A Closer Look

In this Advent kickoff episode, Jason Smith sits down with John Wojnicki to unpack the first message in our series, Why Jesus Came. John preached on Christ’s purpose “to do the Father’s will,” leading to a rich discussion about obedience, adoption, and what it means to live faithfully between Jesus’ first and second comings. Together they explore how obedience shapes our joy, why God’s commands bring freedom rather than restriction, and how trusting the Father produces a “no problem” heart. They also reflect on family worship, suffering, hope, and a few fun Thanksgiving favorites.

3 Des 14min

In this third week of our In Christ series, Pastor Paul and Pastor Jason talk through what it really means to be holy in Christ. They unpack sanctification, our “set-apart” identity, and how we grow in holiness even though we’re already fully united to Christ. They also clarify a key statement from Sunday’s sermon about bringing Jesus “into our sin,” explore biblical discipline as an expression of God’s love, and discuss why love—not guilt or fear—is the deepest motivation for obedience.

18 Nov 16min

In this episode, Pastors Jason Smith and Paul Behneman dive deeper into what it truly means to be new in Christ. Building on Paul’s sermon from Romans 6:1–4, they discuss the believer’s identity as a saint rather than a sinner, the daily struggle against sin, and how God’s Word renews our minds. From confronting imposter syndrome to understanding sanctification and holiness, this conversation reminds us that through Christ, we are no longer defined by our sin but by our Savior.

12 Nov 14min

In this episode of A Closer Look, Pastor Jason Smith sits down with Pastor Paul Behneman to reflect on Paul’s message from Ephesians 1:3–14, “Blessed in Christ.” Together they discuss what it means to be “in Christ”—that what is true of Christ is true of believers spiritually—and how that reality changes how we live each day. Paul shares about God’s sovereignty in the midst of fear, how our failures can’t derail His purposes, and why knowing our identity in Christ brings freedom and assurance. They also talk about how worship and preaching often align under God’s providence and preview next week’s sermon, “New in Christ,” from 2 Corinthians 5:17.

4 Nov 17min

In this episode of A Closer Look, Pastor Jason Smith and Pastor Paul Behnamen reflect on Jason’s recent series through Luke 20 and how God has worked through both the text and Jason’s ongoing physical suffering. They discuss what it means to be “worthy” of the resurrection, the danger of seeking man’s approval, and how even good desires can distract from our ultimate treasure—Christ Himself. The conversation ends with encouragement to pursue faith in community and share the beauty of God’s Word with others.

28 Okt 19min

In this episode of A Closer Look, Jason Smith and Paul Behnamen discuss Luke 20:9–26 — exploring what it means to build your life on Jesus as the cornerstone, how to worship God daily beyond Sunday mornings, and how believers can faithfully engage the world while reflecting God’s image. They also talk candidly about motives, relationships, and living for God’s kingdom instead of our own.

21 Okt 18min

Pastors Jason Smith and Paul Behneman explore Luke 20:1-8, examining Jesus' response to questions about authority, the role of John the Baptist, and what it means to live under Christ's authority. They discuss freedom in Christ versus self-centered living, practical ways to share the gospel, and how to prioritize loving God above all relationships in daily life.

6 Okt 19min

Pastor Jason sits down with Pastor David to reflect on baptisms, sabbatical rest, and the sermon from Luke 19:28–48. Together they discuss the triumphal entry, the disciples’ growing recognition of Jesus as King, and what it truly means to receive Christ as the King we need—not the one we might imagine. Pastor David also shares about his upcoming sabbatical, the grace of rest in ministry, and the heart of Jesus for the lost.

30 Sep 15min