If you want to follow along with our Bible study the IT Matters book is available on⁠⁠ Amazon⁠⁠ .

In Week 5 of It Matters, the Grow Group dives into the remarkable story of Benaiah—the warrior who chased a lion into a pit on a snowy day and killed it. Through humor, personal stories, and biblical insight, the group explores what true courage looks like in the life of a believer. Rather than defining courage as fearlessness, they describe it as refusing to be ruled by fear and choosing obedience when doing the right thing is difficult. Drawing from Scripture, the story of David and Goliath, and Joey Rogers’ devotional It Matters, the conversation challenges listeners to trust God more deeply, stand firm in truth, and pursue the God-given calling placed on their lives. Courage, they conclude, is not self-confidence—it is confidence in a God who is bigger than every lion we face.

Key Takeaways

• Courage is doing what is right even when it is difficult or frightening.
• Benaiah’s victory over the lion illustrates a life that refuses to be controlled by fear.
• A small view of God creates big fears; a big view of God shrinks fears to their proper size.
• Courage grows from intimacy with God, not confidence in ourselves.
• Trust and courage are inseparable—the more we trust God, the more boldly we live.
• Christians are called to stand for truth with both courage and wisdom.
• God often reveals His will one step at a time, requiring faith and obedience.
• The Christian life is meant to be an adventure of faith, not a safe spectator sport.
• Every believer has a God-given purpose; avoiding that purpose is often rooted in fear.
• True courage pursues God’s calling rather than personal comfort or self-glory.

00:00 – 05:20 | Opening Banter & Life Updates
The group shares humorous stories, graduation celebrations, and family updates before introducing the theme of courage through the story of Benaiah.

05:21 – 08:05 | Meet Benaiah: The Lion Chaser
An overview of Benaiah’s legendary exploits and why his story remains one of Scripture’s greatest examples of courage.

08:06 – 14:28 | What Is Courage?
The group defines courage as doing what is right despite fear and discusses the growing challenge of standing for biblical truth in today’s culture.

14:29 – 18:20 | Naming the Lion
A discussion on identifying fears, sins, and obstacles rather than pretending they do not exist. Spiritual courage begins with honest acknowledgment.

18:21 – 23:25 | Victimhood vs. Victory
The conversation contrasts a victim mentality with a faith-filled perspective that sees challenges as opportunities for God to work.

23:26 – 27:05 | Living in the Great Unknown
Barry reflects on trusting God without having a detailed roadmap and learning to take the next faithful step.

27:06 – 33:20 | Practical Ways to Build Courage
The group shares practical examples of living out faith publicly, trusting God daily, and growing confidence through obedience.

33:21 – 36:20 | David, Goliath, and Spiritual Frequency
David’s courage is traced back to years of private faithfulness. Courage develops when believers consistently spend time with God.

36:21 – 40:18 | Courage, Calling, and Purpose
The group emphasizes that courage is not reckless ambition but faithfully pursuing the work God has uniquely assigned to each person.

40:19 – 45:18 | The Christian Life Is an Adventure
A challenge to reject safe, comfortable Christianity and embrace God-sized dreams that require faith and dependence on Him.

45:19 – 48:20 | Looking Ahead: Humility & Barzillai
The hosts preview next week’s chapter on humility and the life of Barzillai, highlighting lessons from an older servant of God.

48:21 – 51:46 | Prayer Requests, Encouragement & Closing Prayer
The episode concludes with personal prayer requests, reflections on courage, and a prayer for wisdom, faithfulness, and trust in God.

If you want to follow along with our Bible study the IT Matters book is available on⁠ Amazon⁠ .

In this week’s Grow Group Podcast, the team unpacks compassion through the powerful but often-overlooked story of Ebed-Melech in Jeremiah 38–39, a man who risked everything to rescue Jeremiah from certain death. What begins with lighthearted banter quickly turns into a deeply challenging conversation about what biblical compassion really looks like—not sentiment, but courageous action.

The discussion explores how compassion requires more than feeling bad for someone; it demands stepping into messy, inconvenient situations with wisdom and courage. The hosts wrestle with personal failures to show compassion, the tension between helping others and being taken advantage of, and the challenge of loving people caught in destructive patterns of sin. They also examine how modern culture often replaces compassion with outrage, labels, and judgment.

Key biblical parallels include the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, Nathan confronting David, and Jesus’ ministry to broken people. A standout truth emerges: compassion is not passive awareness—it’s active obedience shaped by love.

