The Pioneer Assembly

Why God's Love Matters - Advent Week Four

Why does God’s love matter? Why should it matter to you? In this final episode of the season, Bethany discusses the profound significance of God's love for anyone with a pulse, especially during Advent. She emphasizes that God's love is unconditional and eternal, providing a foundation for understanding our relationship with Him and others. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, she illustrates how God's love calls us to love unconditionally, even those who may oppose us. The conversation culminates with a call to pioneer well through love.
 
Takeaways
God’s love matters, b/c your salvation, your reconciliation to Him begins with His love.
God’s love matters, because it gives us a chance to know Him. 
God's love is not based on our actions or worthiness.
Without God’s love, we wouldn’t have the birth of Jesus.  
It’s not our job to comprehend God’s love. We are to extend it.

Joy, Shepherds, & Charlie Brown, feat. Isaiah Phillips - Advent Week Three

The topic of joy can only be had with a few good laughs. In this episode, Bethany and her daughter, Isaiah, discuss the theme of joy during the third week of Advent. They explore the biblical definition of joy, its connection to the Lord, and how it can coexist with sadness. After all, an honest Christian is one willing to choose true joy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of grounding joy in scripture, while also highlighting the responsibility of believers to choose joy in all circumstances. 
 
Takeaways
You can't have joy without the Lord.
Rejoicing is a choice and a responsibility.
Contentment is closely tied to joy.
Joy can exist alongside sadness.
The good news of the gospel brings joy.
It is our duty and privilege to rejoice in God, and to rejoice in him always; at all times, in all conditions. There is enough in God to furnish us with matter of joy in the worst circumstance on earth. Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice. If good men have not a continual feast, it is their own fault. - Matthew Henry, Bible Commentary
 
Scriptures mentioned:
Luke 2:10-12
Philippians 4:4-7
Isaiah 55:8-9
Nehemiah 8:10

Peace and Sword --> Both/And | Advent Week Two

Do you have peace with God? In this episode, Bethany explores the concept of peace which is the focus of week two in the Advent season. She emphasizes that Jesus came to be the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6) AND the bringer of a sword. (Matt. 10:34) He is both/and in our lives as He gives peace internally and eternally, even when peace isn't always our external reality.
The discussion highlights the importance of pursuing peace actively, ultimately leading to a meaningful relationship with God. At the end of your life, it won’t matter if you did all kinds of amazing things. What will matter is this: Did you have peace with God?
 
Takeaways
Peace with God is deeper than just salvation.
External circumstances do not define our internal peace.
“Life with God is not immunity in difficulties, but it is peace within the difficulties.” C.S. Lewis
Jesus is the Prince of Peace and the bringer of a sword: He is both/and.
The cross is central to achieving peace with God.
Scripture guides us in our pursuit of peace.
Peace is not about being right. Peace is about being right with God.
Scripture references in this episode: 
1 Peter 3:11
Isaiah 9:6
Matthew 10:34
Colossians 1:15-19
Isaiah 26:3
John 16:33
2 Thessalonians 3:16
2 Corinthians 13:11
Psalm 29:11 
Substack: https://pioneerassembly.substack.com/

Why is Hope so Hard? Advent Week One

In this episode, Bethany Barr Phillips introduces the Advent season, emphasizing its significance as a time of anticipation and reflection. She explores the traditional practices associated with Advent, and delves into the theme of week one which focuses on hope.
Encouraging listeners to choose hope even in difficult circumstances, Bethany highlights that hope does not disappoint as explained in Romans 5 by Paul. We may not like our circumstances, but we can trust that hope will drive us to another day, because hope is for the future to come. We don't hope for the sake of it. We hope because our souls believe in the One who has come. 
Takeaways: 
Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation.
“Hope means hoping when things are hopeless, or it is no virtue at all… as long as matters are really hopeful, hope is mere flattery or platitude; it is only when everything is hopeless that hope begins to be a strength.” G.K. Chesterton
Hope creates momentum.
Hope is believing for what is to come.
Real, authentic hope points you and your circumstance straight to Jesus.
 

