The Branch

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Chris, Matthew, and Anthony discuss the sovereignty of God and how it anchors believers in peace.What does it mean that God is in control? How do we reconcile human choice with divine authority? And how should Christians respond to cultural fear, political tension, and personal suffering?Drawing from Romans 8:28, Daniel 4, the story of Joseph, Revelation, and more, the pastors explore how God consistently works through brokenness to accomplish His redemptive purposes. They also address difficult questions about tragedy and suffering, reminding listeners that our comfort is not found in always knowing why, but in knowing who God is.This episode encourages believers to remain faithful, resist fear and compromise, and trust that God’s plans and purposes will stand.Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWB-wwjflxw

When is God calling you to step forward in faith, and when is He asking you to step back and trust Him?In this episode of The Branch, Matthew Johnson is joined by Pastors Anthony Lombardi and Pastor Chris Reed to talk through the tension between action and surrender. Sometimes obedience means taking initiative. Other times it means waiting and letting God move. But how do you know the difference?The pastors discuss how personality shapes our instincts, why trust is at the center of discernment, and how to respond when you feel like you’ve missed God. They also explore what to do when God seems silent and why knowing Scripture is essential for rightly hearing His voice.Ultimately, obedience is measured by faithfulness, not immediate results. This conversation will help you navigate decisions with confidence rooted in relationship with God.Watch the full episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYgunr46cu0

In this episode of the Branch Podcast, Pastor Anthony Lombardi sits down with Pastor Matthew Johnson and Pastor Chris Reed to discuss a challenging topic from the book of Psalms.Some of the psalms include prayers where the writers cry out to God in anger and ask Him to bring judgment against their enemies. These passages can feel intense and even uncomfortable. So how should Christians understand them today? And how do we reconcile those prayers with Jesus’ command to love our enemies?The Pastors explore the difference between justice and revenge, righteous anger and sinful anger, and what it means to entrust our pain to God rather than take matters into our own hands. This conversation offers a biblical and pastoral framework for navigating anger, injustice, and trust in God’s justice.Watch the full episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDvQIxS7ZE8

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Matthew, Anthony, and Chris discuss a thoughtful question many married couples face. Can God call one spouse to make a major life change that the other spouse does not agree with?Through honest dialogue and real-life examples, the pastors talk through what calling looks like for Christians, how it can shift through different seasons, and how marriage shapes the way believers discern God’s direction. They emphasize the importance of unity, humility, patience, and honoring one’s spouse, especially when clarity does not come easily. The conversation also addresses common pitfalls, healthy practices, and the role of prayer and wise counsel when couples feel stuck or uncertain.This episode offers a helpful framework for couples navigating decisions around work, relocation, ministry, or long-term direction, while keeping marriage and faith at the center.Watch the full episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-9vFuVH7q8

In this episode of the Branch Podcast, Pastor Chris Reed is joined by Pastor Anthony Lombardi for an honest and thoughtful conversation about how Christians discern good and evil in a complicated world. With culture, politics, and media often pulling in competing directions, the Pastors reflect on how followers of Jesus are called to think wisely, remain grounded in Scripture, and live faithfully.The discussion explores Jesus as the ultimate standard for truth, the idea of human flourishing, and the tension between submitting to governing authorities while remaining loyal to Christ and His kingdom. Drawing from passages such as Romans 12–13 and historical examples, the Pastors emphasize discernment, humility, and resisting reactionary thinking.Rather than focusing on grand gestures or public spectacle, this episode consistently returns to the power of daily faithfulness and obedience as the primary way God brings lasting change.Watch the full episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxVQX_fUIvg

In this episode of the Branch Podcast, pastors Anthony Lombardi, Matthew Johnson, and Chris Reed talk honestly about what it means to live a successful life as a Christian. Rather than measuring success by money, influence, career advancement, or recognition, the conversation reframes success as faithfulness to God in every season.The pastors walk through practical areas where success is often misunderstood, including work and ambition, singleness and marriage, parenting, finances, and legacy. They discuss how stewardship, obedience, contentment, and surrender to the Holy Spirit shape a life that honors God, even when it does not align with cultural expectations.This episode encourages listeners to rethink success not as an outcome to achieve, but as a daily commitment to walk in obedience and be faithful with what God has entrusted.Watch the full episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGdjaFDlRnA

