Ep. 129 | What Defiles a Person? | Focused on Christ Podcast🎙️ Hosted by Mike Crump | Featuring Pastor Nathan Smith

In this episode of Focused on Christ, we explore one of Jesus’ most powerful confrontations with the Pharisees in Mark 7. While Jesus is healing the sick and performing miracles, the Pharisees focus on one issue—ritual handwashing. But Jesus points to a far deeper truth: defilement comes not from what’s outside, but from within the heart.

🔍 We’ll discuss:

• The context of Jesus’ ministry leading up to this moment
• The Pharisees' obsession with tradition over truthWhat "Corban" reveals about hypocrisyJesus’ declaration that all foods are clean
• A sobering list of what truly defiles us—and what that means for the church today

📢 Plus, an important summer update:We’ll be taking a short break in June and July for family milestones and ministry refreshment. We'll be back with new episodes starting August 5th—a perfect time to catch up on any episodes you’ve missed!

🔗 Listen now, subscribe, and share with someone who needs the truth of the Gospel today.

👉 Visit focusedonchrist.com

🎧 Available on your favorite podcast app & YouTube

#FocusedOnChrist #Mark7 #BiblePodcast #Jesus #ChristianPodcast #Church #GospelTruth #Defilement #Corban #HeritageBaptist

Ep. 128: Jesus Sends Sheep Among Wolves | Focused on Christ Podcast

In this episode of Focused on Christ, Pastor Nathan Smith joins host Mike Crump to walk through Matthew 10, where Jesus sends out His twelve disciples with power and purpose—but also a clear warning. What does it mean to be "sheep among wolves"? Why would Jesus send His followers into hostile environments? And how should believers respond to fear, persecution, and uncertainty?

We explore:

• The significance of Jesus' commissioning of the 12 disciples

• The instructions He gives—and why they matter

• What it means to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves

• How Jesus prepares His followers for suffering and bold proclamation

• What these teachings mean for us in the church today

📖 Scripture Focus: Matthew 10:1–33
📆 Summer Update: We’ll be taking a summer break during June and July, with new episodes returning August 5th! It's a great time to catch up on any past episodes you’ve missed.

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast app, watch on YouTube, or visit focusedonchrist.com for more content.

🙏 A ministry of Heritage Baptist Church

#FocusedOnChrist #Matthew10 #ChristianPodcast #JesusSends #SheepAmongWolves #Discipleship #FaithOverFear #BibleTeaching #GospelMission #HeritageBaptist

Welcome to Focused on Christ – where we exalt Jesus and equip the church!In this powerful episode, Pastor Nathan Smith joins host Mike Crump to explore one of the most intense and hope-filled encounters in the Gospels—Jesus' deliverance of the demon-possessed man in Mark 5:1-20.

📖 What does this story teach us about the reality of demons and spiritual bondage?

💥 Why did the demons fear Jesus—and why did they ask to enter a herd of pigs?

🙌 What does this account show us about Christ’s authority, mercy, and power to set people free?

We also reflect on how this story connects with spiritual bondage today—and end with a compelling testimony from a man named Larry, who shares how Jesus rescued him from darkness and transformed his life.

🔗 Full testimony from Larry: https://x.com/McPherson_Josh1/status/1914904999928492131

If this episode encouraged you, please give us a 5-star rating and share your thoughts in the comments.👇 For more content and resources, visit:

🌐 focusedonchrist.com

Show Notes

#FocusedOnChrist #JesusHeals #Mark5 #SpiritualWarfare #Deliverance #FreedomInChrist #ChristianPodcast #BibleTeaching