Iron Phoenix

Duke Hall

The Iron Phoenix Podcast brings the strength and encouragement of our Saturday sermons directly to you. Designed for men facing life's toughest challenges, our messages offer spiritual guidance, faith-building insights, and practical support. Each episode is a chance to reconnect with your God-given purpose and rise stronger from life’s trials. Whether you’re looking for encouragement, wisdom, or a sense of brotherhood, tune in and join us on the path to faith, strength, and transformation. Together, we rise.

  1. EP 34: Confronted, Not Convinced

    JAN 26

    EP 34: Confronted, Not Convinced

    In this message, we talk about the difference between being convinced (talking yourself into something that feels “right” in the moment) and being confronted (God shining a light on what is actually happening, so you can reset and heal). Using Saul’s story, we see how someone can be deeply motivated, disciplined, and even sincerely convinced they are “doing the right thing” while walking completely in the wrong direction. Then Jesus steps in, confronts him, and everything changes. Core story: Saul (later Paul) in Acts • Highly educated, trained under a top rabbi, zealous for God • Convinced Christianity is dangerous, becomes relentless in destroying the church • Present at Stephen’s stoning and approves the persecution • Confronted by Jesus on the road to Damascus, blinded for three days • Not punishment, but a forced pause, a humbling silence, and a reset • Ananias is sent to him, Saul receives sight, is filled with the Holy Spirit, and is baptized Key Scriptures: • Acts 22:3 — Saul’s background and training • Acts 8:3 — Saul destroys the church, house to house • Acts 7:54–58 — Stephen’s stoning, Saul’s approval • Acts 9:1–19 — confrontation on the road, blindness, Ananias, baptism • 1 Corinthians 15:9–10 — “least of the apostles” but grace defines him • 1 Timothy 1:15–16 — “worst of sinners” yet shown mercy as an example Big takeaways: • Sometimes God does not slow you down, He knocks you down, not to destroy you, but to keep you from destroying yourself. • Being confronted can feel uncomfortable, but it is often love in action, not condemnation. • Your past does not cancel your purpose. Saul was still called a chosen instrument. • God redirects what feels “wasted” in you and uses it for good. Nothing is wasted. • You are not trash, not too far gone, not disqualified. You are loved, chosen, and called. Bottom line: Do not stay convinced in the wrong direction. Let God confront you, reset you, and remind you who you are. This message was recorded at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Coronado, CA, a space so kindly gifted to us by Rev. Michael Murphy that we have been in for over a month now. Visit SacredHeartCor.org to learn more about this beautiful community. Visit IronPhoenix.org to learn how you can get involved and see the incredible people already making an impact through this movement.

    39 min
  2. EP 33: Perseverance… and What Comes After

    JAN 26

    EP 33: Perseverance… and What Comes After

    In this sermon, we start with a simple question: perseverance is powerful, but what’s the missing piece that carries you through when the fog is thick and the “why” feels unanswered? Using the story of Noah’s Ark, the quote “By perseverance, the snail reached the ark,” and the truth that God never designed us to do life alone, this episode connects perseverance with something deeper: community, support, and God’s presence in the fire. Key Scriptures: Genesis 6:19–20 — two of every creature, even the “small ones” Genesis 2:18 — “It is not good for man to be alone” 1 Peter 5:8 — the enemy prowls, looking to devour Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 — two are better than one, help each other up Proverbs 27:17 — iron sharpens iron Daniel 3 — the furnace, and the fourth man in the fire What the silence tries to tell you: You have to carry everything alone Your thoughts go unchallenged Fear gets louder Shame gets heavier Hope fades faster Big takeaway: Perseverance matters, but you were never meant to walk through trials alone. God gives you brothers and sisters to strengthen you, and He is the One who steps into the furnace with you. There may have been three in the fire, but there was also a fourth, and He is still present today. This message was recorded at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Coronado, CA, a space so kindly gifted to us by Rev. Michael Murphy that we have been in for over a month now. Visit SacredHeartCor.org to learn more about this beautiful community. Visit IronPhoenix.org to learn how you can get involved and see the incredible people already making an impact through this movement.

    33 min
  3. EP 32: Truth

    JAN 11

    EP 32: Truth

    Truth doesn’t just inform you, it sets you free. In this sermon, we build off last week’s message on sin and go deeper into what it means to actually throw off what entangles you and walk in freedom. We talk about how sin doesn’t only “make life hard,” it distorts your mind, your identity, and your direction. It clings closely, traps you, and convinces you that you’ll never change. But Scripture says otherwise. Key Scriptures: Matthew 18:1–9 — deal seriously with what causes you to stumble Hebrews 12:1–2 — throw off sin first, then run your race Matthew 1:21 — Jesus came to save us from sin first Acts 2:38 / Acts 22:16 — repent, be baptized, and wash your sins away Big takeaways: Freedom starts with a decision: live or die The enemy’s strategy is deception, but truth exposes the lie You won’t become perfect overnight, but you can fight differently when you understand what Jesus already did If you’ve felt trapped, stuck, or like your sin is “too strong,” this episode is a reminder: truth changes the fight. Get rid of what entangles you, fix your eyes on Jesus, and run the race marked out for you. This message was recorded at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Coronado, CA, a space so kindly gifted to us by Rev. Michael Murphy that we have been in for over a month now. Visit SacredHeartCor.org to learn more about this beautiful community. Visit IronPhoenix.org to learn how you can get involved and see the incredible people already making an impact through this movement.

    30 min
  4. EP28: Do We Have a Cloak?

    11/03/2025

    EP28: Do We Have a Cloak?

