Rooted Discipleship

In this episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Walker Davis and Chad Gott step away from Colossians to tackle a common question many believers wrestle with: “Is it okay to ______?” Whether it is drinking, smoking, certain habits, or everyday choices, they discuss how Christians should think biblically when trying to discern what honors God and what leads them away from Him. The conversation begins by defining sin—not simply as rule-breaking, but as anything that separates us from fellowship with God. Walker and Chad explain how many modern questions are less about specific actions and more about the condition of the heart. Rather than asking how close we can get to the line, believers should ask whether something draws them closer to Christ or creates distance in that relationship. They also discuss Christian freedom, personal conviction, and the importance of discernment through the Holy Spirit. Some matters may not be explicitly named in Scripture, but biblical principles still apply. Topics like self-control, drunkenness, idolatry, witness to others, and surrendering our desires to God all play a role in how we navigate gray areas of life. Most importantly, the episode centers on the gospel. Walker and Chad explain the difference between justice, mercy, and grace, showing how Jesus Christ paid the price for sin through His death on the cross. Because salvation is rooted in Christ’s finished work—not our perfection—believers can walk in freedom, repentance, and confidence even when they stumble. This episode is a reminder that the Christian life is not about finding loopholes or pushing limits—it is about surrendering to Jesus, seeking holiness, and living in communion with the God who saved us. Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at: [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Walker Davis and Chad Gott conclude their study through the book of Colossians by walking through Colossians 4:2–18, where Paul gives his final instructions and closing greetings to the church. The conversation begins with Paul’s call to remain steadfast in prayer—being watchful, thankful, and spiritually alert. Walker and Chad discuss how gratitude keeps our focus on God, strengthens our walk, and helps guard us against distraction and temptation. They also highlight Paul’s request for prayer while imprisoned, showing that even in hardship, his greatest concern was that more doors would open for the gospel to be shared. The discussion then turns to Paul’s command to walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. They unpack the urgency believers should have in representing Christ well through gracious speech, intentional living, and readiness to share the hope found in Jesus. Every interaction, every conversation, and every season of life is an opportunity to reflect the character of Christ to the world around us. As they close the letter, Walker and Chad also reflect on Paul’s personal greetings, showing the importance of Christian community, faithful friendship, and the many people God used to strengthen the early church. Even Paul, one of the greatest missionaries in history, was not serving alone. Ultimately, this episode serves as a reminder that prayer, gratitude, wisdom, and faithful community are essential marks of the Christian life. Whether in seasons of freedom or hardship, believers are called to remain steadfast, use their time well, and live in a way that points others to Christ. Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at: [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Walker Davis and Chad Gott continue their study through Colossians by walking through Colossians 3:18–4:1, where Paul shifts from personal spiritual transformation to how believers are called to live within the home, the workplace, and everyday relationships. Paul begins with the household, addressing wives and husbands, children and parents, servants and masters. Walker and Chad unpack how Paul’s teaching was radically countercultural for its time, elevating those who were often overlooked and showing that the gospel transforms every level of human relationships. Rather than reflecting worldly power structures, Christian relationships are to reflect humility, sacrificial love, fairness, and service. The discussion focuses on the biblical design of marriage, where husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church and wives are called to live in willing alignment with God’s order. They also explore the responsibility of parents to disciple their children in the Lord and the importance of fathers leading the home with authenticity and faithfulness. The episode then turns to Paul’s instruction on work and service, emphasizing that whatever we do should be done wholeheartedly as unto the Lord. Whether in seasons of blessing, difficulty, leadership, or hardship, believers are reminded that God is purposeful in every circumstance and that no moment is wasted in His plan. Ultimately, this conversation points listeners to a life of faithful stewardship—honoring Christ in marriage, family, work, and suffering—while living with the hope that comes from knowing where the story ends in Him. Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at: [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Walker Davis and Chad Gott take a break from their Colossians study to walk through Matthew 23:1–12, where Jesus directly confronts the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. Jesus warns the crowds and His disciples about religious leaders who preach truth but fail to live it out. While the Pharisees knew Scripture deeply, their lives were marked by pride, self-promotion, and a focus on outward appearances rather than inward transformation. Walker and Chad unpack how this disconnect between words and actions led to people being burdened and ultimately led away from God. The conversation highlights several key warnings from Jesus: practicing faith for the approval of others, placing heavy and unnecessary burdens on people, elevating self over service, and focusing more on tradition and appearance than on the heart. They also explore how the Pharisees missed the true purpose of God’s law—using it to elevate themselves instead of allowing it to shape them into people who reflect God’s character. At the center of this passage is Jesus’ call to humility. True greatness in God’s kingdom is not found in status or recognition, but in servanthood. “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” becomes the defining principle for how believers are to live. This episode serves as both a warning and a challenge—calling listeners to examine their own lives, guard against subtle forms of hypocrisy, and pursue an authentic faith that reflects Christ not just in words, but in action. Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at: [email protected] [email protected]

Am I doing what God has called me to do or am I mostly serving in the ways that I enjoy?  God put this on my heart, and maybe there is someone out there that needs to hear this too.  

