They Wanted Rome Gone. Jesus Wanted Sin Gone - Matthew 21:1-11

They Wanted Rome Gone. Jesus Wanted Sin Gone - Matthew 21:1-11

Intro: 0:00–5:42 Coffee Talk: 5:42–17:18 Scripture: 17:18–44:05 Closing Remarks: 44:05–49:30 ⸻ Intro Noah Wagner and Seth Pippin shift from their Genesis-to-Revelation reading plan to focus on Palm Sunday, walking through Matthew 21:1–11 and the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. They frame the episode around a central question: Is Jesus truly Lord of your life, or just someone you call on when you need Him? This moment marks the beginning of Jesus’ final week leading to the cross and resurrection. The hosts emphasize that while the crowd celebrated Him as King, many misunderstood who He truly was and what He came to do. ⸻ Coffee Talk Fasting and Coffee Changes Seth shares that he is currently participating in a 21 days of prayer and fasting, cutting back on coffee and other comfort items like caffeine and possibly social media. Coffee Preferences The hosts talk through their preferences:     •    Seth:     •    Espresso → Italian     •    Overall → Cuban/Cuban roast     •    Noah:     •    Prefers single-origin beans     •    Likes light to medium roasts     •    Best coffee experience: fresh Peruvian beans from an open market They also discuss flavor profiles:     •    Chocolatey vs citrusy     •    Notes like raspberry and even bubble gum Noah jokes about running out of beans and having to use a Keurig Café Bustelo, while Deanna forgot the coffee run. ⸻ Funny Life Moments     •    Joey’s birthday gifts for youth ministry included:     •    Dr Pepper     •    Coca-Cola gummy candies     •    Brownie brittle     •    Faith forgot to grab the gifts while walking through Walmart’s massive clearance aisles     •    Starbucks continues to mess up names:     •    “Seth” → S-E-F     •    “Noah” → Noodle ⸻ Sponsor Highlight – Fresh Grounds Coffee     •    Affordable     •    Fresh beans roasted and ground in-house     •    Fresh food (not frozen)     •    Strong community feel     •    Mission-driven: advancing the work of God locally and beyond Official coffee provider of the podcast ⸻ Scripture Reading Plan Recap (Joshua & Judges) Joshua 5–6     •    Passover celebrated in the Promised Land     •    Joshua meets the commander of the Lord’s army     •    Jericho falls through obedience, not military strength Key Idea: God fights the battle. ⸻ Joshua 7–8     •    Achan’s hidden sin brings defeat     •    Sin affects the entire community     •    Repentance restores God’s blessing ⸻ Joshua 23–24     •    Joshua’s final charge     •    “Choose this day whom you will serve”     •    Everyone serves something—faithfulness is a daily decision ⸻ Judges 2–4     •    Cycle begins:     •    Sin     •    Oppression     •    Crying out     •    Deliverance     •    God uses unexpected people like Deborah and Barak ⸻ Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1–11) The Setting Jesus enters Jerusalem one week before His crucifixion.     •    Location: Near Bethphage, Mount of Olives     •    He sends disciples to get a donkey and colt     •    Instruction: “The Lord needs them.” ⸻ Jesus’ Lordship This phrase highlights Jesus’ authority:     •    Not just teacher     •    Not just helper     •    But Lord—King over everything The Challenge Do we treat Jesus as:     •    A helper when life is hard?     •    Or the Lord who leads our entire life? Even the disciples struggled with this:     •    Betrayal     •    Denial     •    Fear They had not fully grasped His lordship yet. ⸻ Why Jesus Must Be Lord     •    2 Corinthians 5:17 → New creation in Christ     •    John 1 → Jesus is God in the flesh     •    Colossians 1:15 → Image of the invisible God C.S. Lewis’ Trilemma Jesus is either:     •    Liar     •    Lunatic     •    Lord There is no middle ground. ⸻ Fulfillment of Prophecy Jesus fulfills Zechariah 9:9: “Your king is coming… humble and mounted on a donkey.” The hosts highlight:     •    Jesus fulfilled 300+ prophecies     •    The statistical probability is astronomically small Conclusion: This is not coincidence—this is divine fulfillment. ⸻ The Crowd’s Response     •    People lay down cloaks and palm branches     •    They shout:     •    “Hosanna” (Save us!)     •    “Blessed is the King!” The Problem They wanted:     •    A political savior     •    Freedom from Rome But Jesus came to bring:     •    Freedom from sin ⸻ Jesus Weeps (Luke 19:41–42) Jesus looks at Jerusalem and weeps. Why? Because they missed what truly brings peace. ⸻ Misunderstanding Jesus     •    Some call Him a prophet     •    Days later, the same crowd cries: “Crucify Him” Warning Don’t follow Jesus based on:     •    Culture     •    Emotion     •    Convenience This leads to a shallow, “pocket Jesus” faith. ⸻ Closing Remarks The episode closes with a strong challenge: Examine Your Allegiance Are you:     •    Using Jesus for help?     •    Or surrendering to Him as Lord? ⸻ True Relationship with God God is not:     •    A last resort     •    A crisis solution He is:     •    Lord of your life daily ⸻ Easter Week Challenge As Easter approaches:     •    Enjoy traditions (food, egg hunts, family time)     •    BUT intentionally talk about:     •    The cross     •    The resurrection     •    What Jesus means personally ⸻ Final Encouragement     •    Reflect on Jesus’ lordship this week     •    Spend time in the key passages     •    Prepare your heart for Easter

Don’t Take This for Granite - Joshua 4

Timestamps Intro: 0:00–6:10 Coffee Talk: 6:10–17:35 Scripture: 17:35–45:20 Closing Remarks: 45:20–50:48 ⸻ Intro Noah Wagner and Seth Pippin open the episode by setting up the transition from Deuteronomy into Joshua, marking a major moment in Israel’s story—moving from wandering in the wilderness to stepping into the Promised Land. They highlight Joshua 3–4 as the focal point, centering on Israel crossing the Jordan River. The key idea introduced early is that: God is always faithful—but He doesn’t always work the same way. They also set up the theme of remembrance, emphasizing that one of Israel’s greatest struggles wasn’t ignorance—it was forgetfulness. This episode aims to show why remembering God’s faithfulness is essential for future obedience. ⸻ Coffee Talk The conversation begins with weather updates and light banter. Seth shares that Missouri is warming up (around 77°F), while Florida is experiencing an unusual cold snap—even freezing temperatures. He jokes about having to bring an orange tree inside to protect it. Fresh Grounds Story Noah tells a hilarious story from Fresh Grounds Coffee:     •    He ordered a caramel apple butter shaken espresso with spiced brown sugar cold foam     •    During preparation, the lid popped off while shaking     •    The barista (Taylor) got covered in hot espresso The drink had to be remade, but in the end, it was still declared “delicious.” Shout-outs are given to:     •    Peyton     •    Taylor     •    Robbie Home Coffee Setup Seth shares updates on his home setup:     •    Dialing in a new grinder     •    Made his wife an iced brown sugar caramel latte     •    Personally kept it simple with a cold brew + milk + one pump vanilla Starbucks Name Fails The classic jokes return:     •    “Seth” → “Sef”     •    “Noah” → “Noodle” Sponsor Highlight – Fresh Grounds Coffee They emphasize why Fresh Grounds stands out:     •    Affordable (not overcomplicated or overpriced)     •    Fresh beans roasted and ground in-house     •    Fresh food, not frozen     •    Strong community feel—they know customers by name     •    Mission-driven, aiming to further the work of God Declared again as the official coffee provider of the podcast. ⸻ Scripture Reading Plan Recap Deuteronomy 8–9 Moses reminds Israel to stay humble and not forget that every blessing comes from God—not their own righteousness. Deuteronomy 30–31, 32, 34     •    Call to choose life and obedience     •    Promise of restoration if they return to God     •    Moses prepares Joshua and repeatedly says: “Be strong and courageous”     •    Moses dies after seeing the land from afar     •    Leadership passes to Joshua Joshua 1–2     •    God commissions Joshua     •    The people commit to follow him     •    Rahab demonstrates faith by protecting the spies ⸻ Joshua 3–4 — Crossing the Jordan The Situation Israel stands at the edge of the Jordan River, the final barrier before entering the Promised Land.     •    It’s flood season     •    The river is deep (up to ~40 feet in areas)     •    Humanly impossible to cross ⸻ God’s Different Method The hosts compare this moment to the Red Sea crossing: Red Sea (Exodus 14):     •    Immediate miracle     •    Waters split instantly     •    Big, dramatic moment Jordan River (Joshua 3):     •    Priests step into the water first     •    Nothing seems to happen at first     •    God works upstream, out of sight     •    Time passes before the waters fully stop Key Truth God often works where you can’t see before you see results. Faith requires:     •    Stepping first     •    Then waiting ⸻ Memorial Stones (Joshua 4) God commands Israel to set up 12 stones as a memorial.     •    One man from each tribe gathers a stone     •    Stones are taken from the middle of the Jordan     •    Another set is placed in the river itself Purpose When future generations ask: “What do these stones mean?” The answer becomes a testimony:     •    God stopped the waters     •    God made a way     •    God was faithful ⸻ Why Remembrance Matters The hosts point out a pattern: Israel constantly forgets what God has already done:     •    The plagues     •    The Red Sea     •    Manna in the wilderness     •    Water from the rock They compare it to having a “goldfish memory.” Big Idea Forgetting God leads to doubting God. The memorial stones prepare Israel for what’s next—Jericho—by reminding them of what God already did. ⸻ Application 1. Step in Faith You may not see God working immediately.     •    He may be working upstream     •    Trust His timing ⸻ 2. Build Memorials Create intentional reminders of God’s faithfulness:     •    Journals     •    Notes     •    Physical objects (like stones)     •    Digital reminders Example shared:     •    Writing a takeaway on a rock during a mission trip     •    One said: “God is worthy” ⸻ 3. Tell the Story Don’t keep what God has done to yourself.     •    Share testimonies     •    Talk about God’s faithfulness     •    “Brag on God,” not yourself This connects directly to Deuteronomy 6—teaching the next generation. ⸻ 4. Influence the Next Generation Everyone has influence:     •    Parents     •    Leaders     •    Friends     •    Mentors Key phrase: “You replicate what you celebrate.” What you consistently highlight will shape what others value. ⸻ 5. Build a Culture of Celebration At First Baptist Marshfield, they intentionally ask: “What are we celebrating?” Example:     •    A costly sound system issue had a cheaper solution     •    Result: restored worship and livestream They celebrate not just big spiritual moments, but everyday provision. ⸻ Closing Remarks The episode wraps by reinforcing the central challenge:     •    Step into your “Jordan” even when it doesn’t make sense     •    Trust God even when nothing seems to be happening yet     •    Remember what God has already done They encourage listeners to:     •    Create personal memorials     •    Share their testimonies     •    Build rhythms of remembering and celebrating God’s faithfulness Final takeaway: When your next “Jericho” comes, your past “Jordan” will give you the faith to move forward.

Upward, Inward, Outward - Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Timestamps Intro: 0:00–5:21 Coffee Talk: 5:21–14:07 Scripture: 14:07–38:08 Closing Remarks: 38:08–42:34 ⸻ Intro Noah Wagner and Seth Pippin introduce the episode centered on Deuteronomy 6:4–7, commonly known as the Shema. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” They explain that the Shema is one of the most foundational statements in all of Scripture and has shaped Jewish identity and worship for centuries. The hosts frame the episode around a simple discipleship structure that flows out of this passage:     •    Upward Focus – devotion to God     •    Inward Focus – Scripture shaping the heart     •    Outward Focus – living and teaching God’s truth They also introduce the Bible reading plan that has been walking through Numbers and Deuteronomy, leading up to Israel’s entry into the Promised Land. ⸻ Coffee Talk The conversation begins with updates about the weather in Missouri, where temperatures recently climbed into the mid-to-high 70s, along with storms that brought rain without the heavy humidity often experienced in Florida. Seth shares a funny memory from Florida involving a rare frost-covered windshield. Without a scraper, he used a credit card to scrape ice off the car before later being gifted a proper scraper. Seasonal changes also bring heavy pollen and allergies, something Noah mentions his son dealing with recently. Starbucks Name Mishaps The hosts laugh about Starbucks frequently misspelling their names:     •    Seth once received “S-E-F”     •    Noah once received “Noodle” instead of Noah Coffee Update in Missouri Since moving to Marshfield, Seth has discovered:     •    Two local coffee shops     •    One coffee truck     •    All of them appear to be Christian-owned businesses Because budgets are tighter right now, they have not secured a new sponsor locally yet and are brewing more coffee at home. Fresh Grounds Coffee Feature They highlight Fresh Grounds Coffee in Bonifay, Florida, the official coffee provider of the podcast. Noah mentions greeting David and Michelle, the owners, before recording. He also notes two upcoming events:     •    His 5-year wedding anniversary     •    St. Patrick’s Day next week Irish Cream Latte Taste Test During the episode Noah tries an iced Irish cream latte with sweet cream cold foam. They clarify that while traditional Irish cream contains alcohol, this drink is non-alcoholic. The flavor is described as:     •    Creamy     •    Slightly vanilla     •    Mild nutty taste Even though the drink had been sitting in the sun for about 20 