The AfterWord Podcast

On What God Makes Clean (Ep. 20)

On today's episode of the Afterword Podcast, Joel, Lance and Trevor look at Acts 10:1-43. They talk about the conversion of the Gentiles, the vision Peter had, and how God is sovereign over our evangelism. They also discuss the spiritual status of "God-Fearers" in the Bible and the importance of unity in diversity. 

On Wisdom from a Wasted Vineyard (Ep. 19)

On today's episode of the Afterword Podcast. Joel, Lance and Trevor take a break from Acts to look at Proverbs 24:30-34. They discuss the topic of laziness and why it's an often neglected topic in the church. They answer questions like, "What is the difference between laziness and godly rest?" and, "Can busyness and laziness coexist?" They also give some encouragement to those who struggle with laziness. 

On Losing Your Religion (Ep. 18)

Acts 9:1–22
This week we dive into one of the most dramatic conversions in Scripture—Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. What begins as a mission to persecute Christians becomes a life-altering moment of surrender. We explore what true conversion looks like, the danger of sincere but misplaced faith, and what this passage teaches us about Christ’s deep love for His church.

On Eunuchs, Small Groups, and Philip's Disappearing Act (Ep. 17)

On today's episode Joel, Lance and Trevor finish up Acts 8 looking at Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch. They discuss key details from the text, discipleship and small groups, and why a verse is missing in the ESV translation of Acts 8. 

On Black Magic, Second Blessings, and Why the Holy Spirit isn't for Sale (Ep. 16)

On today's episode, we walk through Acts 8:9–25 and the story of Simon the Magician in Samaria. This passage raises big questions about power, belief, spiritual experiences, and what it actually means to follow Jesus.
We explore why Simon was so influential, why the people of Samaria were drawn to him, and what happens when the gospel collides with counterfeit power. We also dig into the controversial question of the Holy Spirit’s coming in Samaria—what’s happening in the text, and what it does (and doesn’t) teach us about “second blessings” or additional spiritual experiences.
Along the way, we talk about:
Why people are drawn to power, influence, and greatness
What Simon’s belief reveals (and what it doesn’t)
The danger of trying to “buy” or control spiritual power
How to discern true vs. false faith
Whether Simon was truly a believer
What this passage teaches us about the Holy Spirit today
This story ultimately challenges us to ask: Do we want God’s power, or do we want God Himself?

On Persecution, Lamentation, and Trevor's Audition for the Praise Team (Ep. 15)

On today’s episode of the AfterWord Podcast, Joel, Lance, and Trevor walk through Acts 8:1–8 in a sermon titled “Vive La Resistance.”
They explore how the early church responds to intense persecution following Stephen’s death—and how what was meant to suppress the gospel actually becomes the means by which it spreads.
The conversation then turns to the theme of biblical lament. What does it look like for Christians to grieve faithfully, and how can the church come alongside one another in suffering rather than rush past it?
And finally, things take an unexpected turn as Trevor makes his long-awaited (and highly questionable) musical debut with a fresh rendition of an old classic.
It’s an episode full of Scripture, reflection, and plenty of laughter—you won’t want to miss it.

On Long Sermons and Short Fuses (Ep. 14)

They walk through Stephen’s powerful witness in Acts 6–7—his Spirit-filled life, his defense before the council, and his final moments as the first Christian martyr. They explore what his sermon reveals about God, Israel’s history, and the human heart.
Text: Acts 6:8-7:60
 

On The Value of Deacons (Ep. 13)

On this episode of the AfterWord Podcast Joel, Lance and Trevor are back looking at Acts 6:1-7 and on the establishment of deacons. They talk about congregationalism, church leadership and the value of deacons serving the church. 
 
Text: Acts 6:1-7

On Facing Opposition (Ep. 12)

In this episode of the AfterWord Podcast, Joel and Lance discuss Acts 4:23-37. They talk about how the church responded to opposition by showing significant commitment to God and significant commitment to each other. The discuss issues from the text like the sovereignty of God, the importance of prayer, and keys to having unity and fellowship in the church. They also explain how the text promotes incredible generosity and what role the apostles had in the financial oversight in the church. Listen for a good discussion on a great text of scripture!

On Cover Ups, Conspiracies and the Risen Christ (Ep. 11)

On this episode of the AfterWord Podcast, Joel, Lance and Trevor dive into last Sunday's Easter message on Acts 4:1-22. They discuss the evidence for the resurrection, the Sadducees and their sad cover-up story and they talk about how the resurrection helps believers live the "risen life".
Acts 4:1-22