We all need encouragement. In today’s episode, we’re discussing how Christians can build one another up in the church—strengthening, restoring, and encouraging each other in both challenging seasons and the everyday rhythms of life.
I. Encouraging Others in Hard Situations (Galatians 6:1–2)
II. Encouraging Others in Everyday Life
A. Be intentional:
i. Plan to encourage other Christians (Heb. 10:24).
ii. Be present with other Christians (Heb. 10:25).
iii. Invite Christians into your home (1 Pet. 4:9).
iv. Make peace with Christians (Rom. 14:19).
B. Be sacrificial:
i. Serve Christians (1 Pet. 4:10).
ii. Love Christians (1 Cor. 8:1).
C. Be bold and patient:
i. Exhort Christians (Heb. 3:13).
ii. Rebuke laziness, energize tiredness, strengthen weakness (1 Thess. 5:14).
iii. Be patient (1 Thess. 5:14). be patient with them all.
iv. Build with your words; do not tear down (Eph. 4:29).
D. Be mindful:
i. Be encouraged by other’s faith in Christ (Rom. 1:11–12).
ii. Remember what Christians are (Eph. 2:21).
Challenge for the Week:
Think of someone in your church who could use encouragement. Reach out this week—and do it again next week. Build up the body of Christ one person at a time.
Encouragement is not optional—it’s essential. It’s how we reflect Christ to one another and display His love to the world.
Every organization has standards that define who belongs—and the church is no different. But unlike the world, when the church practices discipline, it’s not about punishment—it’s about love, protection, and restoration. In this episode, we examine Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 5 to understand how church discipline operates, its necessity, and what it reveals about God’s heart for His people.
I. The Church Is Commanded to Discipline Wayward Members (vv. 1–5)
Paul confronts a case of open sin in the Corinthian church—something even unbelievers found shocking. Paul reminds them that the loving response is not to ignore sin but to address it. Jesus gave the same instruction in Matthew 18: if someone refuses to repent after patient correction, the church must separate from them. The purpose isn’t punishment but restoration—“so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.” Church discipline is an act of love that protects both the sinner and the church from greater harm.
II. If We Try to Spare the One, We Damage the Many (vv. 6–8)
Paul warns, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” Just as yeast spreads through dough, unchecked sin spreads through a congregation. Allowing sin to continue sends the message that holiness doesn’t matter. But because Christ, our Passover Lamb, has already cleansed us, we’re called to live as people of sincerity and truth. Confronting sin isn’t about shame—it’s about helping one another live in the freedom Jesus purchased for us.
III. The Church Must Be Identified by What It Condones (vv. 9–13)
Paul draws a clear line between the world and the church: we don’t judge outsiders, but we are responsible for one another inside the body. When practiced rightly, church discipline strengthens the church’s witness, protects its members, and displays God’s holiness to the world.
What does godly leadership look like in the church—and how are we called to respond to it?
In this episode, we’re continuing our series, Understanding the Church, by discussing what it means to respond to leadership biblically. Because when leadership isn’t clearly defined, confusion sets in. But when pastors lead like Christ and the church responds with humility and faith, the whole body thrives.
We’ll walk through 1 Peter 5 and Hebrews 13 to see what Scripture says about:
I. What we should expect from church leaders
1. What should they do (v. 2)? Shepherd
2. Who should they shepherd (v. 2)? The flock of God among you
3. How should they shepherd (vv. 2–3)?
• With authority
• Not under compulsion but willingly
• Not for shameful gain but eagerly
• Not domineering but being an example
4. To whom are they ultimately accountable (v. 4)? The chief Shepherd
• John 13:14–17
• Mark 10:45
II. How we should respond to that leadership
1. Imitate them. “imitate their faith”
2. Obey them. “Obey your leaders”
3. Submit to their leadership. “submit to them”
4. Recognize the great responsibility they bear. “they are keeping watch over your souls”
5. Hold them accountable. “, as those who will have to give an account”
6. Encourage them. “Let them do this with joy and not with groaning”
7. Pray for them “Pray for us”
In this episode, we’re tackling a topic that hits close to home for many believers—dissatisfaction in the church. Why do people so often feel let down by their church? Is it always because something is truly wrong—or could it be that our expectations are off?
