Join us for a discussion where we will look at Sunday’s sermon, as well as explore theological and doctrinal issues. We aim to uncover profound insights and engage in meaningful conversations, delving deeper into the core of our beliefs. You can expect bite-sized episodes that offer an enlightening exploration of faith.
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Ep 64 | Why Jesus Came: To Reveal the Truth (John 18) — Christ the King (00:19:17)
Pastor David Wojnicki returns from sabbatical and joins Jason Smith for a conversation around his Advent message in the “Why Jesus Came” series: Jesus came to reveal the truth (John 18). They unpack what Jesus means by “My kingdom is not of this world,” why Christ’s kingship is not geopolitical yet rules over all, and how Jesus wisely engages Pilate’s limited categories. The episode closes with practical ways to live with Jesus as King—repenting of false kings, aligning our calendars and resources toward Christ, and recognizing anxiety, anger, bitterness, and dissatisfaction as warning signs that something other than Jesus is ruling our hearts.
Ep 63 | Why Jesus Came: Delivered from Darkness (00:11:24)
In this episode of A Closer Look, Jason Smith is joined by elder and Pastor of Congregational Care, John Walters, to reflect on Sunday’s Advent sermon in the series Why Jesus Came. John shares his journey into ministry, his heart for pastoral care, and the central theme of his message: Jesus came to deliver us from darkness.
Together, they explore what it means to see the light, believe in the light, and walk in the light—and how these truths shape the daily life of the believer. The conversation addresses common struggles Christians face, including suffering, chronic illness, discouragement, and seasons of darkness, while offering biblical encouragement and hope rooted in Christ.
This episode also highlights the richness of the Gospel of John, the unity of Scripture, and the beauty of Christ as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive story.
Ep 62 | Why Jesus Came: Obedience, Adoption, and the Hope of Advent (00:14:57)
In this Advent kickoff episode, Jason Smith sits down with John Wojnicki to unpack the first message in our series, Why Jesus Came. John preached on Christ’s purpose “to do the Father’s will,” leading to a rich discussion about obedience, adoption, and what it means to live faithfully between Jesus’ first and second comings.
Together they explore how obedience shapes our joy, why God’s commands bring freedom rather than restriction, and how trusting the Father produces a “no problem” heart. They also reflect on family worship, suffering, hope, and a few fun Thanksgiving favorites.
Ep 61 | Holy in Christ: Growing in Our Set-Apart Identity (Romans 12:1-2) (00:16:21)
In this third week of our In Christ series, Pastor Paul and Pastor Jason talk through what it really means to be holy in Christ. They unpack sanctification, our “set-apart” identity, and how we grow in holiness even though we’re already fully united to Christ. They also clarify a key statement from Sunday’s sermon about bringing Jesus “into our sin,” explore biblical discipline as an expression of God’s love, and discuss why love—not guilt or fear—is the deepest motivation for obedience.
Ep 60 | Saints or Sinners: Your New Identity in Christ (Romans 6:1–4) (00:14:24)
In this episode, Pastors Jason Smith and Paul Behneman dive deeper into what it truly means to be new in Christ. Building on Paul’s sermon from Romans 6:1–4, they discuss the believer’s identity as a saint rather than a sinner, the daily struggle against sin, and how God’s Word renews our minds. From confronting imposter syndrome to understanding sanctification and holiness, this conversation reminds us that through Christ, we are no longer defined by our sin but by our Savior.
Ep 59 | Blessed in Christ: Identity and Assurance (Ephesians 1:3-14) (00:17:18)
In this episode of A Closer Look, Pastor Jason Smith sits down with Pastor Paul Behneman to reflect on Paul’s message from Ephesians 1:3–14, “Blessed in Christ.” Together they discuss what it means to be “in Christ”—that what is true of Christ is true of believers spiritually—and how that reality changes how we live each day. Paul shares about God’s sovereignty in the midst of fear, how our failures can’t derail His purposes, and why knowing our identity in Christ brings freedom and assurance. They also talk about how worship and preaching often align under God’s providence and preview next week’s sermon, “New in Christ,” from 2 Corinthians 5:17.
Ep 58 | Treasuring Christ Above All Things (Luke 20:27-47) (00:19:03)
In this episode of A Closer Look, Pastor Jason Smith and Pastor Paul Behnamen reflect on Jason’s recent series through Luke 20 and how God has worked through both the text and Jason’s ongoing physical suffering. They discuss what it means to be “worthy” of the resurrection, the danger of seeking man’s approval, and how even good desires can distract from our ultimate treasure—Christ Himself. The conversation ends with encouragement to pursue faith in community and share the beauty of God’s Word with others.
