The Dusty Discipleship Podcast

In this episode of the Dusty Discipleship Podcast, we begin walking through the Sermon on the Mount together starting in Matthew 5.Jesus opens one of His most famous teachings with the Beatitudes, but instead of giving us a list of religious rules, He begins describing the kind of people who flourish in the Kingdom of God. The poor in spirit. The merciful. The peacemakers. The pure in heart.As we walk through the chapter together, we talk about what Jesus means when He calls His followers the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and a city set on a hill. We also wrestle with the deeper heart issues underneath anger, lust, bitterness, and enemy-love, and why Jesus seems far more concerned with transformation than mere outward behavior.In this episode we explore:The Beatitudes and the “good life” according to JesusDependence, right relationships, and peacemakingWhat it means to become saltier, brighter, and saferThe imagery behind a “city on a hill”Jesus’ teaching on anger, lust, enemies, and the transformed heartWhy discipleship is about formation, not just informationThis episode is really an invitation to slow down and let Matthew 5 examine us a little bit.What kind of person am I becoming?How dependent am I on God?Am I becoming brighter, safer, merciful, and more reflective of Jesus?Throughout Matthew 5, Jesus paints a picture of a completely different kind of life and a completely different kind of Kingdom. A Kingdom built on dependence instead of self-sufficiency, mercy instead of outrage, peacemaking instead of hostility, and transformed hearts instead of outward appearances.The question underneath the entire chapter is simple but deeply challenging: What kind of person is Jesus forming us into?Scriptures Referenced:Matthew 5Exodus 19–20 (Moses and Sinai)John 1 (Light and Darkness)Genesis 18 (Sarah's Laughter)Ruth 4 (Redemption of Ruth and Naomi) https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/series/sermon-on-the-mount/

Episode Description:In this episode of the Dusty Discipleship Podcast, Mitch walks through Matthew 4 and explores the meaning of the wilderness in the Bible.What is the wilderness, and why does it show up throughout Scripture? From Creation to Israel, David, and the prophets, the wilderness is a recurring pattern where God shapes His people and reveals what is truly in their hearts.As Jesus faces temptation, we see a different outcome. Where humanity has failed, Jesus remains faithful. He resists the misuse of Scripture, refuses shortcuts, and fully trusts the Father.This episode unpacks:The biblical pattern of the wildernessWhat the wilderness reveals about our heartsHow Satan misuses Scripture and distorts trustWhat Jesus shows us about true humanityHow to follow Jesus in seasons of testing and uncertaintyKey Themes and Topics:Jesus in the wildernessTemptation of JesusBiblical meaning of the wildernessTrusting God in difficult seasonsSpiritual testing in the BibleIdentity and discipleshipMisuse of ScriptureFollowing Jesus in hardshipSpiritual formation and growthEpisode Outline:Introduction: From Baptism to WildernessWhat Is the Wilderness?A place of scarcity, danger, and lackThe opposite of the gardenA place of dependence and fragilityNot a destination, but a place of preparationThe Pattern of Wilderness in ScriptureAdam and Eve exiled from the gardenCain driven further into wildernessHagar meets God in the wildernessMoses formed in the wildernessIsrael tested for 40 yearsDavid shaped while fleeing SaulProphets speak from wilderness experiencesWhat the Wilderness RevealsReveals what we trust and depend onExposes fear, control, and distrustStrips away comfort and self-relianceJesus in the Wilderness (Matthew 4)Led by the Spirit, not by accident40 days mirrors Israel’s 40 yearsJesus steps into the same story but responds differentlyThe Three Temptations of JesusBread — Trust God or provide for yourselfTemple — Trust God or demand proofKingdoms — Trust God’s way or take controlSatan and the Misuse of ScriptureSatan quotes Scripture but twists itJesus responds with trust and obedienceKey idea: Knowing Scripture is not enough—true disciples trust and live it.Jesus as the Model of True HumanityDependent on GodTrusting without demanding proofFaithful without taking shortcutsRooted in God’s wordKey idea: Jesus shows what humanity was always meant to be.What Wilderness Seasons Reveal in UsControl vs trustFear vs faithSelf vs surrenderClosing ChallengeThe wilderness is not something to avoid, but something to walk through with JesusThe question is not how to escape, but who you are becomingWhat happens in the wilderness shapes what comes nextScripture ReferencedMatthew 3–4Psalm 23Genesis 1–3Exodus (Israel in the wilderness)

