By the Book | Christ-centered teaching with Dr. Stephen Reynolds

By the Book | Christ-centered teaching with Dr. Stephen Reynolds

by Joseph Tate
Christianity
Season 1

Sermon Series | All About Jesus | 11. Church Leadership Is All About Jesus

All About Jesus Church Leadership is All About Jesus Titus 1:1-16 The Main Point: Church leadership is all about Jesus. The Context of Elder Leadership (vv1-4) Why elders? Elders preach the gospel of Jesus according to the mission of Jesus. (1 Cor 2:2; Mt 28:19-20) The Call to Elder Leadership (vv5-9) Establish elders. (v5; Eph 4:11; Acts 20:17, 18; Acts 14:23)Multiple elders in Jerusalem (Acts 11:30), Antioch of Pisidia, Lystra, Iconium, & Derbe (Acts 14:23), Ephesus (Acts 20:17; 1 Tim 5:17), Philippi (Phil 1:1), churches in the Jewish dispersion (Jas 5:14), & throughout the Roman empire (1 Pet 1:1) Establish elders with Christ-like character. (vv6-8; Eph 5:25) Establish elders with Christ-like competence. (v9) Why elders? Elders point the people of Jesus to the character of Jesus. The Concern of Elder Leadership (vv10-16) The Contrast to Elders (vv10-13a) The Correction by Elders (vv13b-16) Why elders? Elders protect the teaching of Jesus from the enemies of Jesus. Next week’s sermon: The New Creation is All About Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17)
S1 · E11
Mar 16, 2026
40:05

Sermon Series | All About Jesus | 12. The New Creation Is All About Jesus

All About Jesus The New Creation is All About Jesus 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 The Main Point: The new creation is all about Jesus. (Ezekiel 21:1-3, 7; 36:25-27) The new creation brings us a new perspective. (v16) 2 Cor 4:16-8; 1 Cor 1:18, 22-24; Rom 12:2; Mk 8:28 The new creation brings us a new life. (v17) Ps 51:10; Ezek 11:19; Jn 3:3, 16 The new creation brings us a new relationship. (vv18-19, 21) Rom 5:10 The new creation brings us a new ministry and message. (vv20-21) Next week’s sermon: The New Creation is All About Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17)
S1 · E12
Mar 23, 2026
38:59

Sermon Series | All About Jesus | 13. Crumbling Kingdoms are All About Jesus

Crumbling Kingdoms are All About Jesus Matthew 23:37-24:2 The Main Point: Crumbling kingdoms all about Jesus. (Mt 23:25-26) Jesus is the king over every kingdom. (vv37-39) 2 Chr 36:15-16; Jer 35:15; Deut 32:11; Jer 12:7 True security is only found in Jesus. (Ps 33:17; 20:7; Dan 2:20-21; Job 12:23; Hebr 12:28) Jesus is the God over every religion. (vv1-2) Mk 13:1; Mt 26:61 True religion is only found in Jesus. (Ps 27:4; Hebr 1:3a) Next week’s sermon: Easter is All About Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)
S1 · E13
Mar 29, 2026
37:37

Sermon Series | All About Jesus | 14. Easter Is All About Jesus

All About Jesus Easter is All About Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 The Main Point: Easter is all about Jesus The resurrection of Jesus is essential to… The Gospel (vv1-2; 1 Cor 15:14, 17): You must believe Jesus rose again if you want to be saved. The Bible (vv3-4; Lk 24:44-46; Isa 53:12): You must believe Jesus rose again if you say you believe the Bible. History (vv5-7): You must believe Jesus rose again if you claim to believe historical evidence. Our Mission (vv8-11): You must believe Jesus rose again if you want a message worth sharing. Our Future (vv12-58; 1 Cor 15:19, 21-22): You must believe Jesus rose again if you want hope for the future. Next week’s sermon: The church is all about Jesus. (Colossians 1:15-20)
S1 · E14
Apr 6, 2026
33:50

