Pastoral Thoughts

Pastor Jack Young

This is a podcast by a Pastor for Pastors and laymen. Hear interviews and topics about Christian life and ministry.

  1. 6 days ago

    God's Righteous Mercy: Sovereignty, Free Will, and Romans 9 - with Brady Horton

    Romans 9 is one of the most debated—and often misunderstood—chapters in the New Testament. Does it teach that God sovereignly determines who will be saved and who will be lost? How do God’s sovereignty and man’s free will fit together? And what is the Apostle Paul actually arguing in the larger context of Romans? In this episode of the Pastoral Thoughts Podcast, I sit down with Brady Horton, author of God’s Righteous Mercy, a commentary on Romans 9. Brady shares his personal spiritual and theological journey, what led him to take a fresh look at this difficult passage, and how carefully following Paul’s argument challenged some of his previous assumptions. We discuss election, predestination, human responsibility, free will, God’s sovereignty, Israel, Jacob and Esau, Pharaoh, the potter and the clay, and the importance of allowing Scripture—not a theological system—to define our understanding of Romans 9. At the center of the conversation is a vital question: Is Romans 9 primarily explaining how God chooses which individuals will be saved, or is Paul defending God’s righteousness and faithfulness in His dealings with Israel and the nations? Whether you come to Romans 9 from a Calvinist, non-Calvinist, or undecided perspective, this conversation is an invitation to open the Bible, follow Paul’s argument, and wrestle carefully with one of Scripture’s most important passages. “Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.” — Romans 9:18

  2. 20 Aug

    Twenty Years in Ukraine: Missions, Ministry, and the Future of the Great Commission

    *This podcast was originally uploaded on June 24* In this episode of the Pastoral Thoughts Podcast, Pastor Jack Young sits down with Pat LaBarbera, Executive Director of International Gospel Missions, for a fascinating conversation about missions, church planting, and the work of the gospel around the world.Pat shares stories from his twenty years serving as a missionary in Ukraine, discussing both the opportunities and challenges of ministering in a nation that has experienced tremendous political, cultural, and spiritual change. He reflects on God’s faithfulness through decades of ministry and offers insight into how the Lord continues to work in Eastern Europe.The conversation also explores practical missions philosophy, including the importance of partnering with and training national pastors and church leaders. Pat explains why developing indigenous leadership is essential for long-term gospel impact and how missionaries can best serve local churches without creating unhealthy dependence.Whether you are a pastor, missionary, missions supporter, or simply interested in how the Great Commission is being fulfilled around the world, this episode provides valuable encouragement and biblical perspective on reaching the nations with the gospel.Topics discussed:Twenty years of missionary ministry in UkraineLessons learned from serving cross-culturallyThe role of national pastors and church leadersIndigenous church planting and discipleshipModern missions philosophyEncouragement for churches engaged in world evangelismThe future of global missions“The gospel advances most effectively when missionaries faithfully invest in local believers who can reach their own people for Christ.”

  3. 24 Jul

    Summer Sabbaths: Learning to Rest in a Restless World

    As summer brings a change of pace, it also gives us an opportunity to recover something many Christians have lost—the biblical rhythm of rest. In this episode of the Pastoral Thoughts Podcast, Pastor Jack Young and Pastor Jon Mager discuss the biblical principle of the Sabbath and what it looks like to practice intentional rest in a world that celebrates constant activity. Drawing from Scripture and Pastor Jack's recent article on Summer Sabbaths, they explore why God designed rest as a gift rather than a burden, how Jesus modeled healthy rhythms of ministry, and why slowing down can actually make us more effective in serving the Lord. They also discuss practical ways pastors, ministry leaders, and busy families can build times of refreshment into their lives without becoming lazy or neglecting their responsibilities. Whether you're feeling spiritually drained, physically exhausted, or simply looking to establish healthier rhythms, this conversation offers biblical encouragement and practical ideas for finding renewal in Christ. In this episode you'll discover: The difference between biblical rest and laziness. Why God built Sabbath principles into creation. How rest strengthens rather than weakens ministry. Practical ways to schedule "summer sabbaths" for yourself and your family. How seasons of rest prepare us for greater faithfulness in the work God has called us to do. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28

    Summer Sabbaths: Learning to Rest in a Restless World

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This is a podcast by a Pastor for Pastors and laymen. Hear interviews and topics about Christian life and ministry.

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