Podcasts about pastor nate

What does faith look like through the eyes of a child? In this special episode of the Together 4 Good podcast, Pastor Nate sits down with his kids, Miriam and Solomon (who is now twelve for the record), for a spontaneous conversation about church, Bible stories, confirmation, and what it's like growing up in a pastor's family. Along the way, they reflect on the feeding of the 5,000, favorite Bible stories, and the small everyday moments where faith shows up in family life.It's a joyful and honest conversation about Christian parenting, curiosity, and how children often see God's love in ways adults sometimes miss.What You'll LearnHow kids interpret Bible stories like the Feeding of the 5,000What it's like growing up as a pastor's kidWhy small acts of sharing and kindness matter in faithHow everyday family traditions shape spiritual lifeWhy curiosity and asking questions are part of faithChapters0:00 Kids Take Over the Podcast1:00 Growing Up as a Pastor's Kid3:30 Church, Friends, and School4:00 The Feeding of the 5,000 Through a Child's Eyes6:00 Faith, Trust, and Believing in Something Bigger7:30 What Happens in Confirmation Class9:00 Why the Tower of Babel Still Matters11:00 Everyday Faith in Family Life14:00 The Christmas Eve Hike Tradition16:00 What Does It Mean When Your Heart Feels Full?18:00 Favorite Bible Stories23:00 Final Words of Wisdom From KidsIf this conversation encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who could use a reminder of God's grace.Connect with Bethany:

Bay Shore is a multi-campus, non-denominational church based in Millsboro, Delaware, with campuses in Rehoboth Beach and Fenwick Island — one church in multiple locations.Our mission is to connect to God, connect to people, and serve our community. We've created a culture where anyone can belong before they believe, offering a home of faith to those who don't have one.Rehoboth Campus:Address: 19331 Lighthouse Plaza, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971Sunday Services: 8:30AM, 9:45AM, 11AM (each about an hour)Environments for babies (6 weeks–Pre-K) and kids (K–5th grade) are available during each service.Expect live music, practical messages, and a relaxed, casual atmosphere — come as you are!

What a meaningful morning of worship together at Little Flock as Pastor Nate continued our journey through Romans 9 and reminded us of a powerful truth:Do you believe the promise?God's family is not defined by who we know, what we've done, or the effort we bring. It is defined by His sovereign grace and His unfailing promise to save.In Romans 9, the Apostle Paul points us to the reality that salvation doesn't come through lineage, personal effort, or merit. It comes through God's promise alone. Just as God brought life to Sarah's barren womb, He brings spiritual life where there was once only death. And just as He chose Jacob before he was even born, God is still actively drawing people to Himself today—perhaps even someone in your life.The beautiful truth of the gospel is this:God doesn't wait for us to seek Him—He seeks us.He is calling, wooing, and drawing people to salvation even now.So how should we respond?We live lives marked by holiness and godliness, and we share the hope of Jesus with the people around us. Our witness isn't about perfection—it's about humble obedience and a life transformed by Christ.God is still building His kingdom. He is patient, not wanting any to perish.The question for each of us is simple:Will we join Him in reaching the lost?#GodsPromise #Romans9 #SalvationByGrace #LittleFlock #LiveHoly

Pastor Nate brings the message, "The Loving Way to be Right' from 1 Corinthians 8.  Have you ever been around the kind of person who always has to be right?  Even if he/she is right, they demonstrate the wrong way to be right.  In the end, they are repugnant and people are polarized.  Do Christians ever struggle with the battle to be right?  In our new section of 1 Corinthians, God's Word gives us a path forward on how to be right through the practice of Christ-like sacrificial love.

This Sunday, Pastor Nate is finishing our walk through the book of Jonah. As follower of Jesus sometimes we need to evaluate our hearts toward others, especially when God extends grace to place we don't think deserve it.

