Seminary Unboxed: Recent Episodes
Matt Ayars
The official podcast of Seminary Unboxed featuring Wesley Biblical Seminary President Matt Ayars on matters such as theology, biblical studies, holiness, and ministry.
True joy isn’t found in pride, comfort, or control—it’s found in humility. In this message from Philippians 2:1–11, Pastor Matt Ayars unpacks how humility is the key to restoring joy in our lives. Joy flows from reconciled relationships, and reconciliation requires humility. Joy grows as we serve others, and service demands humility. Joy deepens as we obey God’s call, and obedience, too, begins with humility. At the center of it all stands Jesus—who humbled himself even to death on a cross. His example shows us that the way up in God’s kingdom is always down, and that lasting joy is born in a surrendered heart.
Revelation 22 brings the story of Scripture to its breathtaking conclusion—the curse is lifted, the river of life flows freely, and God’s people dwell forever in His presence. In this Bible study, we explore John’s final vision of the new creation, the return of Jesus, and the invitation to “come.” You’ll see how the end of the Bible echoes the beginning, completing God’s plan to restore what was lost in Eden.
Join us as we reflect on the hope of eternity, the promise of Christ’s coming, and what it means to live now in light of forever.
Hungry people don’t always know they’re hungry—until they catch a whiff. In this message, Pastor Matt shows how the Spirit is stirring a hunger for Jesus in our culture and how the church must steward the gospel well.
We unpack what that looks like: knowing the gospel clearly, living it with integrity, sharing it wisely, guarding it from distortion, and investing it in people. Just like the aroma of fresh bread draws us to the table, our lives should carry the aroma of Christ that awakens hunger for him.
We live in a world of endless hurry—overflowing calendars, constant distractions, and an addiction to busyness. Yet the irony is clear: despite more time-saving devices than ever before, we feel like we have less time. In this message, Pastor Matt Ayars explores what it means to give our time back to God, to set healthy boundaries, and to resist the storm of boundaryless chaos.Drawing from Haitian culture, the biblical vision of Sabbath, and insights from John Mark Comer’s The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, this sermon challenges us to slow down, simplify, and embrace silence, solitude, Sabbath, and slowness as spiritual practices.How we spend our time is how we spend our lives—and who we become. Jesus not only calls us to obey his teaching but to adopt his unhurried lifestyle. Let’s stop wasting time and rediscover life as God intended.
In this episode, we step into Revelation 21, one of the most breathtaking chapters in all of Scripture. This Bible study recording unpacks John’s vision of the new heaven and new earth, the holy city descending like a bride, and God’s promise to wipe away every tear. We explore the hope of new creation, the end of death and pain, and what it means that God will dwell with his people forever.
Along the way, we wrestle with the imagery, connect the vision to the promises of the Old Testament, and reflect on what this future means for how we live in the present. Revelation 21 isn’t just a picture of the end—it’s a call to endurance, worship, and hope right now.
Join us as we imagine the world remade, the curse lifted, and the Lamb reigning at the center of it all.
In this message from 2 Corinthians 9:6–11, Pastor Matt unpacks what it means to be a cheerful giver and why our approach to money reveals the true condition of our hearts. While Jesus didn’t talk about money more than any other subject, he did speak about it often—because money is never just about money. How we think about, spend, and manage our resources points to where our trust lies and what we value most.
This sermon explores:
- Paul’s teaching that God supplies seed for sowing and multiplies generosity.
- Why Jesus warned about money’s power to become an idol.
- How money often becomes a false measure of our worth and a cover for shame.
- The call to give sacrificially, not just from abundance, but from trust in God’s provision.
Join us as we learn how generosity frees us from the grip of money, reveals our faith in Christ, and leads us into deeper joy.
One week after the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, we pause to reflect on what this moment reveals about the spiritual, cultural, and political climate in America. In this episode, we discuss how the church is responding, where it must exercise discernment, and how believers can remain rooted in the gospel amid turmoil and polarization. This conversation wrestles with grief, division, and the call to be a faithful witness of Christ in a fractured nation.
In this episode, we dive into Revelation 20 and explore the much-debated “millennial reign of Christ.” What does John mean by a thousand years? Is it literal or symbolic? We’ll walk through the three major interpretations—premillennialism, amillennialism, and postmillennialism—highlighting the strengths and challenges of each view. While Christians have long disagreed on the details, we’ll emphasize what all traditions affirm: Christ will return, evil will be defeated, the dead will be raised, and God’s people will dwell with him forever.
In this session, Pastor Matt walks through Revelation 19—heaven’s “Hallelujahs,” the marriage supper of the Lamb, and why worship, justice, and faithful witness anchor Christian hope. He unpacks the bride imagery (intimacy + faithfulness), the “righteous deeds” that ready us for Jesus, and how communion functions as a weekly foretaste of the final feast. Along the way: practical counsel on prayer as the litmus test of intimacy with God, reflections on worship leadership, and a preview of next week’s deep dive on Revelation 20 and millennial views.
In this discussion, Pastor Matt responds to the tragic death of Charlie Kirk with honesty, grief, and hope rooted in Scripture. Drawing on Revelation and the promises of resurrection, he reminds us that death does not silence the witness of those who speak truth with courage. This time of reflection wrestles with the heaviness of loss, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the call for the church to be bold in love and truth. While acknowledging the pain felt by Charlie’s family and the brokenness of our culture, Pastor Matt points us to the greater reality: heaven rejoices, Christ conquers, and the people of God are called to persevere. Through prayer and teaching, this message invites us to grieve with hope, to trust God’s justice, and to live courageously as witnesses of the gospel in a world desperate for light.
Discover how Exodus 15:22–27 shows that the way out of life’s struggles is often the long road of love. Learn how God transforms bitterness into blessing through the cross and teaches us to trust Him in the wilderness.
Discover why God chose a tent for his dwelling in Exodus and what the Tabernacle teaches us today about accessibility, holiness, evangelism, and trusting God in life’s deserts.
Explore Revelation 16 verse by verse—unpacking the seven bowls of wrath, the meaning of Armageddon, and the call to remain faithful in the end times.
Discover how the Ten Commandments reveal more than rules—they point us to a living relationship with God. This sermon explores the heart of the law, its fulfillment in Christ, and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, showing that salvation is not just forgiveness but a new heart that truly loves God and others.
In this episode, we explore Revelation 15 and its powerful message for the church today. Pastor Matt unpacks the doctrines of the clarity and sufficiency of Scripture, reminding us that God’s Word is understandable and enough for salvation and faithful living—not just for scholars, but for children and ordinary believers too.
From there, we turn to the vivid imagery of Revelation 15: the seven angels with the final plagues, the sea of glass mingled with fire, and the saints who stand victorious, singing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. What does it mean to “conquer the beast” rather than escape suffering? How does this vision connect to Israel’s deliverance through the Red Sea? And how does it shape our hope and endurance today?
Along the way, we wrestle with the nature of apocalyptic literature, why some passages are hard to interpret, and how to keep our focus on what Scripture makes clear instead of getting lost in speculation. Most of all, this episode centers our eyes on Christ—the One who did not escape death but conquered it, and in whose victory we share.
If you’re looking for encouragement to stay faithful in a confusing world, clarity about God’s Word, and hope rooted in the triumph of Jesus, this teaching from Revelation 15 is for you.
Discover how the Ten Commandments reveal that God’s boundaries are not restrictions but pathways to true freedom. This message explores the holiness of God, the danger of idolatry, and the call to love God and others as the foundation of life with Him.
