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

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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

Ep. 126: Can Christians Cuss? | Catholicism, Easter Drama, and Strong Language in ScriptureIn this episode of Focused on Christ, Pastor Nathan Smith joins host Mike Crump to tackle a thought-provoking batch of mailbag questions that tie into recent news and cultural trends.We start by reflecting on the death of Pope Francis and explore the key theological differences between Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox traditions—including their views on salvation, church leadership, and the role of the Pope.Next, we discuss some surprising Easter church events, including a “Princess Bride” musical (Source: Twitter ⁨@Protestia⁩) and a pastor who used explicit language from the pulpit following online backlash. This leads us to the central question from a listener: Is it ever appropriate for Christians to use curse words or strong language?We break this down into:Curse words: What defines them? Are they ever acceptable for believers?Strong rebukes in Scripture: From “brood of vipers” to Paul’s bold language—how should we understand these?Sexual imagery in the Bible: How should Christians speak about sexuality in an oversexualized culture?Join us as we dig into Scripture and cultural wisdom to answer these tough but important questions.🔔 Subscribe for more Christ-centered conversations🌐 Visit focusedonchrist.com for show notes and resources⭐️ If this episode encouraged you, please leave a 5-star review and share it with a friend!#ChristianPodcast #CussingChristian #CatholicVsProtestant #BiblicalLanguage #EasterControversy #FocusedOnChrist

Welcome to Focused on Christ, where we are passionate about exalting Christ and equipping the church.

In Episode 125, your host Mike Crump is joined by Pastor Nathan Smith as we explore one of the most challenging and counter-cultural teachings of Jesus found in Luke 9:23-27 — the call to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him.

Before diving into Jesus' powerful call to self-denial, we look at the broader context:

• The miraculous feeding of the 5,000

• The crowd’s desire to make Jesus king (John 5)

• Peter’s bold confession: “You are the Christ of God”

• Jesus’ foretelling of His suffering, death, and resurrection

These moments reveal Christ’s power, authority, and identity—yet He follows them with a sobering call to follow Him into suffering and sacrifice.

📖 In this episode, we discuss:

• What Jesus meant by “take up your cross daily”

• The cost of truly following Christ in a self-obsessed culture

• Why denying self is so difficult in a world that worships autonomy and personal desire

• The encouragement found in the transfiguration that follows Jesus’ call

• How we can grow in the daily pursuit of dying to self (2 Peter 1:5-7)

Whether you’re a new believer or have walked with Christ for years, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to live with eternal purpose, rooted in the grace, glory, and promises of Christ.

🙏 Thank you for listening to Focused on Christ, a ministry of Heritage Baptist Church. If this episode encouraged you, please consider giving us a 5-star rating and leaving a comment to help others find gospel-centered content.

🔗 For show notes, more episodes, and resources, visit https://focusedonchrist.com

#ChristianPodcast #Luke9 #Discipleship #SelfDenial #TakeUpYourCross #FocusedOnChrist #HeritageBaptistChurch

Welcome back to Focused on Christ, where we are passionate about exalting Jesus and equipping the church for everyday faithfulness.In this episode, host Mike Crump is joined by Pastor Nathan Smith to explore several of Jesus’ parables from Matthew 13 that reveal the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven—its growth, value, and the sobering reality of judgment.💬 Listener Question from SydneyWe begin by revisiting Episode 121 and responding to a thoughtful listener question about the Parable of the Sower, wrestling with what it means to be "good soil" and whether all believers should be producing a 30/60/100-fold harvest.🌾 The Parable of the WeedsWho are the "sons of the kingdom" and the "sons of the evil one"?What does this parable teach us about the presence of evil in the world—and even in the church?Is Jesus scaring people with his words? Teaching on Noah: https://youtu.be/or0AEffRGKs🌱 The Mustard Seed & LeavenWhat do these parables teach us about the growth and influence of God’s kingdom?Is leaven always a negative symbol?How should these truths shape our outlook on ministry and the church today?💎 The Treasure & the PearlWhy would someone sell everything for the Kingdom?What does it mean to value Christ above all else?🙏 As always, thank you for listening to Focused on Christ, a ministry of Heritage Baptist Church. If this episode encouraged you, please give us a 5-star rating, leave a review, and share it with a friend!🔗 For more content and show notes: focusedonchrist.com

Welcome to Focused on Christ, where we are passionate about exalting Christ and equipping the church!

In this milestone 50th episode, Mike Crump is joined by Pastor Nathan Smith for a deeply moving conversation on the most incredible display of love in all of history—the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Together, we walk through key moments from Mark 15 and Luke 23, asking essential questions about what Christ’s suffering and death reveal about the heart and character of God the Father.

• Why did Jesus remain silent before His accusers?

• What does the release of Barabbas show us about grace and substitution?

• How does God respond to mockery, injustice, and cruelty?

• What is the significance of the darkness, the torn temple curtain, and Jesus’ final words?

We also explore why Jesus had to suffer, how His death frees us from the power of sin (Romans 6:6–8), and what it means to live daily in light of the cross.

If you’ve ever asked, “What does the crucifixion mean for me personally?”—this episode is for you.

📖 Scripture References:
Mark 15:1–20
Luke 23:44–47
Romans 6:6–8

🔗 For more Christ-centered resources, visit: https://focusedonchrist.com

🙌 If this episode encouraged you, please like, share, and subscribe to help spread the good news of Jesus.

#FocusedOnChrist #Crucifixion #JesusDiedForUs #GospelTruth #ChristianPodcast #ExaltingChrist #BibleTeaching #Mark15 #Luke23 #Romans6 #CrossOfChrist

At Focused on Christ, our passion is to exalt Jesus and equip the church for faithful living. I’m your host, Mike Crump, joined today by Pastor Nathan Smith, as we dive into another mailbag episode, answering YOUR questions!

📩 Mailbag Questions:

🔹 Christian Media & Biblical AccuracyDaniel asks about the rise of Christian media like The Chosen and House of David. Should believers engage with these shows? What are the benefits, and what are the concerns? We discuss the potential for introducing people to Scripture while also warning against mischaracterizations and modern biases. Plus, we hear a clip from Todd Friel on whether such portrayals border on false teaching.

🔹 Syri Says: Sharing the Gospel & False DoctrineOur very own pastoral assistant, Syri, submitted some excellent questions:How should we share the gospel with friends or family in the prosperity gospel and Word of Faith movement?Can a teacher of false doctrine still be a born-again Christian?

🔹 Discerning God’s Calling: Stay or Go?How does a believer know whether they are called to stay and equip or to go and be sent? We discuss biblical wisdom, prayer, seeking counsel, and trusting the Lord through the process.

🔹 Guarding Against Moral Failure in MinistryWith high-profile Christian leaders falling into sin, how can pastors and believers remain faithful? We emphasize cultivating a growing love for Christ, strong accountability, and removing hindrances to godliness (Hebrews 12:1-2).

🙏 Thank you for tuning in! Focused on Christ is a ministry of Heritage Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA. Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments or submit it at focusedonchrist.com.👍 Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us continue equipping the church and exalting Christ!

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