Episode 3:Step Into the Water | Matthew 3, Baptism, and Living RighteouslyEpisode Description:In this episode of the Dusty Discipleship Podcast, we explore Matthew 3 and the meaning of baptism in the time of Jesus. What did baptism mean in the first century? How did Jewish purification rituals like the mikveh shape John the Baptist’s message? And why did Jesus choose to be baptized if He didn’t need repentance?We walk through the biblical story of water—from creation to the flood to the Exodus—and see how baptism is more than a ritual. It’s a step into God’s story.We also unpack what Jesus meant when He said He came “to fulfill all righteousness,” and how righteousness is about living in right relationship with God, others, and the world.This episode challenges you to move from observing Jesus to actually following Him—by stepping into what is right.Key Topics CoveredMatthew 3 explained simplyWhat baptism meant in Jesus’ worldJewish mikveh and purification practicesJohn the Baptist and repentanceQumran and wilderness communitiesWhy Jesus was baptized“Fulfilling all righteousness” explainedBiblical meaning of righteousnessBaptism as stepping into God’s storyPractical application for following JesusKey TakeawaysBaptism is not just about cleansing—it’s about starting something newJohn’s baptism was a call to turn around and prepare for God’s workJesus was baptized to step into what is right, not to fix anything in HimselfRighteousness means living in right relationship with God, others, and creationFollowing Jesus requires stepping in—not standing on the edgeBible PassageMatthew 3Referenced Biblical ThemesCreation (Genesis 1) – Life emerging from waterNoah and the Flood (Genesis 6–9) – New life through waterExodus (Exodus 14) – Israel passing through the Red SeaCrossing the Jordan (Joshua 3–4) – Entering the promised landNaaman’s cleansing (2 Kings 5)DefinitionsBaptism (Biblical Context):A physical act of stepping into water that symbolizes cleansing, preparation, and entering a new way of life with God.Mikveh (Jewish Tradition):A ritual immersion in water used for purification and preparation before sacred moments.Righteousness (Biblical Meaning):Living in right relationship with God, others, and the world—doing what is right, just, and faithful in everyday life. Reflection QuestionWhere is God inviting you to step into what is right instead of standing on the edge?ApplicationFor some, this may mean taking the step of baptismFor others, it may mean repentance—turning back to GodIt may mean making something right in a relationshipOr stepping into obedience where you’ve been hesitantYou don’t have to have everything figured out.You just have to step in.Resources & Links:BibleProject – Righteousness & Justice teachinghttps://bibleproject.com/articles/baptism-in-the-bible/

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Mitch walks through Matthew 2 and explores the clash between two kingdoms: empire and the kingdom of God (shalom). Through the story of Herod, the religious leaders, Jerusalem, and the Magi, we see four distinct responses to Jesus—and a powerful invitation to examine our own.Key Themes1. Two KingdomsEmpire → control, fear, self-preservationShalom → peace, restoration, trust in GodHerod represents the kingdom of empire, while Jesus embodies a completely different way of life.2. A Pattern Throughout ScriptureThis tension isn’t new—it runs through the entire Bible:Pharaoh in EgyptIsrael in the wildernessKings like Saul and SolomonThe Persian Empire in EstherEmpire isn’t just a place—it’s a pattern.3. Four Responses to JesusMatthew 2 shows four ways people respond when the true King arrives:Herod → Resistance (threatened, clings to power)Religious Leaders → Apathy (know the truth, don’t act)Jerusalem → Disturbance (troubled, unsettled)Magi → Worship (seek, sacrifice, surrender)Same King. Same moment. Different responses.4. Jesus’ Response to EmpireJesus doesn’t build like empire:He doesn’t grasp powerHe doesn’t control or dominateHe moves toward the vulnerableHe welcomes outsidersHe trusts the FatherHe lives differently within empire, showing what the kingdom of God looks like.Reflection QuestionWhere do you see empire in your life… and how are you responding to Jesus?Are you resisting?Apathetic?Disturbed?Or worshipful like the Magi?Next EpisodeMatthew 3 — Exploring John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus, and how Jesus begins to step fully into His role.

