Humanity | Core Podcast Ep. 6

Humanity | Core Podcast Ep. 6

What does it really mean to be human, and how does understanding our identity shape the way we follow Jesus? In this episode of the Core Podcast, Pastor Luke Bilberry sits down with Andee Mesman and Pastor Brian Ball to explore the doctrine of humanity and what it means to be created in the image of God. This conversation examines humanity's original design, the effects of sin, and the hope of becoming a new creation through Jesus Christ. Together, they unpack how Scripture provides a foundation for understanding who we are and why we're here. Along the way, they discuss work, relationships, parenting, community, and the tension of living as redeemed people in a broken world. You'll hear personal reflections, as well as practical encouragement for living as ambassadors of Christ. The world tells us to create our own identity. Scripture tells us we were lovingly created by God with purpose, value, and meaning. This episode is designed to help you see yourself through the lens of God's Word, embrace your identity as an image-bearer, and live more fully as the person God created you to be. In this episode: * What it means to be created in the image of God * Why every human life possesses inherent value * How sin fractured our relationship with God, others, ourselves, and creation * The difference between finding identity in culture and finding identity in Christ * Why work matters and how it can glorify God * What it means to put off the old self and walk as a new creation in Christ * Living as ambassadors of Jesus in a broken world Submit a Question  We want to hear from you! Submit your question about the Core Series topics at https://shorturl.at/9LJrQ [https://shorturl.at/9LJrQ] or by texting 616-662-8801, and we may feature your question on an upcoming episode of the Core Podcast. About this Podcast This podcast is an 11-week companion to the Core Series at Chapel Pointe Church. Through deep theological conversations with our pastors, our goal is to help you build a deeper understanding of the core truths of Christianity and apply them to your life. From the Bible and Jesus to salvation and the church, our prayer is that you don't just grow in knowledge but that you gain a deeper appreciation for the love, grace, and movement of God in your life. Visit chapel-pointe.org/core-series [http://chapel-pointe.org/core-series] for a full list of resources, including sermons, discussion guides, and more. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:45 Sermon Takeaways on Humanity 03:46 Our Identity as Image Bearers 09:37 The Fall and Brokenness 22:01 Cultural Lies and Biblical Truth 26:08 Brian’s Experience in China 27:09 Trusting God’s Hidden Plan 28:18 Is Humanity Good or Bad? 32:31 Putting On the New Self 45:18 Ambassadors and Final Blessing Resources Mentioned in this Episode Desiring God by John Piper — https://www.desiringgod.org/books/desiring-god [https://www.desiringgod.org/books/desiring-god] Kid’s Storybook Bible — https://www.zonderkidz.com/book/9780310708254/the-jesus-storybook-bible/ [https://www.zonderkidz.com/book/9780310708254/the-jesus-storybook-bible/]

The Holy Spirit | Core Podcast Ep. 5

Who is the Holy Spirit, and what does it actually look like to live a Spirit-filled life? In this episode of the Core Podcast, Pastor Luke Bilberry sits down with Pastor Tyler Perrott, Pastor Brian Ball, Sarah Force, and Ramsay Smith to explore the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Building on Sunday’s message from Pastor Joel, this conversation unpacks who the Holy Spirit is, how He reveals Himself through Scripture, and why understanding Him rightly changes the way we live, worship, and follow Jesus. Together, the team explores the beauty of the Holy Spirit as more than a force or feeling—but as God dwelling within believers. From Genesis to Acts to the everyday life of the Church today, this episode traces the Spirit’s role in creation, salvation, sanctification, and empowerment to live for Jesus. As the conversation unfolds, you’ll hear personal stories of following the Spirit’s prompting, practical wisdom for discerning His voice, and encouragement to live with greater dependence on God rather than relying on your own strength. Most of us acknowledge the Holy Spirit in theory, but many of us struggle to actually walk in step with Him. This episode is designed to deepen your understanding of the Holy Spirit, strengthen your trust in His leading, and remind you that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is alive and at work in believers today. In this episode: * Why many believers struggle to have a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit * The difference between being Spirit-led and emotionally driven * How the Holy Spirit brings transformation and sanctification * What it means to walk in step with the Spirit in everyday life * Why the Holy Spirit is called our Helper and how He intercedes for us * How Scripture and the Holy Spirit work together to guide believers into truth * Practical ways to discern God’s voice from your own emotions or desires * How the Holy Spirit empowers the Church and the next generation for mission * Why dependence on the Holy Spirit matters more than trying harder in your own strength * The challenge to become a church that responds quickly and obediently when the Spirit prompts us Submit a Question  We want to hear from you! Submit your question about the Core Series topics at https://shorturl.at/9LJrQ [https://shorturl.at/9LJrQ] or by texting 616-662-8801, and we may feature your question on an upcoming episode of the Core Podcast. About this Podcast This podcast is an 11-week companion to the Core Series at Chapel Pointe Church. Through deep theological conversations with our pastors, our goal is to help you build a deeper understanding of the core truths of Christianity and apply them to your life. From the Bible and Jesus to salvation and the church, our prayer is that you don't just grow in knowledge but that you gain a deeper appreciation for the love, grace, and movement of God in your life. Visit chapel-pointe.org/core-series [http://chapel-pointe.org/core-series] for a full list of resources, including sermons, discussion guides, and more. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome 01:06 Holy Spirit as a Person 04:22 Spirit and Truth 08:43 Who Is the Spirit Biblically? 12:04 Holy Spirit Brings New Life 25:36 Holy Spirit Intercedes And Leads 26:15 Illuminating Scripture And Conviction 30:14 Holy Spirit in the Next Generation 45:24 Responding To The Spirit

