Welcome to Season 4, Episode 6 of the UNTIED Podcast! Join Garrett Bernethy and the crew as they continue their study through the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the powerful and convicting words of Jesus in Matthew 5 concerning anger, purity, and the condition of the heart.

Jesus challenges His listeners to move beyond surface-level righteousness and examine the deeper issues within. In this episode, we explore how anger can grow into destructive sin, how lust corrupts the heart, and how disciples of Christ are called to pursue holiness from the inside out.

“Anger & Lust”

A study of Matthew 5 and the deeper righteousness demanded by the King.

“Welcome to the UNTIED Podcast, where we unravel the knots of life with faith, wisdom, and encouragement—because together, we're here to untie from tradition and embrace truth through powerful Bible teaching!”

Before diving into the study, the guys catch up on life, ministry, preaching, family, and whatever has been cooking lately—both spiritually and on the grill! Expect some laughter, encouragement, and real-life conversation before opening the Bible together.

This week’s study continues through Matthew 5 and Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In this section, Jesus exposes the danger of external religion that ignores the heart.

The religious leaders of the day focused on outward appearances, but Jesus reveals that true righteousness begins internally. Anger, bitterness, lust, and impure desires are not small issues—they are spiritual problems that separate people from God and damage relationships with others.

Thesis Text — Matthew 5:20

Jesus teaches that righteousness must exceed the superficial righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. The kingdom of God demands transformed hearts, not merely outward compliance.

Anger and the Stages of the Heart

Jesus moves beyond the command, “You shall not murder,” and addresses the root behind destructive behavior—anger. In this discussion, we examine:

• The progression of sinful anger
• Bitterness and unresolved conflict
• The destructive power of words
• Why reconciliation matters to God
• The danger of contempt toward others
• How anger damages both worship and relationships

The conversation also explores practical ways Christians can pursue peace, humility, and reconciliation in a culture fueled by outrage and division.

The study also introduces Jesus’ teaching concerning lust and purity, emphasizing that sin begins long before actions are carried out externally. Christ calls His followers to guard both mind and heart.

What does this teaching mean for Christians today?

In this segment, the discussion centers on:

• Learning to control anger before it controls us
• Practicing reconciliation quickly
• Speaking with grace and wisdom
• Guarding the heart from sinful desires
• Pursuing holiness in thought and action
• Reflecting the character of Christ in everyday relationships

Jesus reminds us that true discipleship is not simply avoiding sinful actions—it is becoming people whose hearts are transformed by God.

• First Corinthians 8–10
• Romans 15:1–2
• Matthew 18
• James 3:1–10

Thank you for listening to the UNTIED Podcast! We hope this study encourages you to pursue a deeper righteousness that begins in the heart and honors Christ in every area of life.

Please send in your questions or comments—we would love to hear from you!

Be sure to Like, Follow, Share, and Subscribe.

Available on all major podcast platforms.

Season 4 Episode #5 - Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus' View of Scripture & Thesis

Show Theme: Welcome to Season 4 Episode 5, Jesus' view of Scripture & Thesis

Welcome: "Welcome to the UNTIED Podcast, where we unravel the knots of life with faith, wisdom, and encouragement—because together, we're here to untie from tradition and embrace truth through powerful Bible teaching!"

Segment #1 - Welcome to Season 4, Episode 5. What’s been cooking?

• In your life, in your ministry, and on your grill?!

Segment #2 - Looking at the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5 in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, as we look at His view of scripture and His thesis

• Please send in any questions or comments; we would love to hear from you!
• Please, Like, Follow, Share, and Subscribe
• Found on all podcasting platforms.

Bible texts used during the show:

Ezra 7:10; Matthew 6:1, 33; 16:19; 18:18; Hebrews 1:1-2

Study Breakdown:

vs. 20, The thesis of the sermon.

UNTIED Podcast with Corey Sawyers & Garrett Bernethy

Season 4, Episode 4: Salt & Light

A Study of the Sermon on the Mount

Join Corey and Garrett for another engaging episode filled with meaningful conversation about life, food, ministry, and, most importantly, God’s Word.

In this week’s episode, we turn our attention to Matthew 5:13–16, exploring Jesus’ powerful teaching on being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. What does it truly mean to influence the world around us? How do we live in a way that reflects Christ in both character and action?

Together, we unpack the depth and responsibility of this calling—challenging ourselves and our listeners to live lives that preserve truth, shine brightly, and point others to God.

We hope this episode encourages and strengthens your walk with Christ.

UNTIED Podcast — Untie from tradition and embrace truth through powerful biblical teaching.

"Welcome to the UNTIED Podcast, where we unravel the knots of life with faith, wisdom, and encouragement—because together, we're here to untie from tradition and embrace truth through powerful Bible teaching!" 🎙️📖

A casual and engaging start as we reconnect and catch up.