From Philippians 2:14–18, we’ll look at how Paul calls believers to handle dissatisfaction in a way that protects unity, cultivates joy, and keeps the focus where it belongs—on Christ and His purposes for the church.
Main Ideas
1. Don’t Be a Complainer (vv. 14–15)
• Paul says, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing.”
• The church should be marked by unity and joy, not complaint and division.
• Complaining might feel justified, but over time, it can destroy fellowship and joy in a church body.
• Before speaking out of frustration, ask:
i. Am I helping or hurting unity?
ii. Am I acting like a child of God, shining as a light in a dark world—or dimming the light of Christ’s church?
2. Remember the End Goal (v. 16)
• Our goal is not our personal satisfaction—it’s faithfulness until the day of Christ.
• Common dissatisfactions often come from personal preference rather than biblical conviction.
• If your concerns are biblical and real, bring them forward in a way that builds up, not tears down.
• Ask: Are my expectations shaped by Scripture or by comfort?
3. Count Dissatisfaction as Part of the Cost (vv. 17–18)
• Even Paul—writing from prison—could rejoice amid sacrifice and hardship.
• In the same way, we can learn to count dissatisfaction as a small cost of life in a fallen world and a broken church.
• Pray for your attitude.
• Pray for others.
• When you must express dissatisfaction, do it biblically and graciously, seeking to build up Christ’s body.
Scripture to Reflect On
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
— Philippians 2:14–15
Until next time—grace and peace.
In this episode, we’re talking about fellowship—a word Christians love to use but rarely define. We tend to label almost any kind of social activity as “fellowship”—from golf outings to coffee meetups—but biblical fellowship is something far deeper.
True Christian fellowship isn’t just about shared interests; it’s about a shared Savior. It’s rooted in our relationship with Christ and built on the foundation of His finished work.
Main Idea: Biblical fellowship is Christians joyfully seeking Christ together.
Key Points
• Definition: Biblical fellowship takes place among believers who are united in joy, pursuing Christ side by side through His Word and prayer (Acts 2:42).
• Foundation: Christ Himself is both the means and the end of our fellowship. It’s not merely about being together—it’s about drawing near to God together through Him (Heb. 10:19–22).
• The Church’s Role: The local church isn’t meant to entertain us but to lead us into genuine fellowship. When we give ourselves to this kind of community, friendship and joy naturally follow.
Marks of True Fellowship (Hebrews 10:23–25):
1. A shared confession of faith
2. Seeking good works
3. Seeking to understand Scripture
4. Accountable to one another
5. Encouraging one another
6. Maturing spiritually
7. Keeping our eyes fixed on the hope of Christ’s return
Application:
Make your weekly gathering a priority.
Join a small group and invest in it.
Resources
Be sure to like and follow the podcast, and leave a review to help others discover the series!
In this episode of the Know and Do Podcast, we’re exploring how God designed structure and leadership for His church. From Genesis to Acts, Scripture shows that God values order—and that carries into how the church is governed today.
We’ll unpack Acts 6:2–4 and 1 Timothy 3:1–13 to answer three key questions:
1. Who leads the church?
2. What kind of people are called to lead?
3. How should we treat our leaders?
Main Points
1. Who Leads the Church
• Christ is the true head of the church (Col. 1:18).
• God calls two types of leaders: elders/pastors (spiritual oversight) and deacons (practical service).
• Elders focus on prayer and the Word; deacons meet needs and maintain unity.
2. What Kind of People Lead
• Leadership is about character, not charisma.
• 1 Timothy 3 gives clear qualifications—above reproach, self-controlled, hospitable, faithful, and spiritually mature.
• Only Jesus perfectly meets these standards, but by His grace, He equips men to lead well.
3. How We Treat Our Leaders
• The church is God’s household, “a pillar and buttress of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15).
• We’re called to honor, pray for, and encourage our leaders—holding them accountable with grace.
• God’s church thrives when leadership follows His design.