In this episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Walker Davis and Chad Gott continue their study through Colossians, focusing on Colossians 3:5–17. After Paul’s call to set our minds on things above, he now turns to the practical application of what it looks like to truly live out the new life in Christ. Paul first calls believers to “put to death” the old self — addressing sins such as sexual immorality, impurity, anger, slander, and deceit — reminding Christians that these behaviors belong to the life they have left behind. Walker and Chad discuss how these sins not only damage our relationship with God but also tear apart the relationships and community God designed for His people. The conversation then shifts to the second half of Paul’s instruction: not just removing sin, but replacing it with Christ-like character. Compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, and love become the defining marks of those who have been made new in Christ. They also unpack Paul’s powerful reminder that believers are called to forgive just as they have been forgiven, and how forgiveness leads to freedom, peace, and unity within the body of Christ. Throughout the discussion, Walker and Chad emphasize Paul’s final encouragement — to let the word of Christ dwell richly within us and to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. This passage becomes a practical guide for daily living, calling believers to continually realign their hearts, actions, and attitudes with their identity as children of God. This episode highlights the transformation that takes place in the life of a believer — putting off the old self, putting on the new, and living each day in love, unity, and gratitude as ambassadors for Christ. Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at: [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Walker Davis and Chad Gott begin Colossians Chapter 3, exploring Paul’s call for believers to set their minds on things above rather than the temporary things of this world. As Paul reminds the church that they have been raised with Christ, the conversation focuses on what it truly means to die to the old life and live with an eternal perspective. Walker and Chad discuss how Paul’s words challenge believers to refocus their priorities, recognizing that our identity is no longer rooted in earthly success, struggles, or distractions, but is now hidden with Christ in God. They also explore how this truth provides peace in difficult seasons, confidence in uncertainty, and clarity in how Christians should live daily. The discussion also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers, the importance of remembering where God has brought us from, and how understanding God’s grace transforms how we view failure, growth, and spiritual maturity. Through Colossians 3:1–4, the episode emphasizes that while believers still live in the world, their true citizenship is in heaven, and their lives should reflect that eternal reality. This episode encourages listeners to shift their focus from temporary circumstances to eternal hope and to live each day with their minds set on Christ and the life to come. Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at: [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Chad and Walker return to Colossians after a short break and pick up in Colossians 2:16–23, where Paul warns the church not to be pulled off course by false teaching, man-made rules, and spiritual ideas that look wise on the surface but ultimately pull people away from Christ. They talk about what it means to truly miss the church—not just the Sunday service, but the real biblical community that comes from doing life with other believers. From there, the conversation moves into Paul’s warning about judgment over food, drink, festivals, Sabbaths, asceticism, and “self-made religion,” and why all of those things become dangerous when they take your eyes off Jesus. Walker and Chad explore how false teaching often does not show up as something obviously evil, but as something close enough to the truth to sound convincing. Along the way, they talk about why believers have to stay rooted in Scripture, why Christian community matters for accountability and encouragement, and how easy it is to be led astray when you are isolated from the body of Christ. They also discuss the difference between true spiritual growth and outward religious performance, why suffering and strict rules cannot change the heart on their own, and how only Christ—not human effort—has the power to transform the flesh. At the center of the episode is Paul’s reminder that all scripture is pointed to Jesus, and now that He has come, believers must hold fast to Him above everything else.

