Sermons

Episode 161 - Looking back and Looking Ahead at New Years

December 30, 2025 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, Scott Kedersha • 1 Samuel 7:12, Joshua 4, Lamentations 3:22–23

As the year comes to a close, join the More Than Roommates team for a short conversation about what it looks like to look back and look ahead as we all seek to be more intentional in our marriages. The MTR team reflects on what God's Word says about rememberance and how that applies to our marriages. Discussion Questions: 1- Start, Stop, Continue- as you apply that idea to your marriage, what do you want to focus on in this new year? 2- How have you seen God move in the last year? What are you grateful for? 3- What is a place in your life you are still waiting to see God move?

Episode 352: Sex by Design Part 2 (feat. Juli Slattery)

December 29, 2025 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

We continue our conversation with clinical psychologist, author, and speaker Juli Slattery about sex. She answers some of the most asked questions on the topic of sex. Don’t miss this really helpful discussion!

The Greatest Gift (Christmas Eve)

December 24, 2025 • Jonathan Pokluda

Episode 160 - How to be Intentional during Christmas

December 23, 2025 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, Scott Kedersha • Romans 12:1–2

In the midst of a busy and often distracting Christmas season, this episode challenges couples to choose presence over just more presents. The More Than Roommates team offer practical, biblical encouragement to help you slow down, be intentional, and truly connect with your spouse and Jesus during the holidays. Discussion Questions: 1- When you think about this Christmas season so far, where have you been most distracted? Where have you felt most present? 2- What tends to pull your attention away from your spouse during the holidays (phones, stress, schedules, comparison, etc.)? 3- What does presence look like for you personally? What about for your spouse? 4- How can you intentionally create moments of connection in the days ahead—even if Christmas has already passed? Resources https://open.spotify.com/episode/0cdd6dhr7dibfzsxtkp26c?si=eb0da67cafe3453c

Episode 351: Sex by Design Part 1 (feat. Juli Slattery)

December 22, 2025 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

We get to speak to clinical psychologist, author, and speaker Juli Slattery about all things sex. She brings a wealth of knowledge to this subject and will help you wherever you’re at! Don’t miss this episode!

Does Your Life Glorify Christ

December 21, 2025 • John Elmore • Philippians 2:6–11, Luke 2:17

Pastor John Elmore reminded the church to grasp the gravity of Christmas, that Jesus, fully God and fully man, humbled Himself to come for us. He called listeners to receive Christ as the servant who willingly came to die and save sinners. Finally, he challenged believers to live transformed lives that glorify Jesus in everything we do and offering back to Him all that He has first given us.  Do you grasp the gravity of Christ? Have you received the gift of Christ? How will your life glorify Christ?  Life Group Discussion: What practices or rhythms help you slow down and truly reflect on the significance of the incarnation? Is there anything that makes it hard for you to ask Jesus for help or surrender control to Him? This week, what is one practical way you can “play your best for Him” in your everyday life?

Episode 159 Goodbye Scott.... kind of

December 16, 2025 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, Scott Kedersha • Philippians 1:3–6

Scott is changing jobs! This week, the team honors Scott as he transitions off Harris Creek's staff and shares the story behind his big vocational change—how he processed the decision, invited community, and listened to the Lord’s leading. The conversation offers couples a model for making major decisions with humility, unity, and intentionality. The MTR team also discusses the exciting future to come with the podcast! Discussion Questions for Couples 1- When you face a big decision, do you tend to move fast or slow? How does that impact your spouse? 2- What role does community currently play in your decision-making? What role should it play? 3- How do you personally respond to vulnerability—your spouse’s and your own? 4- Are there areas where you might be making decisions independently rather than mutually? Resources: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3aoouaaqqdcvjmdcmta8rz?si=300531668e90413f https://open.spotify.com/episode/1egtsr4ggzp5xzdmf9eq84?si=dc297b0593504473) https://open.spotify.com/episode/08igpo5gaifw89ctn4gr0p?si=645a22e186414697 https://open.spotify.com/episode/0zug5oogsrbns0tsanxqkt?si=c5eaeb98cbb24060 https://open.spotify.com/episode/0smzcqkayirbggpnwfblgm?si=9435f181e38f4668 https://open.spotify.com/episode/6wguxfpdsrldzkdkjd725r?si=c2bd60c0462440b3

Episode 350: Is Sarcasm a Sin?