In this episode of the Branch Podcast, Pastors Chris Reed, Matthew Johnson, and Anthony Lombardi unpack what pastors really mean when they encourage everyday practices like reading the Bible, prayer, worship, going to church, and loving your neighbor.Rather than presenting these as religious checklists, the conversation focuses on how these disciplines are meant to shape a real, ongoing relationship with God. The pastors discuss approachable ways to engage Scripture without formal training, prayer as an honest and continual conversation with God, worship as a lifestyle that re-centers the heart, and why consistent participation in the local church matters. They also explore what it looks like to love your neighbor through attentiveness and commitment to others’ good.This episode is both grounding and practical for anyone wondering how to grow in faith one step at a time.Watch the full episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCCNCANljDY

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastor Matthew Johnson is joined by Pastor Anthony Lombardi and Pastor Chris Reid for an honest and thoughtful conversation about unity. What does unity actually mean in the church, and how does it differ from uniformity? How should Christians navigate disagreements while remaining committed to one another?The discussion explores Scripture, church history, and real-life experience to distinguish between core Christian beliefs and matters of preference or conscience. The pastors also address denominational differences, church culture, leadership questions, and why humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit matter when navigating disagreement.The conversation then turns toward culture, examining how followers of Jesus are called to love people deeply without compromising truth. Using the example of Jesus and the early church, this episode highlights unity as a powerful witness rooted in love, conviction, and faithfulness to Christ.Watch the full episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zvqGQ_eZUk

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Anthony, Matthew, and Chris take a look at prosperity theology and why it often creates confusion within the Christian faith. They unpack the idea that faith or obedience guarantees wealth, health, or happiness, and contrast it with what Scripture actually teaches about blessing and the Christian life.Throughout the conversation, the pastors explore commonly misused Bible passages, the role of suffering and hardship, and how distorted expectations can lead to guilt or disillusionment. Rather than promising an easy or comfortable life, they point listeners toward a faith centered on knowing Christ, trusting God’s redemptive work, and holding an eternal perspective. This episode offers clarity, balance, and encouragement for anyone wrestling with faith, suffering, or spiritual disappointment.Watch the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IhjA0NmuNpo?si=HYZGwQwLVNrgsNY7

Artificial intelligence is becoming a normal part of life, and many people are unsure how to think about it. In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Matthew, Anthony, and Chris talk through the opportunities and challenges AI brings to followers of Jesus. They discuss how technology can strengthen learning, creativity, and global connection, while also exploring the risks of replacing real relationships, spiritual reflection, and personal growth. Together they walk through what it means to use modern tools with wisdom, protect what makes us human, and disciple the next generation in a world shaped by rapid change. If you’ve ever wondered how faith and AI fit together, this conversation offers clarity, balance, and helpful perspective.Watch our conversation on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8f8Iyod88g

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Anthony, Matthew, and Chris take a closer look at what Jesus meant when He spoke about the kingdom of God. They talk through why this theme appears so often in His teaching, how His life showed what God’s reign looks like, and what it means for believers to live in the tension of a kingdom that has begun but is not yet complete. Their conversation is steady, clear, and centered on Scripture. We hope it brings clarity and encouragement as you follow Jesus and learn to trust His work in every part of life.Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dvfZ1S-0GU

In this episode of the Branch Podcast, Pastor Matthew and Pastor Chris sit down for an honest conversation about what it means to love God, love others, and also learn to love ourselves in a healthy way. They walk through how love shapes our thoughts, emotions, spiritual rhythms, and daily choices, and they share practical examples from their own lives and ministries. The pastors also talk about navigating discouraging seasons, processing disappointment with God, and setting healthy boundaries while still loving people well.If you'd prefer to watch this episode, you can find it on YouTube here: (Watch YouTube Video)