Discussion Points:

• What’s been happening in your life recently?
• Updates from your ministry
• And of course… what’s been cooking on your grill? 🔥

Purpose:

To build connection and ease into a deeper spiritual discussion.

A Continued Study from Matthew 5 in the Sermon on the Mount

In this episode, we continue exploring the Beatitudes and what they reveal about the character God desires in His people.

Key Focus Areas:

• The deeper meaning behind being “blessed”
• The spiritual nature of the Beatitudes—not physical, but heart-centered
• The call to true righteousness and transformation
• How Jesus challenges worldly thinking about strength, success, and fulfillment

Core Themes Explored:

• The need for God
• Mourning over sin
• Humility and being poor in spirit
• Spiritual focus over physical priorities
• The condition of the heart before God

Practical Application:

• Recognizing our dependence on God daily
• Developing a heart that grieves over sin
• Living with humility in a self-focused world
• Pursuing spiritual depth rather than outward appearance
• Walking in righteousness as defined by God

Main Takeaway:

• Matthew 5; 6:18, 33; 7:13–14, 24–27
• Matthew 20:5
• Romans 1; 7; 16
• 1 John 1:1–10; 3:2
• 2 Peter 3:11, 13
• Ephesians 5:12–25
• Proverbs; Ecclesiastes
• Isaiah 59:1–2
• Hebrews 12:14
• 1 Peter 2:20–25; 4:14–19
• Acts 7

• The Need for God
• Mourning Over Sin
• Humility of Spirit
• Spiritual Focus Over Physical Living
• Recognizing Spiritual Poverty

Garrett:

Please send in any questions or comments — we would love to hear from you!

Be sure to Like, Follow, Share, and Subscribe so others can grow with us in God’s Word.

The UNTIED Podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. 🎧

Recording Date: April 7, 2026

Post Date: April 9, 2026

The Beatitudes – Righteousness in the Eyes of God & Complete Trust in the Lord

"Welcome to the UNTIED Podcast, where we unravel the knots of life with faith, wisdom, and encouragement—because together, we're here to untie from tradition and embrace truth through powerful Bible teaching!" 🎙️📖

A light and engaging start to the episode as we catch up and talk about what’s been happening lately.

Discussion Points:

• What’s been happening in your life lately?
• What’s been going on in your ministry?
• And of course… what’s been cooking on your grill? 🔥
• Updates and personal reflections since the last episode

Purpose:

Build connection with listeners and create a relaxed entry into the study.

Discussion Focus:

• Overview of the Sermon on the Mount
• The setting and significance of Jesus’ teaching
• Why the Beatitudes are foundational to understanding Kingdom living
• The meaning of “blessed” in Scripture
• Righteousness in the eyes of God vs. righteousness in the eyes of the world
• The Beatitudes as a picture of complete trust and dependence on the Lord

Key Ideas:

• The Beatitudes describe the heart of a disciple
• They challenge worldly definitions of success and happiness
• They show what true righteousness looks like
• They call believers to a life shaped by humility, mercy, purity, and faithfulness

Practical Application:

• How do the Beatitudes shape our daily walk with Christ?
• What does it mean to trust God completely in a broken world?
• Living differently from the world through Kingdom values
• Pursuing righteousness in everyday life
• Encouraging believers to reflect Christ in attitude and action

Main Takeaway:

• Psalm 1–2
• Psalm 32:1
• Psalm 40
• Deuteronomy 33:29
• James 1:12
• 1 Peter 2:12
• 2 Corinthians 7:1–10
• 1 Peter 2:21–25
• 1 Peter 4:14–19

Garrett:

Please send in any questions or comments — we would love to hear from you!

Be sure to Like, Follow, Share, and Subscribe so others can grow with us in God’s Word.

The UNTIED Podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. 🎧

Welcome to the UNTIED Podcast, where we unravel the knots of life with faith, wisdom, and encouragement—because together, we are learning to untie from tradition and embrace truth through powerful Bible teaching.

Season 4 begins with an exciting overview of what God is doing through Excel Still More Inc. and a focused study on one of the most powerful teachings in Scripture—Matthew 5–7, commonly known as the Sermon on the Mount.

This episode sets the stage for the season by sharing updates, vision, and a foundation for studying the authority and teaching of Jesus in this incredible section of Scripture.

We kick off the season with a personal and ministry check-in:

• What’s been going on in life?
• What’s been happening in ministry?
• And of course… what’s been cooking on the grill?

This segment offers a relaxed and personal start to the season, helping listeners reconnect before diving into deeper spiritual discussions.

Several exciting updates and opportunities are coming through Excel Still More Inc.:

• Excel Still More Bible Workshop
• January 27–30, 2027
• Study Focus: Ephesians
• New Magazine – Grow & Glorify
• Visit: www.growandglorify.com
• New Book Release – Romans 9–16
• Additions to the ExcelPod Network
• Continued growth in podcasting and teaching resources designed to strengthen Christians and encourage spiritual growth.

