Background information within a narrative; one of four rhetorical modes
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Shawn, Justin and special guest Damon discuss this passage and why being involved with your church is so important.
Genesis 9:1-17 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Politicians sway this way and that. Countries take various positions on fundamental issues. Yet, Christians have a pretty consistent history when it comes to their stance on life. And that's because the Author of Life is the only one who has the right to give it and take it away. We mustn't play God and take life into our own hands. Instead, we need to recognize that from the womb to the tomb we are not our own. We belong body and soul to God. So, may the Lord help us value life like he does. If it matters to God, it should matter to us.
2 Kings 15 - Daniel GillespieWant to learn more about Eastwood? Visit https://eastwood.church
Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9
Daniel 6:1–28 | Discover how decades of steady faithfulness and trusting God prepared Daniel for the ultimate crisis in a lion's den and how God vindicates him.For the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org
June 7th, 2026 If you'd like to get in touch with us, email us at: kerkefree@gmail.comDon't miss an episode by subscribing or following
May 31st, 2026 If you'd like to get in touch with us, email us at: kerkefree@gmail.comDon't miss an episode by subscribing or following
Don't be a victim of your emotions! Pastor Tony and Mitch talk about training your heart in the truth, avoiding asceticism, and embracing triumphant joy.For the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org
romans_2_1-11_moralism_but_im_a_good_person.mp3File Size: 54861 kbFile Type: mp3Download File [...]
May 24th, 2026 If you'd like to get in touch with us, email us at: kerkefree@gmail.comDon't miss an episode by subscribing or following
2026-06-07 Grow Where You've Been Plantedby Seth Carroll Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 29:1-1129 This is the text of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets and all the other people Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 (This was after King Jehoiachin and the queen mother, the court officials and the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, the skilled workers and the artisans had gone into exile from Jerusalem.) 3 He entrusted the letter to Elasah son of Shaphan and to Gemariah son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. It said:4 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” 8 Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. 9 They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the Lord.10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.Mandeville Bible Church "Where God's Word is Our Foundation"https://www.mandevillebiblechurch.org/Come and see that God's Word is alive and at work right here in Mandeville.. and throughout the world!All are welcome. 217 Carroll Street, Mandeville, LA 70448Church Office: (985) 626-3114Sunday Service: 9:30AMAdult Sunday School: 10:45-11:30AMNursery and Children's church available.
How should Christians view war and conflict? We explore the Old Testament, Jesus, pacifism, and Augustine's just war theory. Join us in building a theology of war.For the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org
We don't have everything figured out. The point of this podcast is for us to wrestle with each other and scripture and in the process hopefully help you think through these topics yourself.If you'd like to get in touch with us, email us at: kerkefree@gmail.comDon't miss an episode by subscribing or following
2 Corinthians 13:1-14 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - In the book of 2 Corinthians, Paul has been trying to mend his relationship with the church of Corinth. They have ignored him, disregarded him, slandered him, and questioned him repeatedly. In the final chapter, he prays for restoration. He longs for the day when the broken are mended and the wounded are healed. May the Lord teach us and lead us as we too seek restoration in difficult relationships.