In this sermon from Exodus 3, Pastor we unpack Moses’ encounter at the burning bush, showing how God’s presence transforms barren wilderness into holy ground and brings real freedom from sin through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Ever feel like life is running you instead of the other way around? Stuck in routines, burdens, or circumstances that feel impossible to shake? You’re not alone—and you’re not without hope. 💬 This week at Wellspring, we kicked off our new sermon series Exodus: The Way Out. God has a plan to get you unstuck, and it starts with His presence. Catch the message and read the blog to see how the story of Exodus speaks to our lives today.
This sermon on Matthew 13:44–46 focuses on the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price to emphasize the surpassing value of the Kingdom of God. It highlights the call to total surrender—selling all—for the sake of possessing what is of ultimate worth. The message distinguishes between those who stumble upon the kingdom and those who search for it, showing that both responses require wholehearted commitment. It also stresses the joy that accompanies true discovery and the necessity of securing one’s faith with intentionality. Ultimately, the sermon calls listeners to reorient their priorities, recognizing that only in Christ can true freedom, peace, and purpose be found.
Explore Revelation 12 in this deep, scripture-centered Bible study as Pastor Matt unpacks the cosmic battle between good and evil, the identity of the woman and the dragon, and the church’s calling to bear Christ into the world. Learn how God’s presence breaks into our lives, how Satan is cast down, and why the church must reclaim its role as both mother and witness in these last days.
Can ordinary believers really understand the Bible? Jesus says yes—and more than that, He calls us to be faithful stewards of both the Old and New Testament truths. In this powerful message, Pastor Matt challenges us to guard the gospel, embrace sound doctrine, and rise up as disciple-makers in a world desperate for truth. Don’t miss this call to deeper discipleship and biblical faithfulness.
Explore the powerful message of Revelation 11 and what it reveals about the Church’s mission, faithful witness, persecution, and ultimate vindication. This post unpacks the symbolism, encourages perseverance, and calls believers to bold, prophetic living.
A thought-provoking sermon exploring the doctrine of hell through Matthew 13:47–50. Pastor Matt Ayars examines eternal conscious torment, annihilationism, and universalism, offering biblical insight, pastoral wisdom, and a call to respond to the gospel with truth and hope.
Explore Revelation 10 in this engaging Bible study as we unpack key doctrines like angelology, divine judgment, and the church’s prophetic mission. Learn why proclaiming truth is both sweet and bitter—and why sound doctrine matters for faithful discipleship.
In this week’s sermon, Pastor Matt Ayars delivers a moving message rooted in the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast from Matthew 13. Through vivid personal stories from his time as a missionary in Haiti and a powerful testimony from a friend named Charlie, Pastor Matt reminds us that God often works through what seems small, hidden, and insignificant. Whether it’s a long, grueling hike to a mountaintop church in the Haitian countryside or the simple act of giving away a pair of shoes, God’s kingdom grows not through spectacle, but through everyday obedience.
In this sermon from the Stories by the Sea series, Pastor Matt reflects on Jesus’s parable of the wheat and the weeds (Matthew 13:24–30), weaving together personal stories, biblical theology, and pastoral encouragement to offer a powerful message about patience, rest, and trusting God’s timing.
The message opens with a lighthearted story about Matt’s impatience during a round of golf—a humorous but honest entry point into the deeper spiritual struggle of waiting. He admits that resting, especially at the beach, doesn’t come naturally to him. Yet this series, and especially this parable, challenges that impulse by inviting us to embrace the countercultural rhythm of rest.
Drawing on the biblical concept of Sabbath, Pastor Matt reminds us that in God’s economy, the day doesn’t begin with work—it begins with rest. He highlights how Jesus often works not in flashy moments, but quietly—like the resurrection, which occurred while the world was asleep. Rest is not passive laziness but active trust that God is working even when we’re not.
The parable of the wheat and weeds becomes a framework for understanding the reality of living in a broken world. Though God has sown good seed, the enemy has scattered weeds. Instead of immediately pulling them out, God tells us to wait—because His plan is unfolding slowly, deliberately, and purposefully. The kingdom of God is present now, but not yet complete.
Pastor Matt warns against two common distortions of the Christian life: triumphalism, which assumes that faith guarantees instant victory, and defeatism, which assumes that spiritual struggle is unchangeable. Instead, Jesus teaches us to live in the tension of the “already and not yet”—a time when spiritual renewal has begun, but the final harvest is still to come.
The call of the sermon is simple but profound: rest, trust, and wait well. Just as God set the boundary for the sea, He is sovereign over the chaos of our lives. So while we wait for healing, reconciliation, or breakthrough, we don’t wait in frustration—we wait on the beach, in peace, knowing that Jesus is at work.
Key Takeaways:
- Rest is a spiritual discipline that begins each day in God’s design.
- Jesus often works in hidden, quiet ways—especially while we’re resting.
- The kingdom of God is both now and not yet; we must live in that tension.
- The presence of weeds (evil, suffering, injustice) doesn’t mean God has failed—it means the harvest hasn’t come yet.
- Trusting God’s timing often means letting go of control and resisting the urge to fix everything ourselves.
This sermon is a needed reminder for all who are weary or anxious: God is not done. His work is steady and sure. And while we wait, He invites us to rest—on the beach, in His peace.
In this in-depth Bible study on Revelation 9, we explore one of the most mysterious and intense chapters in all of Scripture. What are the demonic locusts? What is the bottomless pit, and who is the fallen star with the key? Why are angels compared to stars, and what does it mean to be sealed by God? Drawing from Revelation, Genesis 6, and the background story of 1 Enoch, this teaching examines how judgment, deception, and spiritual warfare unfold in the end times—and what they mean for us today. We also explore how idolatry opens the door to torment, why demons are portrayed as intelligent and seductive, and how God’s people are marked by full devotion through the Holy Spirit.
If you’ve ever wondered about the origins of demons, the meaning of the “seal of God,” or how to resist the schemes of darkness, this session is for you. The call is clear: abandon your idols, live in full devotion to Christ, and walk in the freedom of being sealed by the Spirit.
In this opening episode of our new summer series Stories by the Sea, Pastor Matt Ayars takes us deep into the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13. With honesty, humor, and powerful conviction, he explores the four kinds of soil—hard, shallow, thorny, and good—and challenges us to examine the true condition of our hearts.
Are we resistant to conviction? Emotionally driven but lacking depth? Distracted by the noise of modern life? Or are we bearing lasting spiritual fruit?
Along the way, Pastor Matt draws on personal stories, pastoral wisdom, and the rich symbolism of Jesus teaching by the sea. He reminds us that transformation—not just information—is the goal of God’s word, and that entering the life of faith requires a death to self through the waters of baptism.
This episode will challenge you to move beyond mediocre Christianity and into a deeper, richer walk with Jesus.
📖 Scripture: Matthew 13:1–23
🎙 Series: Stories by the Sea
🪴 Theme: Spiritual Growth, Heart Posture, Discipleship
Subscribe and join us weekly as we journey through Jesus’ parables by the sea—stories that still speak life and transformation today.
In this teaching on Revelation 8, Pastor Matt unpacks the opening of the seventh seal and the sounding of the first four trumpets, revealing a powerful picture of divine justice, mercy, and the role of prayer in God’s plan. Why is there silence in heaven? What does it mean when the natural world begins to unravel? And how do the prayers of the saints ignite God’s response to evil?
This session explores:
- The meaning of the silence in heaven (v. 1)
- The heavenly altar and the prayers of the saints (vv. 3–5)
- The trumpet judgments and the theme of de-creation (vv. 6–12)
- The warning cry of the eagle (v. 13)
- How Revelation blends apocalyptic symbols with real spiritual truth
Through a blend of theological depth, biblical insight, and pastoral clarity, this study helps us see that Revelation isn’t about fear—it’s about faithfulness. God hears. God sees. And God will make all things right.
