The Firm Faith Podcast

Pastors Nick and Jack aim to think biblically about progressive sanctification. Join us for a discussion on having a humble view of self and a desire to be transformed into the image of Christ. Recommended Resources:Book: Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Paul David TrippWorkbook: You Can Change by Tim Chester

Nick discusses the topic of serving with his wife, Micaela. Covering personal testimonies and teachings from Scripture, join them as they share how God has created us to serve.Recommended Resources:Check out the resources below for learning more about God’s design for serving or to find a way to serve:Article: Leave Church a Little Tired by Sam EmadiArticle: Serving and Giving by Jamie DunlopServing Opportunities at HarvestHarvest’s Ministry Partners

Nick interviews Frasier on the topic of sabbath rest. Frasier recently taught a class at Harvest on this topic and is sharing some of the highlights from that class. Recommended Resources:Harvest Equip ClassesCBTS Conference Message on the Christian SabbathWhy Do Christians Worship on Sunday? by Ligonier MinistriesWhy is the Christian Sabbath on Sunday? by Core Christianity

Nick facilitates a round table discussion with co-hosts, Jack and Jordan, over the last two years of the Firm Faith podcast. Join them as they reflect on the origin of the podcast, its name, and some of the key highlights from the past two years.Recommended Resources:Firm Faith Recommended Resources

Nick and Jordan discuss the soul-shaping practice of personal devotions. Join them as they look at Scriptural teaching and share their own testimonies about the benefit of regular time with the Lord.Recommended Resources:ESV Study BibleESV Scripture Journals (many options)Bible Reading Plan with HarvestNew Morning Mercies by Paul Tripp

Jordan and Jack move into a discussion on the practical aspects of friendship, addressing questions such as: “How can I be a good friend?” “How should I choose friends?” and “Must I be friends with everyone?”Recommended Resources:“The Cost of Being a Loner” Ask Pastor John podcast episode #2142 “What Makes True friendship” Ask Pastor John podcast episode #2065 The Six Conversations by Heather Holleman (Helpful book on engaging in meaningful conversations. Has a lot of good questions to ask your friends!

Jack and Jordan discuss a biblical overview of friendship. Recommended Resources:“Wisdom and Friendship” sermon preached by Jack Flaherty on Dec 29th, 2019 https://www.harvestdesmoines.org/episode/wisdom-and-friendship/ True Friendship by Vaughan RobertsFriendship with God by Mike McKinleyMade For Friendship by Drew Hunter“Is it ok to call God friend?”  by Drew Hunter

Nick and Chris explore what the Gospel is, why it has saving power, and how it must be preached and received. This title and impetus for this episode stems from having read Paul Washer's triology Recovering the Gospel and having just preached through The Beautiful Gospel sermon series in December of 2025.Resources:To learn more about the Gospel’s power and message, check out the resources listed below:Recovering the Gospel Trilogy - Paul WasherA Gospel Primer - Milton VincentThe Beautiful Gospel Sermon Series

Nick leads a discussion on the benefits of personal growth plans with Jordan, Em, and Micaela.Recommended Resources:Check out the resources below for learning more about the importance of planning:Lees' Personal Growth Plan TemplateBray’s Annual Life Plan TemplateWhat’s Best Next – Matthew PermanDon’t Waste Your Life – John PiperDo More Better – Tim ChalliesCrazy Busy – Kevin DeYoungGoodReads 

Join Pastor Nick for a special four-part Advent devotional series that coincides with our December 2025 sermon series - "The Beautiful Gospel". Episodes will be released each consecutive Sunday beginning November 30th. If you'd like to hear the full sermon related to each episode, please visit www.harvestdesmoines.org/sermons after December 7th, or join us in person each Sunday in December. For additional discussion questions, check out the full devotional at https://www.harvestdesmoines.org/christmas-devotional/.

Nick and Micaela discuss God's design for women in the home. Check out the resources below for learning more about God’s design for women:This Momentary Marriage - John PiperHelper by Design - Elyse FitzpatrickTreasuring Christ When Your Hands are Full - Gloria FurmanMom Enough - Multiple AuthorsGlory in the Ordinary - Courtney ReissigEve in Exile - Rebekah MerkleFeminine Appeal - Carolyn Mahaney + Nancy WolgemuthGirl Talk: Mother-Daughter Conversations on Biblical Womanhood - Carolyn Mahaney + Nicole Whitacre

Join Pastor Nick for a special four-part Advent devotional series that coincides with our December 2025 sermon series - "The Beautiful Gospel". Episodes will be released each consecutive Sunday beginning November 30th. If you'd like to hear the full sermon related to each episode, please visit www.harvestdesmoines.org/sermons after December 7th, or join us in person each Sunday in December. For additional discussion questions, check out the full devotional at https://www.harvestdesmoines.org/christmas-devotional/.

