Matt & Josiah welcome special guest, Missionary Bob Mach (Ivory Coast, West Africa) to discuss 29 years of foreign missionary work. Bob offers advice for those considering missions work. He emphasizes the importance of being called by God and supported by a local church. The need for practical preparation, such as visiting the mission field, learning the language, and understanding the healthcare system is crucial to long term mission work. Bob shares a powerful story of starting a church in a village and highlights the providence of God in missions work. They also touch on the qualities pastors should look for in potential missionaries, including a strong support system, good health, and maturity. In this conversation, Bob Mach shares his insights on evaluating missionary candidates, the importance of a strong foundation in the local church, and the need for clear communication and support from churches. He also discusses his own experiences on the mission field, including moments of crisis and the importance of family and practicality in staying on the field. Bob emphasizes the need for pastors to invest in and train the next generation of missionaries, and shares his vision for the future of the ministry in Ivory Coast. Takeaways Being called by God and supported by a local church are crucial for missionaries. Practical preparation, such as visiting the mission field and learning the language, is important for success. Understanding the healthcare system in the mission field is essential for missionaries and their families. Starting a church in a new culture requires maturity and a strong support system. Pastors should look for qualities such as a strong support system, good health, and maturity in potential missionaries. Evaluate missionary candidates based on their maturity, local church foundation, and health situation. A strong foundation in the local church is crucial for missionaries to stay on the field. Clear and consistent communication, such as short emails, is important for missionaries. Churches can support missionaries by being deliberate and encouraging during the pre-field stage, and by providing practical help and resources. The call to missions is not always mystical or supernatural, but can be a result of a burden and a desire to see the gospel proclaimed around the world. Motorhomes can be a practical tool for missionaries during deputation or furlough. Investing in family time and involving the family in church activities is important for missionaries. Pastors have a responsibility to train and support the next generation of missionaries. The success of missionary work often depends on the collaboration between well-trained national pastors and missionaries. Missions is an exhilarating adventure that requires a willingness to be used by God and a commitment to training and submission.

Email us [email protected] In this conversation, Matt and Josiah discuss their experiences with differing opinions on celebrating holidays, specifically Christmas and Easter. They share stories of people who believed these holidays were wicked and should not be celebrated. They also talk about the importance of respecting each other's beliefs and not judging or despising one another. They reference Romans 14, which addresses doubtful disputations and the judgment of Christ. They emphasize the need to focus on our own faith and relationship with God rather than getting caught up in disputes over non-essential matters. The conversation explores the themes of judgment, doubt, and the balance between personal liberty and consideration for others. It highlights the importance of prioritizing God's perspective over the opinions of others and the need for self-reflection and self-judgment. The concept of the weaker brother is discussed, emphasizing the need for understanding and respect. The conversation also touches on the danger of pride and the importance of humility in interactions with fellow believers. In this conversation, Josiah and Matthew discuss the importance of considering weaker believers and the potential stumbling blocks that our actions may create for them. They emphasize the need to be cautious in exercising our liberties and to prioritize the edification and well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ. They also touch on the topic of celebrating Christmas and how to navigate potential compromises. The key takeaway is to be fully persuaded in our own minds and to consider how our actions may affect others and the kingdom of God.

Matthew and Josiah discuss their recent busy schedules and ministry activities. Josiah shares his experience attending his brother-in-law's ordination in Arkansas and reflects on his own ordination process. Matthew shares his own ordination experience coming out of Bible college. They discuss the importance of family and prioritizing relationships in ministry. They also touch on the significance of the ordination council and the questions asked during the process. In this conversation, Matthew and Josiah discuss the process of ordination and the importance of character in ministry. They share personal stories and insights, emphasizing the need for humility, faithfulness, and a deep knowledge of the Word of God. They highlight that ordination is not just a one-time event, but a lifelong journey of growth and surrender to God's will.Keywordsministry, ordination, family, priorities, church, mentorship, ordination, character, ministry, faithfulness, knowledge of the Word, humilityTakeaways Being involved in ministry can be busy and demanding, but it is important to prioritize family and relationships. Ordination is a significant milestone in a pastor's life, representing the recognition and approval of fellow pastors and mentors. The ordination process often involves questions about theological beliefs, family life, and ministry priorities. Having mentors and experienced pastors in one's life can provide guidance and support throughout the ministry journey. Each person's ordination experience is unique, but the common thread is the calling and faithfulness of God. Ordination is a process that involves a closer examination of a candidate's beliefs and character by a council of pastors. Preparation for ordination involves a lifetime of faithfulness, a deep understanding of the Word of God, and a willingness to be corrected and molded by the Holy Spirit. Character is more important than the ability to preach or perform well in ministry. It includes how one treats their family, interacts with others, and lives out the teachings of the Bible. The ministry is about the multiplication of God's Word and the glorification of Jesus Christ, not about personal fame or success. Being ordained is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of growth and service in the ministry.