In this Branch Podcast Q&A episode, Pastors Matthew, Anthony, and Chris take on real questions from listeners about faith, Scripture, and life’s most challenging topics. Together they discuss reconciliation, fasting, sexuality, baptism, and why God allows suffering, all through the lens of Scripture and with honest, grace-filled conversation. The pastors also explore deep theological questions about salvation, Jesus’ divinity, and how faith shapes everyday decisions.If you’ve ever wrestled with big questions or wanted to better understand how biblical truth applies today, this conversation will encourage, challenge, and strengthen your faith.📺 Watch the full conversation on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZh41JFPUWI

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Matthew, Chris, and Anthony talk about what it really means to live a life of biblical submission. They look at Philippians 2 and Ephesians 5 to show how Jesus modeled humility and obedience, even when it came at a cost. The pastors unpack why submission isn’t weakness but a loving trust in God’s plan, one that shapes marriages, leadership, and everyday relationships. They also address what submission is not, including how to respond to unhealthy authority.This honest and practical conversation helps listeners see how choosing humility and service over control leads to freedom, unity, and real spiritual growth.Prefer to watch this conversation? Check out the full video on YouTube: Watch on YouTube

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Matthew Johnson and Anthony Lombardi talk about the rise of “deconstruction” in today’s culture. They explore both healthy and unhealthy ways to question your faith, showing that doubt doesn’t have to lead to disbelief. Through personal stories, honest reflection, and biblical truth, they reveal how examining what you believe can actually strengthen your faith.The conversation touches on church hurt, cultural pressures, and the need to rebuild on a foundation of truth rather than emotion or trends. Along the way, they reference passages like Mark 9:24, Romans 8:28, and the story of Thomas in John 20, reminding us that Jesus meets us in our doubts and that honest wrestling can lead to deeper trust.

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Matthew, Anthony, and Chris share an unscripted conversation that begins with lighthearted prank stories and then shifts into a thoughtful discussion on faith, culture, and politics. Looking at Matthew 21 and Revelation 5, they explore the tension of Jesus as both Lion and Lamb, powerful, yet victorious through sacrifice. The pastors consider how Christians today can respond to cultural pressures, avoid misplaced political allegiance, and keep their focus on Jesus alone. This open and practical conversation encourages listeners to reflect deeply and live out their faith with clarity and conviction.

Too often, we say the right things about Jesus while living lives that tell a different story. In this episode, we confront the uncomfortable truth about giving Him lip service instead of true surrender—and explore what it really means to honor Jesus with every part of our lives. If you've ever felt the tension between your words and your walk, this conversation is for you. Through honest reflection, practical insight, and biblical truth, this episode invites you to move beyond surface-level faith into a fully surrendered life.

In the face of tragedy, how do we respond as Christians? This powerful discussion challenges us to examine our hearts and actions when confronted with evil. The central message revolves around Jesus' teaching to 'overcome evil with good' (Romans 12:21). We're reminded that our primary calling is not to win political battles, but to point people to Jesus and His transformative love. The conversation draws parallels between Paul's conversion and our own potential to show grace to those who seem beyond redemption. It emphasizes the importance of seeing others as spiritual captives rather than enemies, echoing Paul's words about the 'god of this world' blinding people to the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4). This perspective shift invites us to approach even those we disagree with through a lens of compassion and hope for their salvation. As we navigate a world full of division, we're encouraged to pause, seek God's peace, and consider how our words and actions can reflect Christ's love to a hurting world.

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, we explore Jesus' countercultural teachings on forgiveness and reconciliation and how they challenge Christians to take a posture of redemption and restoration. We dive into the practical implications of these teachings, discussing how embracing the heart of Christ can transform our lives and relationships. Whether it's with situations concerning marriage or people we’ve hurt, or who have hurt us, God often does a supernatural work in us and in others when we live out the model and teachings of Jesus.

Everyone wants to be great, but how we define greatness makes all the difference. Jesus teaches that true greatness begins with humility, values the vulnerable, and is expressed through serving others. In this episode, we unpack what it means to follow Jesus into a different vision of greatness. Why does humility matter so much? How do we guard against pride? And what would happen in our families, marriages, workplaces, and churches if we actually lived out Jesus’ definition of greatness? Join us as we wrestle with these questions and discover why the path to greatness is not about climbing higher but lowering ourselves to serve.