The Branch

Have you ever sensed God calling you to something while feeling afraid at the same time? On this episode of The Branch, Pastor Matthew Johnson is joined by Pastor Chris Reed and Pastor Anthony Lombardi for an honest conversation about being empowered by the Holy Spirit. You will hear them walk through Peter's story, from denying Jesus to preaching at Pentecost, and what it teaches about willpower and the Spirit's power. They talk about past failures, the difference between fear and disobedience, how to know when God is calling you, and how the Holy Spirit works in ordinary, everyday moments. The episode closes with practical advice for anyone feeling that tension this week, including telling someone, asking for prayer, and taking the first step. Watch the full conversation on YouTube at https://youtu.be/BhaMb-TxXtU

In this episode of The Branch podcast, Pastor Chris Reed sits down with Pastor Matthew Johnson to revisit Sunday's message from Romans 8. Together they talk about suffering, God's plan for our lives, and how the Holy Spirit prays for us when we don't have the words. You'll hear both pastors share honest stories from seasons when God felt distant. Chris describes pain as a fog that hides what we know to be true. Pastor Matthew explains how praying in tongues fits into his devotional life. They also discuss why Romans 8:28 promises that all things work toward good, and why a loving God sometimes says no. The episode closes with practical help for anyone who is hurting. That help includes honest prayer, journaling, listening for God, praying the Psalms, and bringing mature believers alongside you. Watch the full conversation on YouTube https://youtu.be/hmRZo6gU84k

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by anxiety, even when you know God is good? In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastor Anthony Lombardi rejoins Pastor Matthew Johnson and Pastor Chris Reed for an honest, personal conversation about finding peace when the storm does not seem to end. Listeners will hear the three pastors open up about their own seasons of unsettledness, wrestling with anxiety, and learning what it means to trust God even when their emotions do not line up with what they know to be true. The conversation covers the Holy Spirit as Comforter, Helper, and Advocate, the difference between sympathy and empathy when supporting someone who is struggling, and how gratitude and obedience can carry believers through seasons that last far longer than they would like. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/houroFRgfJA

Pastor Chris Reed and Pastor Matthew Johnson dig deeper into Matthew's recent sermon on hearing God's voice. They talk through why believers still need the Spirit's specific guidance beyond scripture's general wisdom, the difference between seeking a sign and seeking His voice, and what to do when God feels silent. Matthew shares personal stories along the way, including a pivotal early testimony from his ministry that shaped how he listens for God's leading today. If you have ever wondered whether you are really hearing from God, this conversation offers a grounded, practical place to start. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kt7sTHF2P2A

Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit nudge you to do something, but talked yourself out of it before you could act? That quiet prompting to pray for someone, to reach out, to step into something uncomfortable, that is the Holy Spirit at work. In this week's Branch Podcast, Pastor Anthony Lombardi rejoins Pastor Matthew Johnson and Pastor Chris Reed for an honest, personal conversation about learning to recognize, trust, and cooperate with the Holy Spirit rather than relying on themselves. They open up about their very different spiritual upbringings and how each of them worked through skepticism, insecurity, and self-reliance to arrive at a healthier, Spirit-dependent way of living and leading. 🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Erklj2xRwek