Episodes

  • No Holds Barred: Answering All Your Questions! - Part 2
    May 18 2026

    "No Holds Barred: Round Two of Your Questions" continues the direct, unfiltered Q&A format from Part One with pastors Brett Schenck and Matt Smith of Barabbas Road Church. In this shorter but equally substantive session, they tackle theological questions about Bible translation, eschatology, and Catholic doctrine while maintaining their characteristic blend of humor and candid discussion. From debating whether the King James Version should still use "ass" for donkey to exploring the differences between Protestant communion and Catholic Eucharist, Matt doesn't shy away from controversial topics. The episode also features personal updates about Matt's fitness journey and a debate about pursuing a PhD. As always, the pastors provide straightforward answers to listener questions, demonstrating their commitment to addressing tough theological topics without watering down their perspectives.

    =======================================

    Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership':
    https://a.co/d/04ryklXw

    Have a question you want answered on the podcast?
    https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact

    Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show:
    https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop

    Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith?
    Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch

    Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego:
    https://www.barabbas.com/

    Want your podcast to look like this?
    We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego.
    Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live

    Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype.

    Subscribe to our channel for more:
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    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast
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    Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast
    Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl

    More ways to listen:
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw
    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630
    Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180
    Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/

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    47 mins
  • What Is Anxiety? The Line Between Worry & Sin
    May 11 2026

    What is anxiety? Is worry always a sin? Can Christians struggle with panic attacks, fear, or overwhelming stress and still trust God?

    In this episode of A Lot of Words, Brett and Pastor Matt Smith tackle one of the most common struggles Christians face: anxiety. They discuss the difference between normal worry and sinful worry, what the Bible says about fear and control, panic attacks, trusting God, and whether it’s okay for Christians to take medication for anxiety.

    The conversation explores how anxiety affects both the mind and body, why worry is often connected to pride and control, and what it means to “cast your anxieties upon the Lord.”

    Topics discussed in this episode:

    29:01 — What Anxiety Physically Feels Like
    29:21 — Panic Attacks & Spiraling Worry
    29:42 — Is Anxiety Just a Feeling?
    30:14 — Anxiety vs Worry Explained
    30:32 — Fear, Control & Idolatry
    30:53 — What Jesus Said About Worry
    32:20 — Paul’s Anxiety for the Churches
    32:35 — Is Worry Itself Sinful?
    32:46 — “Cast Your Anxieties Upon the Lord”
    33:03 — The Danger of Holding Onto Anxiety
    33:28 — Hanging Onto Worry Like You’re God

    Whether you’ve struggled with anxiety yourself or want a biblical perspective on fear and worry, this episode offers an honest and thoughtful discussion grounded in Scripture.

    That intro teaser setup is actually smart. Starts with cigars, drugs, anxiety, wetsuits… absolute theological whiplash. Keeps people from clicking away like a squirrel on espresso.

    =======================================

    Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership':
    https://a.co/d/04ryklXw

    Have a question you want answered on the podcast?
    https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact

    Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show:
    https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop

    Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith?
    Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch

    Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego:
    https://www.barabbas.com/

    Want your podcast to look like this?
    We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego.
    Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live

    Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype.

    Subscribe to our channel for more:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alotofwordspodcast/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast
    X (Twitter): https://x.com/alotofwordscast
    Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast
    Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl

    More ways to listen:
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw
    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630
    Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180
    Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • No Holds Barred: Answering All Your Questions!
    May 4 2026

    In this episode of A Lot of Words, we dive into a rapid-fire Q&A covering some of the most random, deep, and surprisingly important questions about the Christian faith.

    From biblical mysteries to modern dilemmas, nothing is off limits.

    - Did snakes have legs in Eden?
    - Is lying to AI actually sin?
    - What counts as real forgiveness?
    - And… are pizookies biblical?

    We tackle it all with Scripture, clarity, and a little humor along the way.

    “The sum of Your word is truth…” — Psalm 119:160

    If you enjoy honest, Bible-based answers, like, subscribe, and share.

    00:00 Did Snakes Originally Have Legs?
    00:05 Why Do Churches Do Baby Dedications?
    00:10 Is Feeding False Info to AI Considered Lying?
    00:14 Is Sin in a Video Game Still Sin?
    00:22 What Is Biblical vs Therapeutic Forgiveness?
    00:29 What Even Is a Pizookie?
    02:06 Intro Segment Ends / Main Discussion Begins

    =======================================

    Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership':
    https://a.co/d/04ryklXw

    Have a question you want answered on the podcast?
    https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact

    Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show:
    https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop

    Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith?
    Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch

    Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego:
    https://www.barabbas.com/

    Want your podcast to look like this?
    We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego.
    Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live

    Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype.