In this episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Walker Davis and Chad Gott continue their study through Colossians, picking up in Colossians 2:9–15. As Paul keeps confronting false teaching in the church, he brings everything back to one central truth: the fullness of God is found in Christ alone. They unpack Paul’s language about spiritual circumcision, baptism, and being made alive with Christ, showing how Jesus didn’t just improve believers—He made them new. What does it mean to put off the “body of flesh”? How does baptism connect to death and resurrection? And why does Paul keep stressing that believers are no longer bound by their old life? Along the way, Walker and Chad talk about temptation, spiritual warfare, the danger of letting sinful thoughts linger, and why believers need both Scripture and Christian community to stand firm. They also reflect on the beauty of small groups, the importance of letting others serve you in times of need, and how God often uses everyday moments of care, healing, and encouragement to remind us that nothing in the Christian life is random. At the center of it all is the good news Paul gives in these verses: our debt has been canceled, our sin has been nailed to the cross, and through Christ we have been made alive. Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at: [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Walker Davis and Chad Gott walk through Jesus’ Parable of the Ten Minas in Luke 19 and wrestle with a challenging question: What are we doing with what God has already given us? They explore how the parable speaks to more than just money—it’s about stewardship of everything God entrusts to us: our talents, opportunities, influence, and time. Through the examples of the faithful servants and the one who hid his mina in fear, they discuss why God calls believers to action, not passivity. Along the way, Walker and Chad talk about real-life application: why waiting for the “perfect opportunity” can keep us from serving where God has already placed us, how fear and comfort can paralyze believers, and why faith often requires taking the first step before we see the outcome. They also dive into themes like tithing, stewardship, using your gifts for God’s kingdom, and the difference between worldly success and faithful obedience. Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at: [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Walker Davis and Chad Gott continue their walk through Colossians, picking up in Colossians 2:5–8 where Paul shifts from encouragement to warning. What does it look like to be “rooted and built up” in Christ—and what happens when the church starts getting pulled off course by ideas that sound wise, but aren’t biblical? They talk through Paul’s language about spiritual battle (“good order” and “firmness”), the importance of walking the same way you first received Christ, and why thanksgiving is a key marker of a healthy Christian life—not just right theology. Then Paul’s warning gets sharp: don’t let anyone take you captive through philosophy, empty deceit, human tradition, and worldly “elemental spirits” that aren’t according to Christ. Along the way, Walker and Chad connect Colossians to real life today: how fast misinformation spreads, how social media and “15-second theology” can subtly shape what we believe, and why the safest guardrail is being personally grounded in Scripture—not just relying on Sunday sermons or internet clips. They close by teeing up the next episode: Paul doesn’t just warn about deception—he shows you how to test it, and where your confidence is found when false teaching creeps in. Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at: [email protected] [email protected]

In this trailer episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Walker Davis and Chad Gott share their faith journeys and the heart behind this show. Chad grew up in the church but drifted before fully surrendering his life to Christ. Walker came to faith as an adult after years of shallow belief without being rooted in Scripture. With different backgrounds but the same conviction, they’ve come together out of small group studies and a shared desire to help others understand God’s Word in a clear, practical way. This podcast is built around one simple mission: move beyond just attending church and step into active, rooted discipleship. Here’s what you can expect: Mondays: Verse-by-verse Bible studies Wednesdays: Structured topical series (with occasional guests) Fridays: One-off episodes and listener questions This isn’t a seminary lecture—it’s two ordinary men relying on the Holy Spirit, opening the Bible, and talking it through. Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at: [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode, Walker and Chad continue their study through Colossians, picking up in Colossians 1:24 and moving into the opening of Chapter 2. After laying the foundation of Christ’s supremacy, Paul shifts to his own suffering, mission, and commitment to making the gospel fully known—even from prison. What does Paul mean when he says he is “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions”? Was anything actually lacking in Jesus’ work? And how can someone rejoice while suffering? They unpack Paul’s joy in hardship, the mystery of Christ now revealed to the saints, and what it means to grow into spiritual maturity. The conversation also explores how the Holy Spirit helps believers understand Scripture, why context matters when reading the Bible, and how false teaching—both then and now—can quietly infiltrate the church when believers aren’t grounded in God’s Word. Along the way, they discuss faith, free will, distractions in daily life, and why knowing Jesus deeply is the safeguard against being “deluded with plausible arguments." Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at: [email protected] [email protected]

In this Friday Q&A episode, Walker Davis and Chad Gott unpack Lent and Ash Wednesday for listeners who didn’t grow up Catholic or Orthodox and aren’t sure what any of it means. Why 40 days? What’s the purpose of fasting, prayer, repentance, and almsgiving—and why do people wear ashes in the shape of a cross? They explore what the season is meant to be (a biblical call to self-denial and spiritual renewal), what parts are rooted in Scripture, and how cultural Christianity can reduce Lent to a self-improvement challenge. Along the way, they talk about Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday, Matthew 6, and why it's better to seek understanding than to dismiss traditions we may not fully understand. Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at: [email protected] [email protected]