The Cutting Room Floor

In this episode, Eric and Alexa explore how to truly know God as a loving Father—and how that changes everything about our identity, trust, and daily walk with Him.

In today’s episode, Eric and Alexa dive deep into the powerful—and sometimes controversial—topic of the Holy Spirit, including the gift of speaking in tongues. We explore common questions and misconceptions, and unpack what it means to embrace the fullness of the Spirit in a way that is authentic, practical, and grounded in truth. Join us for an honest and inspiring conversation! Helpful Resources: Read Acts (all of it), 1 Corinthians 12-14, John 14-16 Read Getting A Grip on the Spirit-Empowered Life by Beth Jones Take the Basics 101 online course: https://www.thebasicsuniversity.com/getting-a-grip-on-the-basics

Pastor Eric and Alexa share their journey of growing closer to the Holy Spirit—real stories, real faith, and practical ways to deepen your walk. Be encouraged and inspired to seek Him more!

Let's explore what it means to live out the wisdom of the Proverbs 31 woman in motherhood—grace, strength, and purpose in everyday life. Tune in for encouragement and practical insights!

The “cutting room floor” of a Sunday sermon is filled with hours of content that goes unheard. So, we’re making time! Join us as we take what’s taught on Sundays and “selah” long enough to help us work what was preached into every day of the week.

Today, we’re talking all things marriage! From hot takes to timeless wisdom from Proverbs, we’re unpacking practical advice for building strong, healthy marriages that stand the test of time. There’s no magic formula—just a million little things that, when woven together, create a thriving marriage. What does your husband wish you knew? What does your wife long for you to understand? Let’s talk about it!

We’re talking all things relationships, dating, and marriage. For many, relationships feel like something they already know how to navigate well, but the real challenge isn’t just knowing—it's applying what we know. In life and relationships, there’s often a gap between what we understand and what we actually do. So, what would it look like for you not only to know the right things but to truly apply them? After all, the quality of your life is determined by the quality of your relationships. It’s within our relationships that we experience both our deepest hurts and our greatest healing and wholeness. Let’s talk about it. _____________________________ FAITH Acronym: F - Face your feelings A - Analyze the scripts I - Individuate or self differentiate T - Take agency H - Harmonize in love

Have you ever been in a difficult season and asked, “God where are you?” Since we know that He is always with us, a better question would be “God, what are you doing here and now?” The reality is that God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. No matter what you go through — God is with you. It’s a simple truth that many of us can nod our heads to, agree on, but in reality, we do not take it heart. The hope of the Christian is that we are always able to walk with God. Let’s chat about it.

When it comes to the dreams in our heart, following God in seasons of disappointment or discouragement requires wisdom, resilience, and trust. God is more committed to your future and the dreams He’s given you than you are! He places dreams in our hearts, but we must be intentional about who we share them with and guard against the enemy of discouragement. While we can’t always escape the seasons of waiting, we can choose to steward our dreams well—refusing to live for the approval of others and instead anchoring ourselves in God’s purpose. Encouragement is powerful, both in receiving it and in giving it to others. Let’s get into it, dreamers.

Sanctification is the journey over the length of our life where the Holy Spirit works in us to make us like Jesus. Your starting place with God is knowing that you are loved — not based on your performance, but based on your identity in who you are in Christ. So much of our sanctification is an inside job. Let’s chat about it.

Jesus talks about money so much throughout the Gospels. If Jesus talks about it, how much more should we? Jesus isn’t concerned about you having money, but money having you. God wants your heart to be free, to be content, to be grateful — one of the things that can happen if we’re not careful is that money can become what we treasure most. Let’s have a conversation about it.

any Christians approach their faith as a set of practices to follow—a religion to adhere to, a church to attend, or a person to believe in. But the real question is: does the person you believe in truly shape and transform who you are? The Christian journey is an inner work that integrates every part of life. Too often, we fall into the trap of living disintegrated lives, separating the spiritual from the secular. The challenge is to bring these parts together, giving Jesus permission to form every aspect of who we are. Let’s talk about it.

When Jesus came to the earth, He came to the very people He created, but they didn’t recognize Him. In the same way, is it possible that God is moving all around us and within us, but we can’t recognize His Hand? As we journey through advent, let’s open our spiritual eyes to see Jesus and recognize Him in our midst. It’s time to slow down, strengthen our eyes, and perceive Him. Let’s talk about it.