Sermon Series | All About Jesus | 15. The Church Is All About Jesus

All About Jesus The Church is All About Jesus Ephesians 4:1-16 The Main Point: The Church is all about Jesus The Church is united in the godliness of Jesus. (vv1-3)We have a calling. (Gal 5:22-23) We have an example. (Phil 2:1-8) The Church is united by the gospel of Jesus. (vv4-6)We have the same Savior. (Jn 17:21-22) We have the same salvation. The Church is united through the giftings of Jesus. (vv7-12)We have many giftings. (vv7-10; Ps 68:18-20; Jas 1:17) We have many gifted people. (vv11-12) The Church is united to grow in Jesus. (vv13-16)We exist to grow in knowledge and wisdom of Jesus. (vv13-14) We exist to grow in the love of Jesus. (vv15-16; Jn 13:34-35; Jn 11:23-26, 35)
S1 · E15
Apr 13, 2026
40:16

Sermon Series | All About Jesus | 16. The Christian Life Is All About Jesus

All About Jesus The Christian Life is All About Jesus Romans 13:1-14 The Main Point: The Christian life is all about Jesus. The Christian life involves Christlike respect. (vv1-7; Rom 1:16)Obey earthly leaders. (vv1-5; Dan 2:21a; Jer 27:5-6; Acts 24:16) Pay earthly obligations. (vv6-7; 1 Tim 2:1-2; 1 Pet 2:13-17, 21-23; Mt 22:21b) The Christian life involves Christlike love. (vv8-10; Mt 5:17; Jn 10:11; 1 Jn 3:16; Jn 13:34-35; 1 Jn 4:7-11) The Christian life involves Christlike holiness. (vv11-14; 1 Jn 1:5; 3:5; Col 1:13-14; Mt 5:14-16) Next week’s sermon: The Revelation of Jesus (Revelation 1:1-8)
S1 · E16
Apr 20, 2026
38:18
Season 2

Discussion Series | Rooted | 1. What is Lent and why should we care?

In this first episode of Rooted, Pastor Steve and I explore the roots and modern practice of Lent, and what it should mean to us all. We’ve created a “Beginner’s Guide to Lent Fasting” resource including simple fast options, weekly rhythms, and reflection questions. If you’ve never observed Lent before, this is designed to help you start small, biblically, and without spiritual performance. View it below. LENT BEGINNER RESOURCE PACK A Simple Guide for First-Time Observers 1. What Is Fasting? Fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food (or something meaningful) for a spiritual purpose. It does not earn grace or favor from God. It creates space to hunger for Him. • Matthew 6:16–18 • Joel 2:12–13 • Isaiah 58 • Matthew 4:1–4 2. Beginner Fast Options • Option 1: One-Meal Fast – Skip one meal once per week and use that time for prayer and Scripture. • Option 2: Sunrise-to-Sunset Fast – Fast during the day and break with a simple dinner. • Option 3: Media / Comfort Fast – Abstain from social media, streaming, sugar, or coffee. • Option 4: Partial (Daniel-Style) Fast – Simple foods only; no desserts, alcohol, or luxury Foods. 3. How To Break a Fast Do not binge or overeat. Break your fast slowly with something simple (eggs, broth, avocado etc.). Thank God and reflect on what you learned during the fast. 4. Weekly Lent Rhythm • Daily: 5–10 minutes in Scripture and one short prayer of repentance. • Weekly: One intentional fast and one extended prayer time. • Sunday: Feast and celebrate the grace of Christ. (with healthy, whole foods) 5. Reflection Questions • What do I run to for comfort besides Jesus? • What surfaces in my heart when I’m hungry? • Where am I spiritually distracted? • What does deeper repentance look like? • How can this prepare me to celebrate the resurrection? Beginner’s Lent Prayer Sample Lord, teach me to hunger rightly. Strip away distraction. Expose what competes for my love. Let this season make me desperate for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Medical & Wisdom Note If you are pregnant, diabetic, underweight, have eating disorders, or medical concerns, consult a physician before fasting from food. Fasting is meant to draw you to Christ, not harm your body. Book Recommendations from the episode: “The Obesity Code” Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss (Why Intermittent Fasting Is the Key to Controlling Your Weight) by Jason Fung, MD https://a.co/d/06NaCeNP This next Amazon link is for the cookbook companion for “The Obesity Code”. It is invaluable when providing options for clean eating that don't sacrifice flavor or variety. “The Obesity Code Cookbook” Recipes to Help You Manage Insulin, Lose Weight, and Improve Your Health (The Wellness Code) https://a.co/d/09DrW6cG “Counterfeit Gods”: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters by Timothy Keller https://a.co/d/05k5BXli “The Mortification of Sin” by John Owen https://a.co/d/01VkZllf
S2 · E1
Feb 18, 2026
49:45