In this final message of our Holy Spirit series, Pastor Matt explores the power and purpose of spiritual gifts—what they are, why they matter, and how they fit into God’s plan to work through us, not just for us or in us. With humor, honesty, and clarity, this sermon walks through 1 Corinthians 12 and challenges believers to discover their spiritual gifts, use them in humility, and trust God with the outcomes. You’ll also learn how to take a spiritual gifts inventory (QR code included) and why every follower of Jesus is called to get off the sidelines and into the game.
In this gripping Pentecost Sunday message, Pastor Hal Daigre takes us to 2 Samuel 11 to explore one of the most sobering stories in Scripture—the fall of King David. With heartfelt storytelling, personal testimony, and pastoral insight, Pastor Hal unpacks how sin slowly changes our convictions, character, and heart—and how only the Spirit of God can restore what’s been lost.
You’ll hear how David went from a man after God’s own heart to someone capable of betrayal and cover-up, and how God’s pursuing grace through the prophet Nathan led him back to repentance. Pastor Hal also shares his own story of transformation—from a life changed by sin to a life changed by Christ.
This episode is a call to revival, to honesty before God, and to rediscover the restoring power of the Holy Spirit. If you’ve ever wandered, struggled, or longed for renewal, this is a message you won’t want to miss.
Key Scripture: 2 Samuel 11
Themes: Conviction, Repentance, Sin, Restoration, Pentecost, Holy Spirit
Takeaway: No matter how far you’ve fallen, grace goes further. Revival begins with repentance.
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In this episode, we dive deep into the mystery and power of the Holy Spirit—tracing His work from the Old Testament to Pentecost and beyond. Pastor Matt responds to a thoughtful question about the difference between the Spirit’s activity before and after Christ, revealing how the Spirit moved selectively in the Old Testament but is now poured out on all believers for the building up of the Church.
We explore the surprising significance of Bezalel—the first person in Scripture explicitly filled with the Spirit—and how his Spirit-empowered craftsmanship points to the Holy Spirit’s role in new creation. From there, we trace a rich biblical theology of the Spirit through Genesis, Exodus, Acts 2, and Romans, culminating in a clear and compelling vision of sanctification and the holy life.
This episode is packed with theological depth, pastoral warmth, personal testimony, and fresh insight into what it means to live as Spirit-filled people in unity, holiness, and power.
Highlights include:
– The Spirit’s selective anointing in the Old Testament
– Why Bezalel matters for understanding Pentecost
– The tabernacle as a microcosm of new creation
– The difference between gifts and fruit of the Spirit
– Why unity in the Church precedes revival
– The sudden and the slow work of God in sanctification
– Debunking Romans 7 as the “normal Christian life”
– Personal stories of transformation by the Spirit’s power
📖 Scriptures: Genesis 1, Exodus 31, Acts 2, Romans 6–8, Jeremiah 17
🎙️ Runtime: ~1 hour
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In this follow-up reflection to Sunday’s message on Acts 1:1–11, Pastor Matt Ayars explores the significance of the 40 days between Jesus’ resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Why did Jesus wait? What do the biblical patterns of 40 days and 40 years teach us about the Christian life?
Drawing from Exodus, the Gospels, and Revelation, Pastor Matt unpacks the meaning of waiting as a season of preparation—not just for the disciples, but for us today. This episode weaves together themes of inaugurated eschatology, spiritual formation, and missional readiness, reminding us that we live in the tension between what Christ has already accomplished and what we still long to see fulfilled.
Whether you’re in a season of patience, wrestling with delay, or seeking clarity on the Spirit’s timing, this episode offers theological depth and pastoral encouragement for the journey.
📖 Scripture Focus: Acts 1:1–11
🕊️ Theme: Waiting and Preparing for the Holy Spirit
🎙️ Speaker: Dr. Matt Ayars, Wellspring Church
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Pentecost #HolySpirit #Acts1 #ChristianFormation #WaitingWell #InauguratedEschatology #WellspringChurch #MattAyars #SpiritualGrowth #ChurchLife
In this episode, Pastor Matt Ayars walks through Acts 1:1–11 to answer a vital question: How do we prepare ourselves to receive the Holy Spirit? With insight, honesty, and a touch of humor, Pastor Matt shares four essential steps to spiritual readiness: submitting to the lordship of Jesus, waiting on God’s timing, aligning with His kingdom purposes, and embracing our calling as Christ’s witnesses. Whether you’re seeking renewal or wondering what it means to be Spirit-filled, this message offers clarity and challenge for the journey of faith.
In this powerful Memorial Day message, Pastor Matt Ayars takes us into Revelation 1:12–20 to explore the often-overlooked but absolutely essential doctrine of Christ’s Ascension.
Many Christians focus on the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus—but what about the Ascension? Why does it matter that Jesus rose not just from the grave, but also into glory?
In this episode, Pastor Matt unpacks the vision of the glorified Christ walking among the lampstands—the churches—and explains what it means that Jesus now reigns at the right hand of the Father. You’ll hear about:
- Why the Ascension is essential to salvation
- How the Ascension makes the presence of Christ universally accessible
- The role of Jesus as intercessor, judge, and king
- What the lampstands, robe, sash, and sword imagery really tell us
- The difference between Holy Spirit conviction and the enemy’s condemnation
This episode will challenge and encourage you to see the Ascension not as an add-on, but as a cornerstone of Christian hope and worship.
In this episode, Pastor Matt Ayars takes us deep into the Spirit-led journey of salvation. From prevenient grace to glorification, we explore how the Holy Spirit draws us to Christ, convicts us of sin, brings about new birth, and shapes us into the image of Jesus. What does it mean to be truly “born again”? Why is regeneration more than just forgiveness? And how does the Spirit heal our shame and awaken us to new life?
Whether you’re new to theology or looking to deepen your understanding of salvation, this episode offers a clear, biblical, and transformational view of the Spirit’s work in our lives.
🕊 Topics include:
- The order of salvation and the Spirit’s role in each step
- The connection between justification and regeneration
- How shame, fear, and sadness are healed through the Spirit
- What it really means to be sanctified
- Why being “awake” isn’t the same as being “born again”
🎧 Subscribe and share if this episode encourages your walk with Christ!
HolySpirit #BornAgain #Justification #Sanctification #ChristianPodcast #Theology #SpiritualFormation #UnionWithChrist #MattAyars #SpiritFilledLife #PodcastMinistry
In this episode, Matt Ayars unpacks the urgency and depth of Jesus’ final words in Matthew 28: “Go and make disciples.” With passion and clarity, he challenges the Church to move beyond passive belief and toward active discipleship, exploring what it really means to obey the Great Commission. Along the way, he addresses the root of human brokenness—shame—and how only the divine blood of Christ can cleanse it. Whether you’re struggling with doubt, wondering how to serve, or needing fresh vision for your role in the Church, this episode will inspire you to embrace the freedom and purpose found in following Jesus and helping others do the same.
In this episode, Pastor Matt Ayars unpacks the profound and personal work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer, beginning with a recap on spiritual gifts—especially tongues—and how they fit within the Methodist tradition. From there, we transition into the heart of the conversation: the Holy Spirit’s role in salvation.
What does it mean to be united with Christ? How does the Spirit make that union possible? Pastor Matt walks through the earliest stages of the Order of Salvation (Ordo Salutis), focusing especially on prevenient grace and conviction of sin—how the Spirit softens our hearts, reveals the truth, and points us to Jesus as both Savior and standard.
