The Pioneer Assembly

FIELD NOTES vol.3 BONUS: Why did Jesus rise from the grave?

"When Jesus died on the cross, so did your sin; when He rose from the dead, so did your hope." (Max Lucado)  Jesus rising from the grave is essential to the Christian pioneering journey, and yet, many don't truly understand why or what He accomplished. In this Field Note, host, Bethany Barr Phillips, answers two questions:
Why did He rise?
What did it do?
It's not enough to simply talk about the resurrection. We must understand that without it, we there is no reason for hope in the life of a pioneer. Don't miss this clarifying episode willing to give concrete reasons why Jesus rose from the grave and what it actually does for the life of all who believe. 
Takeaways
Jesus’ death was the perfect sacrifice that reconciles us to God.
Jesus’ resurrection paves the way for our resurrection from the dead and eternal life with Him forever in heaven.
Jesus rose to validate everything that was said about Him and everything that He said about Himself.
The resurrection sets Christianity apart from all other religions. We worship and serve the only God that is ALIVE.
“We live and die. Christ died and lived!”   —John Stott
 
 
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FIELD NOTES vol. 3 - Why Does the Cross Matter?

Many talk about the cross, but have you stopped to think why it matters? If we really lived like the cross matters, then maybe the world would look different. In this Field Note, Bethany Barr Phillips discusses the profound significance of Jesus's death on the cross.
She outlines three key reasons why the crucifixion matters: (1) It allows for a full relationship with God, (2) highlights our inability to save ourselves, and (3) emphasizes that we cannot pay for our own sins. The discussion also touches on the love of God revealed through the cross and the importance of sharing this message with others.
Takeaways
Without the cross, Christianity lacks its core message.
Believing in Jesus means accepting the full weight of the cross.
"[Christ's] death is the foundation of our hope, the promise of our triumph." - Billy Graham
J.I. Packer: “The cross of Christ is a revelation of the love of God, for it reveals what that love is prepared to suffer for the one loved.”
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Chapters
00:00 - The Significance of Jesus's Death
02:00 - Understanding Our Relationship with God
04:24 - The Need for Salvation
06:46 - The Power of the Cross

FIELD NOTES vol. 3 - Jesus & Judas: What does the betrayal matter?

When Jesus called Judas as a disciple, he knew this was going to be the road …And He was willing to let him sit at the table anyway. In this field note, Bethany explores the complex relationship between Jesus and Judas, as she invites you to wrestle with the thought of betrayal among fellow believers. Jesus welcomed Judas to the table despite his sin, and He does the same with us. The discussion will encourage you to reflect on your own life and the possibility of redemption, regardless of past mistakes.
Takeaways
Jesus still called Judas knowing he would eventually betray him.
Betrayal can come from those closest to us. 
Judas witnessed miracles yet chose betrayal.
Jesus welcomed Judas to the table despite his sin.
Christ's love is transformative AND redemptive. Our past does not disqualify us from redemption.
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Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Judas' Betrayal
02:01 - The Significance of Judas' Role
04:56 - The Table of Grace
07:11 - Redemption and Forgiveness

FIELD NOTES vol. 3 - 10 Bridesmaids: Why does preparation matter?

Why does preparation matter in our faith life? Because what we don't prepare for, we could possibly miss. It's not popular language in today's faith circles, but being prepared for Christ's presence is a responsibility and privilege for every believer.
In this Field Note from the Pioneer Assembly, host Bethany Barr Phillips explores the significance of Tuesday of Holy Week, focusing on the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids. She emphasizes the importance of being prepared for Jesus' return and invites listeners to reflect on their faith and commitment. The conversation will encourage and challenge you to be willing to prepare even when it's not popular. 
Takeaways
He doesn’t require a resume of service activities, but He does want us to be ready at all times.
There are consequences for being unprepared.
As followers of Jesus, we must be prepared for His return at any time.
“When He returns is not as important as the fact that we are ready for Him when He does return.” A.W. Tozer
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Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Holy Week and Its Significance
01:47 - The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids
05:03 - Preparedness for Jesus' Return
07:00 - Invitation to Faith and Commitment
 
 

FIELD NOTES vol. 3 - The Money Changers: What will you tolerate in your faith?

