This week on Further , Brenton sits down with Paul Fischbach and Matt Mitchell to reflect on John 11 and the tension between God’s sovereignty and human sin. They discuss how Caiaphas’s pragmatic decisions serve as a warning against self-serving compromises, especially in leadership and personal life. The conversation dives into the comforting yet challenging truth that God works through even sinful choices to accomplish His purposes. Paul and Matt also explore common objections to God's soverei...
Jul 23, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 40
In this episode of Further , Brenton sits down with Clay to talk through his recent sermon on anger from John 11. Clay shares how his own personal struggles with anger helped shape his message and how Jesus’ response to grief and brokenness reveals a purposeful, righteous anger. They discuss the difference between stuffing or venting anger and what it means to bring our emotions to Jesus with honesty and self-control. The conversation also highlights how pride, shame, and isolation can fuel our ...
Jul 16, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 39
This week on Further , Brenton is joined by Nate Todd and Tony Esslinger for a deep dive into John 11. They reflect on the story of Lazarus and how Jesus redirects Martha’s hope from an event to Himself. The conversation highlights the importance of slowing down when reading familiar passages, paying attention to what the people in the story were really experiencing. They also explore how real trust in Jesus grows through remembering His faithfulness, deepening relationship, and honest community...
Jul 09, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 38
Andrew joins Brenton this week to give an update on global missions at Harmony, highlighting several student and adult trips happening over the summer. He shares stories of impactful missionary biographies, including Adoniram Judson, Amy Carmichael, and Jim Elliott, emphasizing their perseverance through suffering. The conversation then shifts to John 11 and the topic of suffering, with Andrew offering insights on how Christians can respond to pain with faith rather than empty phrases. They disc...
Jul 02, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 37
In this episode of Further , Brenton and Chris dive into the issue of church hurt, exploring why it happens and how believers can respond in healthy, biblical ways. They discuss the importance of honest confrontation, following Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 18, and how both real mistreatment and misinterpreted correction can cause pain. The conversation highlights the need for church cultures where people are fully known and still accepted, with grace and accountability held together. Chris also re...
Jun 25, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 36
In this episode of Further , Brenton and Chris dive into John 10 and explore what Jesus meant when He said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” They unpack the dangers of prosperity gospel interpretations, particularly how such teachings distort the gospel and harm vulnerable communities. Drawing connections between John 10, Psalm 23, and Ezekiel 34, they highlight the biblical imagery of shepherds and the responsibilities of spiritual leaders. The conversation also touches ...
Jun 18, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 35
In this episode of Further , Brenton Grimm is joined by Nathan Williams and Matt Mitchell to reflect on their recent sermons covering John 9. They discuss how Jesus’ reference to himself as the “Son of Man” ties directly to Daniel 7, signaling his divine identity—a point that would’ve been clear to the religious leaders of the time. The conversation then moves to a nuanced discussion of suffering, exploring whether it's always the result of personal sin. Drawing from Scripture and pastoral insig...
Jun 11, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 34
Brenton and Chris kick off the episode catching up on summer plans and family get-togethers. The conversation then shifts into a deep dive on John 8, focusing on Jesus’ statement about Abraham rejoicing to see his day. Chris explains the biblical and theological background behind this, drawing connections between Abraham’s faith and Jesus’ identity. They also explore how Jesus' calm response to insults teaches us to root our identity in God's approval rather than others’ opinions. The episode wr...
Jun 04, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 33
Brenton Grimm and Chris Carr explore the tension between biblical authority and personal interpretation in this episode of Further . They discuss the dangers of reading the Bible only through affirming or familiar lenses, emphasizing the need for humility and the willingness to be challenged. Chris explains why disagreement among scholars doesn't negate the clarity of essential gospel truths. The two also talk about the importance of reading Scripture more than commentary and how cultural Christ...
May 28, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 32
Brenton and Chris discuss the recent election of a new Pope and its cultural impact, especially from an evangelical perspective. Chris expresses concern over evangelicals being too enthusiastic about the Catholic Church without acknowledging key doctrinal differences—particularly around justification, papal authority, and Scripture. They transition into a deep dive on the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, contrasting it with views like "once saved, always saved." Chris emphasizes that ...