The story of Cain and Abel is one many people remember from childhood—but often in a simplified way. We're told it's a story about jealousy. But when we slow down and actually read the text, something deeper begins to emerge.In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate explores how this ancient story raises important questions about worship, responsibility, and what happens when our hearts turn inward. At its core, the story asks a powerful question that still echoes today: Are we responsible for one another?Why the Cain and Abel story may not be primarily about jealousyWhat Genesis teaches about worship and “first fruits”How inward-focused anger can lead to destructionWhat it really means to ask: “Am I my brother's keeper?”Why God's mercy still shows up—even after failure00:00 Introduction: Rethinking Cain and Abel00:58 Why the story is usually framed as jealousy02:05 Did God actually reject Cain?03:10 What the text really says about their offerings04:25 First fruits vs. leftover worship05:20 God's warning to Cain06:35 “Am I my brother's keeper?”08:00 What happens when we turn inward09:05 The human heart and the danger of anger10:15 Mercy, judgment, and the mark of Cain11:10 The meaning behind Abel's name12:10 Why vulnerability matters13:00 Final reflections on responsibility and graceIf this conversation helped you see an old story in a new way, make sure to like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who might be wrestling with questions of faith.What You'll LearnChaptersConnect with Bethany:

Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower is taking 2026 to read through and preach through the Bible using the "One Story That Leads To Jesus" Bible reading plan (created by "The Bible Project"). To this end, Pastor Nate and Pastor Dan are recording their usual "sermon prep" conversation as a podcast so you can get a bird's eye view of the process, and perhaps grow in your own understanding and faith. This conversation is rough and unfinished, and not everything we talk about will make its way into the final teaching. But it hopefully gives you some additional food for thought. You can find the Bible Project here https://bibleproject.com/  You can find Cornerstone's Bible reading plan on YouVersion at bit/ly/bible2026  If that link doesn't work, try this one: https://bible.com/reading-plans/63058/together/77575397/invitation?token=2fhhVCf64-7PERhIujBwQA&source=share Or you can scan the QR code on the Podcast thumbnail! We have two growgroup Bible study options based on One Story: Tues morning: 9:30am - 11am at Cornerstone (6556 Prince of Wales Drive, North Gower) Wed evening: 7 - 8:30pm at the Manse (next door to Cornerstone)

We often treat faith like a game of hide and seek where we are the ones looking for God. But the Gospel tells a different story: You aren't the seeker; you are the one being sought. Join Celebration Church for a message from Pastor Nate Capshaw as we reflect on the relentless grace of a Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one.

In this episode, Pastor Nate continues the Jesus Glorified series with Mark 10:46-11:33 following Jesus on the road to Jerusalem as His glory is revealed and hearts are exposed. The central theme we see in this teaching is the contrast between religious appearance and genuine faith.Mark 10:46 begins with a  blind man named Bartimaeus in Jericho, who recognized Jesus as the Messiah and cried out for mercy. Though others tried to silence him, Jesus stopped, healed him, and declared that his faith had saved him. Bartimaeus then followed Jesus on the road, being an example of true, responsive faith.As Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, He intentionally fulfilled Zechariah's prophecy from 9:9, declaring publicly his identity.  Crowds shouted “Hosanna,” welcoming Him as King, quoting from Psalm 118, yet many would soon reject Him when He did not meet their expectations, thus fulfilling the prophecy found in that same Psalm verse :22.Through the cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the temple, Jesus revealed God's judgment on empty religion: outward religious activity without fruit. This theme is further addressed by Jesus when His authority was questioned by the religious leaders. Their refusal to answer a questions posed by Jesus honestly exposed their heart which was more concerned with religious appearance than true faith and repentance.

