Matt Ayars Podcast

Епизоде

• 
  What Happens When We Die? Heaven, Hell & Resurrection 17.09.2026 54мин

  What does the Bible teach about life after death? In this Wellspring Church Bible study, Pastor Matt Ayars explores the distinctions between Sheol, Hades, Gehenna, and the lake of fire—and explains how heaven relates to the future resurrection and new creation.The discussion examines the historic teaching of Christ’s descent to the dead, the hope of being with Jesus after death, and the promise of glorified bodies when Christ returns. Questions from the group address soul sleep, purgatory, final judgment, and God’s justice.Discover why Jesus’ resurrection stands at the center of Christian hope and what His victory over death means for how we live today.
• 
  The Beatitudes: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Life 14.09.2026 43мин

  What if the life Jesus offers begins with admitting, “I need help”?In this opening message of our Sermon on the Mount series, Pastor Matt Ayars explores the Beatitudes as a portrait of Jesus’ life lived through us. Focusing on “blessed are the poor in spirit” and “blessed are those who mourn,” we discover a kingdom open to ordinary people—regardless of religious background—and a hope that holds even in grief.Eternal life begins now as we learn to depend on Jesus, receive support from his family, and trust his resurrection power with our deepest hurts. Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to face it alone.Scripture: Matthew 5:1–12
• 
  No More Delay: Paul Before Felix | Acts 24 Bible Study 10.09.2026 40мин

  What happens when someone hears the truth, feels convicted—and still refuses to respond? In this Wellspring Bible Study on Acts 24, Paul stands before Governor Felix to answer false accusations.Rather than flattering, exaggerating, or retaliating, Paul speaks honestly, maintains a clear conscience, and boldly proclaims the resurrection of Jesus.The discussion explores:The bodily return of Christ, resurrection, and final judgmentChristianity as “the Way”—a life lived under the lordship of JesusPaul’s integrity in the face of false accusations • The difference between conviction and genuine repentanceFelix’s decision to delay when confronted by the gospelHow God produces lasting fruit even during seasons of confinement and waiting Acts 24 reminds us that we cannot remain neutral toward Jesus or wait indefinitely for a more convenient time.It also assures us that no season is wasted in God’s hands: even when Paul was confined, God continued advancing the gospel through him.
• 
  Jesus Is Coming Back: Hope When the World Feels Broken 07.09.2026 42мин

  If Jesus reigns, why is there still so much suffering, injustice, and evil in the world?In this message from Daniel 12, Pastor Matt explains why the return of Christ is not a secondary issue but an essential part of the gospel. The kingdom of God has begun, but Christ’s work will be brought to completion when he returns, raises the dead, judges the world, defeats every enemy, and makes all things right.Until then, Christians are called to live with hope, share the gospel with urgency, remain ready for Christ’s return, and pursue holiness of heart and life.Scripture: Daniel 12:1–3
• 
  When God Works Behind the Scenes | Acts 23 Bible Study 04.09.2026 39мин

  How does God accomplish His purposes when circumstances appear chaotic?This AI-generated Pocket summary recaps our Wellspring Bible Study on Acts 23, where Paul faces religious hypocrisy, political maneuvering, persecution, and a 40-man assassination plot.Key themes include:• God’s providence working through ordinary people and imperfect circumstances • The resurrection of Jesus as the non-negotiable center of the Gospel • Living with integrity and a clear conscience under pressure • The danger of outward religion without inward transformation • How God used Paul’s unnamed nephew and an overwhelming Roman escort to protect His mission Even when God’s work is not dramatic or obvious, Acts 23 reminds us that His purposes are still moving forward.
• 
  Earthly Kingdoms Fall, but Jesus Reigns | Daniel 7: 1-14 31.08.2026 44мин