The common thread in the greatest arrival in history — the birth of Jesus, is waiting. Waiting seasons hold deep purpose and preparation in the in-between. God wants to use our waiting periods to fuel our anticipation, deepen our identity in Him, and form us along the way. Waiting is never meant to diminish our faith, but to enlarge it. Let’s have a conversation.

All of us deal with insecurity. If there’s anything else that can rob us of what God wants to do in our life is fear. Insecurity has no age limit. It’s not something we simply outgrow; instead, it is something that we must work through. It requires a deep heart work to become firmly rooted in our identity in the Lord. God isn’t surprised or ashamed of our areas of insecurity. Rather, He wants to answer and redirect our fears and doubts off of ourselves onto Him. The only way fear wins is if you stop moving. Let’s get into it.

earning to trust God—in His timing, His training, and His sending in our lives—is a lifelong journey. It’s tempting to want to skip the process, but getting where God wants us to be requires us to lean into every season we find ourselves in. Waiting on God isn’t about holding back, it’s about moving forward in faith. Biblical waiting is active, not passive—it’s a time of preparation, refinement, and purpose. Sometimes God’s timing means waiting, and sometimes it means taking action, and it always leads to being sent. Let’s talk about it.

The “cutting room floor” of a Sunday sermon is filled with hours of content that goes unheard. So, we’re making time! Join us as we take what’s taught on Sundays and “selah” long enough to help us work what was preached into every day of the week.

God’s motivation for redeeming humanity was love — true, genuine, authentic love. His position towards you is love. Does that go in one ear and out the other? It should go straight to your heart, but it’s “too good to be true” for so many of us. Knowing that you are loved, not for what you do, out to be a core and rational belief for every believer. Let’s talk about it.

If we’re going to build our lives on the foundation of Jesus, we need to embrace the full counsel of God’s Word, including the tension it brings. As Christians, we must let the Bible dictate how we navigate every part of life. It's easy to follow Scripture for peace and comfort, but can be difficult when it challenges us in areas of our lives like our money, our priorities, and yes, even our politics. The question is: how do we live well in this world while we’re not truly of it? Let’s talk about it.

Jesus isn’t just a distant or generalized God; He is deeply personal, relational, and the Good Shepherd. While not all leadership is trustworthy, there is One who is—Jesus. But before we can follow, we have to trust Him to lead. Being led by Jesus goes beyond mere obedience. God is after our trust, because when we truly trust Him, genuine obedience follows. He’s not just concerned with what we do but with the depths of our hearts. Jesus wants to be the Lord and Leader of our entire lives—every part of us. He’s seeking to win our trust. Wholehearted submission to His leadership is a journey, not an instant transformation. Start here—join the conversation.

In this episode, we dive deep into the profound truth of Jesus calling Himself "The Gate." As His sheep, we find security and guidance in His embrace. He’s not just a leader; He’s our protector, intimately aware of what we need and what’s best for us. When we surrender our lives to His leadership, we discover a peace that surpasses all understanding. Following Jesus isn't a passive journey; it’s an active commitment to listen, to follow, and to submit in every area of our lives. Join us as we explore how trusting in the Lord opens the door to His unwavering care and protection -- lean in.

Jesus lived with radical and raw compassion for people that led him to action. He was full of love and truth, and when He looked out at the multitudes, He wasn't moved with anger or irritation or judgment but with compassion. How do we model the compassion of Christ in our everyday lives? Let's get into it.

In John 6, Jesus says He’s the Bread of Life: the satisfier, sustainer, and sustenance for what we long for and live for in life. We don’t need Jesus generally, conceptually, or situationally — we need Him daily. We can so easily look to other sources to quench our desires, rather than having our longings lead us to Jesus. We have to stay in the habit of coming to Jesus again, and again, and again. Let’s talk about it.

Many people and religions acknowledge Jesus as a wise, moral, teacher, and a great guy to follow, but few acknowledge Him as God. The reality is that Jesus makes it plain in His Word that He alone is the Way, the Truth, the Life. Either Jesus is who He says He was or He’s a liar or a lunatic. Who do you say He is? Whatever your response, keep your curiosity for God — let’s talk about it.