Key Takeaways
• Compassion is love that moves toward suffering, even at personal cost
• Courage is often required to show compassion when others walk away
• People should never be reduced to their worst moment
• Compassion focuses on people, not abstract issues
• How we help matters just as much as whether we help
• Tough love can still be genuine compassion
• Self-compassion means extending grace to yourself without excusing sin
• True spiritual maturity produces compassion for others

00:00–04:18 – Opening banter: apple fritters, marriage jokes, Renaissance Faire stories
04:18–05:46 – Introduction to Week 4: Compassion and Ebed-Melech’s story
05:46–08:56 – Personal conviction: missed opportunities to help others
08:56–10:16 – Defining compassion: costly, inconvenient, courageous love
10:16–13:36 – Relationships, interdependence, and self-compassion
13:36–18:27 – Compassion in a judgmental culture: labels vs. seeing real people
18:27–23:25 – Good Samaritan breakdown and four types of people in the story
23:25–26:30 – Compassion as evidence of spiritual maturity
26:30–30:48 – How to show compassion toward people living in destructive sin
30:48–34:50 – Tough love, consequences, and helping people come to their senses
34:50–39:30 – The courage of compassion and the origin of the Red Cross
39:30–42:26 – Fear of being taken advantage of vs. simply being faithful
42:26–45:37 – Prayer requests, closing encouragement, and final reflections

If you want to follow along with our Bible study the IT Matters book is available on Amazon .

In Week 3 of It Matters, the Grow Group team explores the character quality of godly ambition through the brief but powerful story of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4). Contrasting selfish ambition with surrendered purpose, the conversation centers on Jabez’s prayer—not as a formula for success, but as a picture of a heart fully yielded to God. The hosts unpack how pain, identity, purpose, and dependence on God shape true ambition. With humor, transparency, and personal stories, the discussion challenges listeners to examine whether their goals are driven by personal gain or kingdom impact. The key message: Godly ambition isn’t asking for an easier life—it’s asking for a bigger assignment with God’s hand on it.

Key Takeaways

• Pain may shape your story, but it doesn’t have to define your destiny.
• Godly ambition seeks God’s will, not self-promotion.
• “Enlarge my territory” is about expanding influence for God’s kingdom, not accumulating possessions.
• God cares more about the heart behind the prayer than the exact words spoken.
• Ambition without dependence on God is dangerous; dependence without action becomes dormant.
• Prayer shifts us from bitterness to purpose when surrendered to God.
• True success is living a life that makes people glorify God, not us.

• 
  

  00:00 – Welcome & Life Updates
  The team opens with family milestones, graduations, ministry updates, and lighthearted banter.

  
  

  03:31 – Introducing Week 3: Ambition & Character
  Joey introduces the theme of godly ambition and the Old Testament figure Jabez.

  
  

  05:16 – Who Was Jabez?
  The group examines the surprising appearance of Jabez in biblical genealogy and the meaning of his name: “pain.”

  
  

  08:55 – Pain Doesn’t Determine Destiny
  Discussion on refusing to let past wounds, labels, or circumstances define identity.

  
  

  09:32 – Selfish Ambition vs. Godly Ambition
  The “pilot/copilot” analogy illustrates surrendering control to God rather than trying to lead Him.

  
  

  13:04 – The ‘God More’ Mindset
  What it means to desire more of God rather than more success, comfort, or recognition.

  
  

  15:12 – Prayer Is About Heart, Not Formula
  Why the prayer of Jabez is not a magical mantra but a reflection of surrendered trust.

  
  

  18:00 – Brokenness & Spiritual Growth
  Honest reflections on how God uses pain and breaking seasons to deepen dependence.

  
  

  22:56 – “Enlarge My Territory” Explained
  A kingdom-focused look at influence, stewardship, and living beyond self-interest.

  
  

  26:01 – Bigger Assignment, Not Easier Life
  One of the episode’s strongest challenges: purpose over busyness.

  
  

  29:33 – Personal Conviction & Leadership Reflection
  Joey shares how revisiting his own writing became a spiritual check on motives.

  
  

  33:13 – Discussion Questions for Listeners
  Examining compromise, surrender, and areas where we still try to control outcomes.

  
  

  37:42 – Final Encouragement & Prayer Requests
  Closing reflections on hope, prayer, and trusting God as the ultimate source.