  The kingdoms and powers of this world can seem overwhelming, but Daniel 7 reminds us that none of them will last forever.In this message from Daniel 7, we explore Daniel's vision of the four beasts, the Ancient of Days, and the Son of Man. Behind the chaos of earthly kingdoms and human power is a greater reality: God is still on the throne. Leaders come and go, governments rise and fall, but Jesus remains King. No amount of power, influence, technology, or human striving can change what God has already established.When the world feels uncertain and life becomes difficult to understand, Daniel 7 gives us a reason to have faith instead of fear. We may not see or understand everything God is doing, but we can trust that He is in control and that the Kingdom of Jesus will endure forever.
• 
  Acts 22 Bible Study | The Power of a Transformed Testimony 31.08.2026 55мин

  In this Bible study on Acts 22, we examine Paul’s defense before the crowd in Jerusalem and the testimony of his dramatic encounter with Jesus. Paul’s story reminds us that sincere passion does not necessarily equal truth—we must remain willing to let Jesus correct even our most deeply held beliefs.We also explore the relationship between conversion and calling, the public witness of baptism, the continuing work of the Holy Spirit, and the power of a transformed life. Paul does not merely present an argument for Christianity; he points to what Christ has done in him: “I was blind, and now I see.”Acts 22 also confronts us with difficult questions: Whom would we rather exclude from God’s family? Are we asking Jesus to bless our plans, or allowing him to choose our mission? And how might God be sending us beyond the boundaries of our comfort, culture, and expectations?Key themes:• Entire sanctification and the transformation of the heart • Why zeal must be tested by Scripture • Paul’s conversion and calling • Spiritual gifts and the work of the Holy Spirit • The meaning and sacramental significance of baptism • The power of personal testimony • Prejudice, tribalism, and welcoming outsiders • Using our legal rights in service of truth and mission CHAPTERS 00:00 Opening prayer 00:45 Methodism, holiness, and entire sanctification 09:52 Paul’s defense before the crowd 12:01 Paul recounts his former zeal 13:28 Sincerity, zeal, and the need for correction 16:24 Paul encounters Jesus on the Damascus road 17:25 How we treat others is how we treat Christ 18:02 Conversion, breakthrough, and calling 20:11 Ananias restores Paul’s sight 22:52 Spiritual gifts and cessationism 26:12 Baptism and regeneration 29:29 Paul is sent to bear witness 30:35 The power of a transformed testimony 34:38 Baptism as a public profession 35:33 The crowd rejects God’s mission to the Gentiles 37:32 Jesus sends us beyond our comfort zones 39:34 Questions about Judaism, Islam, and Christian faith 44:47 Paul appeals to his Roman citizenship 46:09 Faith, injustice, and the proper use of legal rights 48:39 Closing discussion and key takeaways Scripture: Acts 22Subscribe for more Bible studies, sermons, and teaching from Wellspring Church.#Acts22 #BibleStudy #ApostlePaul #BookOfActs #ChristianTestimony #Baptism #HolySpirit #WellspringChurch
• 
  Don’t Be Afraid: God Is in Control | Daniel 2 Sermon 24.08.2026 48мин