• Know God’s order. Do your part—pray, support, and serve faithfully.
In this episode of the Know and Do Podcast, we continue our journey through the doctrine of the church by looking at the foundation of healthy congregational life: right preaching. From 2 Timothy 3:16–4:5, we see why the Word of God must be central in the life of the church and what it means for preaching to be truly expository.
We’ll explore what makes preaching biblical, how to recognize when it isn’t, and what to do if you encounter poor preaching. Along the way, we’ll look at common “expositional imposters” and consider the responsibility of both pastors and church members to uphold faithful teaching.
Key Takeaways
• The nature of right preaching: exposing the truth of Scripture so God’s people may understand and apply it.
• Why expository preaching matters: Scripture is inspired, inerrant, infallible, and sufficient to equip believers for every good work.
• Who should preach: pastors/elders bear the primary responsibility for the pulpit.
• Expositional imposters: sermons that sound biblical but fail to faithfully expose the text (springboard, unfounded, exegetical-without-application, irrelevant, misfit, shortcut sermons).
• Responding to bad preaching: discern wisely, engage with love, and seek out a church where God’s Word is rightly handled.
Why This Matters
Just as we need nourishing meals for our bodies, our souls need the steady diet of God’s Word preached faithfully. Right preaching is the spiritual feast that sustains believers on the way to heaven.
Resources & Next Steps
Practice: Work through the discussion questions provided to help you “know and do.”
Stay tuned for future episodes in our Ecclesiology series. Be sure to like, follow, and leave a review to help others find the podcast. Until next time—grace and peace!
In this episode of the Know and Do Podcast, we explore the beauty and challenge of diversity in the body of Christ. While diversity is often celebrated in the world, Scripture shows us that it is not a cultural trend—it is God’s design for His people.
We’ll walk through:
• God’s Plan for Diversity – from creation to Christ’s commission, diversity has always been part of God’s purpose.
• Unity in Diversity – the gospel unites people from every background, culture, and gifting into one body.
• The End Goal – our diversity now points to the day when believers from every tribe, tongue, and nation will worship together before the throne.
Along the way, we’ll consider real-life stories of how diversity stretches the church, how Christ alone can hold us together, and how we can live as a preview of heaven’s perfect unity in diversity.
Challenge of the Week:
Seek out someone in your church who is different from you—different age, culture, background, or gifting. Share a meal or coffee, listen to their story of faith, and celebrate God’s design for His diverse body.
Why does church membership matter?
In this episode of the Know and Do Podcast, Pastor Josh continues our series on the doctrine of the church by exploring Ephesians 4:11–16 and the importance of local church membership.
Membership is more than a name on a roll—it’s God’s design for believers to grow, serve, and be built up together in love. This lesson unpacks why the Bible assumes every Christian will be part of a local church and highlights the eternal benefits that come with belonging to Christ’s body.
Key Takeaways
Biblical Foundation: The New Testament envisions Christians committed to a local body.
Benefits of Membership: Purposeful ministry, unity, maturity, protection from false teaching, and ongoing discipleship.
Growth Together: Every member has a part to play in building up the church in love.
For this week's reflection handout with study questions and more, click here!
In this episode of the Know and Do Podcast, we begin our series on ecclesiology by examining the essential role of unity within the church. Drawing from Ephesians 4:1–6, we explore why every believer should deeply desire unity—not for its own sake, but around the truth of Christ. A divided church cannot carry out the mission Christ has given us, but a unified church can impact the world for eternity.
Key Takeaways
• Unity is built into the church’s identity in Christ. Jesus tore down the dividing wall of hostility, making us one new people in Him.
• Unity must be lived out daily. Believers are called to humility, gentleness, patience, and love as we walk together.
• Unity is centered on truth. There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father. We must never pursue unity at the expense of biblical fidelity.
• Unity fuels mission. Our love for one another testifies to the world about Christ, drawing others into His family.
• Unity points us toward eternity. In heaven, people from every tribe and tongue will worship Christ together—our church life today is a rehearsal for that day.
Practical Applications
This week, consider how you can actively promote unity in your local church:
• Invite someone to lunch.
