We Answer Your Questions

“You’re not good enough to be baptized — none of us are. That’s the person who needs to be baptized.” – Pastor Matthew Johnson

In this Branch Podcast Q&A episode, Pastors Matthew Johnson, Anthony Casuccio, and Chris Reed sit down to respond to real questions submitted by listeners. The conversation moves from lighthearted beginnings to deeply spiritual discussions, exploring what it means to live out faith in everyday life.

The episode begins with humor and connection as the pastors share how they would preach without preparation and which staff roles they would trade for a week. But soon the tone turns reflective as they address questions on forgiveness, reconciliation, and what it looks like to apply Jesus’ words in Matthew 18.

Pastor Anthony reminds listeners that a Christian’s heart posture should always desire reconciliation. Humility and honesty are key - not to win an argument, but to restore relationships. Pastor Chris adds that gossip often complicates reconciliation, emphasizing that conversations must be motivated by love rather than frustration or pride.

A listener’s question about dietary laws and fasting leads to a discussion on biblical stewardship. The pastors agree that the Old Testament dietary restrictions were meant to set Israel apart, not to serve as a universal health guide.

Pastor Matthew notes that “stewardship” is the main biblical principle when it comes to how we care for our bodies. While the Bible doesn’t outline a specific diet, it calls believers to self-control and gratitude. Pastor Chris highlights how the Bible presents both fasting and feasting as healthy rhythms of worship - times of discipline and times of celebration.

When asked why modern Christians no longer celebrate Old Testament feasts, the pastors explain that Jesus fulfilled every one of them. The feasts pointed forward to the Messiah, and now Christians celebrate the reality those feasts foreshadowed.

Anthony clarifies that believers are not obligated to celebrate the feasts today, but doing so as a personal act of remembrance can still be meaningful. Pastor Chris adds that early Christians shifted their focus to new celebrations like communion and Easter, emphasizing Christ’s fulfillment of God’s promises.

The pastors also respond to a PG-13 question about sexuality and the topic of masturbation. Their discussion is both compassionate and grounded in Scripture.

Anthony explains that sex was designed by God as a self-giving act within marriage. When separated from that purpose, it becomes self-serving and misaligned with God’s design. Chris adds that accountability and honesty are essential when walking through temptation. Matthew emphasizes that the act itself is not inherently sinful - it’s the lust and objectification that make it harmful. Together, they encourage grace, redemption, and practical accountability within Christian community.

The conversation then turns toward salvation and those who have never heard the gospel. The pastors explore multiple theological perspectives:

• Exclusivism: Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
• Inclusivism: God may show mercy to those who respond faithfully to the truth they know.
• Mystery and Revelation: God reveals Himself through visions, dreams, and creation in ways beyond human understanding.
  
  

Chris points to God’s justice and mercy, reminding listeners that while Christians are commanded to share the gospel, they can trust that God’s compassion extends beyond what we can fully grasp.

When one listener admitted feeling unworthy to be baptized, Pastor Matthew responded with empathy and truth: baptism is not a reward for being perfect but a declaration of need for Christ.

“Do you need to be clean to take a shower?” Pastor Anthony asks. “No, the point of taking a shower is to get clean.” Baptism is a public step of surrender and renewal, symbolizing that God alone can cleanse and restore.

The discussion then moves to Hebrews 5, where Jesus is described as learning obedience through suffering. The pastors unpack the mystery of Christ being fully human and fully divine.

Anthony explains that Jesus willingly limited aspects of His divine power and knowledge to fully experience humanity. Chris adds that the incarnation reveals both Jesus’ humility and His complete obedience to the Father - showing believers how to trust God even in hardship. Matthew connects this to the idea of completion, noting that Jesus’ mission was perfected through His suffering and obedience unto death.

One of the most profound questions addressed in the episode is why a loving God allows suffering. All three pastors acknowledge that no intellectual answer can fully satisfy the heart that’s hurting.

Matthew shares that he finds peace by starting at the cross: “If God loved us enough to suffer for us, then even when we don’t understand our pain, we can trust His purpose.”
Anthony points out that God redeems pain and promises His presence in it, even when restoration isn’t immediate. Chris adds that suffering shapes faith - often producing maturity, dependence, and deeper compassion.

The final question explores the mysterious Old Testament figure of Melchizedek and his connection to Jesus. Pastor Matthew explains that Melchizedek, described as both priest and king, may have been an early revelation of Christ Himself - a Christophany.

Anthony expands on Hebrews’ teaching that Jesus serves as our eternal High Priest. His sacrifice was once and for all, not repeated like the offerings of the Levitical priests. The mystery of Melchizedek ultimately points to Jesus’ eternal priesthood and the permanence of His redemptive work.

Throughout the Q&A, the pastors demonstrate the heart of The Branch Podcast - to create space for honest questions and biblically faithful answers. Every response points back to the grace of Jesus, the wisdom of Scripture, and the reality that faith is a lifelong process of learning and trust.

The conversation reminds believers that even in confusion, doubt, or pain, God’s Word still speaks with clarity and hope.