What are you willing to tolerate in your faith? In this second Field Note answering the question “Why does it matter?” in Holy Week, Bethany Barr Phillips explores the theme of tolerance in a person’s faith. The day after Jesus enters Jerusalem on what we call Palm Sunday, He drives the money changers from the Temple courts. It was about much more than simply placement or anger.
Bethany discusses the significance of Jesus driving out the money changers from the temple, emphasizing that it was not just an act of anger but a call for purity in worship. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the distractions and sins we tolerate in our lives, encouraging listeners to seek repentance and strive for pure worship.
Takeaways
What are we willing to tolerate in our faith?
Tolerating distractions can pollute our worship.
Don't tolerate what disrupts your relationship with God.
If we tolerate the presence of distraction or discord, we are no better than those money changers.
“The issue is not whether there should have been moneychangers; it is whether it was valid to turn much of the outer court into a place emphasizing commerce rather than worship.” - Craig Keener
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BOOK MENTIONED: IVP Background Commentary, Craig Keener
 
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Tolerance in Faith
01:00 - The Significance of Holy Week
02:08 - Jesus and the Money Changers
04:40 - The Impact of Tolerance on Worship
06:21 - Repentance and Pure Worship
 

FIELD NOTES vol. 3 - Hosanna: Help & Hope

Have you ever wondered: Why does it matter? Why does the significance of Holy Week matter in the current culture? Vol. 3 of Field Notes tackles this question, & in this first episode, Bethany Barr Phillips explores the significance of Palm Sunday and why it matters today. It's not enough to go through another season of remembrance and allow it to have no significance. 
Bethany defines the shout of “Hosanna!” & reflects on the importance of the cross, the duality of human nature in expressing hope and despair, and the need for divine intervention in our lives. Through personal anecdotes - like the time she caught a turtle & panicked - and scriptural references, Bethany encourages listeners to embrace their faith and seek help from God during this reflective season.
 
Takeaways
Our flesh is capable of anything when we are choosing to it over the hope and help of Jesus.
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem symbolizes hope and the need for help.
We need to acknowledge our need for God's intervention.
“Hosanna!” is a cry of help and hope.
Jesus chose humility in his entrance, making him accessible to all.
 
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00:00 - Introduction to Field Notes and Holy Week
01:52 - The Significance of Palm Sunday
07:41 - The Call to Hosanna: Hope & Help

Can I Have Faith and Have Doubts? The Honest Truth About Doubt

Have you ever felt terrible about doubting God? Have you ever lied about having spiritual doubts, so you covered it up with words like "praise" or "wisdom"? In this episode, Bethany Barr Phillips explores the complex relationship between doubt and faith. Just because you doubt doesn't mean you're a bad believer, it might just mean you are an honest one.
She challenges the notion that doubt is inherently negative and encourages listeners to confront their doubts honestly. Through personal anecdotes and insights, she provides practical strategies for navigating doubt, highlighting the importance of a community like the Pioneer Assembly and truth in overcoming it. Ultimately, she reassures that doubt does not disqualify one from being a good Christian, but rather can be a catalyst for deeper faith and understanding. 
 
LINKS: 
Pioneer Assembly Substack 
Pioneer Assembly Book Club
Pioneer Assembly Instagram
Bethany's Website for Booking
 
Great Resources for Doubters: 
Searching For Enough - Tyler Staton
Impossible Christianity - Kevin DeYoung
 
TIME STAMPS
00:00 - Understanding Doubt: A Natural Response
09:20 - Navigating Doubt: Strategies for Overcoming
14:14 - Embracing Faith Amidst Doubt

