The Utmost Podcast
The Utmost Podcast Episode 17
June 21, 2023 • Pastor Andrew Betts, Kody Lankford • 1 John 1
Pastor Andrew and Kody talk about June 22 1941 - Operation Barbarossa and the book by Rees Howells, "Intercessor". Pastor Andrew brings the CDC's "Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System" a report talking about and the increased risk to anxiety, depression, and how it is affecting the youth. They discuss what happens when a culture completely abandons the truth. They finish by reading from 1st John Chapter 1 : 1-10
The Utmost Podcast Episode 16
June 12, 2023 • Pastor Andrew Betts, Kody Lankford • Ephesians 6:1–9
With Father's Day just around the corner, Andrew and Kody talk about their upbringing, specifically, Kodys dads lack of hair and Andrews's father Pastor Rick. Andrew and Kody dive into a study about the effects of having an involved father in the house. The positive effects are profound, from more Emotional Stability to Better Grades in School and a lower likelihood of drug involvement. Historically we have the origins of Flag Day in the United States and its evolution through history finally landing on the one we know today on July 4th, 1960. With this final iteration came the meaning behind the colors of the US Flag. White - Purity, Innocence. Red - Valor, Heartiness. Blue - Vigilance, Perseverance. All aspects of a good Father. The fatherly theme continues with Ephesians 6, The first 9 verses that deal with honoring your parents to leave a long and prosperous life as well as how fathers are to raise their children,
The Utmost Podcast Episode 15
June 4, 2023 • Pastor Andrew Betts, Kody Lankford • 1 Timothy 2
Episode 15 starts with Kody talking about his recent trip to Georgia. The conversation moves to horses where Andrew brings up his experience riding Camels. Andrew and Kody discuss the Johnstown Flood and how that tragedy was the inception of The United States' reputation of always willing to help in any disaster. The conversation moves to the duo talking about a recent survey about how and when people pray. The findings include that 85% of people do pray or have prayed in the last year. Included are questions about how often, for how long, and with who people pray. Kody then brings up an upcoming movie called The Blind starring the cast of Duck Dynasty. Kody and Andrew dive into the first half of 1st Timothy 2. Centering around prayer we are commanded to pray for all people, so we may live peaceably.
The Utmost Podcast Episode 14
May 22, 2023 • Pastor Andrew Betts, Kody Lank • John 15:12–17
No hat Kody, Rainy weddings, Electric vehicles EV’s and the first speeding arrest in us history. Memorial Day weekend and how we remember the people who have died protecting us and our country. Facts from the Revolutionary war, valley forge, the War of 1812 and that the Star spangled banner was written in Baltimore. The Podcast is finishes by going through John 15:12-17
The Utmost Podcast Episode 11
April 24, 2023 • Pastor Andrew Betts, Kody Lankford • 1 John 3
Today Pastor Andrew and Kody have a discussion of "The American World View Inventory for 2023" published by the Cultural Research Center by Dr. George Barna. They then finish today's episode reading from 1 John chapter 3.
The Utmost Podcast Episode 8
April 3, 2023 • Pastor Andrew Betts, Kody Lankford • 1 Peter 4
In Episode 8 of the Utmost Podcast Kody and Andrew discuss Easter week and dive into 1 Peter 4. Kicking things off is a discussion surrounding Easter egg hunts and if one can ever truly grow out of them. For our look back in history we have The Pony Express and how it was only in operation for about 2 years before the telegraph made the network mostly irrelevant. Next is a discussion of Brother Yun an exiled Chinese Home Church leader and his harrowing journey leading a God-centered life and ministry in China. On the subject of China, the country has announced a population decline for the first time in decades and is trying to get more people to have kids. The country is even going so far as the restrict abortions and sterilizations in some cases. 1 Peter 4 is the main subject of the Bible study with Kody and Andrew discussing how to live a life set apart from that of the world and ultimately even being persecuted for our belief and how that can ultimately glorify God.
The Utmost Podcast Episode 7
March 27, 2023 • Pastor Andrew Betts, Kody Lankford • John 13
In Episode 7 of The Utmost Podcast Kody and Andrew discuss everything from Jimmy Carter to "How Much is Enough" and a lot of other news. Later they dive into John 13 and talk about the End Times. We start with the news of Jimmy Carter's hospice care and his decision to live out his final days at the ranch he built in the early 1960s. For the day in history, we have the birth of John Tyler and his legacy as president along with some rather interesting facts about our 10th president. Next Andrew talks about an article on how to avoid ministry burnout: https://www.christianpost.com/news/three-things-faith-leaders-can-do-to-protect-their-mental-health.htmlhttp://www.christianpost.com/news/three-things-faith-leaders-can-do-to-protect-their-mental-health.html John 13 is up next and Andrew puts into perspective how Jesus discussing the eventual destruction of the temple would be a serious event given the size and grandeur of that holy place. And we end with talk of being ready for the end times and the second coming of Jesus.
The Utmost Podacast Episode 6
March 20, 2023 • Pastor Andrew Betts, Kody Lankford • Joshua 24
In this episode Pastor Andrew and Kody decide to start the podcast with food and the relation to TV shows. Other discussions on today's episode monkeys, elections ,international elections, Joshua 24 and Patrick Henry.
The Utmost Podcast Episode 5
March 13, 2023 • Pastor Andrew Betts, Kody Lankford • 1 Thessalonians 4
In Today's Episode of The Utmost Podcast, we dive into some news and 1st Thessalonians 4. The big news is coming out of China where a new app named SmartReligeon affects millions of Christians nationwide. Users are required to give all their personal information and are required to make "reservations" in order to attend church. This is supposedly done in the name of "safety" but this story seems to have darker implications. In some more hopeful news, a new Congressional Family Caucus has been created with the goal of "Preserving the Natural Family, one man and one woman committed to each other for life." The proponents of this even quote the Bible in Deuteronomy 6 which says "diligently instruct your children to love God and to obey His commandments." In sports, this month of course is March Madness, and Pastor Andrew reminiscences of a fun story from his college days. Going back in time we have This Day In History March 13, 1925, was arguably the most famous trial involving the Bible. The Scopes trials aptly referred to as the Scopes Monkey Trial, was a court case in which lawyers argued as to whether the Bible was meant to be interpreted literally. As for 1st Thessalonians 4, we get into the teachings of Paul where he urges the church to abstain from immorality and to not try and take advantage of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Instead, we are instructed to live a quiet peaceable life and let God handle the rest.