    This week, we dove into one of the most powerful symbols in Scripture — the cloak, or mantle, of Elijah. In 1 Kings 19 and 2 Kings 2, Elijah places his cloak on Elisha — a simple act that changes everything. That single gesture represented authority, calling, God’s presence, and divine protection. And when Elisha picked up the fallen cloak after Elijah was taken up to heaven, it marked the passing of anointing and power. But what does that mean for us today? Just as Elisha carried Elijah’s mantle, we now carry the Spirit of God within us. The Holy Spirit is our cloak — unseen, but powerful. It covers, empowers, and calls us to live differently. We explored: ✨ The four meanings of the cloak — authority, presence, calling, and protection. 🔥 How the mantle passed from Elijah to Elisha mirrors Jesus passing His Spirit to His disciples. 💨 Why the cloak isn’t just a garment we wear, but a Spirit we carry everywhere we go. ❤️ And what it means to “put on” this spiritual covering in our daily lives — walking in the fullness of the calling God has placed on us. Elijah’s cloak was a shadow of what believers now carry: You already wear your cloak — it’s in your heart, your obedience, and your faith. Don’t turn back to what you’ve left behind. Walk boldly in your calling. Scripture References: • 1 Kings 19:19–21 • 2 Kings 2:1–15 • Acts 1:8 • John 14:17 • Ephesians 4:24 • Psalm 91:4 • Colossians 1:27, 3:14 • Matthew 28:18–20 • John 20:21–22 📍This message was recorded at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Coronado, CA, a space so kindly gifted to us by Rev. Michael Murphy that we have been in for over a month now. 👉 Visit SacredHeartCor.org to learn more about this beautiful community. Visit IronPhoenix.org to learn how you can get involved and see the incredible people already making an impact through this movement.

    35 min
  5. EP 27: Autopilot: When You’re Functioning but Not Feeling

    10/15/2025

    EP 27: Autopilot: When You’re Functioning but Not Feeling

    Have you ever felt like you’re just… going through the motions?You wake up, work, scroll, sleep — repeat. You’re functioning, but not feeling. You’re alive, but not living. In this week’s message, we explore what happens when your heart goes on autopilot — when emotional, spiritual, and mental numbness take over — and how God gently meets us there to restore what’s gone quiet inside. Through the stories of Job, David, and Elijah, we see three powerful portraits of people who loved God but still reached breaking points of exhaustion, silence, and despair. And yet, each found that when words ran out, God’s presence remained. You’ll hear: Why numbness isn’t a lack of faith — it’s often where healing begins. How God responds to burnout and brokenness with compassion, not condemnation. What to do when you’re surviving but not thriving. The practical “swaps” that lead from coping to true spiritual restoration. We also marked our fourth Saturday gathering at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Coronado, CA, a space so graciously gifted by Rev. Michael Murphy. Week after week, God is building something beautiful in this community — reminding us that even when we feel numb, He’s not done. If you’ve been stuck in autopilot — emotionally drained, spiritually distant, or just tired of pretending you’re fine — this episode is your reminder:God doesn’t numb; He restores. He’s ready to meet you right where you are and bring life back to your heart. Here are a few key notes from the sermon slides written out for easy reference: When We Feel Numb… What God Offers Instead… 1. Emotional Shutdown — We suppress pain, stop talking, and act like we’re “fine.” Psalm 62:8 — “Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” God invites honesty, not performance. He can handle your raw feelings. 2. Distraction & Overstimulation — We scroll, binge, or stay busy so we don’t have to feel. Psalm 46:10 — “Be still, and know that I am God.” Stillness restores awareness of His presence and brings calm. 3. Substances & Escapes — We use alcohol, lust, food, or thrill to feel something. John 4:14 — “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.” Only Christ satisfies the thirst behind our escapes. 4. Isolation — We pull away from people and hide our pain. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 — “If one falls, the other can help them up.” God sends people to carry us when we can’t walk alone. 5. Overworking or Performing — We chase success or productivity to feel worthy. Matthew 11:28–29 — “Come to Me… and I will give you rest.” Your worth isn’t in your work — it’s in being loved by Him. 6. Anger & Cynicism — We grow bitter or sarcastic to feel stronger than our hurt. Ezekiel 36:26 — “I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” God softens what pain hardened. 7. Hopeless Thinking — We stop expecting change; we assume it’s over. Romans 15:13 — “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.” God restores belief in what seems impossible. 8. Avoiding God from Shame — We hide because we think we’ve failed Him. 1 John 1:9 — “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” God doesn’t reject the broken; He rebuilds them. Honesty – He invites you to pour out your heart (Psalm 62:8).Stillness – He calms your chaos (Psalm 46:10).Satisfaction – He fills the emptiness that escape can’t (John 4:14).Connection – He sends people to help you stand again (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10).Rest – He gives peace beyond performance (Matthew 11:28–29).Softness – He heals the hardened heart (Ezekiel 36:26).Hope – He restores belief in change (Romans 15:13).Forgiveness – He removes shame (1 John 1:9).Purpose – He revives your soul (Psalm 23:3).Presence – He whispers in the quiet (1 Kings 19:12). Visit IronPhoenix.org to learn how you can get involved and see the incredible people already making an impact through this movement.

    35 min

About

The Iron Phoenix Podcast brings the strength and encouragement of our Saturday sermons directly to you. Designed for men facing life's toughest challenges, our messages offer spiritual guidance, faith-building insights, and practical support. Each episode is a chance to reconnect with your God-given purpose and rise stronger from life’s trials. Whether you’re looking for encouragement, wisdom, or a sense of brotherhood, tune in and join us on the path to faith, strength, and transformation. Together, we rise.