Pastor Peter's Pick This Week:
Podcast: The Bully Pulpit
One thing that really grinds my gears is when people say, “Pastors should never talk about politics or world events—just stick to preaching the gospel.”
In one sense, I say: Amen.
The gospel should be boldly proclaimed from the pulpit each and every Sunday—Christ crucified, risen, now reigning, and returning. No distractions. No gimmicks.
However, whenever I hear comments like this, I feel compelled to ask: “Do you believe Christ reigns over all of creation, including politics and world events?”
“[F]or through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.” - Colossians 1:16
Christ is not a geographically bound, tribal deity presiding over one little corner of creation in a limited manner—ANATHEMA!
Christ is King over kings and Lord over economies, laws, culture, and courts. As Paul says, Christ alone has ultimate and eternal authority over both the seen and unseen realms.
If this is the case, then Christians must engage the issues and events that take place in this world to the glory of Christ—with eyes open and hearts anchored—declaring His authority over all.
Christians should be up to date on what's going on in the world—not in a way that consumes us, but with enough awareness to speak Truth, live righteously, and apply the gospel to everyday life, including politics, culture, the economy, etc.
That’s why I recommend The Bully Pulpit podcast. It helps Christians think clearly, biblically, and courageously about the issues that affect their family, neighbors, churches, and the nation. Be it politics, social issues, or even mass media, nothing is off limits for discussion and discernment with the Bully crew.
Listen to The Bully Pulpit: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Recommended for: Men seeking to think theologically, engage culture, and submit all of life to Christ’s lordship.
Topic: Why Eschatology Matters (even if you want to ignore it)
Providentially, I had this week's pick teed up, and then Pastor Deven preached on this very topic on Sunday. I love it when God does those sorts of things.
So, Men of Berean, Eschatology may not be a term some of us are familiar with, but it’s just a fancy five-dollar word that means the theological study of “last things”. Essentially, what happens in the end, how God wraps up history, and what we’re ultimately headed toward.
Now, I get it. For some of us, this topic triggers memories of complex end-times charts, heated debates over social media, or doom-and-gloom YouTube videos predicting global collapse every other Thursday.
It’s no wonder many Christians sideline the topic as either too confusing, too divisive, or just plain old depressing.
But here’s the thing: what you believe about the end shapes how you live in the present.
If your eschatology tells you the world is a lost cause, you’ll act like it. You might retreat into survival mode—spiritually, emotionally, even physically. That’s bad theology with real consequences.
Brothers, to borrow an old saying: as Christians, we’re not "polishing brass on a sinking ship". We’re part of Christ’s advancing kingdom—called to engage with the world, proclaim the gospel of Christ, boldly build a godly legacy, and love others as Jesus first loved us.
We are not called to stockpile MREs, gold bars, and ammo in a bunker.
So, whether you hold to a pre-, post-, or a-millennial view (see below for resources explaining these positions), we need to make sure we’re letting Scripture form a hopeful, active, and kingdom-minded vision of the future. Not a fearful one.
Let’s live like King Jesus reigns now—because He does.
In fact, one of the most-quoted Old Testament scriptures in the New Testament provides us with this Truth: “For he [Jesus] must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” 1 Cor 15:25–26, ESV
Men of Berean, let’s live like this is true.
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Three Solid Resources on Eschatology (from Different Angles)
Sam Storms – Kingdom Come (Amillennial): A deeply biblical, Reformed approach that sees Christ’s reign as present and victorious now—without requiring a future earthly millennium. Storms emphasizes gospel endurance, present hope, and the already/not-yet tension.
John Piper – Let the Nations Be Glad (Historic Premillennial): A missions classic. While Piper sees Christ’s return as future and glorious, he also insists that right now is the time for bold gospel advance. The nations will hear. God will be worshiped. He’s not delaying—He’s building.
Greg Bahnsen – Victory in Jesus (Postmillennial): A punchy and passionate defense of the idea that the gospel will, over time, bring increasing transformation to the world. Bahnsen’s view looks forward to global renewal before Christ returns—not through politics, but through proclamation.
Bonus: Check out this excellent YouTube debate on eschatology for a gracious and thoughtful exchange between prominent Christian pastors/theologians/authors who disagree—yet can all affirm Christ’s victory and our call to faithful witness.