• Greet someone new on Sunday and learn their name.
• Ask for or extend forgiveness.
• Show patience when wronged.
• Join a small group to grow in relationship with others.
Scripture References
Ephesians 2–4; 6:19–20
Romans 5:8
John 13:35
Jude 3
Revelation 7:9–12
In this episode of the Know and Do podcast, we explore Article XV of the Baptist Faith & Message 2000: The Christian and the Social Order. What does it mean to live as salt and light in a broken world? How do we, as God's people, display His kingdom in a society often at odds with His truth? Pastor Josh teaches from Matthew 5:13–16 and unpacks what it means to be God’s covenant people on display for the world, society’s preservative, and agents of truth.
I. We are God’s covenant on display for society to see.
II. We are society’s preservative.
III. We are agents of truth.
IV. We are God’s plan to show himself to the world.
Welcome back to the Know and Do podcast, where we challenge you to Know God deeply and Do what most glorifies Him. In this episode, we're getting into the heart of what it means to be The People of the Church.
In our series on Baptist beliefs, we've discussed systematic theology, but this time, we’re focusing not so much on systems as on people. This episode explores who makes up the church, why it matters, and how God uses His people to reflect His image and fulfill His mission.
From the very beginning, we were created for relationship—not isolation. As image-bearers of God (Genesis 1:26–27), we are social creatures, made to live in community. Just as God exists in fellowship within the Trinity, we are also meant for deep and meaningful relationships. Fellowship isn’t just a bonus of church life—it’s a core part of our design.
I. The church is a body of Christ-followers and all Christ-followers are the church (1 Corinthians 12:12—13)
What does the local church look like?
1. Autonomous
2. Spirit-filled
3. Baptized
4. Repentant lifestyles
5. Corporate worship
6. Observes Ordinances
II. A Christ-follower without the church is unnatural (1 Corinthians 12:14-17)
III. A Christian active in the church is positioned to be what he/she was made to be (1 Corinthians 12:18-20; Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 12:49-50)
Welcome back to the Know and Do podcast, where we urge you to know God deeply and do what most glorifies Him. In this episode, we turn our hearts and minds toward one of the most powerful truths in Scripture: God’s Kingdom. We explore Article IX of the Baptist Faith and Message (2000), which teaches that God's Kingdom encompasses both His sovereign rule over the universe and His personal reign in the lives of those who trust in Jesus Christ.
I. God’s kingdom is both all-encompassing and personal. (Psalm 19:1-6, Romans 1:20, Psalm 145:13, Colossians 1:15-20)
II. God’s kingdom is the primary concern of all humanity, Christians and non-Christians. (Romans 15:8-13)
III. God’s kingdom is here and now, and it is yet to come. (2 Corinthians 6:1-2)
Religious liberty is one of the foundational reasons people first came to the Americas—and it's just as hot a topic today. From prayer breakfasts and protests to bakers and photographers, the question remains: What are Christians supposed to think about this? Where do we take a stand, and when do we yield? How do we engage in biblically informed conversations in a culture full of opinions?
In this episode, we dive into what Baptists believe about religious liberty, as outlined in Article XVII of the Baptist Faith & Message 2000, and explore what the Bible teaches about the church, the state, and the responsibilities of both. Featuring insights from the Book of Daniel and practical illustrations from today’s world, we tackle hard questions and help you apply biblical truth in a complex cultural landscape.
I. Your government is accountable to God for the way it treats the church. (Proverbs 21:1; Psalm 96:10)
What the government is not authorized to do
o Force worship
o Prohibit worship
o Define worship
What the government is authorized to do—protect the church. (Romans 13:4)
II. The church is accountable to God for the way we treat the government.
What we must do
o show loyalty
o influence it for God’s glory and man’s good
What we must not do— view the government as supreme.
In this episode of Know and Do, we explore what the Bible says about itself and why it remains unshaken by opposition. Many arguments have been raised against Scripture, claiming it is contradictory, violent, outdated, or inconsistent with science. Yet, the Bible endures—unchanged and powerful. We’ll uncover why Scripture is the authoritative revelation of God, how the biblical authors treated it as sacred, and how it leads us directly to Jesus Christ.
