In this episode of Church Unscripted, Pastor Eric, Pastor John, and Pastor David kick off their new "Pause" series by exploring the biblical concept of Sabbath. They trace Sabbath back to its Old Testament roots, discuss its role in the life of Israel, and begin unpacking how it's relevant for modern Christians today. The conversation covers the difference between a Sabbath rest and a typical day off, as well as how Sabbath goes beyond self-care by centering on trust in God's provision.

The pastors share honest reflections on their own attempts to practice Sabbath, including the challenges, mishaps, and lessons learned. They talk about the dangers of legalism and performance mentality, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the spirit of Sabbath rather than strict rules. Practical tips, such as identifying life-giving hobbies and resisting a success-driven culture, are discussed. The episode concludes with a reminder that Sabbath is about remembering we are beloved by God—not just useful—and encourages each person to take steps toward experiencing true rest and spiritual renewal.

00:00 "Sabbath's Relevance for Christians"

05:17 "Sabbath: Rest and Reflection Benefits"

08:38 Sabbath: Trust and Self-Care

12:31 "Sabbath Spirit: Alive and Evolving"

13:42 Sabbath's Reflection on Legalism

18:56 "Hobbies for a Fulfilling Sabbath"

22:47 "Serving: Joyful or Work?"

25:28 Sabbath for Land: Rest or Fertilizer?

29:16 "Write to Remember and Relieve"

32:27 Unconditional Love and Sabbath

33:12 Sabbath: Embrace Love Beyond Work

In this episode (S3E16), the focus lands on Peter’s restoration after denying Jesus, digging into how shame can block people from stepping into their true purpose. It unpacks the tension between shame and pride, highlighting why real repentance matters and how forgiveness—whether it’s from God or others—opens the door to moving forward. There’s also a deep dive into the push-and-pull of “being” with Jesus versus “doing” for Him, exploring what it looks like to serve from a place of grace instead of guilt.

The discussion leans into the role of confession, the power of community, and the process of healing from shame that’s been hanging around too long. Wrapping up, the episode offers practical takeaways for releasing past failures and grabbing hold of the gospel’s promise of redemption.

00:00 Restoration Through Grace

06:21 "Judas' Distinction: Lord vs. Rabbi"

09:01 "Judas's Disillusionment and Despair"

10:35 Overcoming Shame in Ministry

15:59 "Prioritize Presence Over Provision"

18:18 "The Nature of Spiritual Fruit"

20:33 "Human Being vs. Doing Dilemma"

24:44 Atonement Essential for Forgiveness

30:15 Forgiveness, Repentance, and Godly Sorrow

33:34 Power of Confession and Vulnerability

36:08 Confession: Forgiveness vs. Healing

38:11 Upcoming Episodes on Shame & Sabbath

In this episode of Church Unscripted, Pastors Eric, John, and David dive into the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10 as part of the "Failing Forward" series. They explore what it means to be truly present with God and why finding a balance is crucial in our lives.

Struggling with a broken relationship or looking for biblical guidance on reconciliation and forgiveness? In this episode of Church Unscripted, Pastors John, Eric, and David dive deep into what real reconciliation looks like, why forgiveness isn’t always the final step, and how to rebuild trust after betrayal—using the powerful example of the relationship between Paul and Mark from the New Testament.

We unpack practical steps, emotional barriers, and offer encouragement for anyone wanting to heal relationships, whether in family, church, or everyday life. Join us as we discuss conflict styles, timelines for healing, generational challenges, and God’s call to live at peace with everyone.

Welcome to Church Unscripted – S3E13! This week, Pastors John, Eric, and David dive deep into Palm Sunday and its connection to Easter, exploring how God reveals Himself—from the Old Testament miracles to the sacrifice of Jesus. They tackle big faith questions: How do we trust a God we can’t see? What does it really mean to worship? How should we handle doubt and seasons when God feels distant?

Plus, hear their honest reflections on Christ’s character, misconceptions about Christianity and worship, and why the small things matter in our spiritual journey. Whether you’re preparing for Easter or just looking to grow your faith, this episode is full of meaningful insights and practical encouragement.

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**Timestamps:**

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction

00:33 – Palm Sunday Recap & Sermon Overview

02:16 – God’s Visible Power & the Tabernacle

03:08 – Jesus, the Ultimate Sacrifice Explained

05:23 – Exploring Christ’s Character: Perseverance, Focus, Faithfulness

08:34 – Jesus’ Example: Loving Those Who Betray

10:53 – When God Uses Our Brokenness: Peter, Paul, & Redemption

12:47 – Grace for Lifelong Christians & Understanding Salvation

14:48 – The Relationship Between Gratitude and Serving Christ

16:21 – Has Technology Helped or Hindered Our Walk with God?

18:47 – Sermons on YouTube & Discernment in Listening

20:17 – The Role of Curiosity and Spiritual Resurgence

21:35 – Applying What We Learn & Avoiding Distractions

23:23 – The Dangers of Digital Overload

24:07 – Wrestling with Doubt in Our Faith Journey

26:47 – Common Misconceptions About Christianity

28:47 – Common Misconceptions About Worship

29:59 – Worship as More Than Just Music

31:19 – When God Feels Distant: Pastoral Reflections

34:38 – Community, Confession, and Recognizing God’s Nearness

36:14 – The Power of Small Moments: The Sand Dollar Story

37:42 – Seeing God’s Tapestry: Looking for the Little Things

38:04 – Announcements: Good Friday & Easter Services

38:31 – Thank You & Closing

Join us for an insightful episode of Church Unscripted as Pastors Eric, John, and David dive into aligning our desires with God's plan, understanding the nature of sin, and handling conflicts within the church. We explore how to balance personal ambition with humility, and the role of contemplation in our spiritual journey. Whether you're curious about resolving church conflicts or seeking to align your life's desires with God's purpose, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

00:00 "Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet"

03:23 Jesus' Motivation: Love, Not Gain

06:38 Peter's Misplaced Zeal

10:31 Parable's Lesson: Humility Through Consequences

14:13 Teaching Through Natural Consequences

18:49 Balanced Serving: Avoiding "Starving Baker" Syndrome

20:20 Escaping the "Need to be Needed"

25:20 Selflessness in Marriage

28:21 Balancing Advice and Autonomy

31:06 "Show Up to Church"

Dive into our latest episode of Church Unscripted as we explore how the temptations of Jesus in Matthew 4 reveal lessons on facing challenges with faith and scripture. Pastor Eric and Pastor David join Pastor John for an engaging discussion, connecting biblical stories to practical life insights.

00:00 Understanding Temptation in Matthew 4

03:19 Jesus Redeems Creation in Matthew 4

07:17 "Biblical vs. Cultural Rationality"

10:54 Integrating Physical and Spiritual Senses

13:03 Balancing Self-Gratification and Discipline

16:18 Prodigal Son: Freedom's Consequence

19:38 Theology of Suffering and Response

22:38 "Trust in God's Mercy Requires Trials"

28:35 Integrity: Always the Right Choice

30:49 Faith Tested by Temptation

35:06 "Temptation: Blessings or Deception?"

35:47 "Satan's Temptation and False Security"

38:51 "Easter Journey Guides Available Online"