Welcome back to UNTIED, where we unravel the knots of life with faith, wisdom, and encouragement! This episode, we're back in the Sermon on the Mount, digging into one of Jesus' most personal teachings: prayer.

From Matthew 6:5-15, we explore what Jesus says about how — and how not — to pray, breaking down His instructions verse by verse (vv. 9-10, 11, 12-13) and unpacking the "do nots" found in verses 5, 7, 13, and 15. As part of Jesus' broader teaching on righteousness in Matthew 5:20, we'll see how prayer, alongside almsgiving, reveals the heart behind our walk with God.

Plus, we kick things off with "What's Been Cooking?" — catching up on life, ministry, and what's on the grill — before wrapping up with practical takeaways you can carry into your own prayer life this week.

Grab your Bible and join Garrett and Corey as we untie tradition and embrace truth, one conversation at a time.

Scripture referenced: Matthew 5:20; Matthew 6:5-15; Matthew 6:9; Matthew 6:14-15; Matthew 18:1-20; Romans 8; Romans 12:12; Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 John 3-4; 1 John 5:14-15

UNTIED PODCAST

Season 4, Episode 10 — Alms

Recording Date: June 9, 2026 | Post Date: June 11, 2026

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Welcome to Season 4, Episode 10 of the UNTIED Podcast! This week, Garrett and Corey unpack one of the most practical teachings from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount — Alms. Drawing from Matthew 6, they explore what it looks like to give generously, quietly, and with the right heart. Plus, catch up on what's been happening in life, ministry, and on the grill before diving into the text together.

WELCOME

"Welcome to the UNTIED Podcast, where we unravel the knots of life with faith, wisdom, and encouragement—because together, we're here to untie from tradition and embrace truth through powerful Bible teaching!"

SEGMENT 1 — What's Been Cooking?

Garrett and Corey kick things off with their signature catchphrase and check in on life — what's been happening in ministry, at home, and yes… on the grill?

• What's going on in your life?
• What's happening in your ministry?
• And most importantly — what's been on the grill?!

SEGMENT 2 — The Sermon on the Mount: Alms (Matthew 6:1-4)

This week's teaching dives into Jesus' instruction on giving — specifically the practice of almsgiving. As part of His broader Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges His followers to examine the motive behind their generosity.

Study Breakdown: The Six Contrasts of Matthew 5 (Background)

Jesus sets up His teaching on righteous living beginning in Matthew 5:20 with the thesis: our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. He works through six contrasts between external religion and heart-level discipleship:

• Contrast #1 — Anger (vv. 21-26)
• Contrast #2 — Adultery / Lust (vv. 27-32)
• Contrast #3 — Divorce (vv. 31-33)
• Contrast #4 — Vows / Oaths (vv. 33-37)
• Contrast #5 — Revenge and Love (vv. 38-48)
• Contrast #6 — Vengeance (vv. 43-48)

Moving Into Matthew 6 — Alms

Jesus now turns from how we treat others to how we practice righteousness before God. The focus: don't do your giving to be seen by men. True generosity flows from a heart surrendered to God, not from a desire for human applause.

• The warning against giving to be seen (Matthew 6:1)
• The right way to give — in secret (Matthew 6:2-4)
• The promise: your Father who sees in secret will reward you

SEGMENT 3 — Takeaways

What does this passage mean for us today? Garrett and Corey land the plane with practical, honest application:

• What is the motive behind your generosity?
• Are you giving to be noticed — or giving because you've been changed?
• How does heart-level discipleship reshape the way we handle money and resources?

BIBLE TEXTS REFERENCED

• Matthew 5:20-48 — The Six Contrasts
• Matthew 6:1-4 — Alms
• 1 Peter
• 1 Thessalonians 1
• 1 John

UNTIED Podcast is part of the ExcelPod Network | excelstillmore.net

Hosts: Garrett Bernethy & Corey Sawyers

Welcome

"Welcome to the UNTIED Podcast, where we unravel the knots of life with faith, wisdom, and encouragement — because together, we're here to untie from tradition and embrace truth through powerful Bible teaching!"

Segment 1 — Catching Up

What's been cooking — in life, in ministry, and on the grill?

Segment 2 — Deep Dive: Matthew 5 | The Sermon on the Mount

This week, we continue our study through Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, focusing on Contrasts #5 and #6 from Matthew 5.

Series Thesis: Matthew 5:20

#PassageTopic

1. vv. 21–26, Anger — and its dangerous stages
2. vv. 27–32, Adultery and Lust
3. vv. 31–33, Divorce
4. vv. 33–37, Vows and Oaths
5. vv. 38–48, Revenge and Love
6. vv. 43–48, Vengeance

Supporting Texts Referenced: Exodus 21:34; 22 (Self-Defense) · Leviticus 24:20 · Deuteronomy 19:21 · Romans 3:10, 23; 12–13; 13:8 · 1 Corinthians 5–6 (Lawsuits); 5:40 · Galatians 6:10 · 1 Thessalonians 3:10 · 1 Peter 2:12

Segment 3 — Takeaways

What does this mean for us practically — in our homes, relationships, and daily walk with Christ?