Jesus Christ The Son | Core Podcast Ep. 4

What does it really mean that Jesus is fully God and fully man—and how should that shape the way we follow Him? In this episode of the Core Podcast, Pastor Luke Bilberry sits down with Pastor Tyler Perrott and Pastor Andy Woodall to explore the doctrine of Christ—Christology—and what it means to truly know Jesus, not just know about Him. Building on Sunday's message from Pastor Joel, this conversation unpacks who Jesus has revealed Himself to be through Scripture and how our understanding of Him affects every part of our lives as His disciples. This episode explores the beautiful complexity of a Savior who is fully divine yet took on flesh, who is seated at the right hand of the Father yet intercedes for us still, who has accomplished a finished work yet is actively building His church. Together, they trace Jesus through the Old Testament as Prophet, Priest, and King. As the conversation unfolds, you'll hear personal stories of encountering Jesus, rich theological reflection on key passages, and a challenge to examine whether your view of Christ is shaped by Scripture—or by your own preferences and comfort. Most of us have information about Jesus. But a shallow view of Jesus produces shallow discipleship. This episode is designed to deepen your awe of Christ, sharpen your understanding of His person and work, and stir your affections toward the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. In this episode: * Why the clarity of your view of Jesus directly determines the depth of your discipleship * How Pastor Andy and Pastor Tyler personally encountered Jesus—and what that reveals about who He is * Why we're all tempted to shape Jesus around our own agendas, politics, and comfort * How Jesus fulfills the Old Testament roles of prophet, priest, king, and judge * The significance of Jesus sitting down at the right hand of the Father—and what that means for us * Why the resurrection isn't just important—it's everything (1 Corinthians 15) * The difference between minimum obedience and full surrender to King Jesus * Practical ways to read Scripture with Jesus at the center Resources Mentioned in this Episode The Person & Work of Christ Resource: https://bit.ly/person-and-work-of-Christ [https://bit.ly/person-and-work-of-Christ] Submit a Question  We want to hear from you! Submit your question about the Core Series topics at https://shorturl.at/9LJrQ [https://shorturl.at/9LJrQ] or by texting 616-662-8801, and we may feature your question on an upcoming episode of the Core Podcast. About this Podcast This podcast is an 11-week companion to the Core Series at Chapel Pointe Church. Through deep theological conversations with our pastors, our goal is to help you build a deeper understanding of the core truths of Christianity and apply them to your life. From the Bible and Jesus to salvation and the church, our prayer is that you don't just grow in knowledge but that you gain a deeper appreciation for the love, grace, and movement of God in your life. Visit chapel-pointe.org/core-series [http://chapel-pointe.org/core-series] for a full list of resources, including sermons, discussion guides, and more. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:35 Why Christology Matters 01:44 Pastor Andy’s Testimony 04:48 Pastor Tyler’s Testimony 07:07 Seeing Jesus Clearly 09:18 Don't Limit Jesus 10:53 Jesus as Prophet Priest and King 13:07 Let Scripture Define Jesus 16:37 Colossians 1 Deep Dive 22:11 Jesus Across the Bible 27:37 Finding Christ in Scripture 29:22 Philippians 2 Deep Dive 39:14 A Resurrected Savior 46:21 Surrendering to Jesus

