Focused on Christ

Focused on Christ
  • 5.0 (55)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Focused on Christ is dedicated to exalting Christ and equipping the church. Hosted by Mike Crump and Dr. Nathan Smith, Focused on Christ looks at topics and issues facing the Christian church and filters them through the Word of God. As pastors, Mike and Nathan can help navigate theology, current events, and relational issues that crop up in and around the church in order that followers of Jesus are prepared for living the gospel life among the nations. New episodes drop every Tuesday morning on all podcasting platforms as well as YouTube and X.

  1. Ep. 152: Mailbag - The Trinity & The Human Soul

    4D AGO

    Ep. 152: Mailbag - The Trinity & The Human Soul

    Ep 152: The Trinity & The Human Soul | Focused on Christ In this mailbag episode of Focused on Christ, host Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith dive deep into the "glorious mysteries" of Christian theology. From the internal relationships of the Trinity to the complex makeup of the human soul, we tackle listener questions with biblical depth and practical wisdom. The Trinity & Prayer: Does God the Father ever pray to the Son?. Nathan breaks down the relationship within the Godhead, explaining the context of Hebrews 1:8 and the normative way Christians are called to pray: to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Spirit. Praying to the Holy Spirit: Is it "wrong" to address the Spirit directly?. We explore how understanding the different roles of the Godhead can enrich your prayer life beyond a singular address. The Anatomy of the Soul: Are humans made of two parts or three?. Nathan explains the dichotomous vs. trichotomous views, arguing for the biblical unity of our "immaterial" being (soul/spirit) and our "material" being (body). The Battle with Sin (Romans 7): How do we distinguish between our new identity in Christ and the "sin living in me"?. We discuss the reality of remaining sin in the believer’s life and the responsibility to not let it master us. Peacemaking & Self-Defense: How do we balance being non-violent kingdom-seekers with the duty to protect our families and churches?. Nathan shares a powerful story of "drowning out" protesters with worship and discusses the sanctity of life—even the life of an enemy. "The way sanctification works is that you realize that you are a sinner. And the more holy you become, the more you realize of a sinner you are... but the amazing glory of the gospel eclipses it still." — Pastor Nathan Smith Read Along: To prepare for next week, read Romans 1 through 5. Learn More: Nathan recommends Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves and Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by Bruce Ware. Visit Us: Focused on Christ is a ministry of Heritage Baptist Church. In This Episode, We Discuss:Key Quote:Next Steps:

    23 min
  2. Ep. 151: Rom 3 - No One is Good...Not One

    JAN 27

    Ep. 151: Rom 3 - No One is Good...Not One

    In this episode of Focused on Christ, host Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith dive into the challenging yet deeply encouraging truths of Romans 3. Often referred to as an "assault on the ego," this chapter provides a sobering look at the depth of human depravity while preparing us for the extraordinary gift of God's grace. The Mirror of Depravity: Why understanding that "no one is good" is essential for truly seeing the beauty of Jesus. The Jewish Dilemma: Paul addresses the insufficiency of religious activity and circumcision, arguing that true circumcision is an inward reality of faith. The Indictment of Humanity: A breakdown of verses 10–18 and what it means to be "under sin," highlighting that no one truly seeks God on their own. "But Now": Exploring the "logical contrastive" in verse 21 that changes everything—how an "alien righteousness" from outside ourselves is credited to us through faith in Jesus Christ. The End of Boasting: Why the law of faith excludes all human pride and leaves us solely with the grace of God. "The difficult part of [Romans 3] is that it just really puts a mirror in front of us and says, take heart, you're worse than you think you are." — Pastor Nathan Smith "The more that [Paul] grew in appreciation for God's grace, the more that he grew to realize and despise remaining sin." — Mike Crump Read Along: Romans 3:1–31 Visit Our Website: Find more episodes and resources at FocusedOnChrist.com Next Week: Tune in for our first "Mailbag Show" where we answer your questions on the Trinity, prayer, and even self-defense!