May 21, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 31
This week on Further , Brenton Grimm hosts a full house with Matt Mitchell, Andrew Weise, and Paul Fischbach as they unpack different angles on the same passage from John. The group reflects on how Jesus' words about being "from above" challenge us to listen and respond with humility. Paul shares how preaching on sin—especially on Mother’s Day—required a careful balance of truth and grace, while Matt and Andrew emphasize the continuity of Jesus' message and the hope found in the gospel. Together...
May 14, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 30
In this week’s episode of Further , Brenton sits down with Nate Todd and Matt Mitchell to discuss what it means to “walk in the light” from both theological and personal perspectives. They explore the tension between our identity in Christ and our tendency to return to darkness, clarifying how walking in the light involves both a spiritual state and an ongoing practice. Both pastors share vulnerable stories of sin, repentance, and the freedom found in confession and grace. Whether you’re unsure ...
May 08, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 30
In this episode, Brenton and Chris dive into the textual challenges of John 8:1–11 and why it still deserves our attention. They explore how we can trust the Bible despite manuscript differences, why both grace and truth are essential to gospel culture, and how the church can hold conviction without condemnation. They also discuss how the church can be a place where people are free to struggle while still being called to transformation. Email us at further@harmonybiblechurch.org If you have a qu...
Apr 29, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 29
Brenton and Chris reflect on the completion of the first two-year phase of their church journey, emphasizing that the work is far from over. They discuss the recent Commitment Sunday. Chris dives into the challenging but essential message of dying to self, unpacking the Greek words for "life" to clarify the biblical call to transformation. The episode also features an acorn analogy, symbolizing the potential for spiritual growth and fruitfulness in every believer’s life. Listeners are encouraged...
Apr 16, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 29
On this week's episode of Further Brenton and Chris reflect on the recent Advance Commitment event, sharing personal takeaways and anticipation for Commitment Sunday. They dive into the story of Zacchaeus, challenging the surface-level, flannel-graph version many remember from childhood. Chris emphasizes the deeper themes of heart transformation, judgment, and the purpose of Jesus’ mission. They also explore the biblical concept of joy—why it’s hard to hold onto, why it’s a command, and how we c...
Apr 09, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 28
Brenton and Chris kick off the episode by announcing the winners of their recent giveaway and celebrating the engagement from listeners. They discuss the significance of generosity, emphasizing that giving is not about the amount but about the heart behind it. The conversation explores how financial stewardship is a discipleship issue, not just a church resource matter. They also address the feelings of guilt and shame that can arise around giving, encouraging listeners to focus on joy rather th...
Apr 02, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 28
In this special 100th episode, Brenton and Chris reflect on the journey of the podcast and how it has evolved over the past two years. They dive into an important conversation about shame, its impact on our lives, and how it connects to sin. Chris shares insights from his personal journey and biblical study, highlighting how the church often struggles to address this issue effectively. They also discuss how grace and truth should shape our approach to both personal growth and ministry. Plus, the...
Mar 26, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 27
Brenton and Chris kick off the episode by discussing upcoming events and the feeling of being in the homestretch of their current season. They dive into Chris’s latest sermon on generosity, focusing on 2 Corinthians 9:6 and what it truly means to reap bountifully. Chris clarifies the difference between biblical giving and the prosperity gospel, emphasizing that financial blessings are meant to fuel generosity, not personal gain. The conversation shifts to the role of the local church in giving a...
Mar 19, 2025•32 min•Season 2Ep. 26
In this episode, Brenton and Chris talk about an upcoming church event, the Advanced Commitment Event, and why it’s more than just pledging—it’s about worship, community, and stories of faith. They dive into the topic of stewardship, exploring what the Bible says about managing what we’ve been given. Chris breaks down Jesus’ teachings on generosity and how giving isn’t just about money—it’s a way to shape our hearts. They discuss the challenge of shifting from a mindset of ownership to one of gr...
Mar 12, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 25
Brenton Grimm and Chris Carr kick off another episode of Further with a discussion about Chris’s upcoming nine-week preaching stretch, including an in-depth dive into transformation. They reflect on the start of the All In series and the unique energy it brought to the congregation. The conversation shifts to the church’s ministry expansion and the reasoning behind investing in new facilities, emphasizing how physical spaces play a key role in discipleship. Chris also unpacks the concept of spir...
