One Step Closer

Michael Spurlock and Brandon Stone
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

One Step Closer brings you honest conversations about faith, ministry, and following Jesus with Michael Spurlock and Brandon Stone. For those who preach, lead, and serve.

  1. 10h ago

    One Step Deeper: Why Are There So Many Bible Versions?

    Why Are There So Many Bible Versions? Why do English Bibles use different wording, and why does One Step Closer use the King James Version? Michael Spurlock discusses how God's Word came to us, the purpose of translation, and the conviction behind using the King James Version on One Step Closer and One Step Deeper. He also warns against arguing about Bible versions while neglecting to read and obey the Bible. 0:00 Intro and the question: Why so many Bible versions? 1:36 God's Word was given 2:46 God's Word was translated 4:05 Why we use the King James Bible 5:48 God's Word must be treasured 6:13 More than an argument Scripture referenced: 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21; Psalm 119:89; Psalm 119:105; Psalm 119:160. Hosted by Michael Spurlock. One Step Deeper is a focused biblical conversation from the One Step Closer Network.

    One Step Deeper: Why Are There So Many Bible Versions?

  2. 3d ago

    Season 2, Episode 6: Convictions Or Commands

    Where does a personal conviction end and a biblical command begin? Brandon and Michael talk about music, clothing, entertainment, church culture and the danger of treating our preferences like Scripture. There’s room for different convictions. There’s also a difference between Christian liberty and looking for a loophole. The goal is to know God’s Word, follow it and love people who may do things differently. Before the conversation, Brandon shares the story of getting stranded in the Outer Banks, and Michael explains why getting older is catching up with him. Chapters 0:00 When does a conviction become a command? 0:28 Welcome 1:13 Stranded in the Outer Banks 9:28 Getting older and keeping perspective 11:59 Does the Bible actually say that? 17:56 Where our convictions come from 21:50 When commands become personal preferences 32:20 Appalachian Jubilee 33:57 What is a personal conviction? 38:06 Church culture and different backgrounds 50:28 Can Christians disagree about the same song? 58:07 Entertainment, clothing and conscience 1:07:17 Do our standards produce holiness or pride? 1:09:46 Rapid-fire everyday scenarios 1:15:20 Five questions before adopting a conviction 1:21:09 Knowing the Word and living for God

    Season 2, Episode 6: Convictions Or Commands

  3. Oct 8

    One Step Deeper: Can We Trust God's Word?

    Can We Trust God's Word? The Bible claims to be more than a collection of good thoughts about God. It claims to be the Word of God. Michael Spurlock explains why Christians can trust Scripture as inspired, preserved, and profitable. God used human writers, preserved His Word, and gave it to teach, correct, equip, and point us to Jesus Christ. The question is more than whether we can trust the Bible. It is whether we will trust and obey it. 0:00 Intro and the question: Can we trust God's Word? 1:48 The Bible is inspired 3:36 The Bible is preserved 5:27 The Bible is profitable 7:27 Will we trust the Bible? Scripture referenced: 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; Psalm 12:6–7; Matthew 24:35; Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 119:105. Hosted by Michael Spurlock. One Step Deeper is a focused biblical conversation from the One Step Closer Network.

    One Step Deeper: Can We Trust God's Word?

  4. Oct 5

    Season 2, Episode 5: Forgiveness

    Forgiveness gets harder when the hurt is personal. Michael and Brandon talk about bitterness, forgiving someone who never apologizes, and the boundaries that may still need to stay in place. Through Scripture and their own stories, they work through letting go of an offense and rebuilding a relationship. Chapters: 00:00 Before we get started 00:31 Welcome and catching up 06:58 Why forgiveness is hard 12:31 How hurt becomes bitterness 19:34 When they never apologize 28:31 More than saying I forgive you 34:27 What happens when bitterness builds up 41:23 Forgiveness, memory and boundaries 46:20 Appalachian Jubilee 47:57 Among the Gentiles Ministries 49:25 Forgive and comfort: 2 Corinthians 2 1:03:04 Forgiveness and reconciliation 1:06:39 Jesus gives Peter a way forward 1:11:23 Brandon: rebuilding a relationship 1:20:58 Michael: the apology letter 1:28:31 Closing thoughts One Step Closer Podcast | Season 2, Episode 5 Forgiveness Hosted by Michael Spurlock and Brandon Stone

    Season 2, Episode 5: Forgiveness

  5. Oct 1

    One Step Deeper: Who Is God?