  
  

  42:13 – Closing Prayer & Next Episode Preview

In this engaging and often humorous episode of It Matters, the hosts mix personal stories, ministry life, and biblical teaching to unpack the role of adaptability in Christian character. Centered on the story of Shamgar (Judges), the conversation explores what it means to remain grounded in God’s truth while adjusting to life’s unexpected challenges. From career upheaval and family pressures to evangelism and spiritual growth, the hosts emphasize that faithfulness is less about ideal conditions and more about obedience in the present moment.

Key Takeaways:
• Adaptability is spiritual maturity — adjusting methods without compromising morals.
• Stop living in “when-then” faith — don’t delay obedience waiting for ideal circumstances.
• Start where you are — God works with your present reality, not your imagined future.
• Be who God made you to be — understanding your gifts and identity in Christ matters.
• Use what you have — Shamgar didn’t wait for a sword; he used an ox goad.
• Faith requires action — obedience means movement, not passive intention.
• Relationships create gospel opportunities — discipleship begins before conversion.
• Walk with God, not ahead of Him — adaptability means responsiveness to the Spirit.

If you want to follow along with our Bible study the IT Matters book is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠.

00:00–06:40 — Banter & Life Updates
Lighthearted conversation about family life, weddings, home projects, strange animal stories, and ministry humor.

06:41–08:56 — Intro to Chapter 2: Adaptability
Joey reflects on rereading his own book and introduces adaptability as a defining aspect of godly character.

08:57–13:39 — What Adaptability Really Means
Discussion around life disruptions, rebuilding after setbacks, surrendering control, and avoiding “when life settles down” excuses.

13:40–20:56 — Adaptability in Everyday Faith
Practical examples of evangelism, relationship-building, workplace witness, and Spirit-led opportunities.

20:57–24:29 — Shamgar’s Story Explained
The biblical background of Shamgar and why his story is a compelling picture of adaptive faith.

24:30–34:12 — Four Lessons from Shamgar

1. Start where you are
2. Be who you are
3. Use what you have
4. Do what you can

Strong discussion on paralysis by analysis, identity in Christ, and using God-given gifts.

34:13–40:15 — Following God’s Timing
Conversation about action vs impulsiveness, trusting God’s leading, and faithful responsiveness over forced outcomes.

40:16–45:18 — Prayer Requests, Missions Challenge & Closing
Personal prayer requests, encouragement toward missions involvement, ministry updates, and episode wrap-up.

Memorable Quote:“Adaptability is flexibility without faithlessness.”

This episode launches the “It Matters” series, focusing on the urgent need to develop biblical character in a culture where integrity is increasingly subjective. The discussion frames character as essential to both spiritual maturity and relational trust, emphasizing that it must be intentionally trained, not assumed.

The hosts highlight how society has drifted from objective truth, redefining right and wrong based on personal preference. In contrast, they present God’s Word as the “true north”, guiding moral direction. Using a navigation analogy, they explain how even a small deviation (1°) can lead to major life misalignment over time, illustrating the danger of unchecked compromise.

The episode transitions into the first key theme: accountability. Drawing from the story of David and Nathan, they show how even spiritually mature leaders can fall when accountability is absent. True accountability is described as both receiving correction and offering it, rooted in humility, truth, and restoration—not judgment.

Practical application includes establishing intentional accountability relationships. Listeners are encouraged to begin with their spouse (if applicable) and then seek a trusted same-gender partner who has permission to ask hard questions. The group shares five diagnostic questions focused on spiritual habits, relationships, integrity, and honesty, reinforcing the need for consistent self-examination.

The conversation also stresses the importance of transparency, noting that hidden sin gains power in isolation, while confession brings freedom. Accountability should be relational and ongoing, not merely structured meetings, and must be approached with grace and the goal of restoration, as modeled in Galatians 6.

The episode concludes with a clear challenge:

1. Establish accountability with your spouse or a trusted person.
2. Actively seek an accountability partner within the next week.

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  Key Takeaways

• • Character must be developed through intentional spiritual discipline
  • Culture’s shifting morals require a fixed biblical standard
  • Small compromises lead to major consequences over time
  • Accountability is essential for growth and integrity
  • Transparency breaks the power of hidden sin
  • Growth happens best in honest, grace-filled relationships

If you want to follow along with our Bible study the IT Matters book is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon.