Ep 57 | Building on the Cornerstone + Living as God’s Image-Bearers (Luke 20:9-26) (00:18:49)
In this episode of A Closer Look, Jason Smith and Paul Behnamen discuss Luke 20:9–26 — exploring what it means to build your life on Jesus as the cornerstone, how to worship God daily beyond Sunday mornings, and how believers can faithfully engage the world while reflecting God’s image. They also talk candidly about motives, relationships, and living for God’s kingdom instead of our own.
Ep 56 | Authority, Freedom, and Everyday Evangelism (Luke 20:1–8) (00:19:21)
Pastors Jason Smith and Paul Behneman explore Luke 20:1-8, examining Jesus' response to questions about authority, the role of John the Baptist, and what it means to live under Christ's authority.
They discuss freedom in Christ versus self-centered living, practical ways to share the gospel, and how to prioritize loving God above all relationships in daily life.
Ep 55 | Christ the True King (00:15:28)
Pastor Jason sits down with Pastor David to reflect on baptisms, sabbatical rest, and the sermon from Luke 19:28–48. Together they discuss the triumphal entry, the disciples’ growing recognition of Jesus as King, and what it truly means to receive Christ as the King we need—not the one we might imagine. Pastor David also shares about his upcoming sabbatical, the grace of rest in ministry, and the heart of Jesus for the lost.
Ep 54 | Expectations vs. Reality: The Parable of the Ten Minas (00:18:13)
Pastors Jason and David unpack Luke 19:11–27—how Jesus resets messianic expectations, what faithful “business” looks like, how to think about heavenly rewards, and how his promised return shapes our hope today. Plus: a quick word on why church membership matters.
Ep 53 | Grace That Changes: Zacchaeus and the Fruit of Salvation (00:22:18)
In this episode, we take a closer look at Luke 19:1–10 and Zacchaeus’s encounter with Jesus. Pastor David unpacks why Zacchaeus’s restitution is fruit of salvation—not a way to earn it—showing how grace, not law, truly changes people from the inside out. We also clarify two common questions from the text: what “small in stature” likely means (both literally and socially) and how to read Zacchaeus’s “if I have defrauded” statement. Along the way, we briefly explain when and why our church addresses major cultural moments during worship, and we offer pastoral help on the difference between temptation and sin and the wise place of boundaries in the Christian life.
Ep 52 | From Blindness to Worship (00:17:06)
This week on A Closer Look, Pastors Jason and David reflect on Luke 18 and the healing of the blind man. They discuss how the gospel writers emphasize different details without contradiction, why the blind man’s cry of “Son of David” is so significant, and how physical healing points to the greater spiritual healing Jesus brings. The conversation also looks at the blind man’s response of worship, connects it to other transformed lives like Zacchaeus, and challenges us to ask: Am I living for myself, or has grace truly changed me?
Ep 51 | Celebrating God’s Work & Living as His Witnesses (00:16:36)
In this episode of the Valley Center Community Church podcast, Jason Smith and Pastor David reflect on the Fall Kickoff Sunday under the tent—a time of worship, fellowship, and celebration of God’s faithfulness. They discuss why the church pauses to “celebrate what God has done,” how numbers reflect lives transformed by grace, and the biblical mission of being witnesses—both in word and in life. The conversation also explores the hope of Christ’s return, the call to reach the nations, and the encouragement that every believer, young or old, has a God-given purpose as His ambassador.
Ep 50 | Ladders vs. the Cross: Eternal Life in Christ (00:20:33)
In this episode of A Closer Look, Pastor Jason and Pastor David reflect on Luke 18:18–30 and the story of the rich ruler. They unpack the meaning of eternal zoe—true life as God intended—and contrast the “ladder” of religion with the gift of the cross of Christ. Along the way, they share personal reflections from Sunday’s worship, highlight how grace shapes our parenting and relationships, and point to the freedom that comes from trusting in Christ’s finished work. The conversation also looks ahead to VCCC’s upcoming Fall Kickoff and what it means for us as a church family.
Ep 49 | Raising Children as Disciples (Luke 18:15–17) (00:20:17)
In this episode of A Closer Look, Pastors Jason and David dive into Luke 18:15–17, where parents bring even infants to Jesus. They explore the cultural view of children in Jesus’ day versus the biblical truth that every child is a blessing, created for God’s glory. Together, they discuss what it means for parents to prepare their children not just for careers or success, but to become disciples of Jesus Christ.
They highlight the danger of child-centered parenting that fosters self-focus, and instead emphasize practical discipleship in the home—modeling worship, prayer, Bible study, and gospel-shaped priorities. The conversation also unpacks what Jesus meant by “childlike faith,” showing that entrance into God’s kingdom requires dependence and humility, not innocence or effort.
Ep 48 | The Kingdom of God, End Times, and the Rapture (00:20:47)
This week on A Closer Look, Pastors Jason and David explore Luke 17:20–37 and Jesus’ teaching on the coming of the kingdom of God. What kind of kingdom were the people expecting — and what kind of kingdom did Jesus actually bring? They also discuss the meaning of being "taken" in this passage, whether it's a reference to the rapture, and what Scripture really teaches about that final day.