2 Kings 14 - Daniel GillespieWant to learn more about Eastwood? Visit https://eastwood.church
Sermon Notes - John 12:12-36 - Jesus: The Humble, Glorious KingMain Point: As the humble and glorious King, Jesus saves his people and defeats his enemies through his sacrifice on the cross.-Jesus, the Humble King (12-19)-Jesus, the Glorious King (20-36) -The King of all (20-23) -The King who came to die (24-26) -The King who is glorified in his suffering (27-30) -The King in victory (31-33) -The King who is the light of the world (34-36)
Colossians 2:9-15: How does Jesus completely cancel our sin debt? See how the God-man offers true spiritual baptism, total forgiveness, and new life in Him! For the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org
Why does Paul command us to "walk" in Christ? We explore this powerful metaphor for making Christian progress and why we must avoid dangerous passivity.For the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org
Daniel 5: Human wisdom and modern AI fail, but the unchanging God never does. Dive into this chapter to see why the Lord's holy promises always have the final say. For the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org
2026-05-31 Warning About Traditionalismby Pastor Chris BergScripture Reference: Mark 7:1-13The Pharisees and some of the scribes gathered around Him when they had come from Jerusalem, 2 and had seen that some of His disciples were eating their bread with impure hands, that is, unwashed. 3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thus observing the traditions of the elders; 4 and when they come from the market place, they do not eat unless they cleanse themselves; and there are many other things which they have received in order to observe, such as the washing of cups and pitchers and copper pots.) 5 The Pharisees and the scribes *asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?” 6 And He said to them, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:‘This people honors Me with their lips,But their heart is far away from Me.7 ‘But in vain do they worship Me,Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.'8 Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.”9 He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition. 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother'; and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, is to be put to death'; 11 but you say, ‘If a man says to his father or his mother, whatever I have that would help you is Corban (that is to say, given to God),' 12 you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother; 13 thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.”Notes, outline and a summary from this sermon are made by Pocket AI and found here:This sermon serves as a warning against traditionalism—the elevation of man-made customs over divine commandment.Core ThesisTraditionalism is the maintenance of tradition specifically to resist change or as a substitute for a relationship with God. While traditions can be useful tools, traditionalism acts as a "taskmaster" that chokes the Word of God, rendering worship worthless and distancing the heart from the Creator.The Pharisaical Model: Hard-Hearted SoilPastor identifies the scribes and Pharisees as the primary examples of "hard-packed soil" from the Parable of the Sower. Their resistance to Jesus is rooted in three historical friction points:• Authority: They accused Jesus of blasphemy when he forgave sins.• Social Boundaries: They criticized his association with "sinners" and tax collectors.• Legalism: They sought to discredit him over Sabbath observations and ceremonial washing.Three Warnings Against TraditionalismTraditionalism Encourages HypocrisyAdherence to tradition allows for an outward appearance of righteousness while the heart remains distant. Pastor cites Martin Luther's observations of the Roman Church and the sale of indulgences as historical parallels where "going through the motions" replaced genuine repentance.Traditionalism Results in Worthless WorshipWorship is not validated by its age, style (Gothic vs. Contemporary), or the use of specific instruments. Pastor argues that both the "Emerging Church" (laser lights/fog) and "Ancient-Future" movements (liturgical/incense) can fall into the same trap if the focus is on the experience rather than faithfulness to Scripture.• The Goal: To be faithful, not "traditional" or "contemporary."• The Authority: Sanctification comes through Truth (the Word), not tradition.Traditionalism Elevates Man Over GodBy prioritizing the "tradition of the elders" over the commandments of God, the Pharisees effectively claimed that man's word is more authoritative than God's. Pastor highlights the practice of "Corban" (Mark 7:11) as a manipulative use of religious tradition to avoid the biblical command to honor and support one's parents.Proper Engagement with TraditionTo benefit from traditions without becoming a traditionalist, Pastor proposes two filters:• Subservience to Scripture: If a tradition opposes the Word or becomes a heavy burden, it must be dropped. The Word of God is sufficient; tradition is optional.• Prioritize the Goal: Ask why a tradition exists. If the purpose is no longer relevant (illustrated by the "cutting the ends off the ham" anecdote), the energy should be redirected toward the mission of the Great Commission.ConclusionThe Pharisees missed the presence of the Eternal Creator because they were preoccupied with an argument over hand washing. The sermon concludes with a call to hold fast to the finished work of Christ rather than the "uncomfortable traditions" of men.Mandeville Bible Church "Where God's Word is Our Foundation"https://www.mandevillebiblechurch.org/Come and see that God's Word is alive and at work right here in Mandeville.. and throughout the world!All are welcome. 217 Carroll Street, Mandeville, LA 70448Church Office: (985) 626-3114Sunday Service: 9:30AMAdult Sunday School: 10:45-11:30AMNursery and Children's church available.
Dive into Generative AI ethics from a Christian perspective! We discuss ChatGPT, technology limits for kids, originality, plagiarism, and the Bible.For the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org
Shawn, Justin and other Justin discuss demon possession and how much the devil knows about his demise
Revelation 3:14-22 - Speaker: Jon Kopp - Our study through Jesus' seven letters to His church comes to a close with a surprising mix of severity and grace. By their own measure, the church in Laodicea thought they were thriving, and so they assumed Jesus would be pleased with them. Instead, He brings one of the most jarring assessments in all the letters. He says He is so disgusted that He wants to spit them out. But, Jesus doesn't expose them to shame them. He does it to offer them something incredible. As we study this text together, we'll find Jesus dismantling a comfortable church's confidence so He can give them what they truly need and can only find in Him. May the Lord use this passage to show us where we've grown self-sufficient, and may we receive from Him what only He can give.