Title: The Upside Down Spiritual LifeSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this sermon from Matthew 6:1-18, Pastor Nate Holdridge walks through Jesus' warning against performative religion — the danger of doing the right things for the wrong audience. Jesus gives three illustrations of this temptation: giving to the poor with a trumpet blast, praying on street corners for maximum visibility, and fasting with a disfigured face designed to advertise spiritual discipline. In each case, Jesus contrasts the hypocrite who has already been "paid in full" with human applause against the disciple who practices righteousness in secret before a Father who sees, knows, and rewards. Pastor Nate shows how the Fatherhood of God — mentioned ten times in this passage — is the controlling center that transforms our motivations, turning us from an audience of peers to an audience of One. This teaching includes practical guidance on biblical fasting, an honest look at why the contemporary church has been slow to teach on fasting, and a call for every believer to embrace the secret life of faith that Jesus assumes of all His followers.Link to Sermon NotesLink to Discussion Questions

The Promises of God's WordToday Pastor Nate walked us through Romans 9:1–8 and reminded us of a powerful truth: God's Word never fails to accomplish God's will.In this passage, we see the deep anguish of the Apostle Paul for his fellow Israelites who had rejected Christ. Though many had turned away, Paul makes something clear in verse 6 — “It is not as though the word of God has failed.” What may look like failure to us is never failure in the purposes of God.Pastor Nate emphasized:• God's promises are not dependent on heritage or human effort.Being born into the right family or possessing spiritual privileges does not guarantee salvation.• God's promises are fulfilled according to His sovereign plan.Through the example of Isaac, Paul shows that God works through His promise, not merely physical descent.• God's Word always accomplishes exactly what He intends.Even when people reject Him, even when circumstances seem unclear, God remains faithful to His covenant and His purposes.We were challenged to trust the reliability of Scripture, rest in the faithfulness of God, and remember that His promises stand firm across generations.When God speaks, He fulfills. His Word never returns empty.

Pastor Nate brings the message, "Thriving in Christian Singleness” from 1 Corinthians 7:25-40.  Do we put Christian marriage on a higher pedestal than Christian singleness?  Is that how God thinks of singleness? In this message we finish the section (chapters 5-7) pertaining to marriage and singleness by seeing how God plans for Christian singles to thrive.  

This week, Pastor Nate continues our walk through the Book of Jonah. Here we are reminded that God gives us the grace of a second chance and that when we are obedient others are impacted. Someone will come to know Jesus, when we proclaim His name!

Pastor Nate continued our "Deals with the Devil" series, starting with the Idol of Power, namely, the way our work and politics can try and steal our affections and form us more than the Kingdom.For more info, go to thebridgebiblechurch.com.

This communion Sunday, Pastor Nate speaks on staying focused of Jesus and not turning back to our past.

Are sheep and goats really that different? In Matthew 25, Jesus paints a powerful vision of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the imprisoned. But is this story about sorting good people from bad people—or something much deeper?In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate reframes the “sheep and goats” passage not as a moral scoreboard about heaven and hell, but as an unveiling of God's heart for compassion. What if this isn't about fear of judgment—but about living with a bigger heart right now?What You'll Learn:Why this passage may not be a classic parable at allHow Jesus challenges rule-focused religionWhat “apocalyptic” really means in the BibleWhy compassion is central to the Kingdom of GodWhat sheep and goats biologically reveal about the messageChapters: 00:00 Are sheep and goats really that different? 00:40 Rethinking the “parable” of Matthew 25 02:00 Is this about heaven and hell? 02:45 Pharisees, rules, and missing compassion 05:00 What “apocalyptic” actually means 06:30 Jesus' vision of the Kingdom of God 08:30 A judgment for now—not just eternity 10:15 Why sheep and goats are so similar 12:00 The surprising difference: bigger hearts 13:30 What this means for us todayIf this episode gave you a new way to see a familiar passage, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who grew up hearing this story a different way.Connect with Bethany:

This week on BTG, Pastor Nate continues his series "sermon on the mount" with a challenging message that has us evaluating our love towards mankind and not just our friends. Matthew 5:43-48Support the show

Why do people stay connected to church in a world where belief feels uncertain and worship can sometimes feel ordinary? In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate sits down with Senior Ministries Co-Coordinator Pastor Jane Ritterson to talk about “thin spaces,” embodied prayer, doubt, death and dying, and why community still matters. This conversation explores the tension between belief and trust—and the quiet hope that God often shows up through other people.What You'll Learn:What “thin spaces” are and how they shape faithWhy embodied prayer can matter more than perfect wordsHow faith and doubt can coexist honestlyWhy church is grounding—even when it isn't excitingHow humility and community sustain us in hard seasonsIf this conversation resonated with you, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who might be asking similar questions about faith, doubt, and community.Connect with Bethany:

Pastor Nate walked us through Romans 9 and Acts 9, showing us the deep heartbreak the Apostle Paul carried for those who had not yet placed their faith in Jesus. His sorrow for the lost wasn't temporary or emotional—it was Spirit-led, rooted in a life that had been radically changed by Christ.We were reminded that:➡️ When Jesus saves us, He transforms us.➡️ God often uses obedient people—like Ananias—to reach others.➡️ Eternity matters. Jesus spoke clearly about salvation, judgment, and His mission to seek and save the lost.➡️ Our Heavenly Father's love is radical and compassionate, just like in the story of the Prodigal Son.If you've never experienced new life in Christ, today is the day to turn to Him, repent, believe, and receive His forgiveness and grace.Let's be a church that carries God's heart for the lost and boldly shares the hope we've been given.

Pastor Nate brings the message, "Grow Where You Are” from 1 Corinthians 7:17-24. Is it a challenge to be content with your lot in life?  It is easy to glance side to side, see the prizes that God has given to others, and wish we could have what they have.  In this section of chapter 7, God calls us to realize that we ultimately have the greatest of gifts already so that we can thrive wherever He has placed us.  

This week, Pastor Nate continued our walk through the Book of Jonah with a message entitled "Down But Not Done." In this message, we are reminded that even when we fail we can call on God and He will hear us.

What if the Book of Jonah isn't really about a fish at all—but about mercy? In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate takes us beyond the familiar children's version of Jonah and invites us to wrestle with the deeper question at the heart of the story: Have we turned God's blessings inward, or are we living as a blessing to others?This isn't a story about being afraid of running from God. It's a story about grace that extends further than we expect—and a calling that sends us toward compassion, not comfort.What You'll Learn:Why Jonah is likely a theological parable, not just historyHow the plant in Jonah 4 reframes the entire storyWhat it means to be “blessed to be a blessing”Why God's mercy toward others can unsettle usHow this story shapes our calling todayScripture:Jonah 1–4Genesis 12 (covenant and blessing)Luke 15 (The Prodigal Son)Matthew 20:15 (“Are you envious because I am generous?”)If this episode helped you see Jonah in a new way, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who might need a fresh word about grace.Connect with Bethany:

Join us this week as Pastor Nate takes us through the first chapter of Nehemiah.

This week on Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate sits down with Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi, Associate Professor of Leadership and Formation at Iliff School of Theology and keynote speaker for the upcoming Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly.Together, they explore:Why vocation is more than employmentHow congregations discern their callingThe difference between growth and vitalityWhy numbers don't define faithfulnessAnd how “Life in Christ” is a call to abundance, not scarcityDr. Lizardy-Hajbi shares a powerful story of a rural congregation that responded to the opioid crisis not by trying to fix it — but by doing what the Church uniquely can do: holding sacred space for grief.This episode invites both individuals and congregations to ask:What are our gifts?What does our community need?What has God already placed in our hands?Because life in Christ isn't about becoming something else. It's about living fully into who Christ already created you to be.Chapters:00:00 – Coming Up: Life in Christ & Vocation 01:05 – What “Vida en Christo” Really Means 03:00 – Why Vocation Is Always Communal 06:00 – Congregations Have Vocations Too 08:00 – The 4 Circles of Discernment 11:00 – Scarcity vs. Vitality in the Church 14:30 – A Church Responds to the Opioid Crisis 18:30 – Why Storytelling Matters in Discernment 22:00 – Dr. Kristina's Personal Vocation Story 26:00 – “What Do You Do?” vs. “Who Are You?” 28:00 – Parenting as Vocation 29:30 – Life in Christ Is Abundance 32:00 – Preparing for Synod Assembly

