Extra Takes

Northland's Part in Redeeming Sports

Matt Shiles and Pastor Josh discuss the past weekend's sermon and the interviews of James Li and David Angeron finishing up the T.E.D. series for 2026. They discuss the contents of the interviews and the direction Northland is taking encouraging ministry through sports, and not letting the sport become a god.

Can Christians Glorify God Through Sports?

Matt Shiles hosts Pastor Josh in the studio to discuss the second in his 2026 T.E.D. series, "Faith and Sports". LIsten in as Matt asks Pastor Josh further about a "couch to 5k" progression and how that relates to our journey and experiences in sports as Christians. Pastor Josh spends time discussing how sports can become the focus of our lives, displacing time spent on developing our relationship with Jesus. Join us for this important discussion about a very culturally relevant subject, especially with the soccer World Cup tournament going at this time!

How Should Christians think about and engage with sports

Matt Shiles and Pastor Josh Laxton discuss this first installment of the 2026 T.E.D series, dealing with sports in our culture. Matt guides Pastor Josh through laying out the foundation for this series and diving into some finer points of the first sermon.

Learning The Right Way To Live In The World | Matt Shiles and Josh Laxton

Matt Shiles and Pastor Josh wrap up the 2026 Genesis series after the final sermon from Genesis 34. Matt guides Pastor Josh through a discussion of how Jacob found out that the world isn't fair, and living a life according to God's plan isn't easy. They discuss keeping a clear faith and not letting culture rot away the values that God has set out for us. Join us for this Genesis 2026 wrap up edition of Extra Takes!

God Is The Ultimate Reward | Matt Shiles and Josh Laxton

Matt Shiles welcomes Pastor Josh into the studio this week to talk about how God used Jacob even though Jacob didn't seem like the best fit.  In this episode of Extra Takes, Matt continues guiding Pastor Josh to dive into what we learn from Jacob's missteps. Listen in as Pastor Josh upacks this valuable lesson from Genesis 32.

Life Isn't Fair?! | Matt Shiles and Josh Laxton

Newly credentialed Matt Shiles, MCS welcomes Pastor Josh into the studio to discuss the weekend's sermon on these later chapters in Genesis, 30-31 where Jacob finds out that life isn't fair. Then Jacob learns that it's not cool to try to get revenge on those who have wronged you because God says, "Vengeance is Mine." Jacob is learning to do things according to the plans of God. Be sure to stay until the end to find out Pastor Josh's method for clearing his mind from difficult topics (Like his daughter graduating from High School). Enjoy this episode of Extra Takes!

Wrong Love Wars But Right Love Restores | Matt Shiles and Josh Laxton

Matt Shiles dials up Pastor Josh on Zoom to discuss this weeks sermon from Genesis 29 and 30. LIsten in as Pastor Josh speaks about how much there is to this passage, and how it can be disturbing when people find it in the Bible. Matt guides Pastor Josh through the process of wrestling a topic like this down to produce a sermon that will be effective in getting the idea across that this story isn't just a tale from thousands of years ago, but a lesson that still is relevant today. Sit back and enjoy this interesting conversation about the difference between right and wrong love!

Heaven's Dream becomes a Heathen's Reality | Matt Shiles and Josh Laxton

Matt Shiles welcomes Pastor Josh into the studio to discuss his latest sermon involving messy people and God's missional purpose. Genesis 28 about where God is redeemed Jacob, is redeeming Jacob, and one day will fully redeem Jacob. Matt walks Pastor Josh through explaining this process and how it relates to our walk toward redemption through Jesus. 

LOVE AT FIRST....FAITH? | Matt Shiles and Josh Laxton

Learn about some new plans Pastor Josh has about apparel, then listen in to a challenging discussion of this week's sermon from Genesis 24. Matt Shiles leads Pastor Josh through a discussion of what how marriage isn't about "completing me", but finding a mate to do mission with, then further how these early chapters of the Bible actually predict and support what comes later in the bible. Listen in for an informative, impassioned discussion from Genesis! 

Don't Skip The Footnotes! | Matt Shiles and Josh Laxton

Matt Shiles welcomes Pastor Josh into the studio to discuss the usefulness of footnotes, and determine the reasons behind a work, or event. Pastor Josh further explains his use of footnotes in his dissertation and relates that to the story of Abraham and Sarah in the Old Testament. How, although, the story looks like a footnote, it's the explanation of why God moved the way that He did in the story. Join us for this informative episode of Extra Takes!