Ep 58 | Treasuring Christ Above All Things (Luke 20:27-47)
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
Ep 57 | Building on the Cornerstone + Living as God’s Image-Bearers (Luke 20:9-26)
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
Ep 56 | Authority, Freedom, and Everyday Evangelism (Luke 20:1–8)
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
Ep 55 | Christ the True King
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
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 hope today. Plus: a quick word on why church membership matters.
25 Sep 18min
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 grace, not law, truly changes people from the inside out. We also clarify two common questions from the text: what “small in stature” likely means (both literally and socially) and how to read Zacchaeus’s “if I have defrauded” statement. Along the way, we briefly explain when and why our church addresses major cultural moments during worship, and we offer pastoral help on the difference between temptation and sin and the wise place of boundaries in the Christian life.
17 Sep 22min
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 blind man’s cry of “Son of David” is so significant, and how physical healing points to the greater spiritual healing Jesus brings. The conversation also looks at the blind man’s response of worship, connects it to other transformed lives like Zacchaeus, and challenges us to ask: Am I living for myself, or has grace truly changed me?
9 Sep 17min
