BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION – Nathan and Phil wrap up the discussion on Faith in discussing the Church, exploring what it means to trust God’s design for His body even when people fail us. Through personal stories and Scripture, they unpack leadership wounds, offense, and the enduring promise of Jesus in Matthew 16 — that his Church will prevail.
— EPISODE CHAPTERS —
(00:00) Faith, the Church, and Offense
The episode opens with humor and honesty about how faith gets tested when we experience hurt or disappointment in church life. The discussion centers on trusting God more than people.
(16:04) The Foundation Jesus Built
Phil and Nathan unpack Matthew 16 and 18, showing how Jesus’ words to Peter reveal a Church rooted in the gospel, not in human control or hierarchy.
(31:25) Offense, Authority, and the Kingdom
The conversation moves into how offense affects unity and how the Church can handle correction, leadership, and restoration biblically and relationally.
(55:15) Activation Steps
This episode closes with an invitation to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of offense, release old hurts, and reengage the Church with renewed trust and faith in God’s design.
— EPISODE LINKS —
• Podcast Playlist | Unlove
— EPISODE NOTES —
THE CHURCH IS ESTABLISHED – Jesus is the Lead Pastor
Matthew 16.13-20 (cf. 18.15-20); Hebrews 3.1; 1 Peter 5.4; Ephesians 1.22-23; 2.20
Jesus is the foundation of the Church. He establishes, in general, the global, ever-expanding, unseen Church (i.e., the “Kingdom of Heaven”); and in particular, the local, institutional church. Therefore, if the global Church is the Kingdom, then local churches are like the forward operating base (the front lines) of the growing Kingdom in a geographical area. The Global Church Analogies:
- Husband & Wife (Ephesians 5.22-33) – Jesus sacrificially provides, and we humbly trust.
- Vine & Branches (John 15.1-17) – Jesus is the only source from which we can derive life.
- Head & Body (1 Corinthians 12.12-31) – We live and thrive when we submit to Jesus, in turn, he empowers us to minister.
- Shephard & Sheep (John 10.1-21) – We can live provided for in peace and rest when we trust him.
APPLICATION QUESTION(S):
When or with who is it most difficult for you to trust and submit to the leading of Jesus through the Holy Spirit?
THE LOCAL CHURCH — A Small, Caring Community
Acts 2.42-47; Ephesians 4.11-16; 1 Thessalonians 3.2; 5.12-14; Hebrews 3.13; Romans 1.10-11; Romans 12.3-8; 1 Corinthians 12.1-11; 14.26-33; 1 Peter 4.7-11; Revelation 1.17-20; 2.5
The local church is God’s people physically gathered in a common geographical location for the purpose of being equipped by leadership, motivating each other, encouraging each other, benefiting from each person’s spiritual ability, and generously meeting each other’s needs.
APPLICATION QUESTION(S):
How are you generously participating in the local church? How are you generously participating in the global spread of the Kingdom?
ACTIVATION STEPS
From this study, prayerfully walk through the following steps:
STEP #1 – REMEMBER JESUS IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH (Ephesians 1.22-23)
Jesus is the foundation, chief Shepherd, and cornerstone of His Church — global and local. Our first priority is to follow Him, not personalities, programs, or preferences.
Ask the Holy Spirit: When or with whom am I tempted to gain my safety, comfort, or security on human leadership, culture, or structure rather than on Jesus?
STEP #2 – ENGAGE IN THE LOCAL CHURCH (1 Corinthians 12.7; Hebrews 3.13)
Our local church thrives when members line in small, caring communities of encouragement, accountability, and generosity. Every Christian has at least one gift or role that strengthens others — withholding these things from others weakens the local expression of Jesus’ body.
Ask the Holy Spirit: What gift or ability have You given me to contribute to my local church, and how can I actively share it this week?
STEP #3 – RECEIVE MINISTRY (Romans 1.11-12):
We are not designed to live and minister alone and independent of other Christians. Growth comes when we are humble enough to be ministered to and cared for by Jesus’ body.
Ask the Holy Spirit: Where do I need to let myself be vulnerable and receive care, correction, or accountability from others in this local community?
