What if Christianity isn’t about what you do for God… but about what God has done in you?In this episode of The Watered Root Podcast, we walk verse by verse through Colossians 1:24–2:5 and uncover one of the most powerful truths in all of Scripture:“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”The Apostle Paul reveals the mystery that was hidden for generations but is now made known—God Himself dwelling within His people. This passage challenges us to move beyond surface-level faith and into true spiritual maturity rooted in Christ.We also look at:Why Paul rejoices in sufferingWhat it means to faithfully proclaim ChristThe goal of spiritual maturityThe danger of “plausible arguments” and subtle deceptionWhy everything we need is found in Christ aloneThis is not just theology—it’s deeply personal.Because the question every one of us must answer is this:👉 Is Christ in you?📖 Passage CoveredColossians 1:24–2:5 (ESV)🔍 Key TruthYour hope is not found in your performance…Your hope is found in Christ in you.

In Colossians 1:21–23, Paul confronts one of the most uncomfortable truths in the Bible: apart from Christ, humanity is alienated from God. But the passage doesn’t stop there. Through the death of Jesus on the cross, enemies of God can be reconciled to Him and stand holy, blameless, and forgiven. In this episode, Pastor Steve walks verse by verse through this powerful passage to show who we once were, what Christ has done, and what genuine faith looks like.Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Watered Root Podcast, Pastor Steve continues the verse-by-verse journey through the book of Colossians by examining Colossians 1:21–23.In this powerful passage, the Apostle Paul gives a brutally honest picture of the human condition. Apart from Christ, humanity is alienated from God, hostile in mind, and living in rebellion against Him. While that truth may be uncomfortable, it sets the stage for the incredible hope found in the gospel.Through the death of Jesus Christ, sinners can be reconciled to God.Pastor Steve walks through the passage step by step, explaining how Christ’s sacrifice makes it possible for believers to stand before God holy, blameless, and above reproach. But Paul also gives an important reminder: genuine faith does not drift away from the gospel. True believers remain stable and steadfast, anchored in the hope of Christ.In this teaching, we explore three key truths from the passage:• Who we once were apart from Christ• What Jesus accomplished through His death on the cross• What real, enduring faith looks likeIf you have ever wondered how broken sinners can be reconciled to a holy God, this passage provides one of the clearest and most powerful answers in all of Scripture.

In this episode of The Watered Root Podcast, Pastor Steve walks through one of the most powerful Christological passages in all of Scripture—Colossians 1:15 to 20. These verses lift our eyes beyond a small view of Jesus and reveal Him as the supreme Lord over all creation.Paul reminds the church that Jesus is not merely a teacher, prophet, or moral example. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, the One through whom all things were made, and the One who even now holds the universe together.The same Christ who formed the galaxies is also the head of the church and the Savior who reconciles sinners to God through the blood of the cross.In this episode, we explore:• What it means that Jesus is the image of the invisible God• Why “firstborn over all creation” does not mean Jesus was created• How Christ is both the Creator and Sustainer of everything that exists• Why the church exists under the authority of Christ as its head• How the cross brings reconciliation to a broken worldWhen we see Jesus as Paul presents Him in this passage, our view of Him can never remain small.The Christ who created the universe is the same Christ who holds your life together.The question is simple.Is Christ merely part of your life, or is He truly Lord over it all?

In the opening fourteen verses of Colossians, Paul does more than greet a church — he affirms them.He thanks God for their faith in Christ Jesus and their love for all the saints. He identifies the source of their hope. He reminds them that the gospel is bearing fruit and increasing. He prays that they would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. And he roots their assurance in what God has already done:He has delivered them.He has transferred them.He has redeemed them.He has forgiven them.This passage is not speculative. It is pastoral and theological.Paul does not question their salvation. He affirms their fruit. But he also prays for growth, depth, stability, and endurance.Colossians 1:1–14 teaches us what spiritual life looks like — and what sustains it.

In this episode of The Watered Root Podcast, Pastor Steve takes a fresh look at the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1 to 10, not as a children’s song, but as a mirror for our own lives.Zacchaeus was wealthy, powerful, and successful. But he was also empty. He climbed a tree to see Jesus, only to discover that Jesus had come to seek him first.As Jesus makes His way to Jerusalem on His way to the cross, He stops for one man in a sycamore tree. The mission was global, but the moment was personal.In this episode, we explore:• Why success cannot fix spiritual emptiness• The difference between remorse and true repentance• What it really means that the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost• Why salvation does not come from climbing higher, but from bowing lower• How grace saves and then transformsZacchaeus did not just feel something. He changed. Because when salvation comes to your house, grace produces fruit.The question is simple. What tree are you climbing?If you have ever felt like something is still missing, this message is for you.

There are seasons when the weight feels heavier than usual, when disappointment stacks up and quiet discouragement starts whispering, “This is all there is.” But what if that is the real lie?In this episode of The Watered Root Podcast, Pastor Steve walks through Scripture to remind us that pain may be real, but it is not final. This world is not our permanent address. A new day is coming. The hope Christ offers is not fragile, temporary, or wishful thinking. It is eternal, proven, and secured.

In this episode of The Watered Root Podcast, Pastor Steve walks carefully and biblically through one of the most sobering warnings Jesus ever gave. In Matthew 7, Jesus speaks to people who are confident, religious, and certain of their standing before God, yet He tells them, “I never knew you.” This teaching confronts a dangerous reality that Scripture is clear about. Confidence alone does not equal saving faith. Church attendance, religious activity, spiritual experiences, and even ministry involvement are not substitutes for a real relationship with Christ. Throughout this episode, we examine the difference between professing faith and possessing faith, why false assurance is possible, and why Scripture repeatedly calls believers to examine themselves.At the same time, this message is not meant to terrify true believers. It is meant to lead them into rest. After stripping away false confidence, the episode turns toward the solid assurance that Jesus actually gives. Scripture shows us that salvation is not secure because of our grip on Christ, but because of His grip on us. Jesus promises that all who truly come to Him will never be cast out and that His sheep are held securely in the hands of both the Son and the Father. This episode calls listeners to repentance and faith, not perfection, and offers deep assurance to those who truly belong to Christ. If you have ever wrestled with doubt, assurance, or the meaning of genuine faith, this teaching will challenge you and encourage you at the same time.

In this episode of The Watered Root Podcast, Pastor Steve tackles one of the most difficult and controversial topics in Christian theology: hell. Rather than avoiding hard questions, the conversation asks what many believers are already wondering: what does the Bible actually say about the fate of unrepentant sinners? The episode walks through the four major views of hell, giving special attention to annihilationism (conditional immortality) and eternal conscious punishment, and explains why sincere, Bible-believing Christians are drawn to different interpretations.Examining key biblical passages, including Jesus’ own words about judgment and eternity, the discussion addresses both the theological and emotional weight of this doctrine. Pastor Steve emphasizes that this is not about fear-mongering, but about truth, urgency, and the seriousness of sin. Ultimately, the episode affirms that hell is not the result of a lack of mercy, but of mercy offered and rejected, and it closes with a clear gospel invitation, reminding listeners that repentance and faith in Christ remain the open door to life.