December 15, 2025 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

How far is too far when it comes to joking around with friends? Are jokes and sarcasm ever ok, or it is a sin? For more, check out this episode!

True Joy Comes From Jesus

December 14, 2025 • Jonathan Pokluda • Psalm 98

True joy isn’t fragile happiness, it’s a settled gladness rooted in Jesus, often born out of waiting and disappointment. Psalm 98 shows that joy comes when we receive salvation, grows as Christ reigns in our lives, and lasts because God rules with righteousness. Because Jesus is the solution to our deepest brokenness, we can live with unshakable joy and hope, knowing how the story ends. Joy comes when we receive salvation Joy grows where Christ reigns Joy lasts in righteous ruling Life Group Discussion: What’s a season or “well” Jesus has pulled you out of, and how does remembering that shape your joy today? Who is someone you know that consistently lives with joy, and what do you notice about how they order their life? How does trusting God with justice and fairness change the way you respond when you’re hurt or wronged?

Episode 158 - Love and Respect

December 9, 2025 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, Scott Kedersha • Ephesians 5:33, Romans 12:10, 1 Peter 3:7, Genesis 3:16

In this episode, Scott, Derek, and Gabrielle explore the often-misunderstood ideas of love and respect in marriage, grounding the conversation in Scripture while sharing real-life stories from their own relationships. They unpack why spouses may long for different forms of affirmation and how understanding those needs can transform everyday connection. Resources - https://www.amazon.com/love-respect-desires-desperately-needs/dp/1591451876by Emerson Eggerichs  Discussion Questions: 1- When do you feel most loved or most respected by your spouse? Can you describe a recent moment? 2- Do you think you naturally communicate more love or more respect? How does your spouse typically receive it? 3- Have past misunderstandings ever come from giving your spouse what you value instead of what they value? 4- What is one simple action this week—public or private—that would communicate either love or respect more clearly?

Episode 349: The Proof for Christmas (feat. Lee Strobel)

December 8, 2025 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

We continue our conversation with Lee Strobel about his book “The Case for Christmas”. He uses his investigative mindset to prove that Jesus really was born in a manger. However, he also sheds light on parts of the story you may not previously know!

The Greatest Announcement

December 7, 2025 • Jonathan Pokluda • Luke 2:8–14, John 1:1–3, John 1:9–13, Malachi 4:2

Christmas isn’t just a nostalgic routine, we’re being reminded of the greatest announcement in history: the King has come, the King is Lord, and the King came to save us. Don’t tune out the miracle; respond, trust Him, and share the announcement that changes everything. The Announcement: The King is Here!  The Announcement: The King is LORD! The Announcement: The King came to save us! Life Group Discussion: If Jesus showed up in your everyday life today, at work, school, or home, how would you honestly respond to His arrival? Where do you struggle to trust Jesus’ authority, and what lies or fears make that hard? What’s one area of your life right now, stress, sin, fear, or pressure, where you need to turn to Jesus for rescue instead of trying to fix it yourself?

Episode 157 - The Silent Killer of Marriage: Busyness, Margin, and Mission Together

December 2, 2025 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, Scott Kedersha • Genesis 2:25, Ephesians 5:15–17, Romans 12:1–2, Matthew 16:25

