A Lot of Words

Can Christians Be Depressed? Biblical Hope for Sorrow

Can Christians be depressed? Brett and Pastor Matt Smith talk through depression, hopelessness, grief, medication, counseling, biblical joy, lament Psalms, and what it means to keep trusting God in sorrow. They also answer questions about children in church and whether unwise choices are necessarily sinful. Topics covered in this episode: 00:00 Cold Open: Depression Does Not Slap 00:37 Welcome to A Lot of Words Podcast 14:05 Should Children Stay in the Main Church Service? 24:08 Is an Unwise Decision a Sin? 31:09 Is Depression Defined in the Bible? 39:20 Is It Okay to Be Sad for a Long Time? 50:54 Can a Christian Be Saved and Still Feel Hopeless? 01:03:47 Is Depression a Sign of a Lack of Faith? 01:05:55 Are Christians Too Quick to Turn to Pills? 01:12:23 Should Christians Seek a Specialist for Depression? 01:15:27 Is There Such a Thing as Righteous Depression? 01:20:39 What Should Christians Do With Lament? 01:25:40 Does It Slap? Key Fobs Watch BoBo & Precious - The Silliest Clowns in America Interview: https://youtu.be/kRvjc19RmVw [https://youtu.be/kRvjc19RmVw] ======================================= Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership': https://a.co/d/04ryklXw [https://a.co/d/04ryklXw] Have a question you want answered on the podcast? https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact [https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact] Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show: https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop [https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop] Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith? Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch [https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch] Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego: https://www.barabbas.com/ [https://www.barabbas.com/]https://www.youtube.com/@UC2WKb9eYB2YaXuqApM-UIlQ Want your podcast to look like this? We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego. Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live [https://www.vortexstudios.live/] Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype. Subscribe to our channel for more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alotofwordspodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/alotofwordspodcast/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/ [https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast] X (Twitter): https://x.com/alotofwordscast [https://x.com/alotofwordscast] Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords [https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast] Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl [https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl] More ways to listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw [https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw] Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630] Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180 [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180] Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/ [https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/]

Why God Allows Christians to Fail

Failure hurts—but does it always mean something has gone wrong? In this episode, Brett and Pastor Matt Smith discuss why God allows Christians to fail and how setbacks can produce humility, perseverance, wisdom, and dependence on the Lord. They examine the fear of failure, the danger of living an entirely risk-averse life, and how Christians can develop the ability to learn from their mistakes rather than being defined by them. They also offer practical counsel for anyone who feels like a failure and explore the difference between worldly achievement and biblical success. Additional questions include whether there are different levels of punishment in hell, whether Dante’s Inferno is biblical, what happened to the children who died during the Passover, whether Christians can participate in games involving deception, and when Christians may use force in self-defense. Topics covered in this episode: 0:00 Introduction 15:32 Are There Different Levels of Punishment in Hell? 21:11 Is Dante’s Inferno Extra-Biblical? 25:01 Did the Babies Who Died During Passover Go to Heaven? 30:52 Can Christians Play Games That Require Deception? 37:47 Should Christians Portray Jesus in Movies? 44:09 When Is It Appropriate for Christians to Use Force in Self-Defense? 50:45 Is Refusing to Defend Your Home More Righteous? 53:56 Why Does God Allow Christians to Fail? 57:46 Is Failure Part of God’s Plan for My Life? 1:04:39 Is Fear of Failure a Lack of Trust in God? 1:09:05 How Do Christians Learn to Handle Failure? 1:13:12 What Should You Tell Someone Who Feels Like a Failure? 1:19:05 How Does God Define Success? 1:19:19 What Does Biblical Success Look Like at Work? 1:26:18 Does the Netherlands Slap? Watch BoBo & Precious - The Silliest Clowns in America Interview: https://youtu.be/kRvjc19RmVw [https://youtu.be/kRvjc19RmVw] ======================================= Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership': https://a.co/d/04ryklXw [https://a.co/d/04ryklXw] Have a question you want answered on the podcast? https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact [https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact] Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show: https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop [https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop] Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith? Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch [https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch] Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego: https://www.barabbas.com/ [https://www.barabbas.com/]https://www.youtube.com/@UC2WKb9eYB2YaXuqApM-UIlQ Want your podcast to look like this? We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego. Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live [https://www.vortexstudios.live/] Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype. Subscribe to our channel for more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alotofwordspodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/alotofwordspodcast/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/ [https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast] X (Twitter): https://x.com/alotofwordscast [https://x.com/alotofwordscast] Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords [https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast] Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl [https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl] More ways to listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw [https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw] Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630] Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180 [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180] Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/ [https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/]

