Rooted and Real With Hooks

M G Hooks

Welcome to Rooted & Real, a Christian podcast where faith meets real life. Join me as we explore God’s Word, tackle everyday challenges, and grow deeper in our relationship with Christ through honest conversations and biblical encouragement.

  1. 2d ago

    Justin Bieber W.C show performance

    Patrion: https://www.patreon.com/16374084/join In this episode, Matthew reflects on Justin Bieber’s decision to perform a faith-themed song at the World Cup halftime show, exploring the significance of using platforms wisely to share one's values and beliefs. Whether in big moments or small daily interactions, how we handle opportunities to influence can have lasting impact. Key topics: The intentionality behind Bieber’s performance reflecting his faithThe cultural reaction to celebrities publicly sharing their beliefsThe biblical call to let your light shine before others (Matthew 5:16)The importance of recognizing everyday platforms to influence othersCourage and faithfulness in representing Christ, regardless of audience sizePractical ways to live out faith in daily life beyond stage momentsThe challenge to embrace the influence we already haveMatthew 5:16 - Bible GatewayTimestamps:00:00 - The significance of Justin Bieber’s intentional performance at the World Cup00:30 - Why Bieber’s choice surprised many and sparked reactions00:57 - The impact of using large platforms to reflect personal faith01:26 - Bieber’s reflection on gratitude, praise, and true influence01:56 - Cultural reactions to celebrities discussing Jesus02:24 - The importance of standing firm in faith despite criticism02:52 - Biblical encouragement to let your light shine publicly03:20 - Every platform matters, big or small03:51 - Reflecting Christ in everyday opportunities04:19 - Our responsibility to influence through actions and words04:50 - The challenge: using what God has already given us05:16 - Key takeaways: influence exists at every level05:43 - Courage is measured by faithfulness, not crowd size06:09 - Living with purpose and integrity in influence06:37 - Closing prayer and encouragement to live intentionally

  2. 6d ago

    Rooted in the Word: Genesis 4 - The Danger of Hidden Sin.

    My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/16374084/join Join us in this episode of Rooted in the Word as we explore the compelling story of Cain and Abel from Genesis 4. Discover how unchecked jealousy and anger can lead to destructive choices, and learn practical ways to guard your heart against sin. This study highlights the importance of faith, obedience, and God's mercy. Key Topics: The significance of heart attitude over religious actions (Hebrews 11:4)The metaphor of sin crouching like a lion at the doorGod's warning to Cain and the importance of ruling over sinThe first murder in human history and the spread of sinGod's justice and mercy shown in Cain’s storyPractical steps: reading Genesis 4, examining jealousy, encouraging othersHebrews 11:4 Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Genesis 4 and its relevance00:25 - Cain and Abel: Two brothers, two hearts00:55 - The significance of faith over mere actions01:24 - The importance of heart posture in worship02:21 - Genesis 4:8 and the story's key events02:56 - Cain's offering and God's regard for Abel03:26 - God's warning: sin crouching at the door04:03 - The role of faith in worship (Hebrews 11:4)04:33 - The heart behind religious actions matters05:00 - Join the community: Patreon invite05:57 - Reflection on God's warning and God's patience06:24 - Cain's anger and God's warning (Genesis 4:6-7)06:49 - Sin as a predator waiting to attack07:18 - Hope in God's command to rule over sin07:47 - Sin's destructive potential and God's empowerment08:18 - The tragic story of Cain and Abel08:46 - The growth of sin and its deadly consequences09:08 - God's justice and mercy in Cain's story09:36 - God's question and Cain’s response10:06 - The importance of caring for others10:36 - God's mercy amid justice10:45 - Weekly challenge: read Genesis 4, examine heart motives, encourage others11:14 - Memorize Genesis 4:7: Staying alert to sin11:45 - Next week: exploring faithfulness amidst a broken world12:09 - Closing encouragement: stay real, consistent, and rooted Thanks for joining this journey through God's Word! Stay rooted, stay real, and walk each day faithfully.

  3. Jul 16

    Rooted In The Word Ep. 3

    In this episode of Rooted in the Word on Rooted and Real, Matthew walks through Genesis 3 and explores how temptation, sin, shame, and God’s rescue plan first entered the story of humanity. The episode opens by revisiting the beauty of the Garden of Eden—peace, God’s presence, and the absence of fear, pain, shame, and death. From there, the tone shifts as a new voice enters the garden and asks, “Did God really say?” That question becomes the turning point in humanity's fall. Matthew explains that the serpent’s strategy was not to deny God’s existence but to create doubt about God’s goodness. The real battle was never about the fruit itself—it was about trust. Adam and Eve were faced with a choice between trusting God’s word or following their own desires. The episode also highlightshow sin begins long before outward actions. Using James 1:14–15 as a cross-reference, Matthew shows the pattern of temptation, desire, choice, and sin. He then reflects on the shame that entered the world after the fall, and the way Adam and Eve hid from God.One of the most powerful moments in the episode is God’s question: “Where are you?” Matthew explains that God asks this not because He lacks knowledge, but because He invites His people to come out of hiding and return to Him.The episode closes with hope in Genesis 3:15, often seen as the first promise pointing to Jesus. Even in Eden, God’s rescue plan was already in motion. The message is clear: while people run away, God comes looking. Key Takeaways Temptation often starts with doubt before it becomes disobedienceThe real issue in Eden was trust, not fruitSin begins in the heart and in what we believeGod still asks, “Where are you?” because He wants us backGenesis 3 points forward to Jesus and God’s rescue planGenesis 3:1–7Genesis 3:9Genesis 3:15James 1:14–15Scripture References Genesis 3:1–7Genesis 3:9Genesis 3:15James 1:14–15Weekly Challenge: Pay attention to the voices you’re listening to this week. Ask whether they lead you closer to God or farther away. Read Genesis 3 again and ask God to help you recognize truth when the world tries to create doubt. Memory Verse: Genesis 3:15 — “He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”Closing Thought Even when people ran away, God came looking.

