Footnotes For Faith

What if the biggest obstacle to your growth is something you can’t even see? In this episode, Pastor Scott explores the hidden influence of blind spots, internal bias & why we need others (and God) to help reveal them.  Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

In a world shaped by conflict, what does faithfulness to Jesus actually look like? In this episode of the podcast, Pastor Scott takes a step back from the headlines to examine how Christians have historically understood war, violence, and moral responsibility. Along the way, he invites you to do something many avoid: form your own conviction. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Sometimes seeing a story changes how you hear it. In this episode, Pastor Scott shares how a vivid retelling of Joshua brought new weight to some old truths. Highlighting Israel’s struggle in the wilderness, the radical grace shown to Rahab, & the sobering consequences of rebellion, this weeks episode is a reminder that God’s character hasn’t softened over time...& neither have His expectations. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Moses tried everything to avoid God’s assignment, even asking Him to send someone else. In this episode, Pastor Scott examines the humanity behind Moses’ hesitation & also shares a personal story of surrender from his own life. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Hebrews contains some of the Bible’s strongest warning passages. Do they teach that a true believer can lose salvation? In this episode, Pastor Scott explores the difference between proximity to faith & saving faith, the meaning of apostasy, & how Scripture interprets Scripture when wrestling with difficult texts. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Why does God sometimes seem silent or distant, especially during hardship? In this episode, Pastor Scott examines the biblical promise of God’s nearness through the stories of Jacob & the disciples who walked with Jesus without realizing it. Occasionally, we need a reminder that God’s presence is not dependent on our awareness. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

What happens when clear biblical promises are qualified by fear & fine print? In this episode, Pastor Scott tackles a popular but troubling view of eternal security.Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

“Judge not” is one of the most quoted (and misunderstood) phrases in all of Scripture. For the first episode of 2026, Pastor Scott unpacks Jesus’ words from Matthew & John 7 to explain how Scripture condemns hypocrisy, not moral discernment.Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

A hit TV show sparks a deeper spiritual question. Are we unintentionally living split lives? This week, Pastor Scott uses Severance as a springboard to explore James 1 & Jesus’ teaching on the dangers of hearing God’s Word without living it. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Jude’s short letter packs a serious message about false teachers, spiritual vigilance, and the mercy of God. In this episode, Pastor Scott uses this challenging book to demonstrate how warning & reassurance can coexist in a life of genuine faith. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Jesus faced temptation. He learned, grew, and obeyed. But how can that be if He’s God? In this episode, Pastor Scott breaks down this question & shows how Christ’s full humanity and perfect obedience reveals, not reduces, His divine nature. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Halloween, creation views, politics...hot topics can fracture fellowship in the Church. But what really belongs in the “must-believe” bucket? In this episode, Pastor Scott walks through historic anchors like the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds to show how core doctrine creates room for diverse convictions on secondary matters. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

In a culture that prizes speed and productivity, what does it look like to slow down spiritually? In this episode, Pastor Scott shares how a lesson from hospital chaplaincy became a guide for his walk with Christ.Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

In this episode of Footnotes for Faith, Pastor Scott reflects on the recent rise of political violence and its chilling effect on open dialogue. From the Book of Acts to modern voices like Frederick Douglass and David French, Pastor Scott makes the case that Christians should be the strongest advocates for free speech—for all—because the gospel itself depends on it. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

How do you process betrayal without letting it consume you? In this episode, Pastor Scott reflects on Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, the psalmist’s lament, and his own past painful experiences of broken trust.Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

As summer gives way to fall, Pastor Scott discusses family, milestones, and the rhythm of ministry seasons. He also opens up about his lifelong pattern of melancholy during this time and how therapy, prayer, and reflection have helped him learn to “sit with sadness.”Outro Song: John Prine - Summer's EndClick here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

What would an existence with built-in breathing room look like? In this episode, Pastor Scott explores the need for emotional, physical, and spiritual margin, drawing from Dr. Richard Swenson’s book and the example of Jesus unhurried life. Margin by Richard A. Swenson “Moving from Solitude to Community to Ministry” by Henri NouwenClick here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