Christian Patriotism: Biblical or Dangerous?

Can Christians love their country without turning patriotism into an idol? In this episode of A Lot of Words, Brett and Pastor Matt Smith talk through patriotism, politics, the Pledge of Allegiance, flags in church, Fourth of July celebrations, political candidates, and whether Christians should criticize government leaders while still praying for them. They also wrestle with a bigger question: how should Christians live as citizens of America while remembering that their ultimate citizenship is in the Kingdom of God? If you’ve ever wondered where love of country ends and idolatry begins, this episode is for you. Topics covered in this episode: 00:00 Intro 06:56 What Are Pastor Matt’s PRs? 10:40 How Were People Saved Before Jesus Came? 18:13 Abortion Abolitionism vs Incremental Pro-Life 38:53 Patriotism and Christianity 38:58 Can Christians Be Patriotic? 42:47 Should Christians Be Patriotic in Countries Like China or North Korea? 43:30 Was the American Revolution Biblical? 51:34 Was George Washington a Christian? 56:44 Should Christians Say the Pledge of Allegiance? 58:20 Should Churches Display the American Flag? 1:00:39 Should Churches Have Fourth of July Celebrations? 1:02:11 Should Churches Sing Patriotic Songs During Worship? 1:05:03 Should Pastors Endorse Political Candidates? 1:08:57 Is It Sinful to Criticize Political Leaders? 1:09:12 Can Christians Insult Leaders They Pray For? 1:13:57 If God Chooses Leaders, Should Christians Still Vote? 1:18:35 Does It Slap: Grilled Chicken Nuggets? 1:19:50 Final Thoughts on Patriotism Watch BoBo & Precious - The Silliest Clowns in America Interview: https://youtu.be/kRvjc19RmVw [https://youtu.be/kRvjc19RmVw] ======================================= Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership': https://a.co/d/04ryklXw [https://a.co/d/04ryklXw] Have a question you want answered on the podcast? https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact [https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact] Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show: https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop [https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop] Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith? Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch [https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch] Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego: https://www.barabbas.com/ [https://www.barabbas.com/]https://www.youtube.com/@UC2WKb9eYB2YaXuqApM-UIlQ Want your podcast to look like this? We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego. Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live [https://www.vortexstudios.live/] Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype. Subscribe to our channel for more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alotofwordspodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/alotofwordspodcast/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/ [https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast] X (Twitter): https://x.com/alotofwordscast [https://x.com/alotofwordscast] Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords [https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast] Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl [https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl] More ways to listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw [https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw] Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630] Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180 [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180] Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/ [https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/]

