The Growth Factor

In this episode, we will look at the one who all of Scripture is about—Christ. How do you find Christ in passages that do not directly reference Him? We want to help you make it make sense when it comes to finding Christ in the text. Let's talk a look at finding Christ in the […]

In this episode, we will look at the one who all of Scripture is about—Christ. How do you find Christ in passages that do not directly reference Him? We want to help you make it make sense when it comes to finding Christ in the text. Let's talk a look at finding Christ in the […]

In this episode, we will look at the one who all of Scripture is about—Christ. How do you find Christ in passages that do not directly reference Him? We want to help you make it make sense when it comes to finding Christ in the text. Let's talk a look at finding Christ in the […]

In this episode, we will look at the one who all of Scripture is about—Christ. How do you find Christ in passages that do not directly reference Him? We want to help you make it make sense when it comes to finding Christ in the text. Let's talk a look at finding Christ in creation. […]

In this episode, we will now turn to one the most important components of studying Scripture. Application. Bible study is merely an intellectual activity apart from applying what you learn to your life. So in this session we want to help you answer this question. Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr. Facebook: Phillip […]

In this episode, we will now turn to one the most important components of studying Scripture. Application. Bible study is merely an intellectual activity apart from applying what you learn to your life. So in this session we want to help you answer this question. Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr. Facebook: Phillip […]

In this episode, we want to continue looking at the how of studying scripture and provide you with tools to help you in your personal study. When it comes to scripture, all words matter. All Scripture is God-breathed, so every word has purpose and meaning. In this session we're going to talk about word studies […]

In this episode, we want to continue looking at the how of studying scripture and provide you with tools to help you in your personal study. When it comes to scripture, all words matter. All Scripture is God-breathed, so every word has purpose and meaning. In this session we're going to talk about word studies […]

In this episode, we want to continue looking at the how of studying scripture and provide you with tools to help you in your personal study. When it comes to scripture, all words matter. All Scripture is God-breathed, so every word has purpose and meaning. In this session we're going to talk about word studies […]

In this episode, we will discuss how the reader should approach any biblical text. As we continue to look at interpretation, we'll look at another genre—epistles or letters—and give you tips on how to properly interpret these kinds of biblical texts. Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr. Facebook: Phillip Pointer Instagram: Phillip L. Pointer […]

In this episode, we will discuss how the reader should approach any biblical text. As we continue to look at interpretation, we'll look at apocalyptic literature that will help you properly interpret these kinds of texts.   Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr. Facebook: Phillip Pointer Instagram: Phillip L. Pointer Twitter: Phillip L. Pointer John […]

In this episode, we continue to look at how the reader should approach any biblical text with our discussion on parables. There are three main components to biblical reading and interpretation. Observation. Interpretation. And application. The second part of the process is interpretation. Interpretation asks the question: What does it mean? (William Hendricks) Interpretation is […]

In this episode, we will discuss how the reader should approach any biblical text. There are three main components to biblical reading and interpretation. Observation. Interpretation. And application. The second part of the process is interpretation. Interpretation asks the question: What does it mean? (William Hendricks) Interpretation is about inviting others into conversation with you […]

In this episode, Pastor Pointer and Pastor John sit down with New York Times Bestselling author, Jemar Tisby to discuss something that has plagued the American Church experience since its inception: racism. Tisby is the author of The Color of Compromise and How to Fight Racism. Join us as we talk about racism and try […]

In this episode, we're going to put into practice some of the tools that we looked in our last episode. We'll turn to the Transfiguration account in Matthew and 17 and guide you through the process of asking questions of the text and let you know where you can go to find answers to those […]

In this episode, we will discuss how the reader should approach any biblical text. There are three main components to biblical reading and interpretation. Observation. Interpretation. And application. The process starts with observing what's in the text itself. Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr.Facebook: Phillip PointerInstagram: Phillip L. PointerTwitter: Phillip L. Pointer John C. Richards, […]

In this episode, we want to start diving into the how of studying scripture and provide you with tools to help you in your personal study. The Bible was written to specific groups of people in specific languages. Our Bibles today are translations of original languages. In determining how to study scripture, you need to […]