Main IdeaGod has been intentionally writing His story from the beginning, and He is inviting you to find your place in it.Key ThemesWe All Live Inside a StoryOur lives are shaped by family, past experiences, and expectationsWe don’t just make decisions—we live out narrativesThe Genealogy Is an InvitationMatthew 1 answers:Who are you?Where do you come from?Where do you fit?Jesus is rooted in:Abraham (promise)David (king)This is not just where Jesus came from—it is where the story has been going.God Uses Messy, Unexpected PeopleTamar, Rahab, Ruth, BathshebaBroken leaders and outsiders are includedGod is not endorsing every action—He is redeeming broken stories.The Pattern of the StoryRise: Abraham to DavidFall: David to ExileWaiting: Exile to JesusThe repetition of "14" points to David and emphasizes the coming King.Even with kings, the story breaks.Jesus Enters the StoryJesus means “The Lord saves”Immanuel means “God with us”God does not remain distant—He steps into the brokenness, the waiting, and the uncertainty.You Are Invited Into the StoryWe all experience:brokennesswaitinguncertaintyMatthew 1 shows:God works through imperfect storiesGod works in long seasonsGod is still writingKey Quotes“We don’t just make decisions—we live out narratives.” “This isn’t just a list of names—it’s an invitation to belong.” “God doesn’t abandon the story—He enters it.” “You don’t have to fix your story first—you just have to find your place in His.” Reflection QuestionWhere is God inviting you to stop controlling your story and start trusting His?

In this opening episode of Dusty Discipleship, Mitch shares the heart behind the podcast, the story that shaped him, and the vision for where this journey is headed. From growing up in an IFB world, to walking through church hurt, sin, healing, and reconstruction, this episode lays the foundation for a different way of reading Scripture and following Jesus.This podcast is not just about learning more information—it is about becoming more like Jesus. Together, we will walk through the Gospels, trace the story of Scripture, and ask what it looks like to follow King Jesus closely enough that the dust of His feet begins to shape our lives.What We Talk AboutWhat “Dusty Discipleship” meansWhy discipleship is about transformation, not just informationMitch’s background and early church experienceGrowing up in an IFB contextChurch hurt, leadership failure, and its lasting impactA season of deconstruction and rebuilding in JesusA turning point in how the Bible was read and understoodDiscovering the Bible as a unified, layered storyInfluences that shaped this journeyWhat biblical theology is (in simple terms)Core ideas that will shape this podcast going forwardWhy we’re starting in the GospelsWhat listeners can expect each weekDiscipleship is about walking closely with Jesus, not observing from a distanceThe Bible is one unified story, not a collection of disconnected partsJesus is King and calls for allegiance, not just agreementGod is bringing heaven and earth together—and invites us into that workGod does not want to use people; He wants to partner with themYou don’t need perfect theology to begin—just a willingness to take the next stepMarty Solomon & The BEMA PodcastRay Vander LaanMichael HeiserBibleProject (Tim Mackie & Jon Collins)N.T. WrightDavid Fohrman — The Beast That Crouches at the DoorGenesis 1Genesis 4:7John 1The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)1 Peter Next episode, we begin in Matthew 1, walking through the genealogy of Jesus and exploring why it matters more than we might think.