God Our Good Father | Core Podcast Ep. 3

What does it really mean that God is our Father—and how should that shape the way we live, worship, and relate to Him? In this episode of the Core Podcast, Pastor Luke Bilberry sits down with Jackie Van Dyke and Pastor Jim Jeffery to explore the Person, attributes, names, and character of God the Father and what it means that this all-powerful, holy God invites us to call Him Father. Building on Sunday’s message, this conversation unpacks who God has revealed Himself to be through Scripture and how our understanding of Him affects every part of our lives. From the fear of the Lord and the holiness of God to the tenderness of “Abba Father,” this episode explores the beautiful tension of a God who is infinitely transcendent yet deeply personal. Together, they discuss how our earthly experiences shape our view of God, why suffering often distorts our understanding of Him, and how the Father’s heart is fully revealed through Jesus Christ. As the conversation unfolds, you’ll hear powerful reflections on Exodus 34, the prodigal son, the attributes of God, and the invitation to come home to the Father—not in shame, but in humility, trust, and worship. Most of us don’t struggle with having information about God—we struggle to truly know Him. This episode is designed to deepen your awe of the Father, strengthen your trust in His character, and remind you that His arms are open wide for His children. In this episode: * Why what you think about God shapes every part of your life * How Scripture reveals the Father’s character and heart * The difference between being afraid of God and fearing the Lord * How our earthly fathers can shape (and sometimes distort) our view of God * Why suffering can tempt us to misunderstand the Father’s heart * What the prodigal son teaches us about repentance and the Father’s love * Why guilt and shame keep people in the “far country” * Why the cross is the clearest picture of the Father’s character and love * Practical encouragement for approaching God with humility, surrender, and faith Resources Mentioned in this Episode Practical Christian Theology Book: https://a.co/d/03EgMh8L [https://a.co/d/03EgMh8L] Submit a Question  We want to hear from you! Submit your question about the Core Series topics at https://shorturl.at/9LJrQ [https://shorturl.at/9LJrQ] or by texting 616-662-8801, and we may feature your question on an upcoming episode of the Core Podcast. About this Podcast This podcast is an 11-week companion to the Core Series at Chapel Pointe Church. Through deep theological conversations with our pastors, our goal is to help you build a deeper understanding of the core truths of Christianity and apply them to your life. From the Bible and Jesus to salvation and the church, our prayer is that you don't just grow in knowledge but that you gain a deeper appreciation for the love, grace, and movement of God in your life. Visit chapel-pointe.org/core-series [http://chapel-pointe.org/core-series] for a full list of resources, including sermons, discussion guides, and more. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and Purpose 04:10 Seeing God as Father 10:35 Fear of the Lord 17:50 Exodus 34 and God’s Glory 24:20 God Both Good and Sovereign 24:32 Seeing God Through Christ 26:17 Abba Father and Holy Awe 28:03 Prayer and Fatherly Provision 35:29 Prodigal Son Coming Home 42:57 Cross and Final Blessing

The Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit | Core Podcast Ep. 2

What is the Trinity and why does it matter for how you live and worship? In this episode of the Core Podcast, Pastor Luke Bilberry is joined by Pastor Tyler Perrott and Ramsay Smith (Grandville Worship Leader) for a deep dive into one of the most profound and mysterious doctrines of the Christian faith: the Trinity. Building on Sunday’s message, this conversation explores who God is as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and how that reality shapes not just what we believe, but how we relate to Him. From the tension of understanding a triune God to the beauty of experiencing His love, this episode invites you to move beyond mere head knowledge into deeper worship and affection. As the conversation unfolds, you’ll see how the Trinity isn’t just a theological concept—it’s the foundation of everything we believe about God, salvation, and relationship with Him. Most of us don’t struggle with having information about God—we struggle to be in awe of Him. This episode is designed to reignite that wonder, helping you see the greatness of God and drawing you into a deeper, more personal encounter with His love. In this episode: * What the Trinity is (and isn’t) and why it’s essential to the Christian faith * How understanding God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit shapes our worship * Why the Trinity is both foundational truth and ongoing mystery * Common misunderstandings and heresies about the Trinity (and how to avoid them) * How Scripture reveals the Trinity from Genesis to the New Testament * The distinct roles and unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit * Why every person already has a theology—and how to align it with Scripture * How the Trinity fuels relationship with God, not just knowledge about Him * Practical ways to grow in affection, awe, and worship of the triune God Resources Mentioned in this Episode Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves - https://a.co/d/09U1Veu6 [https://a.co/d/09U1Veu6] Practical Christian Theology Book: https://a.co/d/03EgMh8L [https://a.co/d/03EgMh8L] Tiny Theologians Podcast - https://tiny-theologians.simplecast.com/episodes/t-is-for-trinity-mVpiAgRn [https://tiny-theologians.simplecast.com/episodes/t-is-for-trinity-mVpiAgRn] Submit a Question  We want to hear from you! Submit your question about the Core Series topics at https://shorturl.at/9LJrQ [https://shorturl.at/9LJrQ] or by texting 616-662-8801, and we may feature your question on an upcoming episode of the Core Podcast. About this Podcast This podcast is an 11-week companion to the Core Series at Chapel Pointe Church. Through deep theological conversations with our pastors, our goal is to help you build a deeper understanding of the core truths of Christianity and apply them to your life. From the Bible and Jesus to salvation and the church, our prayer is that you don't just grow in knowledge but that you gain a deeper appreciation for the love, grace, and movement of God in your life. Visit chapel-pointe.org/core-series [http://chapel-pointe.org/core-series] for a full list of resources, including sermons, discussion guides, and more. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:33 Why The Trinity Fuels Worship 05:22 Trinity as Core Doctrine 08:33 Everyone Has a Theology 11:10 Defining the Trinity 15:31 Delighting in the Trinity 20:29 Finding Trinity in Scripture 27:05 Trinity Leads Us to Worship 28:17 One God, Three Persons 29:04 Common Trinity Heresies 31:08 How The Trinity Leads to Humility 32:38 Bad Analogies and Illustrations 35:18 Other Faiths and Truth Claims 40:56 Living by the Spirit