13 (ESV): 10 “For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

Episode 2 of Season 6 of the Biltmore Church Podcast, where each week we'll be having helpful conversations to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus. In this week's episode, we'll be discussing Romans 12 and how to build a rule of life. (0:00) Introduction (1:11) Scripture Reading (1:33) Building A Rule of Life (34:20) Weekly Practice

Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Episode 1 of Season 6 of the Biltmore Church Podcast, where each week we'll be having helpful conversations to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus. In this week's episode, we'll be discussing Matthew 4 and surrendering fully to Jesus. (00:00) Introduction & Scripture (02:24) Grow Closer to Jesus (30:22) Waynesville Campus Update (32:53) Weekly Practice

Matthew 4:18-22 18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Acts 2:41-47 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.