Matt Ayars Podcast

Matt Ayars
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Semiweekly

The podcast of Matt Ayars, Ph.D., a pastor, biblical scholar. This podcast discusses seminary-level topics—biblical studies, theology, church history, spiritual formation—and makes them accessible to everyday believers, pastors, and seekers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned theologian or just beginning your faith journey, each episode invites you to think deeply, live faithfully, and love well. This isn’t just for the classroom—it’s for the church, the home, and the heart.

  1. 6d ago

    Don’t Be Afraid: God Is in Control | Daniel 2 Sermon

    When the world is panicking, God’s people can live with peace.In Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar is troubled by a mysterious dream and threatens Babylon’s wise men with death if they cannot reveal and interpret it. While everyone else panics, Daniel responds with prayer, worship, and confidence in the God who reveals mysteries, appoints rulers, and governs history.This sermon explores three powerful reasons Christians do not need to live in fear:- God can speak, intervene, and redirect lives at any moment.- Jesus has defeated Satan and the powers of darkness.- Every earthly kingdom will fall, but God’s kingdom will endure forever.Whether you are worried about your family, the future, political instability, spiritual warfare, or decisions you need to make, Daniel’s example offers a steady word of encouragement: remain faithful, seek God in prayer, and trust his wisdom. God is still on the throne.“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings.” — Daniel 2:20–21CHAPTERS 00:00 Reflections from revival 01:23 The church needs faithful Bible preaching 02:50 A call to preach with greater boldness 04:31 Our wounds are our witness 05:45 Revival and Bible-study announcements 08:08 Daniel 2: Nebuchadnezzar’s troubling dream 11:55 Don’t join the world’s fearful frenzy 16:06 Does God still speak through dreams? 16:44 How a dream led Pastor Matt to Wellspring 18:56 Biblical examples of God speaking through dreams 21:43 God can always get through to us 24:30 Trusting God with the people we love 26:02 Freedom from anxiety and fear 29:27 Don’t be afraid of Satan and demons 32:02 The powerlessness of Babylon’s spiritual advisers 36:15 Jesus disarmed the powers of darkness 37:32 Jesus and the demon-possessed man 39:26 Daniel’s prayer of praise 41:01 Nebuchadnezzar’s statue and successive kingdoms 42:13 The kingdom not made by human hands 43:54 The powers of this world are passing away 45:31 Jesus is coming—be encouraged 46:13 “Old Blue” and the enemy’s attempts to frighten us Key Scriptures: Daniel 2; Numbers 12:6; Job 33:14–18; Acts 2:16–18; Colossians 2:15; Mark 5:1–20.

  2. Aug 20

    How Christians Should Live in Babylon | Jeremiah 29 Sermon by Stan Key

    How should Christians live faithfully in a culture that does not share their beliefs? In this timely sermon from Jeremiah 29, Stan Key explains what it means to be a citizen of Jerusalem while living in Babylon. Christians are strangers, pilgrims, and exiles whose true citizenship is in the City of God—but God has strategically placed us in the world to represent Jesus and love our neighbors. Jeremiah’s message to the exiles offers five practical instructions for believers: Remember who you are. Be content where God has placed you. Love your Babylonian neighbors. Choose your spiritual leaders carefully. Trust the promises of God. Instead of assimilating into the culture, attacking it, withdrawing from it, or surrendering to despair, followers of Jesus are called to seek the shalom of their communities. We build, plant, serve, pray, and love—because God loves the people of Babylon. Our residence may be in Babylon, but our citizenship is in Jerusalem.

  3. Aug 18

    Jesus Is Lord: Psalm 2 and the King Who Turns the World Right Side Up | Stan Key

    What happens when the gospel of Jesus Christ enters an upside-down world? It turns that world right side up. Preaching from Acts 17 and Psalm 2, Stan Key explains why the early Christians were accused of turning the world upside down. Their message was both simple and revolutionary: Jesus came, died, rose, reigns, and is coming again. Jesus—not Caesar or any earthly ruler—is Lord. This sermon explores why Psalm 2 was so important to the early church and what it reveals about Jesus: he is the sovereign, universal, divine, fearsome, and welcoming King. His kingdom challenges the world’s ideas about wealth, power, wisdom, strength, and life itself. Christians live as representatives of King Jesus in “enemy-occupied territory.” We therefore face a defining question: Will we resist his reign, or will we “kiss the Son” and take refuge in him?

