📖 What if the Book of Acts isn’t just history, it’s the blueprint for revival today?In this first episode of a two-part deep dive, Nolan and Pastor Skyler crack open the Book of Acts to prepare for a new series at The Garden. This isn’t just an intro—it’s a compelling look at what made the early church powerful, messy, and unstoppable.You’ll learn:Why Acts is the right book for this cultural momentThe real identity of Theophilus (and how he’s like modern gospel patrons)How church persecution, holy chaos, and revival often go hand in handWhat it cost (literally) to write the New Testament—and why giving still mattersHow Luke wrote with Spirit-filled precision and historic credibility🎙 Whether you’re a Bible nerd, a church skeptic, or someone wrestling with your calling, this episode will ignite your vision for what the Church can be.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM | 12:30 PM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here
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35:59
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35:59
Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? Or Is It Demonic?
Should Christians celebrate Halloween or is it demonic?In this episode of Skeptics and Saints, Nolan and Skyler take a deep dive into the theology, history, and cultural meaning of Halloween. From ancient Roman festivals where Christians were killed for not bowing to false gods, to neighborhood trick-or-treating in Spider-Man costumes, the conversation spans everything from first-century martyrdom to modern-day conscience.They unpack: • Why early Christians were called “atheists” • The difference between spiritual, meaningful, and communal holidays • What to do when Christians disagree over participation • Whether celebrating Halloween compromises your witness or creates one • The dark side of legalism and disunity in the ChurchRelevant Scripture:1 Corinthians 8–10, Colossians 2:16–17, Romans 14, Ezekiel 37Whether you’re lighting a candle for Reformation Day, carving pumpkins with your neighbors, or staying in with the lights off, this episode gives you a thoughtful, gospel-centered way to navigate the season.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM | 12:30 PM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here
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1:09:23
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1:09:23
Meet Pastor Skyler
After a short break, Skeptics & Saints is back! 🙌 In this powerful episode, Nolan sits down with longtime friend Skyler Elmer, who just joined The Garden Church as a Teaching Pastor.Skyler shares his incredible story — from being an atheist who mocked Christians, to finding faith, to becoming a pastor and teacher of God’s Word. Together, Nolan and Skyler reflect on their early days of basement Bible studies, hard lessons from ministry, and the importance of humility, prayer, and quick obedience in leadership.They also unveil something big: The Garden’s new vision for an in-house Bible college and seminary — training disciples, pastors, and future church planters to handle God’s Word with both depth and devotion.🔥 Topics Covered:- Skyler’s journey from atheism to faith- Lessons from ministry: humility, prayer, obedience- Why The Garden is building an in-house seminary- The danger of shallow theology & progressive drift- How the Holy Spirit leads in real, tangible ways- The future of biblical training in the local church🙏 Pray For:Skyler, Stephanie, and their kids as they settle into life and ministry at The Garden.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com 🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM | 12:30 PM📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZ Facebook: The Garden Church 🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen Here Spotify: Listen Here
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1:04:14
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1:04:14
How do I reach my friend who doesn’t do church?
⁉️ Yep, we’re asking the question: Who is the church really for? The seasoned saints? The skeptical outsider? 🤨⚡This conversation will break down into three parts:1️⃣ What Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14 about building up the unbeliever2️⃣ Why Spirit-filled and Bible-rooted aren't enemies but essential allies3️⃣ How to invite your friends to church with confidence and compassionIn this episode, we dive deep into how church can be a space that speaks to both the convinced and the curious. 📖🔥🎧 Tune in and let’s rethink how we do church—for the lost, the skeptical, and the called.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:45 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected:Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZFacebook: The Garden Church🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here
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14:46
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14:46
Is the Church For Non Christians?
⁉️ Yep, we’re asking the question: Who is the church really for? The seasoned saints? The skeptical outsider? 🤨⚡This conversation will break down into three parts:1️⃣ What Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14 about building up the unbeliever2️⃣ Why Spirit-filled and Bible-rooted aren't enemies but essential allies3️⃣ How to invite your friends to church with confidence and compassionIn this episode, we dive deep into how church can be a space that speaks to both the convinced and the curious. 📖🔥🎧 Tune in and let’s rethink how we do church—for the lost, the skeptical, and the called.🌎 Learn More: www.thegardenaz.com🕒 Sundays at 8:00 AM | 9:45 AM | 11:30 AM📲 Stay Connected:Instagram: @thegardenazYouTube: @TheGardenChurchAZFacebook: The Garden Church🎙️ Skeptics & Saints Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here 📖 The Garden Church Sermon Podcast – Apple: Listen HereSpotify: Listen Here
The Skeptics & Saints Podcast is where we dive deep into the questions that skeptics and saints alike are asking. From controversy to theology, from culture to apologetics, this podcast is going to engage in real conversations to challenge skeptics toward faith and saints towards further growth. We tackle tough topics, explore Scripture, and wrestle with the realities of following Jesus in a world full of brokenness. If you’re looking for thought-provoking discussions, you’ve found the right place.This is a podcast by The Garden Church in Surprise Arizona for Skeptics and Saints to consider the claims of Jesus.
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