It's a conversation filled with context, clarity, and hope — pointing us to the return of Christ and our call to live with faithful expectation.
Ep 47 | Gratitude, Healing, and True Worship (00:19:18)
In this episode of A Closer Look, Pastors Jason and David dive into Luke 17:11–19 and the story of the ten lepers. Why does Luke emphasize Jesus' journey to Jerusalem? What distinguishes the one healed leper who returns from the nine who don’t? And does Jesus’ statement, “Your faith has made you well,” mean physical healing always comes through faith? Join us as we explore the themes of common grace, true worship, gratitude, and the difference between experiencing God’s blessings and truly belonging to Christ. Plus, a preview of next week's passage on the coming of the kingdom.
Ep 46 | Am I to Forgive Someone Who Hasn’t Repented? (00:18:37)
In this episode of A Closer Look, Pastors Jason and David explore Luke 17 and tackle a challenging question: Are Christians called to forgive even when someone hasn’t repented? Drawing from Scripture and real-life examples, they discuss the difference between transactional and attitudinal forgiveness, the heart posture Christ calls us to, and how to walk in grace while pursuing truth and justice.
Ep 45 | Hearing the Word + Thinking Biblically About Israel (00:19:53)
In this special episode of A Closer Look, Jason and Pastor David step away from the usual sermon deep-dive to reflect on two important topics. First, what’s it like for a pastor to sit under the preaching of others—and how can leaders and church members alike prepare their hearts to receive God's Word each Sunday? Then, in light of recent global tensions, they explore the church's response to the Israel–Iran conflict. With clarity and humility, Pastor David outlines key theological perspectives—including covenant vs. dispensational views—and reminds us of the gospel’s call to seek Christ above all national allegiances.
Ep 44 | Justified: What Makes You Right With God? (00:18:00)
In this episode of A Closer Look, Pastor Jason Smith sits down with Pastor Paul Behneman to unpack the sermon from Luke 16 on justification. Together, they explore what it really means to be justified before God, how self-justification shows up in our daily lives, and why true justification must be found in Christ alone. They also dive into how the law, once a burden, becomes a delight for the believer—and what role it still plays today. Whether you're a longtime believer or new to the faith, this episode offers gospel-rich clarity and encouragement to rest in your identity in Christ.
Ep 43 | Stewardship & Shrewdness: Disciples, Money, and the Heart (00:17:41)
In this episode of A Closer Look Podcast, Pastors Jason Smith and David Wojnicki dive into Luke 16 and explore one of Jesus’ more confusing parables—the dishonest manager. They unpack the meaning of “shrewdness” and explain why Jesus commends it, even in a flawed character. The heart of the conversation focuses on how disciples of Jesus are called to use their money—not for selfish gain, but for eternal purposes. You'll hear practical insights on budgeting, stewarding resources, and discipling your children through financial transparency. Whether you're living with little or much, this episode challenges every believer to consider who—or what—is truly their master.
Ep 42 | The Misunderstood Parable: Two Sons and an Amazing Father (00:18:13)
Join hosts Jason Smith and David Wojnicki in this insightful episode of "A Closer Look," where they dive into Sunday's teachings from the Gospel of Luke. They address common misconceptions about the famous Prodigal Son parable, exploring the true meaning of 'prodigal' and its characters. With anecdotes like the transformation of the word 'Nimrod,' they highlight the evolution of language and its impact on biblical interpretation. This discussion also sets the stage for upcoming sermons and offers a deeper understanding of repentance, redemption, and reconciliation through the lens of Jesus' teachings.
Ep 41 | Understanding the True Cost of Discipleship (00:18:58)
In this episode of A Closer Look Podcast, hosted by Valley Center Community Church, Pastors Jason Smith and David Wojnicki dive deep into the teachings of Jesus recorded in Luke chapters 14 and 15.
Discussing the true cost of discipleship, Jason and David explore how Jesus challenges His followers to prioritize their relationship with Him above all others, stressing that being mesmerized by miracles is not enough. They unpack the concepts of discipleship and salvation, contrasting them with the notion of 'easy believism.'
Moving on to the parables of the lost coin, lost sheep, and the story of the two sons, they highlight God's profound desire to save the lost, illustrated through Jesus' interactions with sinners and tax collectors. This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of the serious commitment required to truly follow Jesus and be part of His kingdom.
Ep 40 | Compassion, Humility, and Grace (00:21:40)
Join Pastors Jason and David in another episode of A Closer Look Podcast, where they dissect the latest sermon, focusing on Luke chapter 14. This conversation dives into the characteristics that define the people of God's kingdom: compassion, humility, and grace.
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