  4. Aug 13

    Acts 21 Bible Study: Paul's Journey to Jerusalem, Arrest, and Unshakable Faith

    Join us for an in-depth Bible study of Acts 21 as Paul continues his journey to Jerusalem despite repeated warnings about the suffering awaiting him. We’ll explore his submission to God’s will, his meeting with the Jerusalem church, his arrest in the temple, and the opposition he faced for faithfully proclaiming the gospel. What can Paul’s courage teach us about following Christ when obedience is costly? Watch as we unpack the historical context, key themes, and practical lessons of Acts 21. Subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible studies, and share your questions or insights in the comments.

  5. Aug 12

    The Ten Commandments: More Than Rules for a Good Life

    Are the Ten Commandments simply instructions for living a happy and healthy life? They certainly give us wisdom—but their purpose goes much deeper.In this message, Pastor Matt explains how Jesus intensifies the commandments by addressing not only outward behavior but also the hidden attitudes of the heart. God’s law reveals our sin, humbles us, and shows us why we cannot achieve righteousness on our own. Ultimately, it points us to our need for Jesus Christ—the faithful and righteous Savior who accomplished what we could not.Discover how the Ten Commandments:• Teach us God’s standard for life • Expose hidden sin within the human heart • Reveal our need for grace and rescue • Lead us toward repentance and faith • Point us to the righteousness of Jesus Join Pastor Matt and Wellspring Church as we explore the purpose of God’s law and the good news of salvation by grace through faith in Christ.

  6. Aug 10

    Faith in the Fire: Standing Firm Against Idolatry | Daniel 3

    What does it take to remain faithful when the world pressures you to bow? In this sermon from Daniel 3, we revisit the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—three men who refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, even when their faithfulness led them into a fiery furnace. Discover why the world’s idols can be so attractive, how misplaced priorities create spiritual instability, and what it means to trust God regardless of the outcome. The same God who stood with these men in the fire is present with us in suffering, freeing us from fear and giving us the strength to stand firm. Key themes include: Recognizing the alluring idols of our world Resisting pressure to compromise Remaining faithful when obedience is costly Trusting God with the outcome Experiencing Christ’s presence in suffering Building a steady spiritual life upon Jesus

  7. Aug 6

    Success Is Obedience: Paul’s Final Charge to Church Leaders | Acts 20 Bible Study

    What does faithful Christian leadership look like—and how should believers measure success? In this study of Acts 20:17–38, Paul gives his farewell address to the elders of Ephesus. His words reveal a life shaped by humility, courage, sacrifice, and complete obedience to Christ. We explore what it means to proclaim the gospel in both word and deed, teach the whole counsel of God, care faithfully for Christ’s Church, and follow God even when the road leads through suffering. This lesson also examines several biblical understandings of Christ’s work on the cross, including penal substitution, ransom, and Christus Victor. Jesus did not merely forgive our sins—He conquered death, defeated the powers of darkness, and purchased His people with His own blood. Above all, Paul reminds us that Christian success is not measured by comfort, popularity, safety, or numbers. It is measured by obedience. Key passage: Acts 20:17–38 Topics include:• Servant leadership and incarnational ministry• Proclaiming the gospel through word and deed• Obedience in the face of suffering• Teaching the whole counsel of God• Why Christians need the entire Bible• The meaning of Christ’s death on the cross• Caring for the Church Jesus purchased with His blood• Leadership transitions and learning to say goodbye well Join us as we finish Acts 20 and consider what it means to complete the work Jesus has entrusted to us. #Acts20 #BibleStudy #ChristianLeadership #Obedience #Gospel #JesusChrist #BookOfActs #WellspringChurch

  8. Aug 3

    The Power of Deciding Who You Are | Daniel 1 Explained

    Launching a new series on holiness through Daniel 1, this sermon explores what it means to remain faithful to God in a culture that pressures us to compromise. Daniel’s resolve not to defile himself becomes a call to wholehearted consecration, a tender heart that responds quickly to God’s correction, and a life of practical compassion for those in need. Listeners are challenged to identify where the Holy Spirit is asking them to draw a line, trust that God will make a way for obedience, and recognize how even seemingly small acts of faithfulness can have a far-reaching impact.

See All (279)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

The podcast of Matt Ayars, Ph.D., a pastor, biblical scholar. This podcast discusses seminary-level topics—biblical studies, theology, church history, spiritual formation—and makes them accessible to everyday believers, pastors, and seekers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned theologian or just beginning your faith journey, each episode invites you to think deeply, live faithfully, and love well. This isn’t just for the classroom—it’s for the church, the home, and the heart.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Ayars
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    279
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Matt Ayars
  • Show Website
    Matt Ayars Podcast

You Might Also Like