Discussion Series | Rooted | 2. Why We Can Trust The Bible

In this episode of Rooted, Pastor Steve and Joe walk through the historical evidence behind the Bible. They discuss why the New Testament is actually the most well-attested document from the ancient world and how discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls confirm the careful transmission of the Old Testament. Rather than avoiding difficult questions, this conversation encourages thoughtful investigation. Christianity is rooted in real history, and the evidence surrounding the Bible invites confidence rather than fear. The Bible is not fragile. It has been examined, challenged, and studied for centuries and it still stands. Pastor Steve’s Recommended Resources For those who want to explore this topic more deeply, here are several helpful books: Why Trust the Bible? — Greg Gilbert https://a.co/d/08inYpMq Can I Trust the Bible? — R.C. Sproul https://a.co/d/0h5tbgQi A Survey of the New Testament — Robert H. Gundry https://a.co/d/04VCct7t Encountering the New Testament — Walter A. Elwell & Robert W. Yarbrough https://a.co/d/02XYRwTg How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth — Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart https://a.co/d/09f0J37P
S2 · E2
Mar 4, 2026
28:18

Discussion Series | Rooted | 3. What Is The Bible Actually About?

Rooted "What Is the Bible Actually About?" Episode Summary Pastor Steve and I have a conversation to answer one of the most foundational questions any believer can ask: What is the Bible actually about? The answer is both simple and profound. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible isn’t an instruction manual or a collection of hero stories — it’s one unified story with one thread running through every page: Jesus Christ. In this conversation, we explore how to read Scripture, why the Old Testament makes more sense than it can feel at times, what covenant and kingdom actually mean, and how false gospels become dangerous not by what they add — but by what they leave out. Key Topics Covered The Bible as one unified story, not a collection of disconnected books Why Jesus is the thread running from Genesis to Revelation What "covenant" and "kingdom" mean — and why they matter for reading Scripture How to approach the Old Testament without getting lost Why false gospels are dangerous for what they omit What it means to read the Bible looking for Jesus, not just advice Key Scripture References Luke 24:27 — Jesus opening the Scriptures on the road to Emmaus John 5:39 — "These are the Scriptures that testify about me." 2 Timothy 3:16–17 — All Scripture is God-breathed Resources Mentioned 📖 According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible — Graeme Goldsworthy: https://a.co/d/0621ltt2 📖 Kingdom Through Covenant — Peter Gentry & Stephen Wellum: https://a.co/d/02q3wH6H 📖 The Jesus Storybook Bible — Sally Lloyd-Jones (great for kids and adults alike): https://a.co/d/0ca6CezL Reflection Question When you open your Bible, are you looking for advice — or are you looking for Jesus? Enjoyed this episode? Share it with someone who's been struggling to put the Bible together. Every conversation on Rooted exists to help you see Scripture more clearly and Jesus more fully.
S2 · E3
Mar 19, 2026
25:39

Discussion Series | Rooted | 4. What Is the Gospel?

Rooted What is the Gospel? Most people have an answer — but is it the complete one? In this episode, we walk through what the Gospel actually is, what it isn't, and why every piece of the definition matters. Key Scriptures Romans 1:16 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 Ephesians 2:8–9 Romans 10:9–10 Acts 5:31 What We Cover The three most common counterfeits — and why they fall short The four pillars of a complete Gospel: God, Humanity, Christ, and Response Why the Gospel is an announcement first — not an instruction How a false Gospel produces exhaustion, and the real one produces transformation Discussion Questions Could you define the Gospel clearly to someone who's never heard it? Which counterfeit Gospel do you think is most common in the church today? What does it mean to respond to the Gospel — not just agree with it? Pastor's Steve’s Book Recommendation What Is the Gospel? by Greg Gilbert Gilbert builds his case around four core subjects — God, man, Christ, and a response — drawing from Paul's presentation in Romans and the sermons throughout Acts.It's a short, accessible read that goes deep where it counts. Pick it up on Amazon Enjoyed this episode? Share it with someone who needs to hear the real thing.
S2 · E4
Apr 1, 2026
22:40
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