It's time to get our confidence back in prayer! We're digging deeper into this past Sunday's message, all about how we can ASK, ANYTHING, ACCORDING to God's will in our prayer life. What does that look like. practically and spiritually? Let's get into it.

How is the atmosphere of your heart? If we’re not careful, the soil of our heart can become an unhealthy environment. We need Jesus to be the gardener of our lives. God is so concerned and attentive to our flourishing — but we need to steward the soil of our hearts daily. Let’s talk about it.

What if your life was defined as, “the Lord was with them and they were successful.” That’s what was said about the life of King Hezzekiah. He lived in a way that was right in the eyes of the Lord, he trusted God and he held fast to Him. God wholeheartedly wants us to succeed and thrive, but it all comes down to how we define success. As God’s sons and daughters, we have favor and access to His blessing far greater than we could ever ask, think, or imagine. How do live rightly, trusting and holding fast to God? Let’s talk about it.

For many of us, it’s not hard to grasp that God is capable, but it’s often a journey in believing that He cares. Truly, when you think about how much the God of the universe cares for us it can almost be overwhelming. This type of love can almost be too overwhelming to comprehend. We have to go on a journey of believing that God is careful with us, watchfully protects us and is at work in our lives. Let’s talk about it.

Jesus lived with costly surprising love for others. He dined with sinners, defended the vulnerable, and extended forgiveness to those who dishonored Him. He walked and lived differently than the world around Him. How do we learn to walk, live, and love the same way? Jesus wants to disciple our reflexes — join the conversation.

The gospel of Jesus needs to be heard, but sharing it was never meant to be hard. Life is full, comfortability can creep in and before we know it, it can be easy to get our eyes off the mission of seeking and saving the lost souls that Jesus invites us to join Him on. The good news is that we don’t do the saving, we do the sharing. Is your heart stirred for those who are far from Christ? Let’s get into it together.

What does it mean to be in the Church? A part of the body of Christ? The early church was radically devoted to growing in the way of Jesus together. How do we outwork, practically, being the Church? The reality is: you can’t live a life for Jesus and not love His Bride. Whether our church or another, you were meant to be rooted in God and planted in His House. Let’s tease it out on The Cutting Room Floor.

What if one summer can change your life? The journey of following Jesus is so much more than a trend, being a church attender, who we vote for or not… what does it actually, practically, genuinely mean to follow Jesus? Discipleship isn’t about doing things for Jesus, but rather becoming like Him as we behold Him by the power of the Holy Spirit. As followers of Jesus, we have to be committed to being imperfect disciples and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us into the likeness of the One. Get in on the conversation with us as we tease out all things discipleship in the way of Jesus.

The “cutting room floor” of a Sunday sermon is filled with hours of content that goes unheard. So, we’re making time! Join us as we take what’s taught on Sundays and “selah” long enough to help us work what was preached into every day of the week.

God created us - male and female - to complement one another and live within the beauty of our uniquely different design. As men and women, we are created in God’s image to reflect specific and needed aspects of our Heavenly Father’s heart. Join the conversation around women in ministry, healthy masculinity and how to live as deeply loved children of God — let’s get into it.

How can we be moms, parents, families, people who truly live in tune with Jesus? Motherhood holds different meanings to us all. However, it hits our hearts, mothers hold important weight for all of us – and is a high and mighty calling. It’s a huge responsibility with great reward, that takes a bit of grit and fight. How do we mother and parent well as followers of Jesus? Let’s get into it.

A marriage made in Heaven takes work, we need the help of the Holy Spirit to make it our daily reality. Marriage is a good and holy work — emphasis on work! Let’s tease it out on “the cutting room floor” as we learn, work and grow to realize God’s vision for our marriage today and every day.

Could you imagine living a life without worry? It seems impossible, doesn't it? But with God, all things are possible. Go on the journey with us as we talk about trading our anxiety for prayer, changing the way we think with the help of God's Word and learning to live at rest knowing that God will supply all that we need. Let's tease it out.