• 00:00–02:10 – Series intro; cultural decline of character
• 02:10–05:29 – Overview of study and character traits
• 05:29–09:06 – Personal reflection; redefining character
• 09:06–15:28 – Loss of moral standards; need for truth
• 15:28–19:46 – “True north” and drift analogy
• 19:46–25:17 – What accountability is and why it matters
• 25:17–31:09 – Choosing accountability partners
• 31:09–35:27 – David & Nathan; power of confession
• 35:27–40:27 – Mutual accountability in practice
• 40:27–47:38 – Application and final challenge

In this final Week 12 episode of the Grow Group Podcast, the team wraps up their journey through Exodus with a mix of humor, reflection, and theological insight. The conversation centers on the construction of the tabernacle, emphasizing God’s precision, the importance of obedience, and how individual gifting contributes to His greater purpose. Through discussions on figures like Bezalel and Aaron, the group highlights themes of restoration, purpose, and accountability in the believer’s life. The episode closes by challenging listeners to pursue excellence as an act of worship and to discover how God has uniquely wired them for service.

• Excellence is worship – God deserves our best, not leftovers.

• Obedience over creativity – Faithfulness to God’s instruction matters more than innovation.

• Everyone has a role – God uniquely wires each person for kingdom impact.

• Restoration is real – Like Aaron, failure doesn’t disqualify those God calls.

• Generosity reflects love – Giving and sharing faith flow from genuine relationship with God.

• Discover your design – Understanding your gifts unlocks purpose and fulfillment.

• Finish faithfully – Obedience is proven through perseverance, not just strong beginnings.

If you want to follow along with our daily scripture readings, Delivered devotional guides are available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

00:00–05:10 – Lighthearted intro, humor, and recap of the journey through Exodus

05:10–09:30 – Transition to final study; introduction to tabernacle focus and craftsmanship (Bezalel)

09:30–12:30 – Spiritual gifting and discovering God’s design for each believer

12:30–16:15 – Parenting, purpose, and how God uses natural talents for His glory

16:15–19:30 – Aaron’s restoration after the golden calf; grace and redemption

19:30–22:30 – God’s presence (cloud) and the significance of worship centered on Him

22:30–25:20 – Generosity of God’s people; giving as a reflection of love for God

25:20–30:30 – Excellence and obedience in worship; avoiding complacency in ministry

30:30–33:30 – Accuracy vs. creativity in teaching God’s Word; importance of truth

33:30–37:00 – Faithfulness in individual roles; doing your part in God’s work

37:00–40:10 – Reflections on Exodus journey and lessons learned

40:10–47:18 – Prayer requests, cultural observations, final encouragement, and series wrap-up

Week 11 centers on the tension between God’s holiness and human inconsistency, anchored in the golden calf narrative. The conversation blends humor with theological depth, exploring idolatry, spiritual gifts, and the seriousness of sin. A key theme emerges: people rarely stop worshiping—they simply redirect it. The hosts emphasize that relationship with God requires intentional focus, not casual engagement, highlighting daily and weekly “Sabbath” rhythms as vital for spiritual alignment. The episode closes with practical reflections on staying grounded in God’s Word to avoid modern-day idols.

Key Takeaways

• Idolatry is often subtle—misdirected worship, not absence of worship.

• Spiritual gifts are meant to build others, not define roles.

• Consistent engagement with God (daily + weekly) prevents spiritual drift.

• God’s holiness demands reverence, but His grace invites relationship.

If you want to follow along with our daily scripture readings, Delivered devotional guides are available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

00:00–02:18 — Intro & Banter

Lighthearted opening, host introductions, humor, and personal anecdotes set a relaxed tone.

02:19–04:58 — Golden Calf & Seriousness of Sin

Discussion begins on the golden calf; emphasis on God’s holiness, judgment, and mercy. Reflection on how modern believers may treat sin too casually.

04:59–06:30 — Ark of the Covenant

Exploration of theories about the Ark’s location (biblical, historical, and cultural references).

06:31–08:14 — Spirit-Filled Craftsmanship

Insight into God equipping individuals (e.g., Bezalel) with the Holy Spirit for practical tasks—not just preaching—highlighting diverse callings.

08:15–13:27 — Spiritual Gifts & Purpose

Deep dive into spiritual gifts as tools for edifying others, not roles or titles. Emphasis on “God equips the called” and unity in diversity.