Key themes include:
- Continuationism vs. cessationism and why Methodists affirm sign gifts but approach tongues with caution
- The Holy Spirit’s role in uniting us with Christ and the Church
- Why communion and baptism symbolize union with Christ and cannot be divorced from the corporate body
- How suffering can serve as a grace that opens us to truth
- The Spirit as the one who convicts, not by comparison with others, but by pointing us to the person and work of Jesus
- The difference between saving grace and sanctifying grace in sacramental theology
- Why apostolic succession and ordination ensure the faithful administration of Word and Sacrament
This is Part 1 of our exploration of the Holy Spirit’s role in salvation, covering the initial movements of grace in the soul. Next week, we’ll continue with repentance, justification, regeneration, and beyond.
🔊 Whether you’re a student of theology, a curious believer, or a pastor seeking clarity on the Spirit’s work, this episode will deepen your understanding and draw you closer to Christ.
In this special Mother’s Day episode, Pastor Matt Ayars opens up Revelation 12 to reveal a powerful and often-overlooked truth: the Church is not only the bride of Christ and the body of Christ—it is also a mother. Drawing from the vivid imagery of the woman clothed with the sun, Pastor Matt explores how the Church brings Christ into the world, nurtures spiritual children, and perseveres in the face of spiritual opposition.
This episode weaves together deep biblical theology, practical discipleship, and heartfelt encouragement for moms and all who labor to bring others to Christ. From the pain of childbirth to the power of spiritual warfare, you’ll hear how Revelation reframes motherhood and the mission of the Church in cosmic terms.
Whether you’re a mom, a pastor, or someone learning to live faithfully in the wilderness between resurrection and new creation, this episode will leave you inspired to live out your calling with courage and hope.
In this episode, Pastor Matt Ayars shares a personal story that launches a deep dive into the gifts of the Holy Spirit—starting with the moment his wife, Stacy, unintentionally “slayed” someone in the Spirit. What follows is an honest, engaging, and theologically grounded conversation about charismatic gifts like speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing, and discernment. Pastor Matt unpacks the difference between cessationism and continuationism, explains why Methodists believe the gifts continue, and offers pastoral wisdom on why some gifts—especially tongues—can be divisive in church life. With scriptural insight and practical guidance, this episode offers clarity for anyone wrestling with questions about the Spirit’s work in the church today.
Topics Covered:
- Being “slain in the Spirit”: what it is and what it isn’t
- Universal vs. unique spiritual gifts
- Cessationism vs. continuationism
- Why Methodists affirm the charismatic gifts but approach them with caution
- How culture shapes our experience of the Spirit
- The divinity of the Holy Spirit and His role in the Trinity
In this compelling episode of Seminary Unboxed, host Dr. Matt Ayars welcomes back theologian and comparative religion expert Dr. Steven Tsoukalas to expose and unpack a subtle but pervasive theological error: “Great Gulfism.” Also known as cosmological dualism, Great Gulfism refers to the mistaken belief—often unconsciously held—that there is a fixed chasm between God and the material world. Drawing deeply from the work of T. F. Torrance, Dr. Tsoukalas challenges this worldview by arguing that many Christians unknowingly adopt Neoplatonic assumptions that separate God from His creation, despite the scriptural and creedal insistence on God’s immanence.
The conversation traces how this dualistic thinking seeps into popular worship practices, language, and theological constructs such as immutability and impassibility. Ayars and Tsoukalas wrestle with questions of God’s transcendence versus His presence, offering nuanced theological correctives rooted in Nicene and Chalcedonian Christology. The discussion underscores the vital importance of rightly articulating the Trinity, avoiding vague references to “God,” and instead anchoring worship and prayer in the revelation of the triune God made known in Christ.
Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of how the incarnation reveals God’s presence in space and time, how worship is meant to be shared with Christ—not just directed toward Him—and why careless theological language can unintentionally reinforce heretical assumptions. With pastoral sensitivity and theological depth, this episode is a must-hear for anyone eager to think and speak more faithfully about the God who is not distant, but fully present in Christ through the Spirit.
In this powerful and personal message, Pastor Matt Ayars walks us through John 21, where the risen Jesus restores Peter after his threefold denial. With humor, vulnerability, and pastoral insight, this sermon explores what it means to be forgiven, called, and sent again—no matter how deeply we’ve failed. Jesus doesn’t just restore Peter’s status—He restores his mission: Feed my sheep. This message challenges us to examine our love for Christ, reminds us that no one is beyond restoration, and calls us to serve not out of comfort, but out of love for the Savior.
In this episode, Pastor Matt Ayars takes us into the scene of John 20:19–23, where the risen Jesus appears to His fearful disciples hiding behind locked doors. What does Jesus offer them first? Peace.
We explore how the resurrection of Christ is not just about an empty tomb—it’s about the living Lord who meets us in our fear, breathes new life into our hearts, and gives us hope beyond death. Pastor Matt explains the significance of Jesus’ glorified body, why Pentecost is essential to the Christian life, and how resurrection hope transforms our experience of suffering and physical frailty today.
Key themes include:
- Living in the freedom of Christ’s resurrection
- The difference between being awakened and being born again
- How Jesus’ glorified body previews our future resurrection
- Why our physical suffering does not have the final word
Join us as we continue our new series, “Risen and Reigning,” preparing our hearts for Pentecost and the life of resurrection power.
In this episode, Pastor Matt Ayars kicks off a new series on the Holy Spirit by asking a vital question: Why study the Spirit at all? As we move from Easter toward Pentecost, Matt lays a theological and devotional foundation for understanding the Spirit’s role in the life of Christ, the Church, and the believer.
You’ll explore:
- Why the Holy Spirit often remains behind the scenes—and why that’s biblically intentional
- How the Spirit empowers both the inspiration and interpretation of Scripture
- What it means to know the Holy Spirit not just intellectually but personally
- The doctrines of Scripture that shape our approach to pneumatology: inspiration, authority, clarity, sufficiency, and unity
- Why studying the Spirit is as much about worship as it is about learning
This is more than a theological lecture—it’s an invitation to meet the One who illuminates Christ, sanctifies believers, and breathes life into the Church.
🕊️ Subscribe and join us each week as we prepare our hearts for Pentecost by getting to know the Spirit of God.
In this special Easter Sunday message, Pastor Matt Ayars proclaims the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the foundation of our faith and the force that shapes every part of the Christian life.
Why do we worship on Sundays? Why do the sacraments matter? Why do we believe the Bible is the Word of God? It all comes back to the empty tomb.
Drawing from Matthew 28:1–10, Pastor Matt explores how the resurrection:
- Shifts our worship from the old creation to the new
- Makes the bread and cup come alive in communion
- Gives baptism its meaning
- Validates Scripture as the Word of the risen Lord
- Redefines true power—not through domination, but through love and humility
- Gives us the confidence to face death and live as a new creation
This episode will encourage your heart, deepen your faith, and remind you that Jesus didn’t just rise in the past—He is risen now, and His power lives in us.
“If Christ is risen, then the world is a different place—and so are we.”
Why did the story of redemption include betrayal? In this Holy Week teaching, Pastor Matt Ayars explores the meaning of Spy Wednesday—the day Judas conspired to betray Jesus—and why that act of treachery is not just a tragic footnote but a theologically necessary part of the gospel story.
Drawing from Matthew 26:14–16, this episode unpacks the layers of human sin, divine grace, and spiritual warfare woven into the events leading to the cross. You’ll hear reflections on the role of Satan in the passion narrative, the cosmic scope of Christ’s mission, and what it means to live in the tension of already-but-not-yet eschatology. Most of all, it’s a call to face our own betrayal and receive the unrelenting love of a Savior who still invites us to the table.