Busyness may look normal, but it’s quietly draining your marriage emotionally, physically, spiritually, and sexually. In this episode, Scott, Derek, and Gabrielle unpack why most of our busyness is a choice, how to discern when to say yes or no, and practical ways to create margin, live on mission, and protect what matters most at home. Scriptures: Romans 12:1-2 Ephesians 5:15-17 Matthew 16:25 Genesis 2:25 Questions to Discuss: 1. What are some of the reasons you and your spouse are overly busy in your lives and schedule? 2. What is the cost of your busyness to your marriage and family? (i.e., health, money, intimacy) 3. Which of your current commitments are true needs and which are really choices that reflect your lifestyle preferences or fear of missing out? 4. Who in your community group or trusted circle needs to speak into your level of busyness and help you evaluate your commitments? Resources: Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-41-why-busyness-might-destroy-your-marriage/id1667102563?i=1000626790196 - Why Busyness Might Destroy Your Marriage (feat. Gary Thomas) Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-31-too-busy-to-get-busy-part-2-of-3-in/id1667102563?i=1000618456551 - Too Busy to Get Busy (Part 2 of 3 in a series on marital intimacy) Book - https://www.amazon.com/emotionally-healthy-spirituality-impossible-spiritually/dp/0310348498/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1dh13rm0lnxvy&dib=eyj2ijoimsj9.qp6wzttnvvpbb66bak0qhhbwrtckvjqlehv-aclfbneyvibqr9-16na8iqldfzvpjpsdmpfdq3mwtetgmvij3xktsyz_fqesebw5xzsx3kyswsuier0hgtgwbnyo-pbhhjlceibnigxmjre8ea0qc0t1szywfvfpzenenzhqhhefntb5ewiovknpr5afsvbwyrnb9dv1jzyqdvlz5bexbconfw7nmwtqdednbmiu_sm.rtui2fagavyhs0zob8b9q13z3hyzzwhlct6cnag2rss&dib_tag=se&keywords=emotionally+healthy+spirituality&qid=1763934173&sprefix=emotionall%2caps%2c163&sr=8-1 by Peter Scazzero Book - https://www.amazon.com/practicing-way-jesus-become-like/dp/0593193822/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=utf8&dib_tag=author&dib=eyj2ijoimsj9.kag1dgznr7vojahakwqrrpx-j6ccmifdllmrhvb8bujt5rwaicujsftmprxummlq4lh5gxntcy5vhtvor7cbzghohx7bkalyz7ycb9gifi62j26-ponowf2b7_x0344k_lagjodxrzgvdcv5rzodxeubapi6cqjyck6obuu80ohhfkipvhshwu91azcnwshxhlyyorxr3vgfurpfkqm9vmcdrq0ey02djvzedttff0c.-munj-fuf6b-zj2h2iuqypor1qju_iyuiqbjutp6xka, by John Mark Comer

Episode 348: Seeing the Supernatural (feat. Lee Strobel)

December 1, 2025 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

We have a conversation with Lee Strobel about the evidence for supernatural things. God will work to bring joy to the angry heart, and even visions of Heaven to the dying. God is living and active and there is proof for it!

He Is With Us and Yet to Come

November 30, 2025 • Jonathan Pokluda • Matthew 1:22–23, Isaiah 9:2, Luke 1:78–79, Haggai 2:7, Isaiah 7:14

Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:22–23, Isaiah 9:2, Luke 1: 78–79, Haggai 2:7, Isaiah 2:4, and Ephesians 2:14–17 Jesus has already come, He’s with us right now, and yet we still feel the ache of wandering, darkness, and chaos in a world that’s not fully restored. Advent reminds us to hold onto hope in that tension, trusting that the same Jesus who came once will come again to make everything whole. Jesus is with us in the wandering  Jesus is with us in the darkness Jesus is with us in the chaos Life Group Discussion: How does remembering Jesus’ first coming give you confidence and hope while you wait for His return? What kinds of darkness, personally or in the world, make you long for Jesus’ light the most? What would it look like for you to “wait, watch, and hope” for Jesus in the middle of the chaos you’re experiencing right now?

Episode 156 - Five Priorities for a Faithful Marriage (Inspired by Dr. Gary Chapman)

November 25, 2025 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, Scott Kedersha • 2 Corinthians 5:18, Matthew 6:33, Matthew 22:37–40, Proverbs 4:23, Psalm 127:2

