Ep 54 | Expectations vs. Reality: The Parable of the Ten Minas
Pastors Jason and David unpack Luke 19:11–27—how Jesus resets messianic expectations, what faithful “business” looks like, how to think about heavenly rewards, and how his promised return shapes our h...
25 Sep 202518min
Ep 53 | Grace That Changes: Zacchaeus and the Fruit of Salvation
In this episode, we take a closer look at Luke 19:1–10 and Zacchaeus’s encounter with Jesus. Pastor David unpacks why Zacchaeus’s restitution is fruit of salvation—not a way to earn it—showing how gra...
17 Sep 202522min
Ep 52 | From Blindness to Worship
This week on A Closer Look, Pastors Jason and David reflect on Luke 18 and the healing of the blind man. They discuss how the gospel writers emphasize different details without contradiction, why the ...
9 Sep 202517min
Ep 51 | Celebrating God’s Work & Living as His Witnesses
In this episode of the Valley Center Community Church podcast, Jason Smith and Pastor David reflect on the Fall Kickoff Sunday under the tent—a time of worship, fellowship, and celebration of God’s fa...
3 Sep 202516min
Ep 50 | Ladders vs. the Cross: Eternal Life in Christ
In this episode of A Closer Look, Pastor Jason and Pastor David reflect on Luke 18:18–30 and the story of the rich ruler. They unpack the meaning of eternal zoe—true life as God intended—and contrast ...
25 Aug 202520min
Ep 49 | Raising Children as Disciples (Luke 18:15–17)
In this episode of A Closer Look, Pastors Jason and David dive into Luke 18:15–17, where parents bring even infants to Jesus. They explore the cultural view of children in Jesus’ day versus the biblic...
19 Aug 202520min
Ep 48 | The Kingdom of God, End Times, and the Rapture
This week on A Closer Look, Pastors Jason and David explore Luke 17:20–37 and Jesus’ teaching on the coming of the kingdom of God. What kind of kingdom were the people expecting — and what kind of kin...
30 Juli 202520min
Ep 47 | Gratitude, Healing, and True Worship
In this episode of A Closer Look, Pastors Jason and David dive into Luke 17:11–19 and the story of the ten lepers. Why does Luke emphasize Jesus' journey to Jerusalem? What distinguishes the one heale...
21 Juli 202519min