    Subscribe to our channel for more:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alotofwordspodcast/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast
    X (Twitter): https://x.com/alotofwordscast
    Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast
    Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl

    More ways to listen:
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw
    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630
    Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180
    Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/

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    1 hr and 44 mins
  • Is Modern Israel Really God’s Chosen Nation?
    Apr 27 2026

    What is dispensationalism—and how does it shape the way we view Israel today?

    This episode explores one of the most debated topics in Christianity, breaking down key biblical questions about Israel, prophecy, and God’s promises. Along the way, the conversation expands into real-life issues—including how Christians should approach topics like talking to their kids about sex and navigating cultural challenges with biblical wisdom. If you want clarity on both theology and everyday life, this episode delivers both.


    00:00:32 Is modern Israel part of biblical prophecy?
    00:18:30 When should parents talk to kids about sex?
    00:21:08 IVF and ethical concerns
    00:22:57 Stewardship, adoption, and children
    00:30:00 Parenting in a confused culture
    00:32:56 What is dispensationalism?
    00:38:48 Does Israel point to something bigger?
    00:46:59 What about Israel?
    00:49:36 Who is true Israel?
    00:52:48 Modern Israel and prophecy
    00:57:31 Are they still God’s chosen people?
    01:05:53 Missions to the Jewish people
    01:07:14 How should Christians pray for Israel?

    =======================================

    Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership':
    https://a.co/d/04ryklXw

    Have a question you want answered on the podcast?
    https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact

    Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show:
    https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop

    Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith?
    Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch

    Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego:
    https://www.barabbas.com/

    Want your podcast to look like this?
    We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego.
    Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live

    Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype.

    Subscribe to our channel for more:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alotofwordspodcast/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast
    X (Twitter): https://x.com/alotofwordscast
    Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast
    Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl

    More ways to listen:
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw
    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630
    Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180
    Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/

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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Can You Lose Your Salvation? The Truth Christians Avoid
    Apr 20 2026

    Description:
    Can a Christian actually lose their salvation… or is it secure forever? This episode tackles one of the most debated—and personal—questions in the Christian life. Because this isn’t just theology… it’s about assurance, doubt, and what it really means to belong to Christ. We dig into what the Bible says about salvation, the difference between feeling saved and actually being saved, and how to think clearly when your confidence in your faith starts to shake. If you’ve ever questioned your salvation—or wondered if someone can fall away—this conversation is for you.

    0:00 Cold Open – “I Don’t Feel Saved”
    0:29 Intro
    14:49 Assurance of Salvation — Am I Truly Saved?
    16:40 “I Don’t Feel Saved” — How Do I Know I’m Actually Saved?
    26:44 Practicing Sin vs Struggling With Sin
    34:00 What About People Who Seem Saved… Then Walk Away?
    43:26 What Does “Depart From Me, I Never Knew You” Mean?
    47:28 What If Someone Has a “Boring” Testimony?
    54:18 What Does It Mean to Examine Yourself?
    57:50 How Does the Fruit of the Spirit Relate to Assurance?
    1:00:27 What About Hebrews 6?
    1:03:17 Does It Slap?

    =======================================

    Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership':
    https://a.co/d/04ryklXw

    Have a question you want answered on the podcast?
    https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact

    Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show:
    https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop

    Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith?
    Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch

    Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego:
    https://www.barabbas.com/

    Want your podcast to look like this?
    We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego.
    Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live

    Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype.

    Subscribe to our channel for more:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alotofwordspodcast/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast
    X (Twitter): https://x.com/alotofwordscast
    Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast
    Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl

    More ways to listen:
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw
    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630
    Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180
    Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Can Christians Vote Democrat? War, Globalism & Faith Explained
    Apr 13 2026

    Can Christians vote Democrat? Should believers support war? What about globalism? In this episode, we explore how Christians should think about politics in light of Scripture. We discuss the tension between faith and government, and how to approach difficult political questions with biblical conviction.

    00:00 Introduction
    02:29 What Is the Role of Government?
    09:17 How Should Christians Submit to Authority?
    19:35 What Does the Bible Say About Authority?
    20:10 Romans 13 Explained (Government & Obedience)
    20:58 Taxes, Government, and Christian Responsibility
    23:04 Do Christians Have a Responsibility to Vote?
    23:50 God’s Kingdom vs Earthly Governments
    31:40 Following Your Conscience as a Christian
    35:45 Is War Ever Justified for Christians?
    54:06 Can a Christian Vote Democrat?
    01:03:00 What Is Globalism and Should Christians Support It?
    01:07:32 Does God Hear the Prayers of Everyone?