This segment highlights the mission of Excel Still More Inc.—to equip believers with strong biblical teaching and practical resources for everyday Christian living.

The heart of this episode introduces the study for Season 4: The Sermon on the Mount.

Key themes discussed include:

• The repeated emphasis on “Our Father in Heaven” (mentioned 17 times)
• The authority of Jesus in His teaching
• The power and impact of His message

Key passages:

• Matthew 7:29 – Jesus taught as one having authority
• Mark 1:22 – People were amazed at His teaching

This introduction lays the groundwork for understanding that the Sermon on the Mount is not just a sermon—it is a call to transformed living under the authority of Christ.

Listeners are encouraged to begin reading Matthew 5–7 and prepare for deeper study throughout the season.

Thank you for listening to the UNTIED Podcast.

If you have questions, comments, or topics you would like us to discuss, we would love to hear from you.

• Please Like, Follow, Share, and Subscribe
• Available on all podcast platforms
• Help us spread the message and encourage others through biblical truth

In this final episode of Season 3, we explore Psalm 142, a powerful cry from David during one of the loneliest moments of his life. Drawing from 1 Samuel 22:1 and 1 Samuel 24:3, we are reminded that even when we feel isolated, forgotten, or overwhelmed, we are never truly alone—God is present, attentive, and faithful.

Welcome to the UNTIED Podcast, where we unravel the knots of life with faith, wisdom, and encouragement—because together, we’re here to untie from tradition and embrace truth through powerful Bible teaching.

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 15!

We kick things off by catching up on what’s been cooking lately—in our lives, our ministries, and yes… even on the grill.

We dive into Psalm 142, connecting David’s words to his real-life circumstances recorded in 1 Samuel 22:1 and 24:3. This Psalm gives voice to moments when faith feels lonely and reminds us where true refuge is found.

1. Psalm Type: Lament · Didactic · Trust
2. Key Words to Consider:
3. Perception · Intentional · Comfort

Text Outline

1. Verses 1–3a: David’s Cry
2. Verses 3b–4: David’s Position
3. Verse 5: David’s Salvation
4. Verses 6–7: David’s Request

1. James 1
2. Joshua
3. 1 Corinthians 1

This episode brings us to the conclusion of Season 3 of the UNTIED Podcast, and we are truly grateful that you have journeyed with us. Our prayer is that what we’ve studied and discussed together has been a blessing to you and to your walk with the Lord.

This season has included both highs and lows in our own lives, and through it all, the Psalms have continually pointed us back to enduring truth—that God is near, that we can take refuge in Him, and that His love and care for us never waver. When life feels heavy, the Psalms lift our eyes back to the faithfulness of God.

As we look ahead to the next season, we pray that the Lord continues to bless you in your daily walk. May you stay focused on His will for your life, remain untied from anything that draws you away from Him, and firmly tie yourself to His life-giving Word.

God bless you in all that you do. And until next time—or rather, until next season—we hope you will stay UNTIED.

Psalm 63 — Passion for Good

“Passion for Good” — Psalm 63

Historical backdrop: 2 Samuel 15–17 or 1 Samuel 23:14–15

David’s pursuit of God in the wilderness reminds us what it looks like to hunger for righteousness when life feels dry, distant, and difficult.

"Welcome to the UNTIED Podcast, where we unravel the knots of life with faith, wisdom, and encouragement—because together, we're here to untie from tradition and embrace truth through powerful Bible teaching!"

It’s Season 3, Episode 14!

Catch up with Corey & Garrett on what’s been happening in life, ministry… and yes, what’s been sizzling on the grill. Because sometimes the best conversations happen over good food and good company.

Books shaping our hearts, homes, and ministries this week:

Corey’s Picks

1. Sheet Music: Uncovering the Secrets of Sexual Intimacy — Kevin Leman...https://a.co/d/a7vR9Pe
2. Do Yourself a Favor: Love Your Wife — Page Williams...https://a.co/d/0WqZEgW

Garrett’s Picks

1. Keeping the Church From the Wilderness — Neil Pollard
2. https://www.lifeandfavor.org/shoplifeandfavor/p/keeping-the-church-from-the-wilderness
3. Connected: Parenting Faithfully in the Digital Age — Joe Wells
4. https://www.kaiopublications.org/connected-parenting-faithfully-in-the-digital-age/

Psalm 63: Passion for Good

David’s world was shifting—betrayal, pursuit, uncertainty—yet his response wasn’t bitterness or isolation, but passionate longing for God.

We’ll explore how Psalm 63 teaches us to thirst for righteousness, cling to God in wilderness seasons, and keep doing good even when life feels hard.

Next week is the Season 3 finale!

We’ll end the year reflecting on Psalm 142 — David’s cry from the cave and what it means to find refuge when you feel completely alone.

1. Psalm 63
2. 2 Samuel 15–17 / 1 Samuel 23:14–15
3. Additional supporting scriptures referenced in the discussion