minutes, Noah still calls it “delicious.” Sponsor Highlights Fresh Grounds Coffee is praised for:     •    Affordable drinks     •    Freshly roasted beans ground in-house     •    Fresh food rather than frozen items     •    A strong community atmosphere     •    A mission focused on advancing the work of God locally and beyond Their philosophy is summarized as: “Real coffee, real community, real impact.” ⸻ Scripture Reading Plan Recap The hosts review the recent Bible reading plan leading up to the book of Joshua. Numbers 20 God commands Moses to speak to the rock, but Moses strikes it instead. Water still comes out, but because of this act of disobedience Moses and Aaron are not allowed to enter the Promised Land. Numbers 27:12–23 God instructs Moses to appoint Joshua as the next leader, preparing Israel for the transition of leadership. Numbers 34–35 God outlines the boundaries and tribal divisions of the Promised Land, demonstrating His detailed plan for Israel’s future. Deuteronomy 1–4 Moses recounts Israel’s history and reminds the new generation of God’s faithfulness as they prepare to enter the land. ⸻ The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4–7) The central passage of the episode is the Shema, beginning with: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” The word Shema means more than simply hearing—it means listening, internalizing, and obeying. Historically this passage held enormous importance in Jewish culture:     •    Children memorized it at a very young age     •    Many memorized the first five books of the Bible     •    Jesus quoted Deuteronomy more than any other Old Testament book The hosts also mention that Deuteronomy 6:4–7 is the verse of the year at First Baptist Bonifay. ⸻ Upward Focus The first application of the Shema is complete devotion to God. Believers are commanded to love God with:     •    All their heart     •    All their soul     •    All their strength This represents wholehearted devotion, not just emotional affection. The hosts explain that God cannot share first place with other priorities like:     •    Career     •    Finances     •    Sports     •    Activities     •    Even family commitments They use the analogy of texting while driving to illustrate divided focus. Looking away for five seconds while driving at highway speed means traveling the length of a football field without watching the road. Similarly, spiritual distraction can pull believers away from full devotion to God. ⸻ Inward Focus Verse 6 says: “These words that I command you today shall be on your heart.” This means God’s Word should shape a believer’s identity, thinking, and decisions. The hosts point out that many voices compete for influence today:     •    Social media     •    Politics     •    News     •    Influencers     •    Podcasts But Scripture must remain the primary source of truth guiding life. They reference 2 Timothy 3:16–17, explaining that Scripture equips believers for every good work. They also mention research showing that people who engage Scripture four or more times per week experience significant spiritual growth, including:     •    Increased likelihood of sharing their faith     •    Greater Scripture memorization     •    Decreased struggles with loneliness, anxiety, and temptation ⸻ Outward Focus Verses 7–9 instruct believers to teach God’s truth continually throughout daily life. Faith should be visible not just in church but in everyday routines:     •    Sitting at home     •    Walking along the road     •    Lying down     •    Getting up Family members and close friends should clearly recognize that Christ is the highest priority. The hosts emphasize that children especially learn priorities through actions, not simply words. They also discuss the idea of “gospel fluency.” People naturally talk about what they love:     •    Grandparents talk about grandchildren     •    Sports fans talk about their teams     •    Fitness enthusiasts talk about workouts In the same way, believers who love God will naturally speak about Him. Passions like sports, hobbies, and activities can become mission fields where believers live out their faith. ⸻ Closing Remarks The episode closes by summarizing the three key applications of the Shema. Upward Focus Love God with undivided devotion and keep Him at the center of every area of life. Inward Focus Allow Scripture to shape the heart, identity, and daily decisions. Outward Focus Live and speak in ways that continually reflect God’s truth to those around you. The hosts encourage listeners to continue following the Bible reading plan as it moves toward Joshua and Israel entering the Promised Land, and they again encourage listeners to visit Fresh Grounds Coffee in Bonifay, Florida.