What does it mean to love your wife as Christ loved the Church? In this episode, Pastor Scott reflects on 41 years of marriage, Scripture from Ephesians 5, and the deep responsibility husbands carry to love, sacrifice, and nurture.Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

David’s cry in Psalm 13, “How long, O Lord?” captures something many of us feel but don’t always express. In this episode, Pastor Scott explores what it means to bring our real emotions before God. Through biblical insights and personal reflections, he breaks down how lament & waiting can lead to worship—and how faith doesn’t mean pretending everything’s okay. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

As antisemitism resurges globally, how should Christians respond? In this episode, Pastor Scott addresses common misunderstandings about the New Testament’s portrayal of Jewish people & acknowledges the Church's painful role in perpetuating the problem.The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Why the Jews? (13-minute video) Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

**This episode contains personal reflections that include discussion of mental illness and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.**Pastor Scott shares deeply personal reflections ahead of Father’s Day, reading letters from his late father and exploring the long journey of grief, healing, and grace following suicide and loss. 988 LifelineAmerican Foundation for Suicide PreventionAll There Is with Anderson CooperBecoming the Hero of Your Own Story (The Roys Report)Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

We often believe we know what others think, but do we? In this Episode, Pastor Scott unpacks how self-awareness, asking clarifying questions, and resisting labels can help us love others more like Jesus. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Can we trust a God we don’t fully understand? From Joseph to Jesus, Scripture consistently shows us how human evil never derails God’s plan. In this episode, Pastor Scott reflects on what this truth means for our failures, our faith, and our future. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Why does Jesus’ full humanity matter? In this episode, Pastor Scott unpacks early skepticism from Jesus’ own family and how understanding His true human nature should deepen our faith and confidence in His ability to relate to our own struggles. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

In this episode, Pastor Scott tackles a thoughtful listener question: What does God expect us to know about Scripture? Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Reflecting on a tense conversation that led him to examine emotional boundaries, Pastor Scott offers encouragement to listeners who struggle with misplaced guilt. He also calls for a more empathetic approach to supporting victims of abuse within Christian communities, challenging harmful advice sometimes found in churches.Resources mentioned: Leslie Vernick's WebsiteTherapy and Theology Podcast ACOADiane Langberg BooksDan Allender BooksClick here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

In this episode, Pastor Scott reflects on his lifelong love of birds and what they reveal about God’s care, creation, and our spiritual growth. From mourning doves to the words of Jesus, discover how nature teaches us resilience and trust. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

What does it mean to stand for what is right in a world filled with injustice? This episode delves into the life of Joseph of Arimathea, a man who refused to consent to the wrongful condemnation of Jesus. His example challenges us to live with integrity, even when we feel powerless. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

In this episode, Pastor Scott explores the challenges of prayer, sharing personal struggles and scriptural insights to encourage listeners to trust in God's plan. He also covers the ACTS model—and how it aligns with Jesus’ teachings in the Lord’s Prayer to help focus your time with God. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Can we be confident without being prideful? In this episode of Footnotes for Faith, Pastor Scott explores the fine line between humility and self-doubt. Through Scripture, he unpacks how true humility is about self-sacrifice, not self-loathing, and how confidence in God’s gifts differs from arrogance. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

In this special episode, Pastor Scott introduces the producer behind Footnotes for Faith—his son, Scott Jr. Together, they share humorous family stories, the origins of the podcast, and the challenges of growing up with a shared name. Scott Jr. also shares his experiences as a pastor’s/missionary kid, from early struggles with legalism to rediscovering faith in adulthood.Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Why do so many see Christians as judgmental? In this episode, Pastor Scott breaks down how spiritual arrogance has hindered the Church’s witness & explores Jesus’ strong warnings against self-righteousness, using examples from the Pharisees. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

What does Scripture say about transactional love? In this episode, Pastor Scott explores the distinction between give-and-take relationships and the unconditional love that Jesus exemplified. He also unpacks the difference between loving others unconditionally & accepting harmful behaviors. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Feeling inadequate? You’re not alone. So did Moses. In this episode, Pastor Scott shares his personal journey from teenage struggles to a call to ministry, highlighting God's ability to work through weakness.Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Drawing from Scripture, Oswald Chambers, and personal pastoral experiences, Pastor Scott tackles the tough questions around suffering in this week episode. Why does it happen, and where is God in the midst of it? Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