In this powerful Palm Sunday message, we journey from the joyous cries of “Hosanna!” to the crushing silence of Gethsemane. As Jesus enters Jerusalem to the cheers of the crowd, expectations are high—but by week’s end, those same voices cry “Barabbas.” Why? Because Jesus came not to fulfill our will, but the Father’s.
Through vivid storytelling and pastoral reflection, this sermon explores the spiritual weight of Jesus’s prayer: “Not my will, but yours be done.” Gethsemane was not just a place of prayer—it was the battleground of surrender. And in that garden, Jesus won the victory of obedience.
Whether you’re facing grief, temptation, or the challenge of letting go, this episode calls you deeper into trust, deeper into prayer, and deeper into the life of Jesus himself.
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📖 Scripture: Matthew 26:36–46
📍 Recorded live at Wellspring Church
Explore the meaning of Lent, the significance of Jesus’ baptism, and the power of true repentance through Psalm 51. Discover how sin, grace, and atonement shape our journey to Easter.
What does it truly mean to follow Jesus? In this episode, we dive into Luke 9:23, where Jesus calls His disciples—not just to believe in Him, but to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him.
Too often, Christianity is reduced to admiring Jesus from a distance. But Jesus’ invitation isn’t just to watch—it’s to walk the road He walked, even when it leads to sacrifice and suffering.
🔹 In this episode, we explore:
✔ The meaning of taking up your cross—and why it’s a daily call
✔ Why self-denial is at the heart of true discipleship
✔ The cost of following Jesus in a world that values comfort over commitment
✔ How Lent helps us move from being spectators to true followers
Jesus isn’t just someone to be observed—He’s someone to be obeyed and imitated. Are you ready to take up your cross and follow Him?
📌 Listen now and be challenged to go deeper in your walk with Christ!
🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode encourages you!
Podcast #FollowJesus #Discipleship #TakeUpYourCross #ChristianLiving
Join us as we embark on The Journey to the Cross, a Lenten sermon series that prepares our hearts for Easter. In this message, we explore Jesus’ baptism and temptation in the wilderness, revealing how His journey began—not in comfort, but in the desert, where true transformation happens.
Through an in-depth look at Matthew’s Gospel, we uncover the significance of Jesus’ baptism as a foreshadowing of His mission, His identification with sinners, and the power of the Holy Spirit in sustaining Him. We also examine the meaning of Lent, the role of fasting, and the call to repentance as we prepare our hearts for the cross.
Lent is a time of spiritual discipline, self-examination, and deepening our dependence on God. Are we willing to meet Jesus in the wilderness, in the places of our struggles and brokenness, so that He can lead us into true life?
📖 Key Themes Covered:
• The significance of Jesus’ baptism and temptation
• The meaning of Lent and its connection to biblical fasting
• The importance of repentance and spiritual disciplines
• How the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome temptation
As we journey through Lent, may we be reminded that Jesus meets us not at our best, but in our deepest places of need. He calls us to follow Him—not just in word, but in action, surrender, and trust.
In this episode, we dive into the significance of Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent—a sacred time of reflection, repentance, and preparation for the Resurrection of Christ.
Join us as we explore:
✅ The biblical roots of Lent and its connection to Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness
✅ The spiritual significance of fasting, prayer, and self-discipline
✅ Why ashes are used on Ash Wednesday and what they symbolize
✅ The mark of the cross on the forehead as a sign of humility and belonging to Christ
✅ How God stretches and prepares us through this season of surrender
As we embark on this Lenten journey, let’s take time to humble ourselves, reflect on our need for God’s grace, and prepare our hearts to fully experience the joy of Easter.
📖 “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19)
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast for more faith-filled reflections, and if this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend!
In this sermon, we conclude our journey through the Book of Genesis and explore a compelling theme: the women at the well and their profound role in God’s redemptive story. As we transition into the Lenten season with our new sermon series, The Journey to the Cross, we take a moment to reflect on the often-overlooked yet deeply significant women of Genesis—Eve, Sarah, Hagar, Rebecca, Rachel, Leah, and more.Key Themes
- The “gray characters” of Genesis—women who, like us, have strengths and flaws but are used by God.The recurring biblical theme of women at the well and how it culminates in John 4 with Jesus and the Samaritan woman.
- The church as the Bride of Christ, called to multiply and share the living water of the Gospel.A call to evangelism: sharing our faith is not about reputation or eloquence—it’s about the power of the Holy Spirit working through us.
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What does it mean to be marked as God’s people? In this powerful sermon, we explore the biblical concept of circumcision—not just as an ancient ritual, but as a profound symbol of transformation, identity, and belonging in Christ. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals that God’s people are set apart, not by outward appearances alone, but by an inward change—the circumcision of the heart.
Is being a Christian just about believing the right things? In this sermon, we explore how faith, love, and obedience are essential pillars of true Christianity. Using the story of Sarah’s laughter in Genesis 18, we dive into why right worship (orthodoxy) requires more than just belief—it demands love and obedience too. Learn how Jesus, Paul, and the early church taught that real faith transforms our hearts and actions. Are you truly worshiping God with your whole life?
Join us as we dive into Genesis 15, a pivotal chapter in the life of Abraham, where God seals His covenant through a profound and mysterious ritual. In this deep and engaging study, we explore themes of faith, trust, divine promises, and God’s faithfulness—all pointing to the greater fulfillment in Jesus Christ!
In this sermon, we dive into the life of Abraham—the man the Bible calls the “father of faith.” Abraham’s story challenges the common idea that faith is a single decision or moment. Instead, his journey shows us that faith is a dynamic, lifelong walk with God.
In this session, we explore the theological significance of mystery, the importance of trust in our faith, and the recurring cycle of human failure and divine redemption. Beginning with Noah’s post-flood story, we examine his role as a “second Adam,” the troubling events surrounding his son Ham, and what they reveal about original sin. We then unpack the Tower of Babel, its implications for human pride and divine judgment, and how Pentecost reverses its curse.Throughout, we discuss the necessity of mystery in Christianity—why faith sometimes requires us to say, “I don’t know”—and how trust in God’s plan is at the heart of salvation. We also touch on sacraments, election, and how the Abrahamic covenant sets the stage for God’s redemptive work.Join us as we wrestle with Scripture, challenge assumptions, and grow in understanding together!
Discover how to fight for your family through biblical discipleship and kingdom priorities. In this sermon on Deuteronomy 6:4-9, learn how to raise children in faith, strengthen your marriage, and live a life fully devoted to Christ. Watch now and be inspired to build a God-centered home!
Genesis 6:1-8 is one of the Bible’s most mysterious passages. Who were the “sons of God” and the Nephilim? Explore the leading interpretations—angelic beings, the Sethite line, or powerful rulers—and uncover what this passage reveals about sin, judgment, and God’s plan. Dive into this fascinating biblical mystery!
Welcome to my latest message in the Genesis - Foundations series! In this sermon, we dive deep into the story of Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6) and uncover its profound symbolism. The Ark is more than a tale of animals and a flood; it’s a foreshadowing of the cross and a vivid reminder of the church’s role as the only place of rescue and renewal.Key points covered in this sermon: • The Ark as a symbol of the cross and Jesus as our ultimate salvation. • The pervasive nature of sin and its destructive impact on humanity. • The urgency of being “in the Ark”—a life grounded in Christ and His Church. • How Noah’s Ark points to baptism, new creation, and God’s promise of restoration. • A challenge to live with a sense of urgency, prepared for Christ’s return.Bible Verses Referenced: • Genesis 6 (Noah and the flood) • Matthew 24:37-39 (The days of Noah) • Romans 6:4 (Baptism into new life) • 2 Corinthians 5:17 (New creation in Christ)This sermon calls us to examine our lives, reject the false “marks” we rely on, and trust in Jesus, the only one who rose from the dead and calms every storm. Are you ready to step into the Ark and experience true peace, freedom, and life in Him?
