Overland Church Midtown

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Channel • 2 Shows

Christianity

Christianity

Updated Weekly
Christianity

Christianity

Updated Weekly

5D AGO

When Is War Just? Just War Theory and the Conflict with Iran

In this timely and weighty episode, Pastors Zack and Josh explore just war theory—a historic Christian framework for thinking about when (and how) war can be morally justified in a broken, sinful world. Drawing from Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Romans 13, and the Sermon on the Mount, they walk through the classic criteria of justice before war, during war, and after war. As the podcast releases roughly 44–45 days into Operation Epic Fury (the U.S. and Israeli campaign against Iran that began February 28, 2026), the conversation applies these principles to real headlines: preventing a nuclear-armed Iran, targeting military capabilities while minimizing civilian harm, the challenges of fighting an apocalyptic ideology, and the high cost of conflict (including U.S. casualties and tragic civilian losses). You’ll hear honest discussion on: The spectrum between pacifism (over-realized eschatology) and “might makes right” imperialismKey just war criteria: just cause, legitimate authority, last resort, right intention, probability of success, proportionality, and discrimination between combatants and civiliansHistorical examples like World War II, the atomic bomb, and the messy realities of the War on TerrorWhy a Christian worldview that affirms humans are made in God’s image fundamentally shapes how we evaluate warThe importance of justice after war—restoration, reconciliation, and pursuing lasting peace (as seen in post-WWII Japan and Germany versus other conflicts)How radical Islamist ideology (explored more in the next episode) complicates traditional just war thinking The pastors emphasize that Christians are not warmongers—we should be among the hardest to convince to go to war and the most eager to pray for peace and human flourishing. Yet in a fallen world where evil exists and governments bear the sword (Romans 13), sometimes force is a tragic necessity to protect the innocent and restrain wickedness. True peace is the goal of any just war. Whether you’re wrestling with current events, military service, or how to pray amid global conflict, this episode offers biblical clarity without simplistic answers.

5d ago

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33 min
APR 7

Faithful in a Fallen Workplace: Boycotts, Conscience, and Standing Firm

In this episode, Pastors Josh and Zack tackle a listener question about boycotting businesses that promote non-biblical values—especially around LGBTQ+ issues like Pride Month displays at Target. But they quickly move to what they see as the bigger, more personal issue: How do Christians faithfully navigate secular workplaces when companies push agendas that conflict with biblical convictions? Topics covered include: The practicality (and limits) of boycotts in a globalized economyWorking as salt and light without withdrawing from the worldThe difference between a company selling certain products vs. requiring employees to affirm or celebrate sin (e.g., wearing pride pins, using preferred pronouns, teaching gender fluidity)How to stand for conscience without being combative or a poor witnessThe importance of integrity, hard work, and character before you take a stand (Daniel in Babylon as a model)When it might be wise to leave a job—and when to stay and endureLegal protections for religious liberty and resources like Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)The Protestant view of vocation: every job is a calling from GodThe pastors emphasize that Christians cannot find a “perfect” workplace, but we are called to live with clear conscience, bold conviction, and humble faithfulness—being in the world but not of it. This is practical, pastoral advice for teachers, corporate workers, and anyone facing increasing cultural pressure at work.

Apr 7

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26 min
MAR 31

Complementarianism Clarified: Women, Leadership, and 1 Timothy 2

In this follow-up to Pastor Zack's sermon on 1 Timothy 2:11-15, Pastors Josh and Zack sit down to answer your questions about women in the church, complementarianism, and what the Bible teaches about gender roles in leadership, the home, and beyond. They recap the key passage—"Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man..."—and explain why Paul grounds his instruction in creation order (Adam formed first, then Eve) and the Fall, rather than temporary cultural issues in Ephesus. The pastors affirm that men and women are equal in dignity, value, and worth before God, while exploring: The differences between egalitarianism, complementarianism, and patriarchy.Practical applications: Can women be CEOs, worship leaders, or kids ministry directors? What does "exercising authority" actually mean in the local church?Missionary contexts where qualified men are lacking.The beauty of distinct male and female callings, including the high value of homemaking, nurturing, and childbearing as part of God's good design.How healthy male leadership and delegation foster flourishing for everyone.This episode is pastoral, biblical, and hopeful—encouraging the church to be faithful rather than cultural, and calling men to step up as servant leaders while honoring the vital contributions of women. Sermon on 1 Timothy 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9WeTVuROtI

Mar 31

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45 min
10/21/2025

Weep Well: Biblical Grief in a Culture That Hides It

In this raw, heartfelt dive into Nehemiah's "Weep, Pray, Obey" series, Pastors Zack and Josh unpack the lost art of grief. From personal losses—like shattered dreams, broken relationships, and perpetual pain as special needs parents—to the church's call to "weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15), they expose America's sanitized avoidance of sorrow. Drawing from real stories—Zack's battles with anger, bitterness, and delayed funerals; Josh's grief counseling wisdom—they share biblical tools: Personal Grief: Cry raw prayers to God (Lamentations-style), fight isolation, embrace Christian counseling, and hold funerals soon for gospel hope. Corporate Comfort: Sit in silence, validate emotions, mow lawns (not just "let me know!"), remember anniversaries, and build vulnerability in groups. Cultural Lament: Collectively mourn society's brokenness with a "Maranatha" cry for Christ's return.Grieve as those with hope (1 Thess. 4:13)—not like the hopeless. Perfect for anyone hurting, helping, or hungry for honest faith.