  When the world is panicking, God’s people can live with peace.In Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar is troubled by a mysterious dream and threatens Babylon’s wise men with death if they cannot reveal and interpret it. While everyone else panics, Daniel responds with prayer, worship, and confidence in the God who reveals mysteries, appoints rulers, and governs history.This sermon explores three powerful reasons Christians do not need to live in fear:- God can speak, intervene, and redirect lives at any moment.- Jesus has defeated Satan and the powers of darkness.- Every earthly kingdom will fall, but God’s kingdom will endure forever.Whether you are worried about your family, the future, political instability, spiritual warfare, or decisions you need to make, Daniel’s example offers a steady word of encouragement: remain faithful, seek God in prayer, and trust his wisdom. God is still on the throne.“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings.” — Daniel 2:20–21CHAPTERS 00:00 Reflections from revival 01:23 The church needs faithful Bible preaching 02:50 A call to preach with greater boldness 04:31 Our wounds are our witness 05:45 Revival and Bible-study announcements 08:08 Daniel 2: Nebuchadnezzar’s troubling dream 11:55 Don’t join the world’s fearful frenzy 16:06 Does God still speak through dreams? 16:44 How a dream led Pastor Matt to Wellspring 18:56 Biblical examples of God speaking through dreams 21:43 God can always get through to us 24:30 Trusting God with the people we love 26:02 Freedom from anxiety and fear 29:27 Don’t be afraid of Satan and demons 32:02 The powerlessness of Babylon’s spiritual advisers 36:15 Jesus disarmed the powers of darkness 37:32 Jesus and the demon-possessed man 39:26 Daniel’s prayer of praise 41:01 Nebuchadnezzar’s statue and successive kingdoms 42:13 The kingdom not made by human hands 43:54 The powers of this world are passing away 45:31 Jesus is coming—be encouraged 46:13 “Old Blue” and the enemy’s attempts to frighten us Key Scriptures: Daniel 2; Numbers 12:6; Job 33:14–18; Acts 2:16–18; Colossians 2:15; Mark 5:1–20.
• 
  How Christians Should Live in Babylon | Jeremiah 29 Sermon by Stan Key 20.08.2026 56мин

  How should Christians live faithfully in a culture that does not share their beliefs?In this timely sermon from Jeremiah 29, Stan Key explains what it means to be a citizen of Jerusalem while living in Babylon. Christians are strangers, pilgrims, and exiles whose true citizenship is in the City of God—but God has strategically placed us in the world to represent Jesus and love our neighbors.Jeremiah’s message to the exiles offers five practical instructions for believers:Remember who you are.Be content where God has placed you.Love your Babylonian neighbors.Choose your spiritual leaders carefully.Trust the promises of God.Instead of assimilating into the culture, attacking it, withdrawing from it, or surrendering to despair, followers of Jesus are called to seek the shalom of their communities. We build, plant, serve, pray, and love—because God loves the people of Babylon.Our residence may be in Babylon, but our citizenship is in Jerusalem.
• 
  Jesus Is Lord: Psalm 2 and the King Who Turns the World Right Side Up | Stan Key 18.08.2026 55мин

  What happens when the gospel of Jesus Christ enters an upside-down world? It turns that world right side up.Preaching from Acts 17 and Psalm 2, Stan Key explains why the early Christians were accused of turning the world upside down. Their message was both simple and revolutionary: Jesus came, died, rose, reigns, and is coming again. Jesus—not Caesar or any earthly ruler—is Lord.This sermon explores why Psalm 2 was so important to the early church and what it reveals about Jesus: he is the sovereign, universal, divine, fearsome, and welcoming King. His kingdom challenges the world’s ideas about wealth, power, wisdom, strength, and life itself.Christians live as representatives of King Jesus in “enemy-occupied territory.” We therefore face a defining question: Will we resist his reign, or will we “kiss the Son” and take refuge in him?
• 
  Acts 21 Bible Study: Paul's Journey to Jerusalem, Arrest, and Unshakable Faith 13.08.2026 43мин

  Join us for an in-depth Bible study of Acts 21 as Paul continues his journey to Jerusalem despite repeated warnings about the suffering awaiting him. We’ll explore his submission to God’s will, his meeting with the Jerusalem church, his arrest in the temple, and the opposition he faced for faithfully proclaiming the gospel.What can Paul’s courage teach us about following Christ when obedience is costly? Watch as we unpack the historical context, key themes, and practical lessons of Acts 21.Subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible studies, and share your questions or insights in the comments.
• 
  The Ten Commandments: More Than Rules for a Good Life 12.08.2026 8мин