How to Pioneer When you Feel Unprepared

Thomas Aquinas once said: “No one then can prepare himself for grace…” So How do you pioneer something you feel like you know NOTHING about? Meet Demetrius Hicks. Demetrius is a church planter pioneering in Orlando, Florida, where preparation most often happens through grace in the moment.
In this episode, Bethany Barr Phillips sits down with Demetrius to explore divine preparation (the grace you can't see), the challenges of church planting to encourage people towards faith, and the importance of authenticity for a believer. “The people of God must be distinguished by the presence of God,” Hicks unwaveringly declares. They discuss the convicting reality of the need to return to the heart of the gospel amidst a post-COVID landscape. How a person pastors under the banner of “leadership” won’t matter if they aren’t willing to pioneer back to the heart of the matter. Don’t miss this episode to be encouraged and strengthened if you feel unqualified for the path in front of you.
Authenticity in ministry is crucial in today's world.
The presence of God should distinguish the people of God.
The Gospel is NOT an ice cream shop: We don’t get to pick and choose HOW we want to live it.
Discipleship involves wrestling with questions and uncertainties.
The Bible is meant to be engaged with relationally, not superficially.
Hope is is a person, not a thought pattern.
Demetrius Hicks:
https://www.instagram.com/demetriushicksmusic/
https://newcreationorl.org/
 
Chapters
00:00 Intro and Connection
02:03 Pioneering in Church Planting
06:18 Challenges of Church Planting
08:17 The Importance of Authenticity in Ministry
10:08 Exalting Jesus in Church Leadership
12:49 The Distinction of God's Presence
13:19 The Pursuit of God's Presence
15:57 The Gospel is NOT an Ice Cream Shop
16:22 Navigating Personal Faith and Community
18:01 The Tension of Leadership and Discipleship
19:47 Returning to the Core of Christianity
22:38 The Journey of Faith and Understanding
 

Unknowns Aren’t Without Purpose - Kim Bain

Are you willing to trust the Lord with your unknown as much as your future? If you have ever found yourself in a season of minimal clarity and maximum uncertainty, this episode of for you. In this engaging conversation, Bethany Barr Phillips sits down with Florida native and long time friend, Kim Bain, to discuss the purpose of the “unknowns” in life, those “in between” seasons.
They explore how personal experiences shape responses to uncertainty and the significance of faith in trusting through the hard seasons. Those seasons often involve transition from one thing to another, and recognizing that each person’s path is different will allow you to see a clearer purpose in it all. They highlight that while the journey may not always lead to immediate rewards, it ultimately leads to spiritual growth which glorifies God. Don’t miss this one — The unknown isn’t without purpose. The in-betweens aren’t without promise. 
 
Pioneering into the unknown requires trust in the Lord and His purpose for your life, or you will find yourself lost.
The Lord doesn't expect you to separate your your humanity from your Christianity. He knows your fears, but calls you to go anyway. 
Fortifying our responses to challenges is essential for growth.
We are better off knowing the presence of Jesus MORE than His plans.
Being open to change can lead to unexpected blessings.
We must be willing to wait on the reward and waiting faithfully means living in active obedience.
 
05:01 - Pioneering into the Unknown
10:07 - Navigating Life's Transitions
19:55 - Fortifying Our Responses
25:03 - The Role of Community in Unknowns
25:46 - Navigating the Unknown: Biblical Perspectives
28:30 - The Purpose of the Unknown in Our Lives
31:40 - Active Obedience in Times of Uncertainty
36:15 - Encouragement and Community in the Unknown

Season 2 - How Comfortable are You in Your Faith?

How comfortable are you with honest or challenging conversations? In this first episode of Season Two of the Pioneer Assembly, host Bethany Barr Phillips emphasizes the need for honest and challenging conversations in faith, encouraging listeners to embrace their roles as pioneers in their spiritual journeys. After all, if faith is comfortable for you all of the time, then are you really living in faith?
This episode explores belonging, purpose, and the challenges of faith, reminding listeners that they matter and have a place in the kingdom of God and here at the Pioneer Assembly. This season will be one of gathering and community. The Pioneer Assembly: A place to gather for those called to go.