I. The Bible is God's authoritative revelation to mankind. (1 Thess. 2:13; Ephesians 2:20)
Some characteristics of the Bible:
o A lamp unto your feet (Ps 119:105)
o Living and active and piercing to the heart (Heb 4:12)
o Abiding forever (1 Pet 1:25)
o Essential to your life (Mt 4:4)
o Warning you of the pitfalls of this life (Ps 19:11)
o Acting as a mirror to your soul (Ja 1:22–25)
II. The biblical authors treated the Bible as completely sacred. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:21)
Some ways you should treat the Bible:
o Meditate on it (Ps 1:2)
o Be led by it to salvation (1 Tim 3:15)
o Obey it (Lk 11:28)
o Continue in it (Jn 8:31)
o Keep it (Jn 14:23)
o Hear it (Eph 1:13)
o Receive it (1 Thess 2:13)
o Read it (Mt 21:42)
o Dwell in it (Eph 3:17)
o Believe it (Jn 2:22)
o Search it (Jn 5:39)
o Praise it (Acts 13:48)
o Hide it in your heart (Ps 119:11)
III. To understand the Bible is to understand the very character of God.
IV. The written word of God finds its end in the living word of God - Jesus Christ. (John 1:1-5; 14-10; Matthew 5:17-18)
In this episode of Know and Do, we dive into the often-debated topic of gender roles in the church. We explore what Scripture teaches about who should hold teaching authority and examine the link between teaching and authority in the church. Our focus is on 1 Timothy 2:8-15, where Paul addresses the conduct of men and women during worship, and how that connects to God’s design for a healthy, thriving church.
Preliminary truths about women in Scripture:
• Women are affirmed in their intrinsic value (Gal. 3:28).
• Women ministered well to Jesus during his earthly ministry (Luke 8:1-3).
• Women played a crucial role as primary witnesses of both Jesus’ death and resurrection.
• The book of Acts touts several women in their faithful service to the church—Dorcas (Acts 9), Lydia (Acts 16), Priscilla (Acts 18), and godly women in the Berean and Thessalonian churches (Acts 17:12).
• Paul greeted at least eight women in Romans 16, singling out Phoebe in particular for her service (Rom. 16:1).
1. God Cares About What Happens in His Church (1 Tim. 2:8–10)
2. God Cares How People Learn in His Church (1 Tim. 2:11–12)
3. God Cares Who Teaches in His Church (1 Tim. 2:12–14)
4. The Great Teaching Responsibility of Women:
• Women should teach younger women (Titus 2:3-4)
• Women should teach their children: (2 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:14)
• Women and men can teach together (Acts 18:26)
• In addition, women could/should: 1) Proclaim Christ to non-believers 2) Hold positions of authority outside 3) Serve in other ministries inside the church
5. The Privilege of Women in the Church (1 Tim. 2:15)
Final Thoughts: God’s design for men and women in the church is not about restriction but about order and flourishing. When men and women function according to their good design, the church thrives, and both genders are most fulfilled.
Additional Resources:
• Why We Can't Think Biblically About It: Women In Ministry by Mike Winger
• Handout
In this episode of Know and Do, we continue our series on Baptist Beliefs by exploring the function of the church. Before diving into topics like who is and is not part of the church and gender roles (coming next week), we first must understand how God designed the church to function. Many people have different ideas about what the church should do, but by looking at Scripture, we gain a clearer understanding of its true purpose.
Important Functions of the Church (not exhaustive)
1. Glorify God through worship. (Romans 12:1-2, Colossians 3:16-17, Hebrews 10:24-25)
2. Multiply believers through outreach (Go and Tell): Matthew 28:18-20
• Three facets of “Go and Tell” as defined at FBCW: Evangelism, Missions, and Gospel-Driven Compassion Ministry.
3. Grow together through discipleship. (Ephesians 2:20, Proverbs 27:17)
4. Provide deep-rooted community (biblical fellowship). (John 13:34-35)
For additional reflection questions, use this handout!
Until next week, grace and peace!