  Are the Ten Commandments simply instructions for living a happy and healthy life? They certainly give us wisdom—but their purpose goes much deeper.In this message, Pastor Matt explains how Jesus intensifies the commandments by addressing not only outward behavior but also the hidden attitudes of the heart. God’s law reveals our sin, humbles us, and shows us why we cannot achieve righteousness on our own. Ultimately, it points us to our need for Jesus Christ—the faithful and righteous Savior who accomplished what we could not.Discover how the Ten Commandments:• Teach us God’s standard for life • Expose hidden sin within the human heart • Reveal our need for grace and rescue • Lead us toward repentance and faith • Point us to the righteousness of Jesus Join Pastor Matt and Wellspring Church as we explore the purpose of God’s law and the good news of salvation by grace through faith in Christ.
• 
  Faith in the Fire: Standing Firm Against Idolatry | Daniel 3 10.08.2026 50мин

  What does it take to remain faithful when the world pressures you to bow?In this sermon from Daniel 3, we revisit the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—three men who refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, even when their faithfulness led them into a fiery furnace.Discover why the world’s idols can be so attractive, how misplaced priorities create spiritual instability, and what it means to trust God regardless of the outcome. The same God who stood with these men in the fire is present with us in suffering, freeing us from fear and giving us the strength to stand firm.Key themes include:Recognizing the alluring idols of our worldResisting pressure to compromiseRemaining faithful when obedience is costlyTrusting God with the outcomeExperiencing Christ’s presence in sufferingBuilding a steady spiritual life upon Jesus
• 
  Success Is Obedience: Paul’s Final Charge to Church Leaders | Acts 20 Bible Study 06.08.2026 55мин

  What does faithful Christian leadership look like—and how should believers measure success?In this study of Acts 20:17–38, Paul gives his farewell address to the elders of Ephesus. His words reveal a life shaped by humility, courage, sacrifice, and complete obedience to Christ. We explore what it means to proclaim the gospel in both word and deed, teach the whole counsel of God, care faithfully for Christ’s Church, and follow God even when the road leads through suffering.This lesson also examines several biblical understandings of Christ’s work on the cross, including penal substitution, ransom, and Christus Victor. Jesus did not merely forgive our sins—He conquered death, defeated the powers of darkness, and purchased His people with His own blood.Above all, Paul reminds us that Christian success is not measured by comfort, popularity, safety, or numbers. It is measured by obedience.Key passage: Acts 20:17–38Topics include:• Servant leadership and incarnational ministry• Proclaiming the gospel through word and deed• Obedience in the face of suffering• Teaching the whole counsel of God• Why Christians need the entire Bible• The meaning of Christ’s death on the cross• Caring for the Church Jesus purchased with His blood• Leadership transitions and learning to say goodbye wellJoin us as we finish Acts 20 and consider what it means to complete the work Jesus has entrusted to us.#Acts20 #BibleStudy #ChristianLeadership #Obedience #Gospel #JesusChrist #BookOfActs #WellspringChurch
• 
  The Power of Deciding Who You Are | Daniel 1 Explained 03.08.2026 43мин

  Launching a new series on holiness through Daniel 1, this sermon explores what it means to remain faithful to God in a culture that pressures us to compromise. Daniel’s resolve not to defile himself becomes a call to wholehearted consecration, a tender heart that responds quickly to God’s correction, and a life of practical compassion for those in need. Listeners are challenged to identify where the Holy Spirit is asking them to draw a line, trust that God will make a way for obedience, and recognize how even seemingly small acts of faithfulness can have a far-reaching impact.
• 
  Why Christians Need the Church | Acts 20:1–12 Bible Study 30.07.2026 26мин

  Why is gathering with other believers so important? In this study of Acts 20:1–12, we follow Paul as he travels through Macedonia and Greece, strengthens discouraged believers, worships with the church at Troas, and restores Eutychus after his fatal fall.Along the way, we consider several vital lessons for the church today:• Why encouragement is essential to Christian growth and ministry• How to avoid becoming spiritually stale or stuck• Whether our hurried lives leave enough room for God’s Word• What the early church valued when believers gathered• Why worship, teaching, fellowship, Communion, and personal presence matter• How Christian community provides encouragement, accountability, support, and opportunities to grow in loveThe church is more than an event or a place to seek a spiritual experience. It is the community of people who gather in the name of Jesus. When believers come together, Christ forms relationships, strengthens weary disciples, and teaches us how to love one another.Scripture: Acts 20:1–12This Bible study was recorded at Wellspring Church in Gulfport, Mississippi.If this teaching encourages you, share it with someone who needs encouragement and join us for the next study as we continue through Acts 20.
• 
  What Does the Holy Spirit Do in Salvation? The Order of Salvation | Sermon Companion Part 1 27.07.2026 25мин

