Pastor Talk podcast

#Religion #Christianity #Pastor Talk #Presbyterian Church

39:33

"The basic premise of the event is that hunters hunt rattlesnakes from the surrounding environment all across West Texas, and bring them into the roundup for the weekend. And during the roundup, these snakes are kept in a pit and then, one by one, beheaded and skinned in front of in front of audiences." - Elizabeth MeLampy Elizabeth MeLampy is a lawyer dedicated to animal rights and protection, and her passion for this work shines through in her latest book, Forget the Camel, the Madcap World of Animal Festivals and What They Say About Being Human . To research the book, Elizabeth traveled across the country, immersing herself in a wide range of animal festivals — from the Iditarod dog sled race to the rattlesnake roundup in Sweetwater, Texas. Elizabeth examines these festivals as revealing microcosms of our broader relationship with animals. Whether it's rattlesnake hunts, frog-jumping contests, ostrich races, or groundhog celebrations, these events reflect the ways humans use animals to express cultural identity, community pride, and historical traditions. Yet beneath the pageantry and excitement lies a deeper question: Is our fascination with these spectacles worth the toll it takes on the animals involved? With compassion and insight, Elizabeth invites readers to consider whether there’s a more ethical and empathetic way to honor our stories — one that respects both animals and the traditions they inspire. Please listen, share and read, Forget the Camel. It will be released on April 8th, 2025. https://apollopublishers.com/index.php/forget-the-camel/…

Pastor Talk

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Join Pastors Clint and Michael for their thought-provoking conversations about the Bible and encouragement for how you can become a Christian who thinks deeper and lives out your Christian faith more intentionally.

640 episodes

Pastor Talk

updated 3 days ago

Series home•Feed

640 episodes

#Religion #Christianity #Pastor Talk #Presbyterian Church

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Pastor Talk

1
John 18:12-18 15:33

3 days ago15:33

15:33

In this episode, we step into the chilling courtyard of John 18 as the passion narrative gains momentum. Jesus has been arrested and taken to the high priest, and we find ourselves watching Peter—who just recently seemed bold and loyal—begin to unravel. The group explores how John uniquely structures the story, using Peter’s denials as scene transitions and revealing the complex motivations behind Jesus’ arrest. From the understated political strategy of Caiaphas to the mysterious unnamed disciple (likely John himself), this passage is layered with tension, nuance, and theological weight. There's even a curious appearance by a woman gatekeeper and a "charcoal fire" that carries powerful symbolism later in the gospel. It's a masterclass in narrative craftsmanship and human frailty. Pastor Talk Quick Links: Learn more about the Pastor Talk series and view our previous studies at https://pastortalk.co Subscribe to get the Pastor Talk episodes via podcast, email and much more! https://pastortalk.co#subscribe Questions or ideas? Connect with us! https://pastortalk.co#connect Interested in joining us for worship on Sunday at 8:50am? Join us at https://fpcspiritlake.org/stream…

Pastor Talk

1
John 18:1-11 19:15

4 days ago19:15

19:15

In this episode, Clint and Michael dive into the dramatic shift in John’s Gospel as Jesus moves from prayer to arrest. Unlike the other Gospels, John paints a portrait of Jesus who is entirely in control—no betrayal kiss, no surprise attack, just divine authority on full display. They unpack how Jesus steps forward, names himself with the powerful "I AM," and causes soldiers to fall to the ground. The discussion highlights how John weaves together themes of strength, divine mission, and chosen sacrifice, challenging our assumptions about power and vulnerability. A profound and rich look at one of the most pivotal scenes in Scripture. Pastor Talk Quick Links: Learn more about the Pastor Talk series and view our previous studies at https://pastortalk.co Subscribe to get the Pastor Talk episodes via podcast, email and much more! https://pastortalk.co#subscribe Questions or ideas? Connect with us! https://pastortalk.co#connect Interested in joining us for worship on Sunday at 8:50am? Join us at https://fpcspiritlake.org/stream…

Pastor Talk

1
Grief & Faith: From the Inside 41:44

6 days ago41:44

41:44

In this lesson, Pastor Michael explores some of the surprising ways that grief impacts us from the inside out. He also explores the historic Christian understanding of lament and what it has to teach us about the strength and frustrations of faith in the midst of grief.