    =======================================

    Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership':
    https://a.co/d/04ryklXw

    Have a question you want answered on the podcast?
    https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact

    Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show:
    https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop

    Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith?
    Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch

    Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego:
    https://www.barabbas.com/

    Want your podcast to look like this?
    We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego.
    Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live

    Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype.

    Subscribe to our channel for more:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alotofwordspodcast/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast
    X (Twitter): https://x.com/alotofwordscast
    Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast
    Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl

    More ways to listen:
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw
    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630
    Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180
    Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/

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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Is Crunchy Christianity Just Nutritional Marxism?
    Apr 6 2026

    What happens when healthy living becomes a religion?

    Brett, Pastor Matt, and Shauncy dive into the world of "Crunchy Christianity" — the growing movement of Christians who emphasize natural living, distrust of big pharma, organic food, vaccine skepticism, and a return to simpler ways of life.

    Is it wise stewardship of the body God gave you? Or has it crossed a line into conspiracy thinking, self-righteousness, and what Matt calls "nutritional Marxism"?

    We tackle the hard questions:

    - Does the Bible actually say anything about what you eat?
    - Are vaccines a wisdom issue, a freedom issue, or a sin issue?
    - When does a personal health conviction become a burden you're putting on others?
    - Is "my body is a temple" being used correctly — or completely out of context?
    - Why does this topic create more division in the church than almost anything else?

    Plus: a Russian bear workout video, the great Wigwam sock debate, Red Wing boots, and why Brett's laces are deeply offensive to Pastor Matt.

    =======================================

    Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership':
    https://a.co/d/04ryklXw

    Have a question you want answered on the podcast?
    https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact

    Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show:
    https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop

    Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith?
    Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch

    Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego:
    https://www.barabbas.com/

    Want your podcast to look like this?
    We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego.
    Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live

    Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype.

    Subscribe to our channel for more:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alotofwordspodcast/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast
    X (Twitter): https://x.com/alotofwordscast
    Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast
    Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl

    More ways to listen:
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw
    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630
    Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180
    Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Is Modern Worship Music Sinful?
    Mar 30 2026

    Is modern worship music biblical—or have we made music style more important than worship itself?

    In this episode, we explore the ongoing debate around worship music in the church. Are drums and guitars inappropriate for worship? Is there a “correct” or biblical style of music? And why do so many believers divide over something like this?

    We talk through the tension between tradition and modern expression, challenge common assumptions, and bring the conversation back to what Scripture actually emphasizes.

    If you’ve ever wrestled with questions about worship music—or seen churches divided over it—this episode will help you think more clearly and biblically.

    14:33 How Should Christians Respond to Worship Disagreements?
    15:06 Are Christians Treating Church Like a Consumer Experience?
    17:45 When Does Worship Music Become a Performance?
    19:20 Is There Such a Thing as “Wrong” Worship Music?
    21:05 Are Drums and Instruments in Church Sinful?
    23:40 Where Did the Idea That Instruments Are Wrong Come From?
    26:10 Is There a Biblical Standard for Worship Music Style?
    29:15 Should Worship Music Preferences Cause Division in Church?
    32:50 What Actually Matters Most in Biblical Worship?

    =======================================

    Buy Pastor Matt's new book 'Mere Membership':
    https://a.co/d/04ryklXw

    Have a question you want answered on the podcast?
    https://alotofwordspodcast.com/contact

    Shop our merch store. Your support fuels the show:
    https://alotofwordspodcast.com/shop

    Want more teaching from Pastor Matt Smith?
    Watch his sermons and full teaching series at Barabbas Road Church on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@BarabbasRoadChurch

    Visit our Barabbas Road Church in San Diego:
    https://www.barabbas.com/

    Want your podcast to look like this?
    We build and produce professional video podcasts in San Diego.
    Start here: https://www.vortexstudios.live

    Like, subscribe, and share if you want more honest, biblical conversations without hype.

    Subscribe to our channel for more:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alotofwordspodcast/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALotOfWordsPodcast/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alotofwordspodcast
    X (Twitter): https://x.com/alotofwordscast
    Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@alotofwords
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lot-of-words-podcast
    Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-7820768?e9s=src_v1_cbl

    More ways to listen:
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BDk62lDqdUFdOGh81MGUT?si=z5dHsYidRdmsbYzVtd-ziw
    Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-lot-of-words/id1874390630
    Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/636dd985-7c53-43fc-85d1-a0e129495180
    Transistor.fm: https://alotofwords.transistor.fm/

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    1 hr and 13 mins