After preaching on James 3 and the weight of teaching God’s Word, Pastor Brian answers the question many asked: “Who do you listen to — and how do you decide who to trust?”

In this follow-up episode, Brian unpacks the modern Christian content landscape, names movements and patterns he believes produce unhealthy fruit, and explains his criteria for discernment. From concerns about the New Apostolic Reformation and seeker-sensitive culture to a call for faithful, Scripture-centered preaching, this conversation challenges listeners to prioritize biblical depth over hype.

The goal isn’t personalities. It’s fruit. It’s faithfulness. It’s following Jesus above every platform.

Be discerning. Test everything. Pursue wholeness.

In this episode, Pastor Brian tackles both the Super Bowl halftime show and Turning Point USA’s “All-American Halftime Show” — and argues that while they look different on the surface, they expose the same deeper issue. Using Mark 11 and Jesus’ cursing of the fig tree, Brian challenges American Christians to ask a hard question: Are we celebrating leaves instead of fruit?

This episode confronts cultural Christianity, political tribalism, and the danger of confusing patriotism with discipleship. It’s not about left vs. right. It’s about fruit vs. appearance. Kingdom of God vs. kingdoms of this world.

Whole Lives and Whole Words | James 3:1-3

In this powerful message, we explore what God expects from those who speak for Him. James challenges us to examine the connection between our hearts and our words, revealing that our speech is one of the clearest windows into our spiritual maturity.

Discover why teaching is a calling, not a platform; why stricter judgment awaits those who speak for God; and why humility is essential for every believer. Learn how the tongue acts as a diagnostic tool for the health of your soul, and why control of our speech is the clearest evidence of a life being made whole.

Key Themes: Spiritual wholeness, accountability in ministry, the power of words, humility in leadership, measuring spiritual maturity

Scripture Focus: James 3:1-3

Perfect for anyone who represents Christ with their words—whether you're a parent, leader, teacher, or simply someone who wants their life to match their confession.

You can download the sermon notes here -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D71pVPYJbPWFsa1ndB8KoI4HsgTEh5Aj/view?usp=share_link

Does Romans 4 contradict James 2? In this episode, Pastor Brian carefully walks through Romans 4:4 and explains how Paul and James are not opposing each other, but defending the same gospel from different errors. Paul protects grace from legalism. James protects grace from empty profession. Together, they show us that we are justified by faith alone — but the faith that justifies never remains alone.

For a sample of commentary for the resource I recommend at the end -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cIY_Qzd83Jzn9-vFGRyxBWbo32OAmyub/view?usp=share_link

James opens his letter by calling us to wholeness—not fractured faith, but whole-life discipleship. In this episode, we look at James 1:1 and discover what it means to lay down our identity, confess Jesus as Lord, abide where He plants us, and endure with joy.

Full printable notes can be found at www.alpastor.org

What do I make over the events and political assassination of Charlie Kirk? I think God is indeed up to something big, but it might not be what most want to hear.

Before we walk verse by verse through James, we need to see the bigger picture. James writes from within the great story of the Bible — a story that begins with creation and ends in the restoration of all things. This story moves through five great movements:

1. Creation – Made in God’s Image

2. Crack – Sin Fractures That Image

3. Covenant – God Calls a People to Wholeness

4. Redemption – Jesus Restores the Broken Image

5. Consummation – The Promise of Full Restoration

For full transcripts and full podcast notes please www.alpastor.org

Paul finally arrives in Rome. After everything he’s been through, he spends two years preaching and teaching from a small rented house—unchained in spirit, even though he’s still in chains. In this episode, we walk through the final verses of Acts and reflect on why the book ends the way it does. The mission isn’t over. The gospel is still moving. And it’s still unhindered.