In this episode, we want to start diving into the how of studying scripture and provide you with tools to help you in your personal study. Studying scripture always begins with a wide-angle view. You have to see and know the big picture to understand a particular text. So let's talk about the big picture […]

Our theme this season is Dig Deeper, as we want to encourage you to grow in your relationship with God. As pastors, we have had people ask us, “how did you get that from the text,” or tell us that their personal study time has been unfruitful and that things don't always make sense. So […]

Some things in Scripture just aren't black and white. The Christian Church grew from a small group of believers into a universal body. But some people view organized religion through a negative lens? How should Christians approach organized religion? Is there a distinction between the church as an institution or a community? And what does […]

Some things in Scripture just aren't black and white. For centuries, Christians have wrestled with the sacred and secular divide. Music is one area where there has been sharply divided opinions.  How should a Christian approach the music we listen to? What does Scripture say to us about music and listening to certain kinds of […]

Some things in Scripture just aren't black and white. What's permissible when it comes to sex and the Christian is one of those taboo areas we tend to avoid. But not on The Growth Factor.  How should a Christian approach sex and their bedroom? What does Scripture say to us about sex and their bedroom? […]

Some things in Scripture just aren't black and white. The use of profanity as we have come to know it is one of those things. How should a Christian approach cussing? What does Scripture say to us about cussing? In this episode we look to help you answer those questions.   Connect with our hosts: […]

Some things in Scripture just aren't black and white. Halloween is one of those things. How should a Christian approach Halloween and other holidays? What does Scripture say to us about Halloween? In this episode we look to help you answer those questions. Big Question: Can something that possibly has pagan origins be redeemed and […]

Some things in Scripture just aren't black and white. Gambling is one of those things. How should a Christian approach gambling? What does Scripture say to us about gambling? In this episode we look to help you answer those questions. Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr.Facebook: Phillip PointerInstagram: Phillip L. PointerTwitter: Phillip […]

Some things in Scripture just aren't black and white. Smoking weed is one of those things. How should a Christian approach smoking weed? What does Scripture say to us about smoking weed? In this episode we look to help you answer those questions. Biggest question: “Didn't God give to Adam every tree, plant, and herb […]

Some things in Scripture just aren't black and white. Drinking alcohol is one of those things. How should a Christian approach drinking alcohol? What does Scripture say to us about drinking? In this episode we look to help you answer those questions. Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr.Facebook: Phillip PointerInstagram: Phillip L. […]

Manifestation, the ability to “speak things into existence,” has become more and more popular in our culture. It has even become a practice for Christians who believe there is biblical support for it. But what does the Bible really say about manifestation. In this episode, called “It's Above Me Now,” we will explore the history […]

Humanity has been enamored with the heavens since the beginning of time. Since then, many have tried to read (or in some instances wish upon) the stars in the heavens. How has this practice evolved into what we see today? Today, millions of people practice this form of “spiritual practice.” Including many Christians. In this […]

Young Christians are beginning to use crystal healing methods and practices as part of their “spiritual disciplines.” Is the practice acceptable for believers? Why are younger Christians looking to these practices to supplement their normal faith practices? In this episode, we will explore the history of the practice and look at what Scripture says about […]

Christians, and Black Christians in particular, are very aware of their history and the impact of those who have gone before us. This had led many to “call on the ancestors” in their time of need. In this episode, we'll explore the practice and discuss biblically appropriate ways to honor our heritage and legacy. Connect […]

In this inaugural episode, we begin a five-part series on Knockoff Spirituality. We discuss the history of divination as we know it and what the Bible says about these practices. We're going in depth about Tarot cards and palm reading and how it affects your spiritual life. Connect with our hosts: Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, […]

Thank you for connecting with The Growth Factor Podcast, a broadcast ministry of Saint Mark Baptist Church. Co-hosts Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr. and Pastor John C. Richards, Jr., JD, will help you understand the scripture and its relevance in contemporary affairs.  Learn how to read it and apply it to your life in practical […]