Welcome to our latest sermon, “From Selfishness to Sacrifice: Understanding Sin and Salvation in Genesis.” This powerful message explores the foundational truths from Genesis and their relevance to our lives today.In this sermon, we delve into the story of humanity’s fall in the Garden of Eden, unpacking the crafty nature of sin and its consequences. Through biblical insights from Genesis, Isaiah 6, Romans, and Revelation 12, we uncover the roots of selfishness, deception, and moral autonomy—and how only Jesus provides the ultimate solution to the curse of sin.Key points include: • The nature of sin: How it begins with deception and selfishness. • The serpent’s role: Symbolism and the sneaky tactics of Satan. • God’s response to sin: Meeting humanity where we are and providing redemption through sacrifice. • Lessons for the church: Moving from inward-focused selfishness to outward-focused service.This message challenges us to reflect on our own lives, ask where we’ve been selfish, and consider how we can serve others in our communities.🙏 Join us on this journey of transformation as we explore how Jesus heals us from sin and calls us to selfless living.✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring sermons and teachings to help you grow in your faith. Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear from you!Bible Verses Referenced: • Genesis 3:1-19 • Isaiah 6:1-7 • Romans 5:12 • Revelation 12:9Call-to-Action Links: • Join our Online Bible Study: https://wellspringms.church/bible-study/genesis/ • Connect with Us:https://wellspringms.church • Watch More Sermons: https://wellspringms.church/category/sermons/
Welcome to my latest sermon, “Formed to the Filled: Every Christian Is Called to Multiply,” where we explore the foundational truths of creation and God’s purpose for humanity. Drawing from Genesis 1:27–31 and Matthew 9:16–17, this message highlights the divine pattern of forming and filling, the call to multiply God’s image, and the transformative power of being made new in Christ.Key Points Covered in This Sermon: • Genesis 1:27–31: Humanity’s purpose to reflect God’s image and fill the earth with His glory. • Matthew 9:16–17: The challenge of embracing God’s new work and being open to new wine in new wineskins. • The importance of boundaries, rest, and God’s sovereignty in creation and life. • How Jesus resets and restores our calling as image-bearers through His redemptive work. • The mission of the church and every believer: to multiply disciples and glorify God.Are you ready to receive the new work God wants to do in your life? This sermon will inspire and challenge you to embrace His calling for multiplication and transformation.Bible Passages Referenced:Genesis 1:27–31, Matthew 9:16–17, Isaiah 6:3, Psalm 19, and more.a
This week, we explore the origins of creation, humanity, sin, marriage, sacrifice, and the sovereignty of God. In this episode, Dr. Ayars dives into Genesis 1 and 2, unpacking profound truths about God’s creative power, the doctrine of original sin, and how Jesus is woven throughout the narrative.
Join Dr. Matt Ayars and Dr. Jerome Van Kuiken as they explore the critical distinction between justification and regeneration in Christian soteriology. Discover how these doctrines shape our understanding of salvation, the role of the Holy Spirit, and theological insights from Augustine to Wesley.
Debunk common myths about demons with this insightful guide. Learn the truth about demonization vs. possession, deliverance, psychological illness, and the role of Christians in spiritual warfare. Discover a balanced perspective on spiritual and emotional struggles.”
Welcome to our sermon, “Discipleship in the Home: Raising Radically Faithful Families”! This week, we explore a deeply impactful and challenging topic: how to raise children and grandchildren in a Christ-centered way, equipping them to live radically faithful lives in a secular world.Drawing from Luke 2:41-52, we delve into the adolescent life of Jesus and what His example means for the discipleship of our families. We discuss the importance of rituals in the home, creating an age 18 discipleship plan, and intentional parenting practices to nurture faith in our children.Key points include: • Why discipleship in the home is central to Christian growth. • The significance of rituals like family meals, hymns, and catechism. • Practical tools for spiritual growth, including age-appropriate discipleship goals and strategies. • Biblical guidance for raising children in faith, including Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Matthew 28:19-20.Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or someone with influence over young lives, this sermon offers practical and transformative tools for raising children to love Jesus in every season of life.Scriptural References: • Luke 2:41-52 • Deuteronomy 6:4-9 • Matthew 28:19-20Resources Mentioned: • “Discipleship in the Home” by Matt Friedeman (available in the church lobby or on Amazon) • Hidden in the Heart Catechism (available for families and grandparents)Visit our church website for more resources: https://wellspringms.church👍 Like this video if it encouraged you.💬 Comment below with your thoughts or questions on discipling children in faith.📢 Share this sermon with someone who would be inspired by it.🔔 Subscribe for more sermons and faith-building content!
In this podcast I interview Dr. Peter Bellini from United Theological Seminary (Dayton, OH) on the topic of exorcism, denomination, and Halloween.
The Bible teaches that at the end of time, God will create a new heavens and a new earthas part of His plan to restore all creation and dwell with His people forever. This new creation will be free from sin, suffering, and death, and it will be the eternal home for those who have put their faith in Christ. Click this link for an overview of what the Bible says about the new heavens and the new earth: https://mattayars.com/new-heavens-and-new-earth/
The Bible teaches that the final judgment and hell are integral parts of God’s ultimate plan for dealing with sin, evil, and justice at the end of time. The final judgment is when every person—both believers and unbelievers—will stand before God to be judged for their actions, beliefs, and lives. Hell, in this context, is described as the eternal consequence of rejecting God’s grace and continuing in sin.
See more here: https://mattayars.com/what-about-final-judgment-and-hell/
According to the Bible, non-Christians, or those who do not accept Christ, go to a place of separation from God after death. The Bible describes this state in various ways, often associating it with judgment, Hades (the realm of the dead), and ultimately, hell (Gehenna, the lake of fire). Click the link below for key biblical teachings on where non-Christians go after death:
More here: https://mattayars.com/non-christians-after-death/
Yes, the Bible suggests that Christians go to heaven immediately after death, entering into the presence of God. While there are various interpretations within Christianity, many passages in Scripture affirm that believers experience a conscious, immediate presence with Christ upon death. Click the link below for some key points that support this teaching:
See more here: https://mattayars.com/non-christians-after-death/
The Bible encourages Christians not to fear death, providing several reasons based on faith, hope in eternal life, and confidence in God’s promises. The teachings of Scripture emphasize that through Jesus Christ’s victory over sin and death, believers can face death without fear. Below are key biblical principles that explain why Christians are called to live without the fear of death: See more here: https://mattayars.com/should-christians-fear-death/
Revelation 1:14 says Jesus has hair that is white like wool and snow. This symbolizes the wisdom and dignity of Jesus. See more here: https://mattayars.com/wisdom-of-jesus/
Romans 9–11 is the text for this sermon which explores Paul's answer to the question "Are all Jews saved?"
Find details here: https://mattayars.com/are-all-jews-automatically-saved/
White, red, black, and green horses...what does it mean?! This is a study of Revelation 6:1–8.
Romans 8:1-11, known as the “inner sanctuary of the cathedral of faith” is a definitive declaration on the freedom that Christians have in Christ, the new life given through the Holy Spirit, and the ongoing transformation that takes place as we live according to the Spirit rather than the flesh.