Christian Dating: Online Dating, Deal Breakers & Pornography | Part 2

In Part 2 of our Christian Dating series, Matt and Brett explore practical biblical wisdom for relationships and marriage. Topics include physical boundaries before marriage, pornography, online dating, missionary dating, doctrinal differences, forgiveness after sexual sin, and choosing a godly spouse. If you're looking for clear, Scripture-based guidance on Christian dating, this episode addresses many of the questions believers wrestle with today. Topics covered in this episode: 00:00:00 Intro 00:12:41 Biblical Grounds for Divorce in an Abusive Marriage 00:12:56 What Counts as Physical Abuse in Marriage? 00:28:53 Is Jeremiah 29:11 a Promise for Christians Today? 00:33:10 Are We Unequally Yoked in This Relationship? 00:40:42 Is Church Hopping a Red Flag in Dating? 00:47:06 Should Men Always Initiate on Dating Apps? 00:50:50 How Involved Should Parents Be in Christian Dating? 00:58:45 What If a Father Disapproves of the Marriage? 01:01:16 Should Christians Have Opposite-Sex Friendships? 01:08:34 Should You Date Someone Recently Divorced? 01:11:12 Three Questions a Father Should Ask His Daughter’s Boyfriend 01:14:46 How to Break Up in a Biblical Way 01:21:12 Fighting Loneliness While Waiting for Marriage Watch BoBo & Precious - The Silliest Clowns in America Interview: https://youtu.be/kRvjc19RmVw [https://youtu.be/kRvjc19RmVw] ======================================= Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership': https://a.co/d/04ryklXw [https://a.co/d/04ryklXw] Have a question you want answered on the podcast? https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact [https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact] Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show: https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop [https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop] Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith? Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch [https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch] Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego: https://www.barabbas.com/ [https://www.barabbas.com/]https://www.youtube.com/@UC2WKb9eYB2YaXuqApM-UIlQ Want your podcast to look like this? We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego. Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live [https://www.vortexstudios.live/] Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype. Subscribe to our channel for more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alotofwordspodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/alotofwordspodcast/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/ [https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast] X (Twitter): https://x.com/alotofwordscast [https://x.com/alotofwordscast] Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords [https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast] Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl [https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl] More ways to listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw [https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw] Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630] Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180 [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180] Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/ [https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/]

Christian Dating: God’s Will, Soulmates & How Far Is Too Far? Part 1

Watch BoBo & Precious: The Silliest Clowns in America https://youtu.be/kRvjc19RmVw Is there one specific person God wants you to marry? How do Christians know if a relationship is God’s will? And how far is too far physically before marriage? In this episode of A Lot of Words, Brett and Pastor Matt tackle Christian dating, the soulmate myth, dating non-Christians, physical boundaries, kissing, loneliness, and why no spouse can ever satisfy what only Christ was meant to fulfill. Dating wisdom, idolatry checks, and the uncomfortable truth that “John MacArthur with abs” may not be walking through the church doors anytime soon. Topics In This Episode: 00:00:00 – Intro 00:06:27 — The Really Jim Healy Responds 00:10:28 — Will Humans Ever Live on Mars? 00:11:43 — Should We Spend Billions Going to Space? 00:14:33 — Would Pastor Matt Go to Space? 00:20:18 — Is Faith a Spectrum? 00:26:17 — How Do I Know I’m Marrying the Right Person? 00:37:13 — Did I Miss God’s Will by Marrying the Wrong Person? 00:42:28 — How Do I Find My Soulmate? 00:50:02 — How Far Is Too Far in Christian Dating? 00:57:12 — Can God Forgive Sexual Sin Before Marriage? 00:59:57 — Is Missionary Dating Ever Okay? 01:04:21 — What Is Christian Dating? 01:07:31 — Is Pornography Addiction a Dating Deal Breaker? 01:10:46 — Is Online Dating Wise for Christians? 01:11:49 — Deal-Breaking Doctrinal Differences in Dating ======================================= Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership': https://a.co/d/04ryklXw [https://a.co/d/04ryklXw] Have a question you want answered on the podcast? https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact [https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact] Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show: https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop [https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop] Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith? Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch [https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch] Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego: https://www.barabbas.com/ [https://www.barabbas.com/]https://www.youtube.com/@UC2WKb9eYB2YaXuqApM-UIlQ Want your podcast to look like this? We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego. Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live [https://www.vortexstudios.live/] Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype. Subscribe to our channel for more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alotofwordspodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/alotofwordspodcast/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/ [https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast] X (Twitter): https://x.com/alotofwordscast [https://x.com/alotofwordscast] Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords [https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast] Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl [https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl] More ways to listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw [https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw] Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630] Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180 [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180] Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/ [https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/]