Join Pastor Nick for a special four-part Advent devotional series that coincides with our December 2025 sermon series - "The Beautiful Gospel". Episodes will be released each consecutive Sunday beginning November 30th. If you'd like to hear the full sermon related to each episode, please visit www.harvestdesmoines.org/sermons after December 7th, or join us in person each Sunday in December. For additional discussion questions, check out the full devotional at https://www.harvestdesmoines.org/christmas-devotional/.

Join Pastor Nick for a special four-part Advent devotional series that coincides with our December 2025 sermon series - "The Beautiful Gospel". Episodes will be released each consecutive Sunday beginning November 30th. If you'd like to hear the full sermon related to each episode, please visit www.harvestdesmoines.org/sermons after December 7th, or join us in person each Sunday in December. For additional discussion questions, check out the full devotional at https://www.harvestdesmoines.org/christmas-devotional/.

Nick and Jordan discuss what God has to say about physical health and provide pointers for being a wise steward of your body.Recommended Resources:What God Says about Our Bodies - Sam AlberryLove to Eat, Hate to Eat: Breaking the Bondage of Destructive Eating - Elyze FitzpatrickA Little Theology of Exercise - David Mathis Stewardship Resources on Health App: MyFitnessPal - free app that allows you to track your food intake and create goalsApp: MapMyRun - free app that uses GPS to track your run stats (pace, distance, etc.,)App: Thenics - free app that walks you through proper form on exercisesFree Running Plans by Hal Higdon Macro Calculator - free website to create goals for your diet

Nick and Jordan discuss what God has to say about physical health and provide pointers for being a wise steward of your body.Recommended Resources:What God Says about Our Bodies - Sam AlberryLove to Eat, Hate to Eat: Breaking the Bondage of Destructive Eating - Elyze FitzpatrickA Little Theology of Exercise - David Mathis Stewardship Resources on Health App: MyFitnessPal - free app that allows you to track your food intake and create goalsApp: MapMyRun - free app that uses GPS to track your run stats (pace, distance, etc.,)App: Thenics - free app that walks you through proper form on exercisesFree Running Plans by Hal Higdon Macro Calculator - free website to create goals for your diet

Nick grills Jack on the topic of conscience. They discuss what it is biblically, how it functions practically, and why deploying it wisely has a plethora of applications for our lives.Recommended Resources:“The Conscience” sermon preached on 1.14.24 by Jack FlahertyThe Conscience by Andy Naselli and J.D. CrowleyThat Little Voice in Your Head by Andy Naselli (Kids resource)The Art of Turning by Kevin DeYounghttps://andynaselli.com/conscience-what-it-is-how-to-train-it-and-loving-those-who-differ

Nick and Jack discuss God's design for men in the home.Recommended Resources:How to Lead Your Family: A Guide for Men Wanting to Be More by Joel BeekeDisciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent HughesDisciplines of a Godly Young Man by R. Kent Hughes & W. Carey HughesBiblical Manhood: Masculinity, Leadership and Decision Making by Stuart ScottFamily Shepherds: Calling and Equipping Men to Lead Their Homes by Voddie Baucham JrFamily Worship by Donald WhitneyThe Family at Church by Joel BeekeThe Best Day of the Week: Why We Love the Lord’s Day by William Boekestein

Nick, Jack, and Emily discuss the importance of catechisms in training both adults and children to stand firm in the faith once for all delivered to the saints. Recommended Resources:The New City Catechism (Includes free app)Truth and Grace (TAG) Memory Books: 3 Book SET - Founders PressDiscipleship through Doctrinal Teaching and Catechism by Sally MichaelJesus Kids album by Shai Linne (has Catechism Interludes 1-3 + other songs) A Baptist Catechism adapted by John Piper1689 London Baptist ConfessionThe Westminster Confession

Jack, Nick, and Jordan discuss what it means to be a lifelong learner. They consider the importance of consuming good resources while rightly prioritizing the Word and the church. Recommended Resources:How to Read a Book: Advice for Christian Readers by Andrew David NaselliHow to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van DorenFoundations for Lifelong Learning by John PiperHarvest Des Moines’ Churchwide Discipleship ToolsHarvest Equip Class RecordingsThe Wisdom Pyramid by Brett McCraken