Pastor Talk

1
John 17:20-26 20:02

12 days ago20:02

20:02

In John 17, Jesus prays not just for His disciples but for all future believers who will come to faith through their testimony. This profound moment in Scripture highlights Jesus’ deep concern for the unity of His followers. He prays that the Church would be one—just as He and the Father are one—so that the world may know the truth of His mission. Clint and Michael explore what this means for us today, reflecting on how Christian unity is both a calling and a challenge. How do we embrace our differences while remaining one in Christ? And what does it mean to be a Church that is sent into the world? Join us for this deep dive into one of Jesus’ most powerful prayers. Pastor Talk Quick Links: Learn more about the Pastor Talk series and view our previous studies at https://pastortalk.co Subscribe to get the Pastor Talk episodes via podcast, email and much more! https://pastortalk.co#subscribe Questions or ideas? Connect with us! https://pastortalk.co#connect Interested in joining us for worship on Sunday at 8:50am? Join us at https://fpcspiritlake.org/stream…

Pastor Talk

1
Learning from the Stages of Grief 46:06

13 days ago46:06

46:06

In this second session, Pastors Clint and Michael introduce and explore Elisabeth Kübler-Ross' stages of grief. Tune in for a succinct overview of some of the common experiences of grief, including some aspects that may surprise you.

Pastor Talk

1
John 17:11-19 20:30

13 days ago20:30

20:30

In John 17, we get a rare glimpse into Jesus' longest recorded prayer, where He intercedes for His disciples and, by extension, for all who follow Him. Jesus prays for their protection, sanctification, and unity as they are sent into the world—just as He was. In this episode, we unpack the tension of being "in but not of" the world and explore how Jesus' prayer shapes our mission as Christians today. What does it mean to be set apart yet fully engaged? Join us for a deep dive into this powerful passage. Pastor Talk Quick Links: Learn more about the Pastor Talk series and view our previous studies at https://pastortalk.co Subscribe to get the Pastor Talk episodes via podcast, email and much more! https://pastortalk.co#subscribe Questions or ideas? Connect with us! https://pastortalk.co#connect Interested in joining us for worship on Sunday at 8:50am? Join us at https://fpcspiritlake.org/stream…

Pastor Talk

1
John 17:1-10 20:57

18 days ago20:57

20:57

In John 17, we encounter the longest recorded prayer of Jesus—a profound and deeply theological moment found only in this gospel. As Jesus prays for God’s glory, his disciples, and those who will believe through them, we see a powerful summary of his mission and identity. This prayer marks the turning point as Jesus moves toward the cross, revealing his deep connectiv https://youtu.be/9qJDKT5IOB4 on to the Father and his care for his followers. Join us as we explore the significance of this prayer and what it means for us today. Pastor Talk Quick Links: Learn more about the Pastor Talk series and view our previous studies at https://pastortalk.co Subscribe to get the Pastor Talk episodes via podcast, email and much more! https://pastortalk.co#subscribe Questions or ideas? Connect with us! https://pastortalk.co#connect Interested in joining us for worship on Sunday at 8:50am? Join us at https://fpcspiritlake.org/stream…

Pastor Talk

1
John 16:25-33 22:11

19 days ago22:11

22:11

In today’s study, we explore Jesus’ powerful words in John 16:25-33, where He reassures His disciples that even in the face of trials, they can have peace because He has already overcome the world. We wrestle with the disciples' misunderstanding, Jesus' promise of coming persecution, and the profound encouragement that our peace and courage come from Christ alone. How do we respond when we think we “get it” but are then tested? Join us as we dig into the depth of Jesus’ teaching and what it means for us today. Pastor Talk Quick Links: Learn more about the Pastor Talk series and view our previous studies at https://pastortalk.co Subscribe to get the Pastor Talk episodes via podcast, email and much more! https://pastortalk.co#subscribe Questions or ideas? Connect with us! https://pastortalk.co#connect Interested in joining us for worship on Sunday at 8:50am? Join us at https://fpcspiritlake.org/stream…

Pastor Talk

1
Grief & Grieving: An Introduction 36:40

20 days ago36:40

36:40

In this introductory episode from the 2025 Soup Supper series, Pastors Clint and Michael introduce grief and grieving from a Christian perspective. Whether you are someone currently navigating a season of personal loss or someone who would like to be a better support for those who are, this study is for you.…