Family is foundational—not just to society but to God’s design for human life. Whether your family is a source of joy or struggle, we are all inextricably linked to our families. In this episode of Know and Do, we explore what the Bible teaches about family, why it’s essential, and how Christ ultimately redeems it.
We’ll dive into the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, specifically Article XVIII on the Family, to understand God’s purpose for family and how we are called to live within it. From the covenants of the Old Testament to the teachings of Jesus, we’ll see how family is both a reflection of God’s kingdom and a reality we often struggle with. But there is hope—Christ affirms the family structure and redeems it for His glory.
Key Points:
• Family is the foundation of society, woven into God’s plan from creation.
• Throughout Scripture, family plays a crucial role in God’s covenant promises.
• Despite its importance, families have always faced struggles—from Adam and Eve to the present day.
• Culture often distorts or undermines family, leading to real-world consequences.
• Jesus doesn’t discard the concept of family but fulfills and redeems it, calling us into a greater spiritual family in Him.
I. Family is the foundation of society. Without family, we do not exist.
1. Family in the Creation covenant (Genesis 2:24)
2. Family in the Noahic covenant (Genesis 6:18)
3. Family in the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 17:5-6)
4. Family in the Mosaic covenant (Exodus 19:3-6)
5. Family in the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-13)
II. As much as we need family, we still fight against it.
- In each Old Testament covenant, the family fought itself.
o Creation Covenant— Adam and Eve, Cain and Able
o Noahic Covenant— Noah and Ham
o Abrahamic Covenant— Abraham and Hagar
o Mosaic Covenant— Israel and idols
o Davidic Covenant— David and Bathsheba
- A good way to try to destroy God’s work in the world— destroy families.
III. While we may fight against family, Christ redeems it.
Scripture References: Luke 2:49, Matthew 12:48–49, Matthew 10:37, Matthew 3:9, John 3:3, Ephesians 5:31–32, Hebrews 2:11–12, Ephesians 1:3–5
Here is a handout with a sample passage and reflection questions!
If this episode encouraged you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Until next time—grace and peace!
In this episode of Know and Do, we continue our series on Baptist beliefs by exploring Article IV of the Baptist Faith and Message 2000—Salvation. This doctrine is foundational to Christianity, yet often misunderstood or debated.
Understanding Salvation
Salvation is God’s work—bringing the spiritually dead to life, transforming enemies into His children, and opening the eyes of the blind. It can be difficult to understand, so relying on God’s Word rather than personal opinions is essential.
What’s at Stake?
Misunderstanding salvation can lead to false assurance or unnecessary fear in believers.
A clear biblical understanding ensures we know what it means to be genuinely saved.
The Four Aspects of Salvation:
Regeneration – (being made new)
Justification – (being declared just)
Sanctification – (the process of becoming holy)
Glorification – (the final product)
Biblical Foundations
Primary Scripture: Colossians 3:1–4
Additional key verses: John 6:44, Titus 3:5, Ezekiel 36:26, Psalm 110:1, 1 Peter 1:2
Practical Takeaways
• God initiates and accomplishes salvation, but believers are called to respond in faith.
• A saved life is marked by a heavenly mindset, seeking Christ above all.
• The hope of glorification gives believers confidence and assurance in their faith.
In this episode of Know and Do, we continue our series on Baptist beliefs by diving into the doctrine of mankind. What does it mean to be human? How does our worth relate to God? And why do we struggle with brokenness? We explore these questions through the lens of Scripture, focusing on the Imago Dei, our fallen nature, and the hope of redemption through Christ.
I. We are formed in God’s image, the Imago Dei.
· Genesis 1:26, 2:7
· Genesis 1:31
· Genesis 2:2
II. We have failed to properly reflect God’s image.
· Genesis 3:8–11
III. Though distorted, we still bear God’s image.
· Genesis 9:6
· James 3:9
IV. To be made whole, must be reborn in God’s image.
· Ephesians 4:22–24
· 2 Corinthians 3:18
V. In the image of Christ, we are glorified for God’s glory.
· Romans 8:29–20
· Colossians 3:4