About Going Deeper: Questions, Scripture, and the Life Worth Pursuing
Going Deeper is a conversational podcast from Mt. Bethel Church that invites you into thoughtful, Scripture-centered conversations designed to help you move beyond surface-level faith.
Each episode responds to real questions raised from Sunday’s teaching, allowing listeners and viewers to engage Scripture with honesty, clarity, and pastoral care. These conversations aren’t about quick answers or polished performances—they’re about formation, curiosity, and walking faithfully with God over time.
Rooted in the biblical story and the mission of Mt. Bethel Church, Going Deeper invites you to trade the exhausting pursuit of “more” for the life worth pursuing in Jesus Christ—a life marked by intimacy with God, transformation of the heart, and trust in the midst of real life.
Watch or listen as pastors and teachers gather around the Word, creating space for questions, reflection, and deeper discipleship—together.
Episode 14: Temptation Isn’t Sin: What Do You Do Next?
What's the difference between temptation and sin—and why does that distinction matter?
In this episode of Going Deeper, John Freeland and Gaylyn Kelly discuss how good, God-given desires can lead us away from God when we pursue them outside His design. They explore the promise of 1 Corinthians 10:13, what it practically means to take God's "way out" when temptation comes, and why repentance remains available even after we've fallen.
The conversation also turns to spiritual warfare, the reality of the enemy, fighting from the victory Christ has already won, and why regularly praying for pastors, church leaders, and those we love matters.
Have a question from a recent sermon? Send it to goingdeeper@mtbethel.org (mailto:goingdeeper@mtbethel.org) and it may be discussed in a future episode.
27 Aug 2026
Episode 13: When It’s Time to Let Go and Move Forward
How do you know when a season of life is over—and how do you move into the next one without carrying the past with you?
Jody Ray and Matt Lake talk about change, regret, surrender, and learning to recognize the seasons God leads us through. They share personal experiences of holding on too long, confronting past mistakes, and discovering how God can redeem even the difficult chapters of our stories.
If you're facing change, struggling to let go, or wondering what God might be doing next, this conversation is an encouragement to trust Him as your story continues to move forward.
Have a question from a recent sermon? Send it to goingdeeper@mtbethel.org (mailto:goingdeeper@mtbethel.org) and it may be discussed in a future episode.
29 Jul 2026
Episode 12: What If My Faith Begins to Fail?
In this episode of Going Deeper, Jody, John, and Gaylyn answer three listener questions about faith, doubt, and the presence of God.
The conversation explores why Jesus makes it possible to know the Father, what Peter's experience walking on the water teaches us about following Christ, and why God's presence isn't always determined by what we feel. Together they encourage listeners to keep trusting Jesus—even when faith feels weak and the storm hasn't passed.
Have a question from a recent sermon? Send it to goingdeeper@mtbethel.org (mailto:goingdeeper@mtbethel.org) and it may be discussed in a future episode.
17 Jul 2026
Episode 11: Anxiety, Worry, and Learning to Trust God
In this episode of Going Deeper, Jody, John, and Gaylyn discuss one of the most common challenges Christians face—anxiety and worry.
Together they explore Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6, the connection between fear and misplaced trust, and how followers of Christ can begin cultivating peace through gratitude, prayer, Scripture, and daily surrender.
This conversation offers both biblical encouragement and practical next steps for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life's uncertainties.
Resources Mentioned:
40-Day Life Reorder Plan (https://media.thechurchcoassets.com/accounts/7067/e0fa9bde-e04d-4794-902f-373998fdfd5c-./40-Day-Life-Reorder-Plan.pdf)
10 Truths About Anxiety & Worry (https://media.thechurchcoassets.com/accounts/7067/1adf3611-ea38-42d4-ae15-104f01dd0437-./10-Truths-About-Anxiety-and-Worry.pdf)
Have a question from a recent sermon? Send it to goingdeeper@mtbethel.org (mailto:goingdeeper@mtbethel.org) and it may be discussed in a future episode.
30 Jun 2026
Episode 10: What Does Victory Look Like When the Battle Isn't Over?