    23 min
  3. Ep. 150: Romans 2 - God knows your secrets

    JAN 20

    Ep. 150: Romans 2 - God knows your secrets

    Romans 2: God Knows Your Secrets | Focused on Christ Ep. 150 In this episode of Focused on Christ, host Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith dive deep into the first half of Romans chapter 2. Building on the previous discussion regarding God's judicial wrath in chapter 1, they explore Paul’s sobering warning to those who feel they are "outwardly moral" but are actually under the same judgment as the rest of humanity.In This Episode, We Discuss:The "Therefore" of Romans 2: Why passing judgment on others actually condemns the judge, revealing a heart that practices the same sins under a veneer of morality.The Hypocrisy of the Religious: How many people presume upon God’s kindness and patience to continue in sin, failing to realize that His kindness is intended to lead us to repentance.The Two Types of Wrath: A breakdown of the Greek terms Orge (settled judicial wrath) and Thumas (flowing, emotional fury) and why God holds a particular indignation for religious hypocrisy.The Law Written on the Heart: How even those without the formal Law of Moses are accountable because God has inscribed a moral framework within every human conscience.True Circumcision: Paul’s pivot to his Jewish brothers, explaining that being right with God is not about outward rituals or physical ancestry, but a matter of the heart and the Spirit.Key Quote:"Everything within us is screaming that there's something not right. And that's the argument that Paul is making... we're out of sync with God and we need someone to do what we cannot do." Next Week: We will be jumping deep into the "Total Depravity" of man as described in Romans 3. We encourage you to read the chapter in preparation for our next conversation.Connect With Us:Website: focusedonchrist.com Ministry: Focused on Christ is a ministry of Heritage Baptist Church.

    20 min
  4. Ep. 149: Romans 1 & The Wrath of God

    JAN 13

    Ep. 149: Romans 1 & The Wrath of God

    In this episode of Focused on Christ, Mike Crump and Dr. Nathan Smith begin a new year-long journey through the Epistles, starting with a deep dive into the Book of Romans. Together, they explore the profound context of Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome and the foundational truths of the Gospel. In This Episode: The Power of Paul’s Writing: Discover why the Apostle Paul’s letters are unique in their theological weight and how he connects Old Testament completion to the person of Christ. The Thesis of Romans: We examine Paul’s "thesis statement" in Romans 1:16-17, exploring the declaration that "the righteous shall live by faith" and what it means to be unashamed of the Gospel. Understanding General Revelation: Learn how God reveals His eternal power and divine nature through creation, leaving humanity "without excuse" before Him. The Reality of God’s Wrath: Dr. Smith breaks down the "settled judicial wrath" of God against ungodliness and the sobering reality of what happens when God "gives us up" to our own sinful desires. Grace vs. Rebellion: A discussion on the biblical tension between man’s responsibility for sin and God’s sovereign grace in salvation. Key Scripture: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." — Romans 1:16 Connect With Us: Focused on Christ is a ministry of Heritage Baptist Church. Website: focusedonchrist.com Next Week: Join us as we move into Romans 2 to discuss the purpose of God's Law.

    22 min

  5. TRAILER

    FOC 2026 Preview

    This year Pastors Mike and Nathan will walk through some of Paul's letters, including Romans, 1 Corinthians, and Ephesians. Don't miss an episode! Subscribe today! focusedonchrist.com

    2 min
  6. Ep. 148: The Crucifixion of Jesus

    12/23/2025

    Ep. 148: The Crucifixion of Jesus

    The Crucifixion of Jesus: Why the Cross Matters at Christmas Join hosts Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith as they turn their attention from the birth of Jesus to the profound significance of the Cross, even during the Christmas season. Discover why Jesus's entire life, from the Incarnation to the Ascension, must be kept in mind to see the fullness of the gospel. In this powerful episode, we delve into the three parts of the crucifixion narrative: 1. The Humiliation of the Son of God (Matthew 27:27-31) Reflect on the shocking restraint of Jesus—the "infinite, raw, consuming holiness and omnipotent universe creating power"—as He was mocked, stripped, beaten, and crowned with thorns by Roman soldiers. Understand the massive significance of the Incarnation: Jesus took on human flesh specifically to give His flesh in our place on the cross. 2. The Crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:17-22) Explore the setting of Golgotha, the "place of a skull," where Jesus was crucified outside the city walls between two criminals. Discuss the political tension surrounding Pilate's inscription: "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews," which fulfilled the prophecy that He is the promised Messiah. Realize that Jesus's life was not taken from Him; He willfully laid it down, humbling himself to die a sinner's death for the forgiveness of sins. 3. The Death of the Messiah (Matthew 27:45-54) Unpack the theological mystery of Jesus crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?". The divine communion was temporarily severed because Christ had become sin for sinners, but He did not cease to be God. Learn the meaning of the darkness and earthquake, which were emblematic of God's wrath and fulfilled the prophetic "day of the Lord". Examine the significance of the temple curtain being torn in two, representing that access into the Holy of Holies and to the throne of grace is now freely available through Christ's work. See the resurrection of the saints after Christ's death as a prophetic "teaser" that resurrection will come through Christ for all who are in favor with God. Why is the Cross essential for Christians today? Because it is at the cross that the wrath of God is satisfied, and believers receive His righteousness and reconciliation with God. Next Week: We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus to propel us into 2026 with a great deal of hope. Find clips and more at focusedonchrist.com.