10/21/2025

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43 min
MAR 22

1 Timothy; A Letter From Paul | 1 Tim 3:1–7 | Week 7

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1–7 // Zack Thurman

Mar 22

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6D AGO

1 Timothy; A Letter From Paul | 1 Tim 4:1–5 | Week 10

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1–5 // Zack Thurman

6d ago

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09/23/2025

How God Speaks: Unpacking the Doctrine of Revelation

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, the pastors of Overland Church explore the foundational doctrine of revelation. They distinguish between general revelation—God's self-disclosure through creation, accessible to all people at all times, as seen in Psalm 19 and Romans 1—and special revelation, which is specific, covenantal communication through prophets, apostles, and ultimately Jesus Christ, as described in Hebrews 1. The pastors explain that general revelation reveals God's existence, power, and goodness but, due to human sinfulness, often leads to idolatry rather than salvation. Special revelation, recorded in Scripture, provides the specific message of salvation through Christ and is fully divine and human, inspired by the Holy Spirit. They address the dangers of false claims to special revelation, such as those made by figures like Muhammad, Joseph Smith, or prosperity gospel preachers, which contradict the closed canon of Scripture. The episode also contrasts the Protestant view of sola scriptura with Catholic teachings on church authority and warns against equating personal guidance or impressions with new revelation. Through practical examples and biblical insights, the pastors urge listeners to rely on Scripture as the sufficient and authoritative source of God's revelation, cautioning against those who claim new prophetic words that elevate themselves above the Bible.

09/23/2025

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31 min
09/16/2025

Wolves in Sheep's Clothing: Unmasking the Prosperity Gospel

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, the pastors of Overland Church dive into a critical theological discussion about the prosperity gospel, a pervasive and misleading doctrine both in America and globally. They contrast the true gospel—centered on Christ's death, burial, and resurrection for salvation—with the distorted teachings of the prosperity gospel, which falsely promises health, wealth, and success as a direct result of faith or financial giving. The episode explores various manifestations of this false gospel, including the "hard" prosperity teachings of figures like Creflo Dollar and Benny Hinn, the softer versions promoted by Joel Osteen and Steven Furtick, and related movements like Word of Faith, seed faith, and dominion theology. The pastors highlight how these teachings misuse Scripture, promote a works-based or faith-based entitlement to prosperity, and often leave followers feeling condemned when promises of wealth or healing fail. Through personal stories, biblical references like Galatians 1:6-9 and Romans 1:16-17, and cultural observations, they warn against the dangers of these teachings, emphasizing the true gospel's focus on Jesus as the source of hope amidst life's trials. The episode concludes with a call to discernment and a reminder to share the true gospel, which offers salvation and blessing even in hardship. Resources American Gospel Documentary: https://www.americangospelfilm.com Costi Hinn's "God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel:" https://a.co/d/fT9paPw Africa Statement on the Prosperity Gospel: https://africastatement.org

09/16/2025

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30 min
APR 5

1 Timothy; A Letter From Paul | 1 Tim 3:14–16 | Week 9

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:14–16 // Zack Thurman

Apr 5

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MAR 3

Critical Thinking Without the Critical Spirit

In this follow-up to last week's discussion on receiving criticism, Pastors Zack Thurman and Josh Hutchens explore how to cultivate true critical thinking as Christians—without slipping into a critical, fault-finding spirit. We live in a world of two ditches: naive acceptance of everything (being tossed to and fro by every idea) or chronic cynicism that sees problems in everyone and everything. Social media often amplifies both extremes, from blind shares to endless "yeah, but" comments. The goal? Intellectual seriousness grounded in God's objective truth, combined with relational humility, grace, and love—thinking carefully while speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Drawing from Scripture (the Bereans in Acts 17, Jesus and the Pharisees, Paul's warnings, Jude's call to contend for the faith), the pastors unpack biblical discernment: testing ideas against God's Word, recognizing our own flaws through total depravity and grace, calming emotional reactions, and avoiding pride disguised as discernment. They share practical insights—like asking "why" behind a critical reflex, giving people the benefit of the doubt, modeling gracious critique (e.g., Mark Dever, Tom Schreiner), and learning from examples like theological triage on first-order issues vs. preferences. The conversation then shifts to offering critique rightly: checking motives, applying a "24-hour rule," following Matthew 18 principles (private first, then witnesses), considering tone and authority, using clarity with solutions (and yes, a well-stacked "compliment sandwich"), and prioritizing edification over winning arguments. Whether you're a leader, a church member, or just navigating everyday opinions and online debates, this episode challenges us to think deeply, love deeply, and demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit—even when contending for truth. Listen in for wisdom on sharpening your mind without hardening your heart. Questions or thoughts? Email us at wisdom@overlandchurch.org. Subscribe, share, and join us this Sunday at Overland Church!

Mar 3

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44 min

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