The Simple and Sanctifying Work of Thankfulness

In this episode, Bethany explores the profound act that thankfulness has on one’s life. It’s not merely a response, it’s a choice that can lead to growth and sanctification in the life of a pioneer. By preparing your heart with thankfulness, you’ll be prepapred for the hard times and how to handle them. This is one that hits home as it lands on the life assessment of if you aren’t thankful, are you really that close to God?
 
Takeaways
Living from thankfulness allows us to approach God in the way that pleases Him.
God allows thankfulness to be simple so that all can participate.
When we find where we are lacking in thankfulness, we will find where we are lacking in being close to God.
Thankfulness helps us trust in God's plan.

What Destroys Your Focus?

One of the greatest detriments to our faith is our lack of focus, and where your focus lies will determine where your life is headed. In this episode, Bethany emphasizes the critical role of focus in one's faith journey. Misdirection, searching for the wrong thing, and distraction can lead pioneers away from their path, and she offers practical advice on how to maintain a clear focus on what's ahead. With personal moments and Scripture, let this episode remind you to regularly check your focus and make adjustments to align not a single path, but your life with God's way.
Don’t buy into the lie that what you see in front of you is greater that what you receive from God.
Where your focus lies will determine where your life is headed.
Misdirection can lead us away from God's truth.
Our treasure dictates our decisions and direction.
Distraction can distort our focus completely.
God will allow you to see when your focus is set on Him.

Allies and Enemies of Transition - Feat. Andy Phillips

Transitions can be daunting yet necessary for growth. In this episode, Bethany and Andy discuss transitions in life, emphasizing the importance of faith, resilience, and personal growth. The conversation highlights the challenges faced during transitions in life and jobs, such as fear and comparison, while also identifying allies and enemies of transition. They share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate these changes with trust in God, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace the unknown and find peace in uncertainty.
Takeaways
“Beward of harking back to what you once were when God wants you to be something you have never been.” - Oswald Chambers
Faith plays a crucial role in navigating transitions.
Are you leaning into the enemies or allies of transition?
Transitions prepare us for future opportunities.
It's vital to focus on the present and be faithful where you are.

Onward Still Trajectory... If faith is hard, this is for you

If faith is hard, this is for you.  In this episode Bethany explores the concept of pioneering your faith drawing inspiration from the life of Adoniram Judson, a missionary to Burma and the first foreign missionary from the United States. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, embracing suffering, and living out your faith in everyday life. The discussion highlights that true pioneering often occurs in our own communities and that success is not solely defined by visible achievements. Instead, it is about obedience to God's calling and the willingness to share the gospel, regardless of the challenges faced. If faith is hard, you aren't alone... Onward Still. 
 
Takeaways:
Pioneering is about commitment to a life trajectory.
Suffering can be a significant part of our journey.
Success is not always indicative of doing things right.
Adoniram Judson's life exemplifies resilience in faith.
The trajectory of our lives can be shaped by obedience.
Onward still is a call to keep moving forward in faith.

Field Notes vol.2 Day 5 - How to Live Fearless

As Field Notes vol. 2 wraps up, Bethany discusses the importance of faith in overcoming fear. She emphasizes the key statement: Faith in God will free you to live fearless. The conversation covers how to build faith through God's word, the necessity of knowing, believing, and living God's word, and the empowerment that comes from surrendering fears to God.
takeaways
The Bible says "Do not be afraid" 365 times.
God's word is a lifeline for overcoming fear.
You must know God's Word to withstand the enemy.
You live what you believe by faith.
The Word is your weapon against fear.

FIELD NOTES vol.2 - Day 4: Overcoming Insecurity

Day 4 discusses the pervasive issue of insecurity, emphasizing that it stems from finding our identity in anything other than God. Bethany highlights how insecurity can manifest in various forms and how it can control our actions and thoughts. The short time encourages listeners to build their confidence in Christ rather than in themselves, promoting the idea that true freedom comes from faith in God. Bethany calls on listeners to confront insecurities and embrace identity in Christ.
 
Takeaways
Finding identity in anything but God leads to insecurity.
Insecurity gives a false sense of control.
The world's way to overcome insecurity is self-confidence.
God's way to overcome insecurity is confidence in Him.
Pioneers keep moving forward despite their insecurities.