[email protected] In this conversation, Matthew and Josiah discuss marriage and the importance of leadership and love in a marital relationship. They emphasize the need for husbands to lead their wives with patience, understanding, and a desire to sanctify and cleanse their homes. They also highlight the high divorce rate among Christians and the need for couples to take their marriage vows seriously. The conversation explores the importance of unconditional and sacrificial love in marriage, drawing from the example of Christ's love for the church. It emphasizes the need for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, showing unconditional and sacrificial love. The conversation also highlights the importance of knowing and understanding your spouse, dwelling with them according to knowledge. It encourages men to have the right view of themselves as leaders and to recognize their own sinfulness and need for Christ's love. The conversation concludes by reminding listeners of the epic plan that God has for marriage, involving the past, present, and future, and the importance of not dwelling on past mistakes or accusations.

Email Us Summary In this conversation, Matt and Josiah discuss their preferences for March Madness and the overwhelming nature of the tournament. They also share their family bracket competition and the importance of engaging in fun and clean activities with kids. The conversation then transitions to a recap of the previous episode on Dourtship, a combination of courtship and dating. They provide an overview of the book of Ephesians, focusing on the doctrinal clarity and the mystery of the church. They emphasize the importance of understanding our position in Christ and recommend the book 'Sit, Walk, Stand' by Watchman Nee. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the purpose of the church in revealing the glory of God. The conversation explores the themes of being in Christ Jesus, the practical steps in the church, the spiritual and physical aspects of the body of Christ, the wealth and walk in Ephesians, the motivation and power to live as God wants, balancing doctrine and application, living in heavenly places and walking on earth, the practical side of preaching, the importance of practical application, applying Ephesians to marriage, and the commands and Christ in the church, specifically wives submitting to husbands. Takeaways Engaging in fun and clean activities with kids can create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. Understanding our position in Christ is crucial for living the Christian life. The book of Ephesians provides doctrinal clarity and reveals the mystery of the church. The purpose of the church is to show the glory of God to the world. Being in Christ Jesus is a blessing that should lead us to give Him glory in the church. The book of Ephesians covers both the spiritual and practical aspects of the body of Christ. Understanding the wealth we have in Christ is essential for living out our walk in Him. The motivation and power to live as God wants comes from being strengthened by the Spirit in the inner man. Balancing doctrine and application is crucial for a healthy Christian walk. Living in heavenly places should impact how we walk on earth, including our relationships and marriages. Recognize Christ as the head and authority in the home Wives are commanded to submit to their husbands, and husbands are commanded to love and sacrifice for their wives Handle difficult situations in marriage with humility and a focus on glorifying God Submission and humility in marriage reflect the example of Christ and the church

Email us [email protected] Takeaways Courtship involves more accountability, parental and family involvement, and a serious purpose of determining compatibility for marriage. Dating tends to be more casual, with a lack of accountability and a focus on personal goals and desires. There is a lack of maturity in today's society, which can affect relationships and decision-making. Open communication and understanding are essential in navigating relationships in today's society. Courtship in Josiah's family involved accountability, parental involvement, and time for getting to know each other. Parental control and authority played a significant role in the courtship process. There is a need to push back against the transactional nature of dating and the hookup culture. Staying true to biblical principles and avoiding the secular culture is crucial in dating and relationships. Avoid the 'one and only' mentality when it comes to finding a spouse and recognize the importance of grace and God's sovereignty in relationships. Focus on personal growth and character development before entering into a relationship. Seek the counsel of parents and honor their authority in the process of finding a spouse. Trust in God's plan and timing for your life and rely on His grace to work things out.

