In this episode of Root Issues, we have a special guest with us, Jonathan Woodrow, where we examine Paul's call in Philippians 4:8-9 to think on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. We explore how these divine standards provide a practical framework for evaluating the entertainment we consume. Paul's instruction isn't just about avoiding the impure; it's about actively filling our minds with excellence and training our thoughts toward what honors God..

Join us on Root Issues as we work through Philippians 4:1-7, one of Scripture's most beloved passages on anxiety and prayer. Paul moves from addressing church conflict to offering a radical solution for worry—bringing everything to God with thanksgiving. We discuss what it means to stand firm as "beloved" people, the command to rejoice always, and how God's peace acts as a garrison protecting our hearts. This is practical theology for anxious times.

In this episode of Root Issues, we explore the often-overlooked biblical theology of table fellowship and its vital role in the life of the church. The shared meal has always been more than just food—it's a theological act of community, hospitality, and discipleship.We examine key passages that demonstrate how eating together functioned as a primary expression of Christian unity and love, looking at both the practical and spiritual dimensions of gathering around the table.

In this episode of Root Issues, we discuss the uncomfortable reality of self-deception using Mark 14:26 as our starting point. The disciples had just shared Passover with Jesus and walked confidently toward the Mount of Olives, singing hymns and making promises they couldn't keep. If you had asked them whether they'd stand with Jesus no matter what, every one would have said yes—yet that very night exposed a different reality.

In this episode of Root Issues, we explore one of Paul's most passionate declarations about the Christian life. Philippians 3:10-21 reveals Paul's singular ambition: to know Christ intimately, experience the power of His resurrection, and share in His sufferings. Writing from prison, Paul describes the Christian journey not as arrival but as relentless pursuit—pressing toward the goal despite not having "already obtained" perfection.

In this episode of Root Issues, we dive deep into Philippians 3:1-9, where the Apostle Paul presents one of Scripture's most radical contrasts between human achievement and divine righteousness. Paul begins by warning the Philippian church to "rejoice in the Lord" and beware of those who place confidence in the flesh—the Judaizers who insisted on circumcision and law-keeping for salvation

In a culture obsessed with recognition and self-promotion, Paul introduces us to two men who turned the world's values upside down: Timothy and Epaphroditus. One nearly died for the gospel. The other genuinely cared when everyone else was looking out for themselves. In this episode, we explore Philippians 2:19-30 and discover what Christ-like service really looks like—and why these "ordinary" believers might be the most extraordinary people in Scripture.

In this episode of Root Issues, we dive deep into one of Paul's most misunderstood passages in Philippians 2:12-13, where he calls believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling." This powerful text has confused and even frightened Christians for centuries, leading some to question whether salvation can be lost or if our efforts somehow earn God's favor. Join us as we examine how this passage connects to Paul's broader encouragement to the Philippian church and what it means for believers today to cultivate their salvation with reverent dependency on God's power working within them.

In this episode of Root Issues, we explore one of the most profound Christological passages in Scripture: Philippians 2:5-13. We dive deep into the Christ hymn, examining what it means that Jesus "emptied Himself" and took on the form of a servant. Through careful exegesis of the original Greek text, we unpack the theological significance of Christ's humility and obedience unto death, and how His subsequent exaltation shapes our understanding of salvation and Christian living.

In this episode of Root Issues, togheter with Pastor Steve and Ellen, we explore Philippians 2:1-4, where Paul presents one of Scripture's most powerful teachings on Christian unity. Paul appeals to the vertical realities believers experience with God—encouragement in Christ, comfort from His love, fellowship of the Spirit, and divine affection—and provides us with the true secret of the unity of the Church.

In this episode of Root Issues, we have a special guest, Pastor Chris, and we dive deep into John chapter 15, one of the most powerful passages from Jesus' farewell discourse to His disciples. Recorded just before His crucifixion, this chapter gives us Jesus' famous metaphor of the vine and branches—a vivid illustration of what it means to remain connected to Christ and bear lasting spiritual fruit.​We'll explore the profound relationship between Jesus (the true vine), the Father (the vinedresser), and believers (the branches), unpacking what it truly means to "abide" in Christ. From there, we examine Jesus' radical commandment to love one another and His declaration that "greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13).

In this episode, we journey through Philippians 1:19–30, exploring Paul’s powerful reminder that our true citizenship is in heaven. We discuss how this perspective shaped the early believers, guided Paul’s ministry in the face of hardship, and challenges us today to live with kingdom identity in a world that often pulls our loyalties elsewhere. With honest conversation and practical insight, Root Issues invites listeners to reflect on what it means to stand firm, live worthy of the gospel, and let heavenly citizenship transform how we think, speak, and act.

Join us on this episode as we unearth the deep spiritual truths that anchor our faith. Philippians 1:12-18 reveals a profound root issue: how we find purpose in our circumstances. Paul's imprisonment could have derailed his calling, but instead became his most effective platform for gospel ministry. This episode digs into why we often resist the platforms God chooses for us and how embracing our 'chains'—whether physical, emotional, or circumstantial—can become our greatest ministry opportunity.

Join us on Root Issues as we explore Philippians 1:1-11, where Paul writes from prison with remarkable joy and confidence.Whether you're struggling with church relationships, wondering how to pray effectively, or questioning God's faithfulness during difficult seasons, this passage addresses the root issues that shape authentic Christian living. Discover how Paul's example from prison can transform your perspective on community, prayer, and trusting God's unchanging commitment to His people.

Ever wondered how one of the New Testament's most joyful letters was born out of prison bars, earthquakes, and Roman beatings? Join us as we dive deep into the incredible backstory behind Paul's letter to the Philippians.We'll explore the dramatic events of Acts 16, where Paul and Silas experienced their first European ministry through imprisonment, supernatural intervention, and unexpected conversions in the Roman colony of Philippi. Then we'll connect these founding moments to Paul's later pastoral warnings in 2 Timothy 3, where he prepares Timothy for the "difficult times" ahead and emphasizes the power of Scripture to equip believers for every good work

In this episode of Root Issues, we explore, togheter with special guest Pastor Derek, Jesus' famous words from Matthew 11 about taking his yoke and finding his burden light. We discuss how it applies to our modern lives filled with stress, expectations, and spiritual exhaustion. The conversation covers the difference between the heavy burdens of religious legalism and the restful discipline of following Christ, offering practical insights for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life's demands.

Join us for a deep dive into one of Scripture's most challenging chapters as we explore the crucial distinction between being humble and practicing humility. In James 4, we encounter God's radical call to submit, surrender, and draw near—but what does it really mean to embody the humility that "receives grace" rather than opposition?

Join us for a deep dive into one of Scripture's most challenging chapters as we explore the crucial distinction between being humble and practicing humility. In James 4, we encounter God's radical call to submit, surrender, and draw near—but what does it really mean to embody the humility that "receives grace" rather than opposition?

In this episode, we dive deep into Luke 4 and explore Jesus' 40-day wilderness experience. Discover why the wilderness wasn't just a biblical backdrop, but a crucial season of testing that every believer must navigate. We'll unpack how Jesus' victory over temptation in the desert provides the blueprint for our own spiritual battles, and why God often leads us into wilderness seasons to strengthen our faith, clarify our identity, and prepare us for ministry.

In this episode, we explore Jesus’ words in Luke 11–12, where He confronts the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and calls out the danger of false humility. Join us as we reflect on His powerful teaching and consider what it means to live with authentic faith and integrity.