Your Mission, should you choose to accept it - Numbers 13-14

Timestamps Intro: 0:00–1:30 Coffee Talk: 1:30–12:00 Scripture: 12:00–49:30 Closing Remarks: 49:30–52:54 ⸻ Intro Hosts Noah Wagner and Seth Pippin are joined by Lyndon Glover to discuss Numbers 13–14, one of the most pivotal moments in Israel’s wilderness journey. The episode focuses on the contrast between faith and fear, highlighting how the majority of Israel chose fear despite God’s clear promises. The conversation also ties this story to modern discipleship—showing how believers today must decide whether they will trust God’s promises or allow fear to control their decisions. ⸻ Coffee Talk The hosts share updates and coffee experiences from both Florida and Missouri. At Fresh Grounds Coffee in Bonifay, Noah and Lyndon ordered iced Americanos, keeping it simple and strong. Seth shares about exploring coffee shops in Missouri since moving: Rise Coffee     •    Higher quality coffee     •    Limited seating     •    More of a grab-and-go atmosphere The Prickly Cactus     •    Cozy seating and couches     •    Western-style atmosphere     •    Uses Da Vinci syrups Seth also describes his home coffee setup, which includes:     •    Espresso machine     •    French press     •    Cold brew     •    A large syrup collection (including duplicates like white chocolate and peppermint) His current favorite drink is cold brew with brown sugar and cinnamon, served without cream. Sponsor Highlight The podcast again highlights Fresh Grounds Coffee as the official coffee provider of the show. They emphasize:     •    Affordable coffee     •    Beans roasted and ground in-house     •    Fresh food (not frozen)     •    A strong sense of community     •    A mission-focused approach to serving Bonifay and supporting God’s work They humorously contrast this with Starbucks experiences, including complicated drink orders, high prices, and frequent misspellings of their names. ⸻ Scripture Reading Plan Recap This week’s reading covered several key sections of the Old Testament: Leviticus 23 God establishes Israel’s sacred calendar with feasts such as:     •    Passover     •    Unleavened Bread     •    First Fruits     •    Pentecost     •    Trumpets     •    Day of Atonement     •    Tabernacles These celebrations reminded Israel of God’s redemption and provision. Leviticus 26 God outlines blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience, reinforcing the principle that God’s commands lead to life and freedom. Numbers 1–14, 16–17 The hosts describe the repeating pattern seen throughout Israel’s wilderness journey: Rebellion → Consequences → Mercy → Temporary Repentance → Repeat Examples include:     •    Complaints about manna     •    Miriam and Aaron challenging Moses     •    The spies’ report     •    God confirming leadership through Aaron’s staff ⸻ Numbers 13–14: The Spies and the Crisis of Faith The Mission Moses sends twelve spies to scout the Promised Land. They return with incredible evidence of the land’s abundance, including a massive cluster of grapes carried by two men. The land truly flows with milk and honey. The Problem Despite the promise and evidence, ten spies focus on the obstacles:     •    Strong nations     •    Fortified cities     •    Giants in the land Their conclusion: “We are not able to go up against the people.” They exaggerate the threat, claiming they felt like grasshoppers compared to the inhabitants. Caleb’s Response Caleb stands in stark contrast and boldly declares: “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” His confidence is rooted in God’s promise, not Israel’s strength. Israel’s Rebellion The people respond with fear and despair:     •    They weep all night     •    Complain against Moses and Aaron     •    Wish they had died in Egypt     •    Propose returning to slavery Joshua and Caleb tear their clothes and plead with the people not to rebel against God. But instead of listening, the people consider stoning them. ⸻ God’s Judgment and Mercy God appears and declares judgment on the unbelieving generation. Because they refused to trust Him:     •    The generation that left Egypt will not enter the Promised Land     •    Israel will wander the wilderness for 40 years However, Caleb (and Joshua) are spared because they followed the Lord fully. ⸻ Presumptuous Obedience After hearing the judgment, some Israelites attempt to invade the land