Worshipology

Episode 30: “Perspective - How Big is Your God?”

In this crazy world, worry and anxiety are familiar threats to our hearts. What does Jesus tell us on this issue? Join Dr. Tyler Ball as he looks at Matthew 6:25-34 and its implications for true worshippers. A big danger of worrying is the tendency to make God small in our hearts. However, even when our hearts make Him small, He will always be big; and that will never change. If you need encouragement today, please listen to this episode and let Jesus remind you that He has everything under control.

Episode 29: “The Tale of Two Masters”

“The question is not will we have a master; no, the question is what will be our master.” Join Dr. Tyler Ball as he finishes Matthew 6:19-24. Focusing on verses 22-24, this text reminds us that it is not possible to equally invest and serve both the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of heaven. If we try, two things are certain. One, we won’t be able to focus on either well; and two, one will eventually come out on top. You don’t want to miss this episode. Tune in for both encouragement and conviction.

Episode 28: “The Heart Wants What it Wants”

Seventeenth-century Puritan, George Swinnock, asks us this question, “Are we not fools to prefer dirt to that which is divine?” Join Dr. Tyler Ball as he unpacks Matthew 6:19-21 and the tension between desiring the things of this world and desiring the things of heaven. What do you desire more? If you need help answering this question, simply look at where your heart lies. Tune in as this episode brings both encouragement and conviction to its listeners.

Episode 27: “Fasting: Spiritual Nourishment for the Believer”

For some believers, fasting is a hard spiritual discipline to do right. God knows this, and He gives us help. Join Dr. Tyler Ball as he examines Jesus’s words in Matthew 6:16-18, as well as Dr. Donald Whitney’s book, “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life.” The goal of all spiritual disciplines is closeness and conformity to Christ, so tune in as this episode hopes to encourage you in your pursuit of these things.

Episode 26: “God’s Name, Kingdom, and Will First”

How is your prayer life? Prayer is such a gift to God’s people, yet many times we neglect it or do it half-heartedly. In Matthew 6:9-15, Jesus gives us a great example to follow when lifting our prayers to God. Known as the “Lord’s Prayer,” join Dr. Tyler Ball as he unpacks this passage and addresses the importance of putting God’s name, kingdom, and will above all and before all. Tune in for both encouragement and helpful conviction.

Episode 25: “Prayer: Applause or Communion?”

As with every passage in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes it clear that He cares much more about the heart than the action. Join Dr. Tyler Ball as he unpacks Matthew 6:5-8 and its implications for both public and private prayer. Filled with encouragement and conviction, this episode urges us to evaluate our hearts when we pray. Do we pray for the applause of men or for communion with God? You don’t want to miss this one!

Episode 24: “Quit Tootin’ Your Own Horn”

As true worshipers, we are called to meet the physical needs of others. It is great when we obey this, but there can still be the temptation to make things about us. Join Dr. Tyler Ball as he unpacks Matthew 6:1-4 and the motives behind being generous. As implied in this episode’s title, we need to quit “tootin’ our own horns” by making us the point, and we need to wait on the only trumpet blast that will matter- the fanfare announcement that Jesus has come back to earth for His bride. This episode is sure to bring encouragement, a few chuckles, and a challenge to align ourselves with the heart of Jesus.

Episode 23: “A Love that Sets Us Apart”

In the last few weeks, we have witnessed a heightened reminder of how hateful the world can be. It is overwhelming, and frankly, it can make it hard to love all people. However, Matthew 5:43-48 reminds us as true worshipers that loving only those who love us back is easy. If we truly want to imitate Christ’s love and set ourselves apart from the world, we must love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Join Dr. Tyler Ball as he unpacks this passage and reminds Christians that we all were once enemies of Jesus. Yet, Luke 23:34 shows us that Jesus’s love was demonstrated on the cross as He prayed over His persecutors, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Episode 22: “Eye for an Eye – Meeting the Sting of Evil with the Surprise of Grace”

What do you do when people wrong you? Do you want to get even? Do you want revenge? Do you leave things up for “karma?” However you feel, what if every evil done to you is a Gospel opportunity to show the grace of Jesus Christ? Join Dr. Tyler Ball as he unpacks Matthew 5:38-42 and encourages all true worshippers to meet the sting of evil with the surprise of grace.

Episode 21: “Oaths - Can People Believe What You Say?”

Though the world seems to have a soft and relative view of truth, Jesus calls us to imitate His perfect standard of truth. After all, the very word, “truth,” is embedded in our identity as true worshipers, right? Join Dr. Tyler Ball as he works through Matthew 5:33-37. Does your word hold up on its own, or do you need to supply additional promises to boost your credibility? Tune in for another challenging but necessary episode.