    Who Is God? Knowing what God does is different from knowing who He is. In this episode, Michael Spurlock looks at three truths Scripture reveals about God's character: He is eternal, unchanging, and personal. The God who existed before creation still keeps His promises. He knows our thoughts, struggles, failures, and fears, and He invites us to know Him personally through His Word and through His Son. Scripture referenced: Exodus 3:14; Psalm 90:2; Revelation 1:8; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; Psalm 139:1; John 3:16; Jeremiah 9:23-24. Hosted by Michael Spurlock. One Step Deeper is a focused biblical conversation from the One Step Closer Network.

    One Step Deeper: Who Is God?

  6. Sep 28

    Season 2, Episode 4: AI in Ministry

    Is AI becoming a help or a replacement in ministry? Michael and Brandon talk through where AI tools can serve pastors and church teams, and where they cross a line: writing your sermon for you, answering a hurting church member for you, or becoming your source of truth. Michael closes with six questions to check whether your use of AI is healthy. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome: is AI a help or a replacement? 01:16 Where AI helps with sermon writing, and where it stops 07:29 How Brandon uses AI day to day 14:04 A tool in sermon prep, not the sermon 17:33 A sermon is more than information 21:13 Every preacher already uses tools 24:20 Don't lose your critical thinking 26:54 AI graphics and church flyers 32:24 Do careful work: Colossians 3:23-24 36:14 Reading a sermon AI wrote 41:32 AI in personal ministry 46:01 It cannot replace you 51:59 What to do with the time AI saves: lead, feed, intercede 1:00:01 How Brandon's church uses AI 1:08:22 Six questions for a healthy relationship with AI 1:12:31 Closing thoughts One Step Closer Podcast | Season 2, Episode 4 Hosted by Michael Spurlock and Brandon Stone.

    Season 2, Episode 4: AI in Ministry

  7. Sep 24

    One Step Deeper: Does God Really Exist?

    Does God Really Exist? Michael opens One Step Deeper with one of life's biggest questions: Does God really exist? Michael follows three witnesses in Scripture. Creation points to a Creator. Conscience shows our awareness of right and wrong. Jesus Christ reveals God through His life, death, burial, and resurrection. The episode closes with a personal question for each of us: What will we do with the God who has made Himself known? Scripture referenced: Romans 1:20; Psalm 19:1; Genesis 1:1; Romans 2:15; Hebrews 1:1-2; John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. Hosted by Pastor Michael Spurlock. One Step Deeper is a focused biblical conversation from the One Step Closer Network.

    One Step Deeper: Does God Really Exist?

  8. Sep 23

    A Conversation With David King

    Michael Spurlock welcomes David King for a conversation about answering God’s call, reaching college students with the gospel, and staying faithful in ministry. David shares his experience as a preacher and his heart for campus outreach. Together, they discuss why young people step away from church, how to take their questions seriously, and the value of friendships that provide encouragement and accountability. They also talk about the last days, looking to Scripture for answers, and making the most of opportunities to share Christ. In this episode: David shares his call to preach and his heart for reaching college students with the gospel.Michael and David discuss why young people leave church, taking questions about faith seriously, and building honest friendships in ministry.

    A Conversation With David King
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About

One Step Closer brings you honest conversations about faith, ministry, and following Jesus with Michael Spurlock and Brandon Stone. For those who preach, lead, and serve.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Spurlock and Brandon Stone
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    124
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Michael Spurlock and Brandon Stone
  • Show Website
    One Step Closer
  • Provider
    Michael Spurlock

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