The Branch

In this episode of the Branch Podcast, Pastor Chris Reed is joined by Pastor Anthony Lombardi for an honest and thoughtful conversation about how Christians discern good and evil in a complicated world. With culture, politics, and media often pulling in competing directions, the Pastors reflect on how followers of Jesus are called to think wisely, remain grounded in Scripture, and live faithfully.The discussion explores Jesus as the ultimate standard for truth, the idea of human flourishing, and the tension between submitting to governing authorities while remaining loyal to Christ and His kingdom. Drawing from passages such as Romans 12–13 and historical examples, the Pastors emphasize discernment, humility, and resisting reactionary thinking.Rather than focusing on grand gestures or public spectacle, this episode consistently returns to the power of daily faithfulness and obedience as the primary way God brings lasting change.Watch the full episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxVQX_fUIvg

In this episode of the Branch Podcast, Pastors Chris Reed, Matthew Johnson, and Anthony Lombardi unpack what pastors really mean when they encourage everyday practices like reading the Bible, prayer, worship, going to church, and loving your neighbor.Rather than presenting these as religious checklists, the conversation focuses on how these disciplines are meant to shape a real, ongoing relationship with God. The pastors discuss approachable ways to engage Scripture without formal training, prayer as an honest and continual conversation with God, worship as a lifestyle that re-centers the heart, and why consistent participation in the local church matters. They also explore what it looks like to love your neighbor through attentiveness and commitment to others’ good.This episode is both grounding and practical for anyone wondering how to grow in faith one step at a time.Watch the full episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCCNCANljDY

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Anthony, Matthew, and Chris take a look at prosperity theology and why it often creates confusion within the Christian faith. They unpack the idea that faith or obedience guarantees wealth, health, or happiness, and contrast it with what Scripture actually teaches about blessing and the Christian life.Throughout the conversation, the pastors explore commonly misused Bible passages, the role of suffering and hardship, and how distorted expectations can lead to guilt or disillusionment. Rather than promising an easy or comfortable life, they point listeners toward a faith centered on knowing Christ, trusting God’s redemptive work, and holding an eternal perspective. This episode offers clarity, balance, and encouragement for anyone wrestling with faith, suffering, or spiritual disappointment.Watch the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IhjA0NmuNpo?si=HYZGwQwLVNrgsNY7

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Anthony, Matthew, and Chris take a closer look at what Jesus meant when He spoke about the kingdom of God. They talk through why this theme appears so often in His teaching, how His life showed what God’s reign looks like, and what it means for believers to live in the tension of a kingdom that has begun but is not yet complete. Their conversation is steady, clear, and centered on Scripture. We hope it brings clarity and encouragement as you follow Jesus and learn to trust His work in every part of life.Watch this episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dvfZ1S-0GU

In this Branch Podcast Q&A episode, Pastors Matthew, Anthony, and Chris take on real questions from listeners about faith, Scripture, and life’s most challenging topics. Together they discuss reconciliation, fasting, sexuality, baptism, and why God allows suffering, all through the lens of Scripture and with honest, grace-filled conversation. The pastors also explore deep theological questions about salvation, Jesus’ divinity, and how faith shapes everyday decisions.If you’ve ever wrestled with big questions or wanted to better understand how biblical truth applies today, this conversation will encourage, challenge, and strengthen your faith.📺 Watch the full conversation on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZh41JFPUWI

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Matthew Johnson and Anthony Lombardi talk about the rise of “deconstruction” in today’s culture. They explore both healthy and unhealthy ways to question your faith, showing that doubt doesn’t have to lead to disbelief. Through personal stories, honest reflection, and biblical truth, they reveal how examining what you believe can actually strengthen your faith.The conversation touches on church hurt, cultural pressures, and the need to rebuild on a foundation of truth rather than emotion or trends. Along the way, they reference passages like Mark 9:24, Romans 8:28, and the story of Thomas in John 20, reminding us that Jesus meets us in our doubts and that honest wrestling can lead to deeper trust.