Nick and special guest, Frasier Dew, reflect on the recent One Another sermon series at Harvest, including how they've seen God at work. They also consider ways we might expect God to continue to work in our midst and contrast the fruit of obeying with the fruit of disobedience. Recommended Resources:31 Ways to be A “One Another” Christian by Stuart ScottOne Anothers sermonsUnity One AnothersHumility One AnothersLove One AnothersOther One AnothersOne Anothers study

Jordan and Nick discuss the importance and fruit of cultivating the discipline of giving thanks in all circumstances. Recommended Resources:The Grumbler’s Guide to Giving Thanks: Reclaiming the Gifts of a Lost Spiritual DisciplineThanksgiving: An Investigation of a Pauline ThemeThe Things of Earth by Joe RigneyStrangely Bright by Joe Rigney

Jack and Nick share a helpful way to study the Scriptures. Come and hear how they have benefited from David Powlison's teachings in an effort to root out lies we may believe.Recommended Resources:David Powlison (2000). ““Peace be still”: Learning Psalm 131 by Heart,” The Journal of Biblical Counseling, 18(3), 2-10.Seeing With New Eyes by David Powlison“Two Ways of Doing Life: Psalm 23 versus Antipsalm 23” by Justin Taylor“Antipsalm 23 vs .Psalm 23” by Justin Taylor“The Psalm 131 Anti-Psalm and the GraceLaced Mondays Link Up” by Ruth Chou Simons

Nick has a special guest drop in on the show to talk about the blessings of faithful friendships. This particular guest has been a close friend of Pastor Nick for almost 20 years! We hope you will be blessed by their reflections on 20 years of friendship and the way God has worked in them.

Nick and Jack discuss the importance of living a disciplined life. Join us as we unpack the benefits of both physical and spiritual disciplines.Recommended Resources:Habits of Grace by David MathisSpiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald WhitneyWhat's Best Next: How the Gospel Transforms the Way You Get Things Done by Matt PermanDo More Better: A Practical Guide to Productivity by Tim ChalliesCrazy Busy by Kevin DeYoungDiscipline of a Godly Man by R. Kent HughesDisciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara HughesReset: Living a Grace-Paced Life in a Burnout Culture by David MurrayZeal without Burnout by Christopher Ash

Nick and a special guest discuss a question from a listener. How do we actually preach the gospel to ourselves throughout a given day or week? Join us as we discuss how to reorient yourself around Christ throughout the day.Recommended Resources:A Gospel Primer by Milton VincentThe Discipline of Grace by Jerry BridgesThe Cross-Centered Life by CJ MahaneyPreaching the Gospel to Yourself: Class Notes by Nick Lees

We’re continuing to explore the significance of the six pillars of our church for our walk with Christ. In this episode, Jack and Nick discuss the pillar of Compelling Community. Check out the resources below for additional help in cultivating compelling community.Recommended Resources:Sermon on Compelling Community Book: The Compelling Community: Where God’s Power Makes a Church Attractive by Mark Dever and Jamie DunlopNick’s summary of the book from 2021Harvest Membership Commitment FormPrevious episodes on our six pillars26 - Sharing the Good News23 - Mature Disciples Make Disciples14 - A Praying Church11 - Worship Matters10 - Preach the Word

Jack puts Jordan on the hot seat as they discuss what the Bible says about God's presence. They explore the practical applications of this for Christian life and corporate worship. Recommended Resources:True Worshippers by Bob Kauflin, (chapter 8)Habits of Grace by David MatthisCorporate Worship by Matt Merker (why church is necessary)For deeper study:Systematic Theology by Wayne GrudemThe Presence of God by J. Ryan ListerEnter His Courts with Praise by Andrew HillJordan’s sermon on God’s Presence: Exploring a Biblical Theology of God’s Presence with His People preached on 6.25.23

Jordan and Nick discuss the reasoning and benefits of attending a local worship gathering while on vacation. Recommended Resources:The Things of Earth by Joe RigneyThe Sabbath as Rest and Hope for the People of God by Guy Prentiss WatersHabits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus through the Spiritual Disciplines by David Mathis