  4. Jul 15

    Rooted In The Word Ep.2

    Join Matthew as he takes us on a journey through Genesis 2, uncovering the beauty and purpose behind God's original creation—an invitation to reflect on our relationship with God, ourselves, and others. Main Topics: The significance of God's rest after creation and what it teaches us about work and satisfactionThe beauty of Eden as a reflection of God's creativity and love for beautyGod's provision and care in the garden, including the significance of the rivers, trees, and the Tree of LifeThe importance of relationships, community, and the symbolism behind Eve's creation from Adam's sideThe overarching purpose and goodness designed by God for humanity, pointing forward to Christ's promiseColossians 3:23Genesis 2Isaiah 40Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Slow down and explore the significance of Genesis 200:23 - The story of creation and God’s intention for humanity00:47 - Imagining the perfection of Eden: beauty, harmony, and absence of pain01:10 - The importance of real rest and enjoyment after God’s work is complete01:32 - The significance of God's rest and what it teaches us about life with God02:05 - Genesis 2: God’s creative act of planting Eden for His delight02:27 - God's creative personality: beauty, intentionality, and artistry03:11 - What Eden reveals about God's heart and character03:35 - Eden as a place of blessing and divine generosity04:07 - The rivers of Eden: sustaining life and God's provision04:43 - The Trees of Life and Knowledge: God's abundant provision and the limits set05:01 - Reflecting on gratitude amidst blessings and the one forbidden tree05:37 - Adam’s first role: working and caring for the garden06:15 - Work as a gift from God, not a curse—created for purpose and creativity07:02 - How daily work can become worship when done for the Lord (Colossians 3:23)08:04 - Naming the animals: God’s gifts and Adam’s role in creation08:50 - The need for companionship—God’s plan for relationship and community09:13 - The significance of “it is not good for man to be alone”09:54 - Eve's creation from Adam’s side: partnership, dignity, and unity10:42 - Key truths from Genesis 2: our purpose, relationships, provision, and goodness of God's design11:05 - The hope of restoration through Jesus amid life’s brokenness11:27 - Memory verse: Genesis 2:1811:50 - Closing prayer: gratitude for purpose, provision, and relationships12:15 - Teaser for Genesis 3: the beginning of humanity’s story of temptation, sin, and God's rescue plan. Note: Stay tuned for next episode, where we explore Genesis 3 and God's promise of redemption, highlighting the foundation of His plan to rescue and restore His creation.

  5. Jun 4

    Ep. 24- You Don't Have To Have It All Figured Out.

    This episode of Rooted and Real explores how trusting in God can ease the pressure of figuring out life's next steps. Perfect for youth and young adults who feel uncertain about the future, Matthew shares biblical insights and practical encouragement to rely on faith rather than on full understanding. KEY TOPICS The importance of trusting God's plan today instead of stressing about the entire futureProverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understandingJeremiah 29:11: God's plans for our future are already known to HimThe analogy of GPS: God reveals only the next step, not the entire journeyPsalm 37:23: God makes firm the steps of those who delight in HimPractical challenge: Focus on one next step rather than the big five-year planThe significance of faith over immediate answers in lifeEncouragement to share episodes that uplift and inspire faith-based trustProverbs 3:5-6Jeremiah 29:11Psalm 37:23God's00:00 - Trusting God with all your heart, not your understanding00:14 - Introduction to feeling overwhelmed about the future00:44 - Opening prayer and seeking wisdom and peace01:17 - The pressure to have everything figured out and trusting God daily01:53 - Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust me, not to understand everything02:22 - God wants faith, not immediate answers02:29 - Jeremiah's step03:27 - Practical ways to stay faithful in daily life03:58 - Challenge: Focus on your next step with God's guidance04:19—Main takeaway: Rely on God's understanding, not yours04:46—Closing encouragement and reminder to stay rooted in faith

    Ep. 24- You Don't Have To Have It All Figured Out.

About

Welcome to Rooted & Real, a Christian podcast where faith meets real life. Join me as we explore God’s Word, tackle everyday challenges, and grow deeper in our relationship with Christ through honest conversations and biblical encouragement.