From hidden symbols in Roman catacombs to crosses dominating every church surface—what transformed the most feared symbol in the ancient world into Christianity's most celebrated image? Follow Josh as he walks through the biblical roadmap that explains why the Cross became central to Christian worship, exploring the bronze serpent (Numbers 21), the cycle we can't break (Psalm 78), Jesus's conversation with Nicodemus (John 3), Paul's message to Corinth (1 Corinthians 1), and the new song we can't help singing (Psalm 98).

Discover why understanding our need for the Cross transforms worship from obligation into the joyful response of people who've been rescued from a sinful condition they couldn't escape.

For pastors, volunteers, and anyone who senses that what happens on Sunday matters for the rest of the week.

What makes worship genuine rather than just going through the motions? Josh explores why true worship requires both God's sovereign worthiness and our willing response, using the image of a parent teaching a child to ride a bike. Drawing from Deuteronomy 30, Psalm 1, Psalm 139, Luke 14, and Philemon, this episode shows how God chooses to appeal rather than compel—for love's sake. Essential listening for worship leaders, pastors, and anyone wanting to move beyond liturgical compliance toward genuine spiritual formation.

What's the garment that matters most on Sunday morning? Josh explores the biblical pattern of humility versus pride and how the posture we take in worship should shape the way we live Monday through Saturday. From Jeremiah's broken cisterns to Jesus's teaching about taking the lower place, discover how gospel humility transforms both our worship and our daily relationships.

Real worship wisdom for those on the front lines of life and ministry.

Scripture Readings:

• Jeremiah 2:13
• Psalm 81:1, 10-16
• Proverbs 25:6-7
• Jeremiah 2:4-13
• Luke 14:1, 7-14
• Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
• Psalm 112
• Philippians 2:7

Every worship service tells a story—the ancient narrative of God's work to deliver His people from sin, death, and separation from Him. But are we hearing it? And more importantly, is it shaping how we live as redeemed people Monday through Saturday? Join Josh as he traces the biblical story of deliverance from the psalmist's cry (Psalm 71:1-6) through God's vision of freedom (Isaiah 58:9b-14), His commissioning of change agents (Jeremiah 1:4-10), Christ's decisive victory (Luke 13:10-17), the cosmic transformation complete (Hebrews 12:18-29), and the celebration of the delivered (Psalm 103:1-8). Discover how your liturgy forms you to understand and live in light of the gospel. Real worship wisdom for those on the front lines where Sunday meets Monday morning.

All readings taken from the Revised Common Lectionary, all rights reserved.

Key Themes: Worship as gospel formation, liturgy's role in spiritual transformation, living out our redeemed identity

What happens where Sunday's worship meets Monday morning? In this introductory episode, Josh explains what "Worship in the Trenches" is all about—practical worship theology for pastors, volunteers, and anyone who senses that liturgy is forming them but isn't sure how. Every church has a liturgy, and it's shaping you whether you realize it or not. Time to be intentional about it.