Find the full sermon outline here:
https://wellspringms.church/your-past-does-not-define-you/
Romans 6 (among other passages) plainly teaches that the goal of Jesus's redemptive work is to break the power of sin (i.e., regeneration, not just the guilt of sin/justification). Once the individual is born again/regenerated, we have to practice spiritual disciplines to break unholy habits.
As we look at Romans 5:12–21 (the classic text on the doctrine of Original Sin), we will ask and answer the question, "Must sinning be automatic?"
This episode explores why God alone merits worship. In a word, it's because he is holy.
This episode asks and answers the question, "How is the book of Psalms like the Torah (Genesis–Deuteronomy)?" The answer is, both give us instructions on how to get into God's presence.
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Disruption. Demons aggravate existing situations. They push, prod, tempt, and entice people to make poor or unwise decisions. They work to make bad things worse and get people to overdo good things so that once-good things are no longer positive.
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Temptation. Satan tempted Eve (Gen. 3:1–7) and Jesus (Matt. 16:21–23). It seems they can put ideas in people’s minds and tempt in areas of greatest vulnerability.
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Hiddenness. Demons like to stay hidden. They want people to think they don’t exist. Being aware that a problem is demonic is more than half the battle.
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Fear. Demons want us to fear them. It keeps us under their control. Demons can be greatly weakened through repentance and inner healing. They are not to feared.
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Deceit. Deceit is one of the primary strategies of the demonic. They lie about people and God. They also slander. Their lies can be direct contradictions or sometimes indirect questioning of truth.
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Hindrance. Demons want to stop the advance of the gospel and the spreading of the Kingdom of God.They hinder Christians from effectiveness in ministry and non-Christina’s from receptivity to the gospel. They will attack Christians to keep them in church or attending Bible study, small group, or any place where grace is dispensed into their lives. They push to make our minds wander to distract from sermons or edifying messages.
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Accusation. Demons cripple through accusation. They whisper accusations of others and undermine relationships. They especially make accusations about God (Gen. 3).
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Enablement. Demons enable compulsions. They delight in helping people to develop a compulsive approach to both good and bad behavior. They encourage harmful compulsive behavior as well as overdoing “good” things like work, study, doctrinal purity, family, achievement, etc.
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Harassment. Demons want to disrupt our lives using whatever means possible. This includes traffic, weather, health, stress, relationships, sleep, eating habits, and even mechanical objects (cars, computers, etc.).
Jesus plainly teaches in Matthew 18:21–35 that people who are forgiven yet refuse to forgive others are evil (and will themselves go unforgiven). Grace is the means through which the Kingdom comes into the world. Yes, this means the grace that God gives us that “while we were still sinners…but also the grace that we give one another that “while we were still sinners”! In this passage Paul discusses the kind of faith that Abraham had as the forefather of the faith. God’s plan was to redeem the world and he would do it through a family. What is the trademark of that family? It is deep trust in the incomprehensible promises of God. Often times it’s more difficult for us to believe that God will possible judge the world rightly (evidenced in our frequent refusal to forgive one another) than it is to believe in bodily resurrection. Saving faith is one that is quick to give out grace and forgive. A family that matches that characteristic is the family of God. It is a family that embodies the heart of its Father.
Intimacy with Jesus is the silver bullet to spiritual warfare.
One of the primary strategies of Satan in keeping us from growing in Christ and to stunt effectiveness in ministry is to keep us ignorant of the power and authority we have in Jesus. Satan is jealous of us. He had a place of authority prior to his fall and humans were given authority over the created, material world (Gen. 1:26 and Ps. 8:5). Satan hates God and therefore hates who God loves.
The satanic kingdom wants us to fear it. Fear is an instrument used by the powers of darkness to keep Christians blinded from our power and authority in Jesus. Understanding our power and authority in Jesus diffuses that fear.
The power of the demonic depends completely on the garbage off which they feed and live. Removing the garbage of sin and getting healing for damaged emotions weakens the powers of darkness. One of the best ways to exercise our power over darkness is by getting rid of garbage.
A brief study on Revelation 4:1–4. While there is some debate among scholars, what seems sure is that the 24 elders represent the whole people of God in the throne room of worship. This 24 are represented as the 12 tribes of Israel with the 12 disciples—meaning OT people of God and NT people of God together as the entire people of God (much like the 144,000).
Weekly devotional for Wellspring Church on the notion of propitiation.
Since the problem of sin is the loss of the presence of God, justification is ultimately about the restoration of his divine presence through the Holy Spirit. Justification is the means for the reconciliation between God and man. This reconciliation between God and us is the basis of the term “atonement” (i.e., “at-one-ment”), which is at the heart of justification. Atonement describes what justification accomplishes: restoring a ruptured divine-human relationship, making those who were at odds “at one.” Justification draws on the imagery of a courtroom in which God judges and declares us—the guilty—innocent based on Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf.
This is a sermon on worship. From Romans 3:21–26, we look at Paul dealing with the issue facing the churches in Rome of the Messianic Jews require gentiles to follow the traditions of Moses to be saved. e
Humility is the trademark of a Christian. This is tough for sinners. One thing that helps is the reminder that faith is a gift.
This sermon explores the notion of the wrath of God. More specifically, there is no love of God without God's wrath. The two are interlinked. Furthermore, there wrath of God pronounced in the New Testament is quite strong, especially against (1) false teachers and (2) those who fail to care for people most in need.
This episode explores Screwtape Letter 2 where Lewis teaches on sanctification, humility, and breaking bad habits.
This sermon is based on Romans 1:17. As Oswald Chambers writes, "The one marvellous secret of a holy life lies not in imitating Jesus, but in letting the perfections of Jesus manifest themselves in my mortal flesh. Sanctification is 'Christ in you.' It is His wonderful life that is imparted to me in sanctification, and imparted by faith as a sovereign gift of God’s grace. Am I willing for God to make sanctification as real in me as it is in His word?"
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest: Selections for the Year (Grand Rapids, MI: Oswald Chambers Publications; Marshall Pickering, 1986).
There are three levels of spiritual warfare, all of which revolve around Satan’s fixation with stamping out the Messiah. He’s battling against the Messiah for two reasons: (1) God promised that the Messiah would crush Satan’s head (Gen. 3), and (2) the Messiah redeems humanity, who is the subject of his scorn and scourging.
The three levels of spiritual warfare are: (1) cosmic-level conflict, (2) conflict against the redeemed, and (3) conflict against the unredeemed.
This episode summarizes how spiritual warfare fits into the overall narrative arc of the single story of Scripture. We consider the big picture story of scripture and the place of spiritual warfare within that story including the plot, characters, and setting. We conclude by looking at how the cosmic battle between good and evil continues today in the world and in the church.
One cannot be a true, Bible-believing Christian and deny that spiritual warfare is real. Listen in.
In this episode, Dr. Ayars introduces a mini series of episodes on the topic of spiritual warfare by sharing a bit about how he came to study the topic of spiritual warfare.
This is the start of our sermon series on Paul's letter to the Romans. Romans 1:1–7 is the text for the sermon and the focus is on the gospel as not only a thing, but also—and more importantly—a Person. To be a Christian is not just to be one whose status has changed from guilty to innocent, but one who is in a dynamic, living relationship with Jesus.
This sermon explores Paul's correspondence to the church at Ephesus in Acts 20. Paul is compelled to do the right thing, including proclaiming an unpopular message that leads to persecution, but cause it is his duty. Strangely, the church grows through the proclamation of an unpopular message. This is the case because God is the one who gives the growth and honors churches who boldly and faithfully proclaim the full counsel of the word of God.