The prophet Jeremiah warned about putting too much reliance on the heart, saying, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"And yet in today's nomenclature, the heart reigns supreme as the purveyor of truth, that its feelings equate with reality.  But what if the heart is filled with darkness? What if the heart leads you into spiritual depression and anxiety?   On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Pastor Nate Pickowicz talks about his book, "Overcoming The Darkness", and his own battles with anxiety and spiritual darkness, and how the Bible has long offered solutions. This conversation differentiates between a battlefield of the mind and spiritual warfare.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Romans 9:1–5 | Pastor NateIn today's message, Pastor Nate walked us through Romans 9:1–5 and revealed the deep compassion in Paul's heart for those who had not yet come to know Christ.Paul speaks with honesty and sincerity as he shares his great sorrow and continual anguish for his own people. His love is so strong that he would be willing to suffer personally if it meant others could experience salvation. This powerful example reminds us what Christ-like love truly looks like.Paul also points to the many blessings God gave to Israel — adoption, glory, covenants, worship, promises, and even the lineage of Jesus Himself — yet many still missed recognizing the Messiah.Pastor Nate challenged us to reflect on our own hearts. Do we carry that same burden for the lost? Do we pray faithfully, love intentionally, and share boldly?May we grow in compassion, trust God's promises, and remain committed to pointing others to the hope found in Jesus.

Pastor Nate brings the message, "Single, Married, Divorced…To the Glory of God” from 1 Corinthians 7:8-16.  It's amazing how sufficient the Word of God is concerning each area of life.  As we continue in our study of 1 Corinthians 7, Paul shows us how to live for the glory of God no matter what relationship status we find ourselves in.  

This week Pastor Nate begins a series through the book of Jonah, reminding us that we God calls us, sometimes He calls us beyond of comforts, but it is for His glory.

What if the story of Jesus turning water into wine isn't really about wine at all?In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate revisits one of the most talked-about (and most misunderstood) miracles in the Gospels: Jesus at the wedding in Cana. On the surface, it feels like a lighthearted story—Jesus keeps the party going. But when you slow down and look at the cultural, historical, and theological layers, something much deeper is happening.This is Jesus' first miracle in the Gospel of John, and it's not flashy on purpose. It happens quietly, in the background, at a wedding on the “wrong side of town.” And what Jesus is really doing isn't showing off power—it's protecting a family from deep, public shame.In a world shaped by honor and shame, running out of wine at a wedding wasn't embarrassing—it was devastating. And Jesus steps in, not to draw attention to himself, but to restore dignity, preserve relationships, and quietly reveal the heart of God.In this episode, Pastor Nate explores:Why Cana and Galilee matter more than we realizeHow weddings connect to Old Testament messianic promisesWhy shame—not wine—is the real crisis in this storyWhat Jesus reveals about himself by using purification jarsWhy “the best wine saved for last” points to the cross and resurrectionThis story reminds us that Jesus doesn't avoid our most vulnerable moments. He meets us there. He redeems what feels ruined. And he shows us, again and again, that Sunday School was just the beginning.

On this weeks episode of BTG, Pastor Nate teaches from Matthew 5:27-30 addressing the things that cause us to sin and slip up.  We must cut it off/delete it!Support the show

Disclaimer: The audio is slightly less than optimal in this episode. Pastor Nate is aware of the issue and working on resolving it. In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate sits down with Deacon Debra to talk honestly and thoughtfully about immigration, social justice, and why the Bible keeps calling us back to compassion — especially for people on the move.Debra shares stories from Bethany's Social Justice Ministry, reflects on why food and storytelling matter so deeply in faith formation, and introduces two upcoming events designed to help our congregation listen, learn, and engage without fear.This conversation isn't about politics. It's about Scripture, community, and learning how to see our neighbors the way God does.Why immigration shows up everywhere in Scripture — from Abraham to JesusWhat children's faith formation teaches us about repetition, grace, and growthHow reading The God Who Sees reframes biblical stories we think we already knowWhy sharing food lowers defenses and opens deeper conversationsHow Bethany is creating safe spaces for honest dialogue across differences

In this sermon, Pastor Nate digs into Song of Solomon 5 & 6.  We learn that even after one of the most beautiful pictures of marriage and the honeymoon, even they had conflict. At first, in their conflict, they didn't respond well, but then they made it right. We get to watch Solomon lead his wife, by responding in grace and love. Care for your marriage now, and it will not fall apart later, by learning to FIGHT FAIR today!