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Reflection Questions:
- What assumptions do I hold about the future of the world—and where did I pick those up?
- Do my views on the end times lead me to greater boldness or greater fear?
- Am I actively participating in Christ’s kingdom work, or waiting for an escape?
- Which of the above perspectives best aligns with Scripture, and have I actually studied them?
Podcast – Haunted Cosmos by Brian Sauvé & Ben Garrett
What do you get when you mix Reformed theology, ancient giants, Bigfoot, conspiracies, and two men with a questionable sense of humor? Haunted Cosmos.
Hosted by Pastor Brian Sauvé and Ben Garrett, this podcast explores the strange and supernatural through a decidedly Christian lens. Whether it’s Nephilim, UFOs, spooky destinations, or pagan folklore, they anchor it all in a biblical worldview.
Spoiler alert: the answer is invariably "it's demonic".
Reflection:
A quick heads-up/word of caution: this podcast is not for young kids or the faint of heart. Some episodes had me hitting pause—not because of bad theology, but because they genuinely creeped me out.
That said, it’s worth engaging with discernment. The hosts do a great job filtering weird cultural phenomena through a scriptural lens. You’ll walk away more grounded, not more gullible. Still, as Paul reminds us in Rom. 14:13: “decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” If you’re particularly sensitive to the darker edges of spiritual reality, this might be one to skip—or at least listen to during the day.
Recommended for:
Brothers curious about the intersection of theology + the unseen spiritual realm + and weird historical events; those with an appetite for folklore, giants, and biblical cosmology; and anyone who can say “Nephilim” without feeling like a fringe weirdo.
Week of June 1, 2025
TOOL: Day One Journal App
I'll be honest—every time I open this app, a small part of me hears the phrase “Dear Diary…” and cringes just a little bit.
However, don’t let my personal hangups turn you off this incredibly powerful tool that has made the discipline of journaling much more enjoyable, accessible, and practical for me.
The app lets you log Scripture reflections, prayers, workout summaries, travel memories, reading notes—you name it. It’s also great for documenting family vacations (especially when you want to remember the good parts and forget the highway meltdowns).
The paid version unlocks automatic backups, synced data, and extra features. But for anyone dipping their toes into journaling, the free version is plenty to get you up and running. You can schedule daily reminders to keep it top of mind, create your own journal templates, and for you folks who are exceptionally techy, DayOne integrates well with IFTTT and Apple Shortcuts. There's also a fairly active DayOne Subreddit with plenty of advice and answers if you want to take your journaling to another level.
Reflection:
Journaling has never been my strongest discipline—I tend to start off full of gusto, chug along for a few weeks/months, and then lapse for a while. But Day One actually does help me stay engaged and actively journaling. It lowers the barrier and gives me a place (across all my devices) to process what God is doing in my life.
I recently started using their voice transcription tool, and it's been a game-changer. I find myself opening DayOne on my way home from the office to reflect on my day and clear my mind before I get home.
If you’ve ever wished you could trace your spiritual growth, process tough seasons, or simply record where God showed up—this is the tool. Just start. One entry at a time.
Recommended for:
Men trying to grow in spiritual reflection and consistency in the discipline of journaling; those who need a place to process Scripture, life, or leadership; and anyone who’s tired of forgetting what God did last month (or maybe even yesterday).
ALBUM: Awake the Dawn – Brian Sauvé
If King David had access to modern recording equipment (and a beard oil sponsorship), this might be what the Psalms would’ve sounded like.
Awake the Dawn by Brian Sauve (co-host of the Haunted Cosmos & The King’s Hall podcasts) is a worshipfully reverent, biblically grounded, and musically rich album that stirs both the soul and the imagination.
Sauve’s earthy, folk‑tinged voice feels like a trusted friend reading the Psalms aloud. It’s liturgy with grit—songs that sing like Scripture and feel like a fireside morning coffee. Recommended for men who want to worship like warriors, not wallflowers.
Purchase or Stream Awake the Dawn on the following platforms:
- Listen on Spotify
- Listen on Apple Music
- Listen on YouTube Music
- Purchase on iTunes
- Listen or Purchase on Amazon
- Lyric videos playlist on YouTube
- Listen on Tidal
- Listen on Pandora
UPCOMING MoB EVENTS
Pastor Peter Barnaby
Pastor of Men & Strategic Partnerships