This sermons explores Acts 18:24–28. In this text we see that while mystery (i.e., sacrament) is at the heart of the Christian faith and worldview, there is also a powerful inner logical consistence and coherence to the Christian worldview. This, in turn, means that NOT everything goes. Furthermore, we also see that the church grows by both attrition and new believer baptisms, and that part of the church's calling to proclaim is to teach (i.e., catechize).
Spiritual warfare is real. This sermon/episode explores some of the dynamics of spiritual warfare.
In this sermon/episode, we explore Exodus 3 as the basis for the fact that Holy Communion not only unites us with Christ and one another, but is the fuel for the church to fulfill its calling in the Great Commission.
There are two kinds of conflict in the church: (1) internal (Acts 6:1–7) and (2) external (Acts 6:8–15). Sin is the root cause of both. While internal sin occasionally pops up, it is external opposition to the church that should be the most common. After the internal strife is dealt with (Acts 6:1–7), the work continues, yet so does the opposition. To our amazement, the most opposition the church faces from the outside as a result of the preaching of the gospel, the more it grows. As a church, we will have growing pains, but the main work must stay the main work—and the opposition we face from the lost world should always outweigh the internal strife of the church. If we want the church to grow, we must be faithful in a way that solicits persecution. We must preach the gospel.
In this episode/sermon, Dr. Ayars explores the the revealing work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit reveals sin (both sins and the sin condition), the character of God, and the people of God.
The central function of the church is to proclaim the gospel, by both deed and word. The book of Acts adds to that statement that the good news must be proclaimed with boldness, as there will be enemies to the proclamation of the message of freedom in Jesus Christ.
Dr. Miller joins the podcast to discuss his new book "Contender: Going Deeper in the Book of Jude."
Contender is available on Amazon here:
https://a.co/d/4gVBcMZ
A brief overview of the meaning behind the four apocalyptic horsemen, the martyrs, and the earthquake.
In this episode, Dr. Matt Ayars, Dr. Andy Miller III, Dr. Steve Blakemore, and Dr. Murray Vasser discuss the doctrine of inerrancy. They answer questions like, "Should Wesleyan's use the term 'inerrancy'"? "Does the doctrine of inerrancy die the death of a thousand qualifications?" "Is the doctrine a contemporary doctrine?"
In this episode, Dr. Ayars exegetes Revelation 5, where Jesus, the slain lamb, is worshipped because of his obedience and ultimately redemptive work. He alone fulfills God's redemptive purposes in the world.
In this episode, Dr. Ayars interprets the meaning of the fours creatures around the throne and the theological basis for their worship.
In this episode of Seminary Unboxed, Dr. Matt Ayars and Dr. Steve Blakemore discuss a theology of artificial intelligence. The discussion ranges from the what makes humanity unique, how AI is not and will never be God, the notions of love, personhood, and even the eschatological threat of artificial intelligence informed by notions from the book of Revelation.
Dr. Steve Blakemore is Professor of Christian thought and theology at Wesley Biblical Seminary (wbs.edu). Dr. Matt Ayars is President and Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Wesley Biblical Seminary.
Link to Dr. Blakemore’s book Recovering the Soul: Aquinas's and Spinoza's Surprising and Helpful Affinity on the Nature of Mind-Body Unity: https://www.amazon.com/Recovering-Soul-Aquinass-Surprising-Mind-Body/dp/1532698127/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1687805662&sr=8-1
In this episode, Dr. Ayars discusses how the Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is divine by considering the incommunicable divine attributes of the Holy Spirit (i.e., all-powerful, all-knowing, not restricted by time and space), the divine titles of the Holy Spirit and that for the Holy Spirit to truly represent the divine Presence, he must be God.
In this episode Dr. Ayars explains the basic notions to the Trinity and how the Holy Spirit fits into the bigger trinitarian framework.
In this episode, Dr. Ayars talks about the church tradition and doctrine as a source of information when studying the Holy Spirit. Church tradition is not human invention/teaching to be added to the Scriptures; rather, church tradition is the Church's attempt, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to preserve in concise language the apostolic witness of the New Testament. We can rely on the creeds when they say that the Holy Spirit "eternally proceeds from the Father through Son.
In this episode, Dr. Ayars explains his convictions about the Bible as the primary source for studying the Holy Spirit. As a text that is inspired/authoritative, inerrant, sufficient, clear, and unified, the Bible is the authority for finding out what the Holy SPirit reveals about himself in that very text.
In this episode Dr. Ayars summarizes the introduction to his book, The Holy Spirit: An Introduction where he discusses the holiness of God as the starting point for understanding the Holy Spirit.
In this episode we look at the meaning of John’s being called to heaven, the door to heaven, and the various features surrounding God the Father’s presence in throne room. Why a rainbow? Why the colors for carnelian, jasper and emerald? Why flashes of lightening and thunder? This episode explains all of these elements as understood by the original auidience as informed by the broader witness of the Scriptures, namely, the book of Ezekiel and the Psalms.
Christ rebukes the church in Laodicea because they are neither cold nor hot, meaning that they neither bring refreshment (cold) nor healing (hot) to the thirsty and diseased world around them. They are blind to their own sin, but Jesus extends grace by asking them to allow him to return to their assembly!
John writes to the church at Philadelphia, a faithful church, but with little power. He promises them that he will preserve them through tribulation and that the reward for their faithfulness will be eternity in the presence of God.
Dr. Ayars discusses the letter to the church at Sardis. The Christians in Sardis have the reputation of being alive but they are dead (still enslaved to sin). Christ calls them to be watchful lest they miss out on Christ’s return and final redemption.
In this episode, Dr. Ayars exegetes Revelation 2:18-29. He emphasizes that the even church is not a place safe from judgment for those who live in open rebellion against God. He also highlights that tolerance for sin in the church receives rebuke from the Son of God.
Dr. Ayars continues his series in Revelation, covering the Letter to the Church at Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11).
Dr. Ayars continues his journey through the book of Revelation by examining the letter to the church at Ephesus.
Dr. Ayars talks to Isaiah Friedeman, who is on the front lines of the Asbury Revival going on right now in Wilmore, Kentucky.
In this episode, Dr. Chris Wright joins the podcast to discuss his new book, "Here are your Gods."
Hans Boersma joins the podcast to discuss the five things theologians wish biblical scholars knew.
Pete Belinni joins the Seminary Unboxed podcast to talk about his new book, The X-Manuel.
Dr. Roger Olson joins the Seminary Unboxed podcast to discuss his new book, "Against Liberal Theology."
Dr. Bill Bellinger joins the podcast to talk about his new book "Introducing Old Testament Theology."
Dr. Michael Brown joins the podcast to discuss how Christians should respond to cancel culture.
In this interview, Dr. Matt Ayars and Dr. Eve Tibbs discuss the similarities and differences between Eastern Orthodox and Wesleyan-Arminian traditions.
Dr. Brandon Crowe joins the podcast to discuss the reason behind the perfect life of Jesus.
Ephraim Radner, co-editor of All Thy Lights Combine, joins Dr. Ayars on this installment of Seminary Unboxed.
Dan Block discusses his new book Covenant: The Framework of God's Grand Plan of Redemption
Dr. Matt Ayars invites Dr. Ken Collins onto the podcast to discuss his new book, Jesus the Stranger, and discuss Collin's view of entire sanctification.
This episode of Seminary Unboxed features Stuart Kellogg, author of The Post Covid Church.
In this episode of the Seminary Unboxed podcast, Dr. Matt Ayars sits down with Ryan Danker who specializes in Wesleyan theology in the public square.
Chris Lohrstorfer joins us on the Seminary Unbox podcast to discuss John Wesley and Christian perfection.