In this episode, Pastor Nate teaches the final message of The Church Imagined series. He explores Paul's picture of the church in 1 Corinthians 3 as God's field. Speaking to a divided and spiritually immature church, Paul reminds believers that real growth doesn't come from elevating leaders or choosing sides, but from learning to live in Christlike love. We also see that spiritual maturity is not measured by knowledge alone, but by how deeply we love one another.Using the image of a field, the sermon highlights that the church is God's primary place for spiritual growth. Just as crops thrive in good soil, believers grow best in committed community. Every member has a role: planting seeds by sharing God's Word, watering through encouragement and practicing the “one another” commands, and trusting God for the miracle of growth. We are coworkers in God's work, but only He gives life. We are reminded that we don't own the field, and we don't produce the harvest, only God does. Our responsibility is to serve diligently, refuse division, and give Him all the glory as He grows His people.

Pastor Nate brings the message, "The Bible, Sex, and Marriage” from 1 Corinthians 7:1-7. We know that sin has effected everything in creation, including marriage.  But, God has graciously and wisely given us His Word which is sufficient for life and godliness. 

This week Pastor Nate encourages us to Remember that it was the LORD who brought us through. We are reminded not to forget that everything we have is by the grace of God, not our own power.

We continued our "Good News for Today" series today, with Pastor Nate teaching how the Gospel gives us hope and has purpose in God's Kingdom.For more info, go to thebridgebiblechurch.com.

We continued our "Good News for Today" series today, with Pastor Nate teaching how the Gospel gives us hope and has purpose in God's Kingdom.For more info, go to thebridgebiblechurch.com.

Title: How God Forms UsSpeaker: Pastor Nate HoldridgeOverview: Men, we all know the challenges we're up against—pressure from the world, temptations that tug at our hearts, and trials that test our faith. But we weren't meant to walk this road alone. God, in His grace, not only walks with us but surrounds us with brothers who are on the same journey. Together, we're being shaped—FORMED—into the likeness of Christ. This year, at our men's conference, we're diving into what that formation really looks like. Through worship, teaching, and times of fellowship, we'll be encouraged and challenged to become the men God has called us to be—for our families, our churches, and our communities. Make plans to join us. You're not alone, and your story isn't finished. Final session of our Men's Conference with Pastor Nate teaching on how God forms us.

In this Sunday School Remix episode, Pastor Nate revisits one of the most misunderstood disciples in the Bible. The story of Thomas (John 20:19-31) is often used as a warning about doubt—but what if it's actually a story about trauma, fairness, and Jesus meeting people exactly where they are?Through fresh storytelling and historical context, this episode reframes Thomas not as weak in faith, but deeply human. After witnessing the brutal crucifixion of Jesus, Thomas isn't asking for proof out of stubbornness—he's asking for healing.This episode explores:Why Thomas gets an unfair reputationHow trauma shapes faith and beliefWhat it means that Jesus comes back just for one personWhy doubt, questions, and locked doors are not barriers for JesusHow this story speaks to anyone who has ever felt left out, unsure, or behind in their faithIf you've ever thought, “I wish my faith felt easier,” or “Why don't I experience God the way others do?”—this episode is for you.Sunday school was just the beginning. Faith is still unfolding.00:00 – Intro: What If Thomas Was Just Having a Bad Week?01:05 – Why Pastors Always Preach This Text02:10 – Why Thomas Wasn't There03:00 – Roman Crucifixion & Trauma04:45 – Why Doubt Makes Sense06:15 – From “Doubting” to Honest Thomas07:30 – Jesus Comes Back for the One09:00 – Jesus, the God of Locked Doors10:45 – Breaking the Fourth Wall in John's Gospel12:15 – What This Story Asks of Us Today13:30 – Closing: Sunday School Was Just the Beginning

You were never meant to live on autopilot—you were meant to live on mission. In this message, you'll be encouraged to confront unbelief, surrender fully to God, and recognize that your everyday life is filled with divine opportunities to advance the gospel. As you listen, let God reshape how you see your calling, reminding you that being mission minded starts right where you are.