In this episode of Going Deeper, Jody, John, and Gaylyn explore what it means to live in victory while walking through difficult seasons.
Responding to listener questions, they discuss praying for prodigal children, trusting God with battles we cannot control, persevering through suffering, and finding hope in Christ even when circumstances remain unchanged. It's a conversation filled with practical encouragement for anyone carrying a heavy burden.
Resources Mentioned: How to Pray for Unsaved Loved Ones — A 30-day Scripture-guided prayer resource designed to help you pray faithfully and biblically for family members and friends who are far from God.
🔗 Purchase here. (https://www.amazon.com/How-Pray-Unsaved-Loved-Ones/dp/B0GQY5PN1Z?crid=EC8BX61J4M73&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KlHgc_4OZPra8KC7HSHl58Ykgl5ZYE8P8Mfcm31AVIg47EMYTjlaGRN40nLMwmzIOJHSDMWA0ZxZZeOOgE5ZXI_4unbNL1lg1VnVJyl2-6YqsK9WqA_rbn6vib_3tQMHFAxy5Pr0d5aXlYepDL-jTGCIu8wpBH3wGjCwX1Tfjbl2IaIhmXrAQAchDO1Brsp0nGMmxdTdpbvrJSNW0D2ugPKwArZTzghMwPF2omhKRZs.Bh2dHpUih_xHcrrBK2GMjLk1qiPYLlQHlQSyOtP5v9M&dib_tag=se&keywords=john+freeland&qid=1773150933&sprefix=john+freeland,aps,159&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl2&tag=mtbethelchurc-20&linkId=ef2e72efc330d2d9ecaa6c8ae1a380c9&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl)
Have a question from a recent sermon? Send it to goingdeeper@mtbethel.org (mailto:goingdeeper@mtbethel.org) and it may be discussed in a future episode.
17 Jun 2026
Episode 9: Noah, the Ark, and the One Door of Salvation
In this episode of Going Deeper, Jody, John, and Gaylyn discuss Noah’s ark and how this foundational Old Testament story points to Jesus.
They explore the deeper meaning behind the door of the ark, the pitch that covered it, and the rainbow as a sign of mercy and promise. This conversation invites listeners to see Noah’s story not only as judgment, but as a picture of God’s saving grace.
This episode reminds us that Scripture is one unified story—and from the beginning, God has been pointing us to the rescue found in Jesus.
Have a question from a recent sermon? Send it to goingdeeper@mtbethel.org (mailto:goingdeeper@mtbethel.org) and it may be discussed in a future episode.
19 May 2026
Episode 8: Alive in Christ… But Still Living Like the Tomb?
In this episode of Going Deeper, Jody and Gaylyn unpack Jesus’ statement, “I am the resurrection and the life,” and explore why many believers struggle to actually live in the freedom Christ has already secured.
The conversation addresses the difference between theological belief and lived experience, how old patterns and false identities keep us stuck, and why unresolved “grave clothes” can prevent us from walking in resurrection life.
This episode is an honest and practical look at what it means to live from freedom instead of from the tomb.
Have a question from a recent sermon? Send it to goingdeeper@mtbethel.org (mailto:goingdeeper@mtbethel.org) and it may be discussed in a future episode.
5 May 2026
Episode 7: Is Jesus the Only Way? Truth, Tension, and the Door to Life
In Episode 7 of Going Deeper, Jody and John tackle one of the most challenging and often uncomfortable questions in the Christian faith:
Does “I am the door” mean Jesus is the only way to God—and what does that mean for people of other faiths?
Drawing from John 10 and Jesus’ statement as the Door, this conversation explores both the exclusivity and inclusivity of the gospel—a truth that can feel difficult, but is central to the message of Scripture.
In this episode, they discuss:
Why the idea of “universal salvation” is appealing—and where it conflicts with Scripture
What Jesus actually meant when He said He is the door, not a door
The difference between rejecting people and standing on truth
How the gospel is exclusive in truth, but inclusive in invitation
Why belief alone isn’t the end—alignment with God leads to abundant life today
This episode also moves beyond theology into application, exploring why many believers don’t experience the abundant life Jesus promises—and how misalignment, sin, and misplaced priorities can quietly limit it.