In this episode, Pastor Scott delves into the story of the Israelites' murmuring in the wilderness and its implications for Christians today. How do we approach God with honest sorrow while avoiding the pitfalls of complaining & rebellion against His goodness?Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Dive into the New Year with Pastor Scott as he explores the theme of renewal, God's steadfast love, and the power of engaging with Scripture daily. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

In this episode, Maura Fisher, Pastor Scott’s wife, shares her journey from growing up in a devout Catholic household to discovering a personal relationship with Jesus. Hear how her early questions about faith, struggles with addiction, and a pivotal encounter with friends led her to embrace God’s grace.Outro song: No Longer Slaves (Live on Tour) by Bethel MusicClick here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Why do Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25th? In this episode, Pastor Scott investigates the historical and theological roots of this holiday, from early church defenses against Gnosticism to its overlap with Roman sun festivals. Sharing his personal connection to Christmas as a season of reflection and spiritual awakening, Pastor Scott invites us to see the holiday as an opportunity to embrace the joy and hope of Jesus' incarnation. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

The tension between self-sacrifice and self-care is something many of us struggle with. In this week's episode, Pastor Scott explores the biblical and practical significance of boundaries. Looking to the example of Jesus life and ministry, we can see how healthy boundaries enable us to love others without compromising our well-being.Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Love your enemies—but who are they, really? In this episode, Pastor Scott answers a listener’s question by delving into Scripture, offering insights into how we should interpret & apply this radical teaching to our daily lives.Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Reflecting on the past, particularly through the lens of the Christian faith, can be challenging—especially when it involves pain or trauma. What guidance does the Bible offer for understanding and processing our personal histories? In this episode, Pastor Scott recounts some misguided advice he once received early in his faith journey and shares some key lessons and Scriptures that have helped him navigate and grow from his experiences.Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Fear is something we all struggle with & presents itself in many different ways. In this episode, Pastor Scott shares a personal anecdote from his childhood about the first time he recalls truly feeling anxiety. He then turns to the Bible to see what it says about fear while giving some helpful tips on dealing with its various manifestations.  Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Living a life of faith requires that we encounter & embrace mystery. In this episode, Pastor Scott discusses the reasons for this reality, why it's so important, & the real lesson we should take away from the Book of Job.Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

This weekend marks the 48th anniversary of the sudden death of Pastor Scott's father. In this episode, Scott shares the good times & important lessons his father helped instill in him, an act & cathartic process which has helped immensely in his personal journey with the process of grief. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

trigger (v) informal: to cause a strong emotional reaction of fear, shock, anger, or worry in someone, especially because they are made to remember something bad that has happened in the past. Getting triggered is something that happens to all of us. In this episode, Pastor Scott shares some of his own life experience in dealing with this problem as well as a breakdown on different causes. He then dives into what Bible has to say along with practical tips for dealing with a triggering situation should you find yourself in one.Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Our words matter. They are powerful indications about what is actually going on inside of us. Jesus commented on this fact many times. In this episode, Pastor Scott shares some of those passages while giving some personal insights on his own journey with cultivating speech that edifies & gives grace. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

What do we do when we feel disconnected from God? Do these dry seasons of faith have a purpose? Is struggling like this normal? Pastor Scott tackles these questions & more with the help of C.S. Lewis in this week's episode. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

With the 2024 Presidential election right around the corner, Pastor Scott discusses his view of the church's role during this tumultuous season. What exactly does it mean to be an evangelical Christian? Can there be unity despite our many differences? He then reads a recently released statement/confession by a group of Evangelical thought leaders. Full Statement: http://www.evangelicalconfession2024.com Chris Gehrz Blog: http://pietistschoolman.com Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]

Pastor Scott shares the reason for there being no podcast last week & how that experience prompted what he shares in today's episode. How do we support someone who is going through the grieving process? It's a simple question, but one we often overcomplicate the answer to.Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]