13:28–17:45 — Spiritual Identity & Growth

Connection between personality, gifting, and God’s will. Discussion on discernment, truth-seeking, and how gifts develop in community.

17:46–20:34 — Intercession & Moses as a Type of Christ

Moses’ role as intercessor parallels Christ, showing God’s justice and grace in covenant relationship.

20:35–24:52 — Tabernacle & Presence of God

Breakdown of tabernacle symbolism pointing to Jesus (gate, light, bread, sacrifice). God’s desire to dwell with His people.

24:53–28:23 — Covenant & Obedience

God’s increasing specificity after Israel’s disobedience; parallels to parenting and human nature.

28:24–34:07 — Sabbath & Spiritual Focus

Reframing Sabbath as focus on God, not just rest. Emphasis on daily “Sabbath moments” and consistent relationship-building.

34:08–39:21 — Idolatry & Drift

Key insight: idolatry is often reshaping God into our image. Without God’s Word, people drift toward worldly priorities.

39:22–43:51 — Modern Idols & Behavior

Identification of modern “golden calves” (money, success, control). Behavior reveals what sits on the throne of one’s life.

43:52–47:15 — Leadership Failure (Aaron)

Aaron’s compromise under pressure highlights fear, impatience, and lack of trust in God.

47:16–End — Prayer & Closing

Personal prayer requests, encouragement toward focus and faithfulness, and episode wrap-up.

This episode dives into Exodus Week 10, centering on the Tabernacle as God’s intentional design to dwell among His people. The hosts blend humor and real-life updates with a deep theological discussion on God’s holiness, precision, and desire for relationship. They explore how every detail of the Tabernacle points to Jesus—from sacrifice and cleansing to the veil and the Ark—culminating in the ultimate access to God through Christ’s finished work. The conversation ties these themes to Easter, emphasizing joy, reverence, and intentional faith. The episode concludes with practical application on approaching God sincerely and a time of prayer for wisdom, patience, and direction.

If you want to follow along with our daily scripture readings, Delivered devotional guides are available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

00:00 – 02:26

Opening welcome, relational tone, and personal life updates (family, humor, milestones).

02:26 – 03:18

Shift toward spiritual focus; introduction of Easter week as a central theme.

03:18 – 05:15

Palm Sunday context—crowds celebrating Jesus vs. opposition; discussion of political and cultural tension surrounding Christ.

05:15 – 06:20

Overview of Exodus focus: Tabernacle, Ark of the Covenant, and Day of Atonement.

06:20 – 07:49

Meaning of “Tabernacle” (God dwelling with people); contrast with distant, impersonal false gods.

07:49 – 09:26

Biblical thread from Passover to Tabernacle to Jesus—God revealing His redemption plan.

09:26 – 11:06

God’s detailed instructions highlight His holiness and intentionality; importance of obedience.

11:06 – 12:43

Human tendency to adjust God’s plans vs. call to faithful precision.

12:43 – 13:52

Step-by-step Tabernacle symbolism:

• One entrance → Jesus as the only way

• Altar → sacrifice for sin

• Laver → cleansing

• Interior elements → light, provision, intercession

13:52 – 15:10

The veil torn at Christ’s death—God initiates access; symbolism of cherubim and restored relationship.

15:10 – 16:58

Faith, grace, and obedience as the consistent pathway to God across both covenants.

16:58 – 17:49

Daily sacrifices vs. Jesus’ once-for-all atonement; ongoing human need for redemption.

17:49 – 18:52

Prayer likened to pleasing incense—intimacy with God brings Him delight.

18:52 – 20:14

Warning against casual faith; call to reverence and intentional approach to God.

20:14 – 22:39

Practical model for prayer: confession, humility, recognition of Christ, and daily dependence.

22:39 – 24:00

External appearance vs. heart posture—true worship is internal, not merely cultural.

24:00 – 26:00

Humor and cultural observations reinforce the difference between tradition and true spirituality.

26:00 – 28:27

God’s involvement in craftsmanship and detail—His Spirit empowers obedience and excellence.

28:27 – 29:43

Equality in redemption—everyone is valued and “bought with a price.”

29:43 – 31:32

Reframing Easter: from formality to celebration—the resurrection as the ultimate victory.

31:32 – 33:27

Personal prayer requests: patience in parenting, wisdom in decisions, focus in responsibilities.

33:27 – 35:32

Closing prayer, encouragement toward intentional faith, and preview of Week 11.