In this episode, Nick and Jack discuss apologetics related to the resurrection and how we can have certainty of our faith in Jesus.Recommended Resources: The Case for Christ by Lee StrobelThe Case for Easter by Lee StrobelThe Case for the Resurrection of Jesus by Gary R. Habermas and Michael R. Licona“The Reality of the Resurrection” in The Reason for God by Tim Keller

Nick hosts past and present deacons to discuss the role, qualifications, and what their experience has been like as a deacon.Recommended Resources:Paul’s Vision for the Deacons: Assisting Elders with the Care of God’s Church - Alexander StrauchDeacons: How They Serve and Strengthen the Church - Matt Smethurst

Nick has a conversation with Pastor Chris about the work God has been doing in his life to grow him into a courageous evangelist. Join us for a discussion about the pillar of Courageous Evangelism and the desire to reach our community for Christ. Resources:A Gospel Primer - Milton VincentThe Gospel and Personal Evangelism - Mark DeverEvangelism: How the Whole Church Speaks of Jesus - Mack Stiles

Nick and Jack discuss the use of language that is overly subjective and borderline manipulative, even if well-intended. Resource List Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung “How do I know God’s calling for my life?” by John Piper Ask Pastor John by Tony Reinke “How can I know God’s will for my life?” from GotQuestions.org

Nick hosts a few of Harvest's pastors to discuss the role, qualifications, and their personal experience of pastoring.

Nick and Jack discuss the call to purposeful discipleship by looking at Matthew 4:19 and Matthew 28:18-20. They discuss the goal of being a disciple-making church and issue the challenge to meet with another Christian to mature in the faith. "Who's your 1?" Recommended Resources: The Lost Art of Disciple-Making by Leroy Eims  Born to Reproduce by Dawson Trotman One to One Bible Reading by David Helm Discipling: How to Help Others Follow Jesus by Mark Dever  How can I Find Someone to Disciple Me? by J. Garret Kell How Do I Disciple Others?  by J. Garret Kell Spiritual Discipleship by J. Oswald Sanders Family Worship by Donald Whitney

Overview: Genesis 1 tells us that we are made in the image of our Creator God. Being his image bearers means we are to reflect his image by our own creativity. Join us as we discuss what this practically looks like and if there is such a thing as a "creative" and "non-creative" distinction. In all of this, hear more about how creativity can play out in the local church to the glory of God! Recommended Resources: Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making by Andrew Peterson Heaven by Randy Alcorn ⁠The Tech-Wise Family⁠ by Andy Crouch

Jack shares his testimony and major shaping moments + resources for his life/ministry. Check out the recommended resources below: Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper 27 Servants of Sovereign Joy by John Piper Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey by Tyler Van Halteren Family Worship by Donald Whitney Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney The Call by Os Guinness Spiritual Growth Series by J Oswald Sanders Dangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp Lead by Paul David Tripp Dynamic Heart in Daily Life by Jeremy Pierre

Nick, Jordan, and a special guest discuss the topic of Christian hospitality. The origin for the idea for this episode stems from Rosaria Butterfield’s book “The Gospel Comes with a House Key” which was published back in 2018. Each of us has read her book and found it intensely practical and challenging. Recommended Resources: The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield

Building off our previous two episodes, Jack and Nick discuss some key questions about how individual Christians faithfully represent Christ and his kingdom amongst the kingdoms of the earth. They discuss how the Bible calls for Christians to live as ambassadors for Christ. Check out the resources below for more learning on this topic: How the Nations Rage by Jonathan Leeman How Can I Love Church Members with Different Politics? by Andy Naselli and Jonathan Leeman

In this episode, we want to think theologically about the church. Specifically, we want to discuss the idea of the church as an embassy of heaven on earth. Check out the resources below for more learning on this topic: How the Nations Rage by Jonathan Leeman What is the Mission of the Church? By Kevin DeYoung and Greg Gilbert

Nick and special guest, Greg Baker, discuss what it means to be a good steward of our citizenship. Greg serves as Executive Vice President of the Church Ambassador Network, an initiative of The Family Leader Foundation based here in Iowa. Recommended Resources: Bible Study of Daniel 1-6, 1-2 Kings, Acts How the Nations Rage by Jonathan Leeman Politics - According to the Bible by Wayne Grudem How Christians Should Relate to Government by Wayne Grudem Kingdom Politics by Tony Evans