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Derek, Gabrielle, and Scott share five priorities that shape a faithful life and marriage, drawing insight from Dr. Gary Chapman’s long obedience in the same direction. They walk through what it looks like to keep Jesus first, prioritize your spouse and kids, live on mission together, and aim to finish faithful to the very end. Questions to Discuss: 1. Who was your favorite teacher when you were growing up? Share with your spouse. 2. What does look like to be faithful for you right now in your current season of life? 3. When you look at your current rhythms, what (honestly) seems like your true first priority—Jesus, marriage, kids, work, comfort, or something else? 4. Which of the five priorities (Jesus, spouse, kids, mission, finishing faithful) do you sense the Lord highlighting most strongly for this season? Scriptures: MT 6:33 MT 22:37-40 PR 4:23 PS 127:3 2 Corinthians 5:18 Hebrews 12:1-2 2 Cor 4:2 Resources Book - https://www.amazon.com/love-languages-secret-that-lasts/dp/080241270x/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=utf8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyj2ijoimsj9.meeluacpu9pbspr3cmlrvwrxv0ovhhtwpk3scsptcwuvne1dg70pudwaclrzzhpqlrfspqsymw8qk06provwyzglckovaxpjnyykqlbhnhwivchw-jq11itfyc81jzqg7uqcuwgaybuqt2gptg0hdj5f-ibsndpqxztp_kr8ock3-lk-kr9bx9leylvb3zjapgd3jasb7bxgvd30hgendf_jkbiuyhn6qxa4ennvhq79pd6e5ucf1oee1gczmiabomsd70i7-z3pjsemdrrmf4vkschrl0fpdzuqwelrjt0.9p6uwpahebyozretkruuvd0oeoxgff8w-pda57kko-0&qid=1763651288&sr=8-2, by Gary Chapman

Episode 347: Sleep, Alcohol, Food, and Your Brain (feat. Dr. Amen)

November 24, 2025 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

In this episode we talk with world renown Brain expert, Dr. Amen. He gives insights on how to live in a way that your brain will like! Healthy brains lead to healthier lives!

Who is a Good Disciple?

November 23, 2025 • Jonathan Pokluda • Galatians 6

JP compared spiritual growth to physical therapy, most of us “get by” but don’t put in the work to get healthy. Galatians 6 shows what real disciples do: help others, confront sin, stay in the Spirit, and keep showing up. The ideal follower of Jesus prioritizes Him above everything else. Deliver the distressed Improve without comparison  Support the mission  Confront sin Influenced by The Spirit  Persevere in discipleship  Love all people, especially those here Exalt Christ alone Life Group Discussion: How do you balance helping others without taking on their burdens entirely? What habits or practices help you focus on your own growth? How can confronting sin bring freedom instead of guilt?

Episode 155 - More Blessed to Give: Learning to Be a Generous Couple

November 18, 2025 • Derek Davidson, Gabrielle McCullough, Scott Kedersha • 2 Corinthians 9:6–7, 1 Timothy 5:8, Luke 21:1–4, Acts 20:35

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Scott, Derek, and Gabrielle talk about what it looks like for couples to pursue generosity together—especially when fear, comparison, or family history make giving hard. They unpack biblical principles, personal stories, and practical ideas to help you build a thoughtful, cheerful, and faith-filled approach to money in your marriage. Scriptures: Luke 21:1-4 Acts 20:35 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 1 Tim 5:8 Questions to Discuss: 1. What keeps you from being generous with your finances as a couple? 2. When you think about being generous, what emotion rises up first—excitement or anxiety? Why do you think that is? 3. What will you and your spouse do if you differ in your views on generosity? 4. Where do you see a lack of faith showing up in how you handle money? Are you tempted to find security in a savings account more than in God’s provision?

Episode 346: Am I Doing Enough for God?

November 17, 2025 • Jonathan Pokluda, Kathy Davidson, Nate Hilgenkamp

In this episode we talk about the pressure of doing all of the right things in our relationship with God. How do we know if we are praying or reading the Bible enough? If you struggle with feeling guilt, this episode is for you!

Who is Leading You?

November 16, 2025 • Nate Hilgenkamp • Galatians 5:16–26

Nate reminded us that we’re all being led by something, and following the flesh only leads to anxiety, chaos, and ultimately destruction. But when we choose to walk with the Spirit, He grows real fruit in us, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Real change doesn’t happen overnight, but through daily steps of surrender as God builds roots that eventually produce fruit. The Spirit and the flesh are in conflict Acts of the flesh lead to death Walking with the spirit leads to fruit Life Group Discussion: Where do you most feel the “tug-of-war” between what your flesh wants and what the Spirit wants? When you look at the list of “acts of the flesh,” which ones tend to show up in your life, and how do they impact you? Nate said spiritual growth is often slow, like the bamboo tree building roots. Where do you think God might be growing “roots” in you right now?