This is an honest, thoughtful conversation about truth, grace, and what it really means to walk through the door Jesus has opened.
Have a question from a recent sermon? Send it to goingdeeper@mtbethel.org (mailto:goingdeeper@mtbethel.org) and it may be discussed in a future episode.
2 Apr 2026
Episode 5: Depression, Waiting, and Holding on to Hope
In this episode of Going Deeper, Jody, Gaylyn, and John reflect on the final message from the Broken Before God series, focusing on what it means to trust God in seasons of waiting and emotional struggle.
The conversation addresses the reality of depression, the difficulty of waiting on God, and how hope can be sustained even when circumstances don’t change. They discuss the importance of honesty before God, the role of community, and why waiting is often where deeper faith is formed.
This episode offers encouragement for anyone navigating a heavy or uncertain season of life.
Have a question from a recent sermon? Send it to goingdeeper@mtbethel.org (mailto:goingdeeper@mtbethel.org) and it may be featured in a future episode.
17 Mar 2026
Episode 4: Confession, Conviction, and Finding Freedom
In this episode of Going Deeper, Jody and John discuss the role confession plays in restoring our relationship with God.
Responding to questions from the Unbroken Before God sermon series, they explore the difference between conviction and condemnation, why naming our sin matters, and how confession leads to relational realignment with God.
The conversation also addresses when confession should involve another person and how pride, shame, and guilt can keep us holding onto burdens that God invites us to release.
Have a question from a recent sermon? Send it to goingdeeper@mtbethel.org (mailto:goingdeeper@mtbethel.org) and it may be featured in a future episode.
3 Mar 2026
Episode 3: Prayer, Suffering, and the Path to Wholeness
In Episode 3 of Going Deeper, Jody, Gaylyn, and Matt Lake reflect on questions that arose from Sunday’s message in the Broken Before God series.
Focusing on Psalm 6, the conversation explores how prayer shapes our hearts during seasons of suffering. They discuss why naming our struggles before God matters, how prayer reveals deeper issues beneath the surface, and the ways hardship can produce humility, dependence on God, and deeper faith.
This episode offers a thoughtful look at how honest prayer can lead us from brokenness toward the wholeness God desires for our lives.
Have a question from a recent sermon? Send it in to goingdeeper@mtbethel.org (mailto:goingdeeper@mtbethel.org) and it may be discussed in a future episode of Going Deeper.
10 Feb 2026
Episode 2: Wrestling with God, Identity, and Surrender
In Episode 2 of Going Deeper, Pastor Jody Ray, John Freeland, and Gaylyn Kelly explore the story of Jacob wrestling with God* in Genesis 32, focusing on how spiritual struggle often exposes deeper questions of identity and surrender.
Rather than asking how to fix a problem, this conversation invites listeners to ask what God may be forming in us through discomfort. Topics include the difference between conviction and condemnation, why unresolved struggles often return, and how naming who we truly are before God becomes the doorway to transformation.
This episode offers a thoughtful look at how God uses struggle—not comfort—to shape mature faith.
Have a question after this week’s sermon? Send it to our team here (mailto:goingdeeper@mtbethel.org) and it may be featured in a future episode!
*Sermon referenced: Rasslin' with God: The Grip of Grace (https://youtu.be/WC9XsGBVlBA)
29 Jan 2026
Episode 1: Repentance, Conviction, and the Path to Transformation
In the first episode of Going Deeper, Pastors Jody Ray and John Freeland respond to questions that came in after Sunday’s message*—creating space for honest questions and Scripture-centered conversation that helps shape deeper discipleship.
They explore what genuine repentance looks like in everyday life (and how it differs from guilt), how to discern conviction versus condemnation, and how worldly patterns can become so normal that we stop noticing them. They also offer practical next steps for moving from information to transformation through prayer, Scripture, and renewed thinking over time.
Have a question after this week’s sermon? Send it to our team here (mailto:goingdeeper@mtbethel.org) and it may be featured in a future episode!
*Sermon referenced: What is True Worship? | Romans 12:1-2 (https://youtu.be/opfhLOhh2Q8)
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