    21 min
  7. Ep. 147: A.I. & The Christian

    12/16/2025

    Ep. 147: A.I. & The Christian

    🤖 Ep 147 AI and the Christian | Focused on Christ Podcast Welcome to Focused on Christ, where we are passionate about exalting Christ and equipping the church. In this episode, host Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith dive into a critical, timely discussion: AI and how it relates to the Christian. Is this new technology a good thing, bad, or indifferent? They conclude that it "really depends on how it's used". The discussion covers: Personal Use of AI: Mike and Nathan share their current approaches to AI, from creating videos and pictures to using it for quick information gathering. Defining AI: The hosts clarify that current AI is more like ANI (Artificial Narrow Intelligence)—machine-based systems that simulate specific human-like cognitive functions and are fundamentally mathematical equations—rather than the theoretical, apocalyptic AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) often portrayed in media. AI as a Powerful Tool: Nathan draws an illustration, comparing AI to a "technological Ferrari." It's a tool, but its increasing "horsepower" means the potential for destruction and trouble is exponentially greater than older technologies like books or the early internet. The Demonic and AI: They address concerns about AI being demonic, arguing that while AI is built on God's mathematical laws, the demonic can undoubtedly utilize AI for evil purposes. Furthermore, because AI learns from a "broken and sinful human," it will pick up sinful patterns of behavior and thought. The Church's Opportunity: The hosts express hope that in a world where AI-generated content makes it hard to discern truth, the church can stand as an unmoving "beacon of truth" grounded on an eternal, historic faith. AI in Spiritual Ministry: They tackle questions generated by AI itself, debating whether AI-generated sermons, music, or prayer content can be considered genuine spiritual ministry. They emphasize that Christian ministry is inherently people-on-people service that cannot be replaced by technology, though content can sometimes help. Studying the Bible: The episode concludes with a warning against using AI to "shortcut the research process" for theological content, as theological truth often "hangs on a few words" and accuracy must be verified against scripture to avoid heretical positions. Final Encouragement: Regardless of how society shifts with technology, the believer is admonished to remember that Jesus wins the day and his Word and Church will stand. Next Week: We will discuss the crucifixion of Jesus and its implications for us today.

    27 min
  8. Ep. 146: Judas and Peter

    12/02/2025

    Ep. 146: Judas and Peter

    Betrayal and Denial: Judas and Peter | Focused on Christ Ep 146 Join hosts Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith as they "rewind" the trial of Jesus to focus on two key figures: Judas and Peter. The discussion explores the similarities and critical differences between these two disciples, both called specifically by Christ. While both were disciples who had their own concepts of the Messiah , Judas was driven by earthly means like money and power, whereas Peter's mindset was more focused on seeing Israel restored. Betrayal vs. Denial: The episode compares Judas's premeditated act of betrayal for personal benefit—an exchange of value—to Peter's denial, which was a response of fear, not an active, premeditated evil. The Price of Betrayal: Judas sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver , displaying a horrific lack of value for Christ, and his failure to negotiate suggested his view of Christ was "debased". The Kiss in Gethsemane: The act of betrayal was compounded by Judas using a kiss—a symbol of affection and close relationship—to identify Jesus, doubling down on the heinousness of the act. The Role of Satan: The discussion highlights that Satan explicitly entered Judas, who opened his heart to the demonic and acted as a vessel for Satan's will, yet was still totally complicit and responsible. Remorse and Repentance: A crucial distinction is made between Judas's worldly grief which led to self-destruction and death, and Peter's godly grief which produced brokenness and repentance. Judas never confessed his sin to God, but Peter "wept bitterly," broken over his sin. Christ's Intercession: The hosts reflect on the powerful moment when the Lord turned and looked at Peter after his third denial, suggesting that Christ was interceding for Peter in that moment, demonstrating affection and conviction while holding onto him. The lives of Peter and Judas illustrate that perseverance shows who a person truly is—their "end" is indicative of who they really were. The great hope is that if we respond to Christ's conviction with repentance, it doesn't matter where we began; it matters where we finish. Focused on Christ is a ministry of Heritage Baptist Church. Connect with us on social media and find more at focusedonchrist.com. Next week: Opening the mailbag and answering your questions!

    20 min
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5
out of 5
55 Ratings

About

Focused on Christ is dedicated to exalting Christ and equipping the church. Hosted by Mike Crump and Dr. Nathan Smith, Focused on Christ looks at topics and issues facing the Christian church and filters them through the Word of God. As pastors, Mike and Nathan can help navigate theology, current events, and relational issues that crop up in and around the church in order that followers of Jesus are prepared for living the gospel life among the nations. New episodes drop every Tuesday morning on all podcasting platforms as well as YouTube and X.

Information

  • Creator
    Focused on Christ
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    159
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Focused on Christ
  • Show Website
    Focused on Christ

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