Pastor Talk

1
John 16:16-33 21:38

20 days ago21:38

21:38

In John 16, Jesus prepares His disciples for His coming departure, using the imagery of childbirth to explain how their present sorrow will turn into joy. The conversation highlights a key theme in John's Gospel—the glory of Christ, not just in the cross but in His entire mission. While the disciples struggle to understand Jesus’ words, He reassures them that their pain is temporary and will give way to a joy that no one can take away. The discussion explores how John presents Jesus as glorified from the beginning, how early Christians wrestled with His absence, and how we, too, experience both sorrow and hope as we await Christ’s return. Pastor Talk Quick Links: Learn more about the Pastor Talk series and view our previous studies at https://pastortalk.co Subscribe to get the Pastor Talk episodes via podcast, email and much more! https://pastortalk.co#subscribe Questions or ideas? Connect with us! https://pastortalk.co#connect Interested in joining us for worship on Sunday at 8:50am? Join us at https://fpcspiritlake.org/stream…

Pastor Talk

1
John 16:4-15 18:34

24 days ago18:34

18:34

In this study of John 16, Jesus tells His disciples something surprising—it’s actually good news that He is leaving. Why? Because His departure makes way for the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will guide, teach, and convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. Clint and Michael unpack the significance of Jesus’ promise, the ongoing work of the Spirit in the church, and what it means for believers to live in the tension between sorrow and hope. If you’ve ever wondered how the church carries on without Jesus physically present, this conversation is for you. Pastor Talk Quick Links: Learn more about the Pastor Talk series and view our previous studies at https://pastortalk.co Subscribe to get the Pastor Talk episodes via podcast, email and much more! https://pastortalk.co#subscribe Questions or ideas? Connect with us! https://pastortalk.co#connect Interested in joining us for worship on Sunday at 8:50am? Join us at https://fpcspiritlake.org/stream…

Pastor Talk

1
John 16:1-4 22:23

25 days ago22:23

22:23

In John 16:1-4, Jesus speaks directly to the cost of discipleship, warning his followers that their faithfulness to him will bring opposition—even to the point of persecution. He makes it clear that this isn’t about seeking conflict but about standing firm when it comes. Clint and Michael explore how these words resonated with the early church, where following Christ was truly a life-and-death decision, and what they mean for believers today. How do we balance gratitude for our religious freedom with awareness of those who still suffer for their faith? Join the conversation as we reflect on the challenges and blessings of being faithful disciples. Pastor Talk Quick Links: Learn more about the Pastor Talk series and view our previous studies at https://pastortalk.co Subscribe to get the Pastor Talk episodes via podcast, email and much more! https://pastortalk.co#subscribe Questions or ideas? Connect with us! https://pastortalk.co#connect Interested in joining us for worship on Sunday at 8:50am? Join us at https://fpcspiritlake.org/stream…

Pastor Talk

1
John 15:18-27 22:49

26 days ago22:49

22:49

Why does the world hate Christians? In John 15:18-27, Jesus gives his disciples a stark warning—following him comes with opposition. But what does he mean by "the world," and how should we understand this tension today? In this episode, we unpack Jesus’ words, exploring the clash between faith and worldly values, the call to testify, and the challenge of remaining faithful in the face of animosity. Is persecution a sign of true faith? How do we balance endurance without hostility? Join us as we dig into these tough but crucial teachings from the Gospel of John. Pastor Talk Quick Links: Learn more about the Pastor Talk series and view our previous studies at https://pastortalk.co Subscribe to get the Pastor Talk episodes via podcast, email and much more! https://pastortalk.co#subscribe Questions or ideas? Connect with us! https://pastortalk.co#connect Interested in joining us for worship on Sunday at 8:50am? Join us at https://fpcspiritlake.org/stream…

Pastor Talk

1
John 15:12-17 17:18

4 weeks ago17:18

17:18

In this episode, we explore one of the most profound teachings of Jesus in John 15:12-17—his call to sacrificial love. Jesus commands his disciples to love one another as he has loved them, making it clear that the greatest love is one that lays down its life for others. But what does that really mean for us today? We unpack the difference between Christian love and cultural ideas of love, the shift from servant to friend, and the deep assurance that we are chosen by Christ. Join us as we reflect on the radical, self-giving love that defines the Christian life. Pastor Talk Quick Links: Learn more about the Pastor Talk series and view our previous studies at https://pastortalk.co Subscribe to get the Pastor Talk episodes via podcast, email and much more! https://pastortalk.co#subscribe Questions or ideas? Connect with us! https://pastortalk.co#connect Interested in joining us for worship on Sunday at 8:50am? Join us at https://fpcspiritlake.org/stream…

Pastor Talk

1
John 15:1-11 19:22

5 weeks ago19:22