Truly knowing Jesus wholeheartedly, intimately, deeply, and personally is something that we can all experience. Even still, our love for Jesus can ebb and flow sometimes. We are prone to wander, and our once-sold-out devotion can get lukewarm at times in our journey of discipleship to Jesus. How do we stay all in on the “long obedience in the same direction?” Let’s tease it out.

Life is full of ups and downs. Emotions will come and go, but joy is something we can possess in every season because of Jesus. 0Joy lives outside of happiness — it is not just a frivolous feeling or a happy-go-lucky perspective. We know that we should live with joy in every season and circumstance, but it’s not often our reality – so, let’s talk about it.

Imagine the peace that you can have knowing that the greatest work of your life is already done. The finished work of the cross has brought healing and restoration for all of humanity through Jesus alone – this is the mercy of God. Our savior is holistic in nature. He heals not only our bodies and restores hope for humanity, but Jesus heals our souls so that we may take heart and live in the peace of God. Let’s get into it.

We’re saved by grace through faith – and that grace is unearned and it’s unfair. Jesus’ invitation of, “Today, you will be with me in paradise” to the thief on the cross shows us just how good God’s grace really is. We’ve all been invited to a party that we don’t deserve to be at – how do we rightfully respond to the free gift of salvation? Let’s get into it.

As Christians, our call is to join the heartbeat of Jesus. Not our way, but His way! Surrender is a lifestyle we must live, not just moments we have. So how do we do it? How do we live according to God’s will and live lives fully surrendered? Let’s talk about it! Join the conversation as we talk about all things surrender, big and small.

On the cross, Jesus was forsaken, so that we will never be. Jesus is our example in how we live and was our substitute on the cross. We can take courage and find hope in our daily lives as we remember all He has done for us. Join the conversation as we talk through the crux of our faith: salvation that is found in Jesus Christ alone. This is Good News – let’s get into it!

“I thirst,” a brief statement with a deep message. Jesus “gets us” more than anyone ever could – and yet we so often don’t come to Him when our hearts feel dry or worn out. But the truth is that Jesus is the answer to the longing of our soul. The rest, acceptance, and belonging our hearts desire is found in Him alone. Listen into the conversation today, as we talk through keeping Jesus central in all we do and let Him satisfy our souls. Show Notes: -All you need is in Jesus (10:40) -Discontentment (11:53) -Kingdom Ambition - 1 Timothy 6:6 (14:46) -Who are you building for? (19:13) -The world needs your God-given ambition, passion and vision (21:00) -How can you find a way in your life to take a step forward in “seeking first God’s kingdom? (27:50)

God is a God of relationship! The cross is proof that Jesus values our need for relationship with God and with one another. Join the conversation as we unpack what it looks like to do the good and holy work of friendship, family, and marriage.

Go the journey with us as we dig into the comforting and confronting message of the cross. Through the lens of the cross, what does it look like to forgive? To pray? To find healing? In a world concerned about not being foolish, the Good News of the cross runs in the opposite direction! There is power in the old rugged cross. Let’s get into it. Show Notes: -1 Corinthians 1:18 (10:34) -What are the deep things of God? You cannot get deeper than the cross. (12:09) -Why do I need the cross? (14:05) -Prayer as a valuable tool for evangelism (20:23) -Does your life speak Good News? (36:20) -The broad topic of forgiveness (38:34) -God want us to be free (43:26)

Marathons, thoughts in the shower, and making big plans – we’re talking vision! Vision is a buzzword in many circles, but how does it fit into the way of Jesus? God’s actually given us the permission and privilege to plan our way! Come be a part of the conversation as we chat about what it looks like to “plan our way” and live out God-given vision for our lives. Show Notes: -Proverbs 16:9 (2:20) -Why vision? How does vision fit into the way of Jesus? (2:42) -Am I going to miss God’s vision for my life? (3:45) -John 17 - God’s grip on us and our lives is firm (5:50) -Loosening the grip of fear around God’s will for our life (9:35) -Psalm 63 (17:11) -Vision always requires two things (23:20) -Do the work, if it’s precious to you (25:05) -The supernatural in the mundane, ordinary (28:00)

The “cutting room floor” of a Sunday sermon is filled with hours of content that goes unheard. So, we’re making time! Join us as we take what’s taught on Sundays and “selah” long enough to help us work what was preached into every day of the week.