This episode attempts to dive into a simple yet complicated conversation. It's no secret that our Western culture is moving to be driven by individualism and self-expression, what many call expressive individualism or post-modernism. In short, these ideologies lead to a worldview driven by personal emotions, wants, and desires. Today we discuss how this came about and how we can faithfully converse with those around us about how faith and feelings go together. Feelings and Faith by Brian S Borgman Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman Strange New World by Carl Trueman Untangling Emotions by J Alasdair Graves Do Not Be True To Yourself  by Kevin DeYoung (aimed at teens) Family Resource Page  Steadfast Parenting Class

Jordan shares his testimony and major shaping moments and resources for his life/ministry. Check out the recommended resources below: Heart of Change Videos – Brent Aucoin The Enemy Within – Kris Lundgaard A Gospel Primer – Milton Vincent Habits of Grace – David Matthis The Gospel Coalition Desiring God

We’re continuing to explore the significance of the six pillars of our church for our walk with Christ. In this episode, Jordan and Nick discuss the pillar of Fervent Prayer.  Check out the resources below for additional help in growing in fervent prayer: Six Pillars Graphic Six Pillars Sermon Series Book: Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus Through the Spiritual Disciplines - David Mathis Book: Prayer: How Praying Together Shapes the Church - John Onwuchekwa Putting Prayer Into Practice (Handout)

Overview: Each episode so far has hit on various spiritual disciplines. Specifically Bible intake (reading/listening) and prayer have come up often! So, in light of this and one of our church pillars being Fervent Prayer, Jack and Frasier discuss a helpful combination of disciplines: praying through the Bible. What is it? Why is it worth trying? And practically how is it done? Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney Prayer by John Bunyan What Every Child Should Know About Prayer by Nancy Guthrie 5 Things to Pray for Your Kids by Melissa Kruger Pray the Word Podcast with David Platt Pastor Jack’s “Praying Scripture Workshop” manuscript

Nick shares his reasons for starting the Firm Faith podcast, his testimony, and resources that have shaped his life and ministry. Check out the resources referenced in the episode at the links below: A Gospel Primer - Milton Vincent Knowing God - J.I. Packer Overcoming Sin & Temptation - John Owen The Enemy Within - Kris Lundgaard Holiness - J.C. Ryle Recovering the Gospel - Paul Washer Nicholas Lees - ACBC Fellow Essay: Pastoral Maladies and Their Remedy (2023)

Overview: Worship matters! And everyone is a worshiper! What is the next step of growth for you in the area of passionate worship? How can you reorient your daily life to respond in worship of God rather than self or creation? We hope you’ll take time to consider that this week. Which is why we’re continuing to explore the significance of the six pillars of our church for our walk with Christ. And, more specifically, we will be discussing the pillar of Passionate Worship.  Recommended Resources: Six Pillars Graphic Six Pillars Sermon Series What is Worship? What is Prayer? video teaching series from Harvest HBC DSM Philosophy of Worship Books: The Things of Earth: Treasuring God by Enjoying His Gifts - Joe Rigney Book: True Worshippers - Bob Kauflin

Overview: Today we’re discussing a very important topic, both for our church and our personal walk with Christ. I daresay this is a topic that no Christian can ignore and that all should be desiring to grow in. What is the topic at hand? I’ll leave you guessing no longer… Today we’re talking about one of the six pillars of our church, specifically the pillar of Bold Preaching. Recommended Resources: Six Pillars Graphic Six Pillars Sermon Series Books: Expositional Preaching by David Helm Book: Listen Up! A practical guide to listening to sermons by Christopher Ash

Overview: In our last episode, we discussed the topic of technology and family. How we can steward time, space, and resources to prioritize shaping the character of our households, no matter their makeup, towards the Lord. Today we zoom out a bit from that conversation to discuss how we as a church think about equipping households to walk with the Lord. This is a broader topic that covers many different avenues so to help us and to set us up for some more episodes in the future, we have our kids ministry director joining us. For more resources, please visit our Family Resources page at https://www.harvestdesmoines.org/family-resources/.

Overview: The call of parents is to train up their children in the ways of the Lord. How do we intentionally shape the character of the persons in our home while keeping the blessings of this technological age in their proper place? Nick and Jack discuss a resource by Andy Crouch that helped them consider how to wisely utilize technology, time, and space. Recommended Resources: The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in its Proper Place – Andy Crouch My Tech-Wise Life: Growing Up and Making Choices in a World of Devices – Amy Crouch & Andy Crouch Tech-Wise Family series on RightNow Media Steadfast Parenting classes from the fall of 2023 Harvest Bible Chapel Des Moines Family Resources Page