A Closer Look
Religion og åndelighetJoin 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.
Siste episoder av A Closer Look podcast
- 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.
- Ep 39 | The Exclusivity of the Narrow Door (00:15:02)
In this episode of A Closer Look, Pastors David and Jason reflect on the recent sermon from Luke 13, exploring the exclusivity of Christianity and its profound global influence. They discuss Jesus' teachings on the kingdom of God, the narrow path to salvation, and the remarkable impact of Christian principles throughout history.
- Ep 38 | Set Free for His Glory | Luke 13:10–17 (00:19:22)
In this episode of A Closer Look Podcast, Pastors David Wojnicki and Jason Smith dive into Luke 13:10–17, where Jesus heals a woman with a disabling spirit on the Sabbath. They discuss the significance of Jesus teaching in the synagogue, the cultural status of women in first-century Judaism, and what it means that this woman is called a “daughter of Abraham.” They also explore the difference between spiritual oppression and possession, how Jesus’ miracles always point to the glory of God, and why the rejoicing crowd doesn’t necessarily indicate saving faith. The conversation ends with a powerful reminder: we are set free not for ourselves, but to live for God’s glory.
- Ep. 37 | When Towers Fall: Jesus, Suffering, and the Call to Repentance (Luke 13:1-9) (00:19:05)
In this episode of A Closer Look, Pastors Jason Smith and David Wojnicki discuss Luke 13:1–9, where Jesus addresses tragedy, suffering, and the urgent call to repentance. They reflect on how ancient and modern cultures view suffering, why good happens to sinners, and how Christians should respond to those who are hurting. Along the way, they explore the heart of daily repentance for believers and encourage listeners to deepen their walk with Christ.
- Ep 36 | Resurrection & Rescue: Why Easter Changes Everything (00:17:12)
In this episode of A Closer Look, Jason Smith and David Wojnicki unpack the deeper meaning of Easter—not as a one-time event, but as the ongoing celebration of Christ’s victory over sin and death. They explore why humanity needs rescue, how the resurrection confirms our freedom in Christ, and why every Sunday is Resurrection Sunday.
- Ep 35 | Unraveling the Second Coming: Discovering Hope and Judgment (00:16:13)
In this episode of A Closer Look Podcast, hosts Jason Smith and David Wojnicki explore Christ’s second coming through the lens of Luke’s Gospel. They connect Palm Sunday to His return, emphasizing the urgency of spiritual readiness and the reality of judgment. Through parables and Jesus’ teachings on possessions, worry, and accountability, they highlight the coming separation between believers and non-believers. The episode wraps with reflections on Easter and Good Friday, urging listeners to examine their faith and live in light of Christ’s promised return.
- Ep 34 | Worry and Worship: Living with an Eternal Perspective (00:20:14)
Pastor David and Pastor Paul witnessed the powerful ministry of Ukrainian churches serving refugees. Amid hardship, they share encouraging stories of deepening faith and express gratitude for the prayers and support from their church family. The conversation then moves to Luke 12 and the challenge of overcoming worry. Pastor David explains how anxiety can become a form of misplaced trust when it dominates our thoughts—and how believers are called to renew their minds with truth and trust in God's faithful provision. They urge listeners to adopt an eternal perspective, focus on spiritual priorities, and replace worry with faith rooted in Christ’s care—both in this life and the life to come.
- Ep 33 | Germany Missions, The Unforgivable Sin, and the Reality of Hell (00:18:48)
Pastors Jason and David share how, through the sovereign hand of God, the Scopych family moved from pastoring in Ukraine to planting Ukrainian churches in Germany. They also dive into deep theological discussions on the unpardonable sin, the reality of hell, and how Scripture shapes our understanding. Plus, get a preview of upcoming sermons in the Gospel of Luke, exploring what it means to follow Jesus, prioritize possessions, and trust in God’s provision.
- Ep 32 | Living as People of the Light (00:18:33)
What does it mean to live as children of the light? In this episode of Closer Look, Pastors David and Jason unpack Sunday’s sermon from Luke 11, exploring Jesus’s interaction with the Pharisees and lawyers. They discuss how his words challenge us to examine our hearts, address common questions about scripture, and highlight the importance of understanding biblical context. Listen in for a practical and insightful conversation on grace, righteousness, and walking in the light of Christ.
- Ep 31 | Faith and Light in the Book of Luke (00:19:14)
Engaging thoughtfully with the scripture, David and Jason explore the hope found in Jesus' message, emphasizing the sufficiency of what has been revealed through Christ. They also tackle the human tendency to seek more signs or evidences of faith, encouraging listeners to place trust in the foundational truths of Christianity. They share insights on how believers can better live out their faith daily, grounded in the teachings of Jesus and cultivating a life illuminated by His light.