  In this sermon companion, Pastor Matt explains the order of salvation from a Wesleyan perspective and shows how every part of the Holy Spirit’s work points us to Jesus. From the grace that first softens our hearts to the future resurrection of our bodies, salvation is God’s work from beginning to end.Topics include:• Prevenient grace and the softening of the heart • Conviction and repentance • Justification and saving faith • Regeneration and receiving the Holy Spirit • Initial, gradual, and entire sanctification • Christian perfection as perfect love • Glorification, bodily resurrection, and the renewal of creation Salvation is not merely a one-time decision or the forgiveness of past sins. It is an ongoing life of union with Christ through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.Join us Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. for free pizza, followed by Bible study in Acts at 6:00 p.m.
• 
  Why Does God Allow Suffering? The Holy Spirit, Glorification & Christian Hope | Romans 8:18–30 27.07.2026 44мин

  Why doesn’t God simply take away our pain, weakness, or struggle?In this final message on the Holy Spirit’s work in redemption, we turn to Romans 8:18–30 and the promise of glorification. Although creation groans, our bodies groan, and we sometimes cannot even find the words to pray, God’s work is not finished. The Holy Spirit meets us in our weakness, intercedes for us, and assures us that present suffering cannot compare with the glory still to come.One day, Christ will return and give His people renewed, incorruptible bodies. Until then, we can give ourselves grace, extend grace to others, and refuse to let present suffering define us.The best is yet to come—and because Jesus walked out of the grave, we can be certain that it will be worth it.Scripture: Romans 8:18–30Series: The Holy Spirit’s Work in Redemption
• 
  Why Is Creation Groaning? Predestination, Free Will & Romans 8:18–30 | Sermon Companion Part 2 27.07.2026 9мин

  What does Paul mean when he says that creation is “groaning” and waiting for the children of God to be revealed?In Part 2 of this sermon companion, Pastor Matt takes a closer look at Romans 8:18–30 and fills in two important gaps from Sunday’s message. First, he explains how creation’s suffering points forward—like the pains of childbirth—to the restoration God has promised. The world is broken because of sin, but God wastes nothing and will ultimately redeem His creation.Second, he explores Paul’s teaching about foreknowledge and predestination in Romans 8:29 from a Wesleyan-Arminian perspective, explaining why God’s prior knowledge does not eliminate genuine human freedom.Topics include:• Why bad things are not always direct punishment for personal sin • How humanity’s fall affected the entire creation • Jesus as the new Adam • Why creation awaits the revealing of God’s children • The relationship between foreknowledge, predestination, and free will • The hope of creation’s future renewal Scripture: Romans 8:18–30Join us Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. for free pizza, followed by Bible study at 6:00 p.m.
• 
  Acts 19 Bible Study: The Holy Spirit, Spiritual Warfare, and Revival in Ephesus 23.07.2026 45мин

  In Acts 19, the gospel enters Ephesus—and the whole city feels its impact. Paul encounters disciples with an incomplete understanding of the faith, teaches boldly in the synagogue and the hall of Tyrannus, and witnesses extraordinary works of God. But as the name of Jesus is magnified, counterfeit spirituality is exposed, costly repentance follows, and opposition erupts around the worship of Artemis.In this Bible study, we explore the difference between knowing about Jesus and truly belonging to him, why spiritual power cannot be manipulated, and how genuine faith confronts both personal idols and powerful cultural systems. Acts 19 challenges us to consider what happens when the word of the Lord takes hold of individuals, communities, and entire cities.