Revelation 3:14-22 - Speaker: Briley Hughes - Our study through Jesus' seven letters to His church comes to a close with a surprising mix of severity and grace. By their own measure, the church in Laodicea thought they were thriving, and so they assumed Jesus would be pleased with them. Instead, He brings one of the most jarring assessments in all the letters. He says He is so disgusted that He wants to spit them out. But, Jesus doesn't expose them to shame them. He does it to offer them something incredible. As we study this text together, we'll find Jesus dismantling a comfortable church's confidence so He can give them what they truly need and can only find in Him. May the Lord use this passage to show us where we've grown self-sufficient, and may we receive from Him what only He can give.
2 Kings 13 - Daniel GillespieWant to learn more about Eastwood? Visit https://eastwood.church
Scripture: Psalm 145
Colossians 2:6-8: Explore how to walk in Christ and stand firm in the faith, watching out for human tradition, and empty deceit from the elemental spirits. For the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org
Daniel 4:1-37: Explore the magnificent city of Babylon and see why the Most High God reigns forever. Learn how an arrogant king was forced to submit to the Almighty.For the study resources and manuscript go to messiahbible.org
Shawn, Cullan, Justin and other Justin argue intensely about the plausibility of Jonah being swallowed by a whale. Also, we discuss what the sign of Jonah is and can we ask God for a sign.
2 Corinthians 12:11-21 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Paul is nearing the end of his letter to the Corinthian church, and he wants to clarify not just his apostolic authority, but his fatherly heart for the congregation. He claims to be an apostle from Christ who is in no way deficient concerning signs, wonders, and mighty works. But those acts of power weren't for his benefit, they were for the upbuilding of the congregation. Paul loves the church and is willing to spend and be spent on their behalf. He just wants them to repent of their sins and prepare for his visit so that it can one of delight instead of discipline. As we think about Paul's love for these hard-hearted people, let's ask God to give us love for others as well. May the Lord lead us into love as we study 2 Cor. 12 together.
2 Kings 11,12 - Daniel GillespieWant to learn more about Eastwood? Visit https://eastwood.church
Scripture: Luke 24:13-35
May 17th, 2026 If you'd like to get in touch with us, email us at: kerkefree@gmail.comDon't miss an episode by subscribing or following
Some mornings, coffee isn't enough. A few years ago, after a late night and an early morning, I sat down at breakfast with friends and announced, “Listen . . . I'm barely functioning. If you have anything important to say, you're probably going to need to repeat it three times.” Honestly, exhaustion was only part of the problem. The truth is, human beings are forgetful. We miss things. We drift. We stop paying attention. Which is why repetition matters. Back in the 1800s, a psychologist named Hermann Ebbinghaus discovered that repetition helps move things into long-term memory. Apparently, hearing something repeatedly helps it stick (though I have my doubts it would work for a name like "Hermann Ebbinghaus"). Repetition helps us remember. God already knew that. In the New Testament, we find 100 passages that tell us what we should do for "one another." We should pray for one another, speak truth to one another, bear one another's burdens, and serve one another, just to name a few. If Ebbinghouse says three times is the charm, the Bible's 100 "one anothers" shows us that God doesn't want us to forget how to treat one another! And underneath all the “one another” passages is one central command holding everything together: love one another. Not sentimental love. Not easy love. Not “I'll love you when it's convenient” love. Romans 12 describes a love that is sincere, sacrificial, patient, generous, and deeply committed to other people.
2 Corinthians 12:1-10 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - If Paul had his own way, he'd have nothing to do with boasting. But that was the only thing the Corinthians would hear. So, the apostle descends to their level but turns the whole system upside down. Instead of boasting in his strength and success, he chooses to boast in his weaknesses. In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul teaches us that weaknesses are worth boasting in because they are good gifts from God and serve as a means of displaying Christ. So, may the Lord teach us to boast in our weaknesses. And may he use them for his glory.