anyway. Moses warns them that God is not with them, but they go anyway. The result is defeat at the hands of the Amalekites and Canaanites. This moment shows that partial obedience after rebellion is not the same as genuine faith. ⸻ Key Lessons from the Passage Fear is the Great Liar God had already promised to give Israel the land. Fear caused them to reinterpret that promise as impossible. The hosts challenge listeners to consider where fear might be overpowering their trust in God. ⸻ God Sees What We Cannot Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds believers that God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours. Because God sees the full picture, His instructions can be trusted even when circumstances look impossible. ⸻ Following God Is Costly The Christian life requires surrender. Examples discussed include:     •    The rich young ruler     •    Jesus’ call to deny yourself and take up your cross     •    The treasure hidden in a field Seth shares his personal example of moving to Missouri for ministry, explaining how obedience required saying “yes” before seeing the outcome. ⸻ Life Is Found Only in God Israel believed returning to Egypt or dying in the wilderness would be better than trusting God. But the hosts emphasize that true life is only found in relationship with God. The world promises life but ultimately leads to emptiness. ⸻ There Is a Time When It Is Too Late Once God pronounced judgment, Israel could not reverse the consequences by trying to fix things themselves. The hosts draw a spiritual parallel: While someone is alive, it is not too late to respond to God—but no one is promised tomorrow. ⸻ Closing Remarks The episode concludes with a clear gospel invitation. God demonstrated His love by sending Jesus Christ to:     •    Die for our sins     •    Be buried     •    Rise from the dead Listeners are encouraged to respond by:     •    Repenting of sin     •    Believing in Jesus     •    Making Him Lord and King of their lives The hosts emphasize the urgency of responding to the gospel today, because no one is guaranteed the next moment. They close by encouraging listeners to continue the Bible reading plan and share the podcast with others.

Moses’ Glow up - Exodus 34:29–35

BIBLICAL TEXT (8:10–46:20) 8:10–11:20 — Setting the Passage Primary Text: Exodus 34:29–35 (NIV) Context:     •    Golden calf rebellion     •    Moses’ intercession     •    Covenant renewal Key phrase: “Seek God’s face before you seek God’s hand.” ⸻ 11:20–23:10 — Moses’ Radiant Face & Fear of Glory     •    Moses descends Sinai with second tablets     •    His face shines from speaking with the Lord     •    He doesn’t realize it — others notice first     •    The Israelites are afraid Key insights:     •    God’s presence visibly changes people     •    Moses’ radiance was reflected, not inherent     •    Fear of the Lord = reverent awe, not terror     •    Exodus 34:6–7 highlights God’s compassionate yet just character     •    Balance between avoiding God in shame and presuming on grace ⸻ 23:10–29:40 — The Veil     •    Moses veils his face before the people     •    Removes it when meeting with God     •    The radiance fades over time Meaning:     •    The Old Covenant glory was real but temporary     •    The veil symbolizes spiritual blindness     •    Fear, shame, and unbelief can function as personal veils ⸻ 29:40–36:10 — 2 Corinthians 3 Paul interprets the veil:     •    The veil is removed in Christ     •    “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”     •    Believers behold God with unveiled faces     •    Transformation happens “from glory to glory” Transformation is ongoing and Spirit-driven. ⸻ 36:10–46:20 — Christ’s Fulfillment & Application     •    Moses’ glory faded     •    Christ’s glory is permanent     •    The veil is torn through Jesus     •    Access to God is open Practical application:     •    Reflect Christ visibly in conduct     •    You reflect what you’re around     •    Saturate life in Scripture and prayer     •    Practice spiritual disciplines for connection, not completion     •    Expect gradual transformation ⸻ OUTRO (46:20–49:36) 46:20–49:36 — Final Encouragement     •    Sanctification is steady, not instant     •    Daily surrender matters     •    Seek God’s presence consistently     •    Share the episode as a resource     •    Goal: deeper Bible engagement throughout the week