[email protected] In this episode, the hosts and their guest discuss their trip to California and attending the Pastors and Workers Conference. They reminisce about their experiences at different churches and the appreciation for preachers and their fundamental heritage. The conversation delves into the differences between Bible College and Institute, with a focus on the advantages of each. They also discuss the importance of expository preaching and the impact it has had on their ministries. The episode concludes with a reflection on the value of learning the Bible and the role of personal development in ministry training. This conversation explores the benefits and challenges of learning and teaching the Bible in different educational settings. The speakers discuss the importance of truly learning and understanding the message in Scripture, particularly through expository preaching. They also touch on the practical skills needed in ministry and the role of Bible colleges and institutes in preparing individuals for ministry. The conversation emphasizes the need for individuals to seek God's guidance and make informed decisions about their education and ministry path. Attending conferences and visiting different churches can provide inspiration and appreciation for preachers and the fundamental heritage. The choice between Bible College and Institute depends on individual circumstances and preferences, with each offering unique advantages. Expository preaching, focusing on teaching the Bible verse by verse, can have a profound impact on ministry and the understanding of Scripture. Learning the Bible and personal character development are essential aspects of ministry training. The experiences and influences of mentors and teachers shape the approach to ministry and preaching. Learning and teaching the Bible requires a deep understanding of the message in Scripture. Expository preaching is a valuable tool for truly learning and communicating the Bible's message. Practical skills, such as music and preaching, can be learned through various educational settings. The choice between Bible college and institute depends on individual circumstances and goals. Knowing the Bible and seeking God's guidance are essential for effective ministry.

In this conversation, Matt and Josiah discuss the concept of God's will and how to discern it. They explore the difference between God's permissive will and His directive will, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's life with God's revealed will in Scripture. They also discuss the idea of fulfilling God's calling and how God can use even our mistakes and sinful actions to accomplish His purposes. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for believers to seek God's will and trust in His guidance. Takeaways God can use us even when we make wrong decisions or go against His specific will. Trusting, delighting, and committing our ways to the Lord are key in seeking His will. God's ultimate will for us is to be conformed to the image of Christ. Understanding the difference between the will and plan of God can provide clarity in decision-making. God's will can be understood as both permissive and directive. He allows certain things to happen while also directing specific actions. It is important to align one's life with God's revealed will in Scripture and seek to fulfill His calling. Even when we make mistakes or go against God's will, He can still work within those circumstances to accomplish His purposes. Believers should strive to walk with new believers and help them understand and obey God's will.

In this episode, Matt and Josiah discuss their recent experiences and provide updates on their ministries and families. They then delve into the topic of worship, emphasizing the importance of surrender and obedience in worship. They define worship as ascribing worth to God and removing self from the picture. They highlight the significance of bowing in worship and encourage listeners to start their worship journey by studying the Word of God and acknowledging who God is. They also discuss the connection between worship and Bible study, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the character and person of God. This conversation explores the importance of reading, cross-referencing, and applying Scripture in worship. It emphasizes the need to understand true worship and move away from worldly connotations. The example of Brother Jay Falk is shared to illustrate the value of personal worship. The conversation also highlights the significance of worshiping God alone and the power of worship in times of sorrow and confusion. It encourages individuals to bring worship with them and shares practical practices for preparing to worship. The importance of setting an example for children and the corrective side of worship are discussed. The conversation concludes by emphasizing the need to trust God's love in the darkness. [email protected]

Email us @ [email protected] In this conversation, Matt and Josiah discuss various topics including the weather, sports teams in Michigan, and the role of music in worship. They share personal stories and experiences related to these topics. The main focus of the conversation is on the scriptural principles and patterns for music in worship, specifically the distinction between congregational music and special music. They emphasize the importance of seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit and aligning with the teachings of the Bible when making decisions about music in a worship setting. This conversation explores the power of worship and praise, the cultural shift in music education, and the importance of teaching and training in music. It also discusses the role of special music and congregational singing in church services and emphasizes the need to give music to the Lord and worship Him, not the music itself.