In this message, Pastor Nate encourages us to be ready to follow God when He calls us to move.

Pastor Nate's sermon from James 1:19–25 reminds us that God has graciously given us His living Word, and we experience true freedom and blessing when we learn to hear it with attentive hearts, receive it with humility and repentance, and obey it as faithful doers rather than forgetful listeners.

On this weeks episode of BTG, Pastor Nate continues the series of the sermon on the Mount with Matthew 5:17-20.  Jesus didn't come that He may do away with the law, but He came that He would fulfill it.Support the show

In this sermon, Pastor Nate looks into Judges 6 where Gideon is hiding out.  He is doing work in hiding, because he is scared of the enemy, the Midianites, who have enslaved the Israelites.  Then God meets with him, and reminds him who he is.  God wakes Gideon up to accomplish a great feat that he did not see.  Listen through to learn WHO you are, and who you are not!!

In “Prove It,” you'll be reminded that faith works by love, and the strongest way you prove your Christianity is by how you forgive, honor, and treat others—especially when it's not easy. As you listen, you'll learn from Genesis 4, 1 John 3, Matthew 18, and Luke 6 how to let go of offense, refuse gossip, and walk in the love of God so you can live free and stay aligned with God's promises.

This Sunday, as we gathered virtually due to the winter storm, Pastor Nate encouraged our church family with a timely message from Philippians 4:4–9. Even in disrupted circumstances, we were reminded that God's Word remains steady and speaks clearly into our everyday lives.Pastor Nate challenged us to build a pathway to gospel-centered thinking, a deliberate way of shaping our thoughts and responses as we navigate daily rhythms and unexpected trials. From this passage, he highlighted six guiding words that help anchor our hearts and minds in Christ:Joy – Choosing to rejoice in the Lord, not based on circumstances, but on who He is.Trust – Resting in God's faithfulness and sovereignty, even when situations feel uncertain.Prayer – Bringing every concern to God with gratitude, trusting Him to meet us there.Peace – Experiencing the guarding peace of God that surpasses understanding.Focus – Intentionally setting our minds on what is true, honorable, right, pure, and praiseworthy.Practice – Living out what we have learned and received, allowing our faith to be active and visible.This devotional reminded us that gospel-centered thinking does not happen by accident—it is formed through daily choices to rejoice, pray, think rightly, and faithfully walk with the Lord. Even while physically apart, we were encouraged to remain spiritually grounded, trusting God to guide us with His peace as we put these truths into practice.

Pastor Nate brings the message, "For the Glory of God” from 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. What would you say is your purpose in life?  Do you realize that no matter where you are or what you've done, God still gives you purpose to carry out? In a passage that starts with correction concerning sexual immorality, Paul leads us to the important principle that Christ bought us so that we might live for the glory of God.   

Title: The Upside Down HeartSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this teaching from the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Nate Holdridge continues through the Beatitudes by examining Matthew 5:6-8. Jesus describes an "upside down heart" that contradicts the world's values: while the world says to hunger for success, Jesus blesses those who hunger for righteousness; while the world says to get what you deserve, Jesus blesses those who give mercy to others; while the world says to manage your image, Jesus blesses those who purify their hearts. Pastor Nate unpacks each beatitude by exploring what it is, what it isn't, what it looked like in Jesus, and the promised result for those who embody it. This sermon emphasizes that the Beatitudes are not moralistic commands to try harder but descriptions of the fruit Jesus produces in those who follow him—transformation from the inside out.Link to Sermon Notes