Mar 05, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Brenton and Nathan discuss the heart of surrendering to Jesus, emphasizing that outward behaviors are just symptoms of a deeper issue—our sin nature. Nathan shares his approach to helping people recognize their need for Christ, focusing on the root problem rather than just their actions. They explore why some see the message of the cross as foolishness, diving into biblical wisdom and human pride. The conversation also touches on how believers should approach non-believers with truth and love ra...
Feb 26, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 23
In this episode of Further, Brenton Grimm sits down with Nate Todd and Paul Fischbach to discuss the importance of knowing God's Word and theology in everyday life. The conversation dives into the challenges of sermon preparation, the significance of the Feast of Booths, and how Jesus' teachings at the festival pointed directly to His identity. They also explore common misconceptions about Jesus in today's culture and the dangers of shaping Him to fit personal desires. Paul and Nate emphasize th...
Feb 19, 2025•26 min•Season 2Ep. 22
In this episode, Brenton and Chris discuss his sermon from John 6:60-71. They begin by discussing the distinguishing markers between a genuine and false disciple. Chris gives his thoughts on how to walk the line between grace and truth in his preaching. They then consider some of the main doctrines that are being attacked by our culture and how to prepare ourselves to defend Christianity. They wrap up by discussing liberal Christianity and the issues inherent in it. Suggested Resources: God Wrot...
Feb 12, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 21
In this episode, Brenton and Chris dive into the concept of being "drawn" to faith, exploring how God's grace overcomes resistance in bringing people to Him. They discuss the idea that some may believe they are Christians without truly knowing Christ, referencing key biblical passages that challenge superficial faith. Chris unpacks what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus, emphasizing obedience, repentance, and daily communion with Him. They also touch on the importance of contin...
Feb 05, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Brenton and Andrew kick off a conversation about Global Week at Harmony Bible Church, highlighting key events like guest speakers, prayer gatherings, and ways to support field staff. Andrew shares insights from the church’s nurture program, which equips individuals for global missions, emphasizing themes like peacemaking and teamwork. They explore parallels between the crowd in John 6 demanding more signs and modern tendencies to seek proof before faith. Discussing the historical reverence for M...
Jan 22, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 19
In this episode, Brenton talks with Paul Fischbauch and Jeremiah Landon about their sermons on John 6:16-29. They begin by mentioning what stood out most as they studied this passage. They then discuss how to examine our motives in our pursuit of Jesus. Are we following him because we love him or because of what he can give us? They answer the question: what is the difference between genuine faith and an intellectual belief in Jesus? They wrap up by discussing the different kinds of supposed Chr...
Jan 15, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 18
In this episode of Further, Brenton and Nathan dive into the profound purpose of Jesus' life and mission, emphasizing His humility and sacrifice over earthly kingship. We discuss how evangelism today often prioritizes appealing to people’s desires over presenting Jesus as the King worthy of worship. Exploring themes of love, compassion, and selflessness, we highlight the role of community ministries and personal acts of kindness in sharing the gospel. Our conversation encourages believers to cou...
Jan 08, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 17
In this episode, Chris and Brenton discuss his Sermon from John 5:31-47. They begin by considering Old Testament law and why relying on two or three witnesses was necessary for accusations. They then discuss topics like miracles, faith, and an extra takeaway that Chris didn’t have time to cover in his message. They wrap up by expanding on a warning he gave on Sunday. Email us at further@harmonybiblechurch.org If you have a question that you'd like to be discussed on Further, send us an email at:...
Dec 18, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 16
In this episode, Brenton and Chris discuss his sermon from John 5:19-30. They cover issues like the Trinity, Jesus as judge, and the relationship between the Father and Son during the crucifixion. They wrap up by briefly considering what the end will look like for a believer. Email us at further@harmonybiblechurch.org If you have a question that you'd like to be discussed on Further, send us an email at: ask@furtherpodcast.com Listen to last week's Sermon: Apple Podcasts Spotify Visit our church...
Dec 11, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 15
In this episode, Brenton Grim and Matt Mitchell explore the story of Jesus healing a man at Bethesda from John 5. They discuss the unique responses of people to Jesus, including the differences between this man, the Samaritan woman, and the royal official. The conversation also touches on textual variants in Scripture and what they mean for understanding the Bible. Matt shares insights on the Sabbath, its original purpose, and how it can still bring rest and renewal today. The episode wraps up w...
Dec 04, 2024•24 min•Season 2Ep. 14