Closing — Garrett Signs Off

• Have a question or comment? We'd love to hear from you!
• If this episode blessed you — Like, Follow, Share, and Subscribe!
• UNTIED is available on all major podcasting platforms.

UNTIED Podcast | Season 4, Episode 8 — Vows & Oaths Posted: May 28, 2026

In this episode, Garrett and Corey continue the Season 4 deep dive into Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, working through Matthew 5 and arriving at the fourth contrast Jesus draws between the religious traditions of His day and the heart of true righteousness.

After catching up on what's been happening in life, ministry, and (inevitably) the grill, the episode turns to Matthew 5:33–37 — Jesus' teaching on vows and oaths. Building on the thesis of Matthew 5:20, each contrast in this section of the Sermon raises the bar beyond external rule-keeping to matters of the heart. Here, Jesus challenges the culture of oath-making that had developed around the Law, where people used elaborate swearing formulas as loopholes for honesty. His instruction is straightforward: let your yes be yes, and your no be no.

To get there, the episode traces the full biblical arc on oaths, from Old Testament commands in Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Numbers, to wisdom literature's warnings in Ecclesiastes, to the way Paul himself carefully qualifies his own speech in his letters. Jesus' own silence before the High Priest in Matthew 26 and the religious leaders' misuse of oath-taking in Matthew 23 are also examined.

Key themes: integrity of speech, the root of deception, what it means to take God's name seriously, and why Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard than oath-bound promises.

Scriptures referenced in this episode: Leviticus 19:12 · Deuteronomy 23:21 · Numbers 30:2 · Ecclesiastes 5:4–5 · Matthew 5:33–37 · Matthew 23:16–22 · Matthew 26:63–64 · 2 Corinthians 1:23–24 · Romans 1:9 · 1 Thessalonians 5:27 · Philippians 1:8 · 2 Timothy 4:1 · Exodus 22:9–10 · Numbers 5:19

(Earlier segments also reference: 1 Corinthians 8–10; Romans 15:1–2; Matthew 18; James 3:1–10; Job 31:1; 1 John 2:16, 3:15; John 8:4; 1 Corinthians 7:10–11; Matthew 19:1–10; Romans 7:1–8)

Have questions or comments? Garrett and Corey would love to hear from you — reach out directly. And if this episode was helpful, please like, follow, share, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

UNTIED is available on all major podcasting platforms.

UNTIED Podcast with Garrett Bernethy Season 4, Episode 7 — "Anger & Lust, Part 2"

In Part 2 of this powerful series, Garrett and Corey continue through Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, diving deeper into two of the most raw and relevant issues every believer wrestles with: anger and lust. Building on the thesis of Matthew 5:20, this episode unpacks what Jesus really meant when he raised the standard beyond outward behavior and pointed straight at the heart. From the different stages of anger in verses 21-26 to the sobering teaching on adultery and lust in verses 27-32, this conversation brings the words of Jesus into honest, practical focus for everyday life. Supported by texts ranging from Job 31 and 1 John to Romans 7 and the historical context of Jewish divorce law, this episode will challenge you to think carefully about what it means to follow Jesus not just in your actions, but in your thought life as well. If Part 1 got you thinking, Part 2 will take you even further.

Bible texts used during the show:

Part 1: 1 Cor. 8-10; Rom. 15:1-2; Matt. 18; James 3:1-10

Part 2: Job 31:1; 1 John 2:16; 3:15; John 8:4; 1 Cor. 7:10-11; Mishnah Gittin 9:3; Matthew 19:1-10; Romans 7:1-8

Study Breakdown:

Thesis: Matthew 5:20

Contrast #1 - vv. 21-26, Anger and the different stages of it.

Contrast #2 - vv. 27-32, Adultery or Lust

Welcome to Season 4, Episode 6 of the UNTIED Podcast! Join Garrett Bernethy and the crew as they continue their study through the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the powerful and convicting words of Jesus in Matthew 5 concerning anger, purity, and the condition of the heart.

Jesus challenges His listeners to move beyond surface-level righteousness and examine the deeper issues within. In this episode, we explore how anger can grow into destructive sin, how lust corrupts the heart, and how disciples of Christ are called to pursue holiness from the inside out.

“Anger & Lust”

A study of Matthew 5 and the deeper righteousness demanded by the King.

“Welcome to the UNTIED Podcast, where we unravel the knots of life with faith, wisdom, and encouragement—because together, we're here to untie from tradition and embrace truth through powerful Bible teaching!”

Before diving into the study, the guys catch up on life, ministry, preaching, family, and whatever has been cooking lately—both spiritually and on the grill! Expect some laughter, encouragement, and real-life conversation before opening the Bible together.

This week’s study continues through Matthew 5 and Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In this section, Jesus exposes the danger of external religion that ignores the heart.

The religious leaders of the day focused on outward appearances, but Jesus reveals that true righteousness begins internally. Anger, bitterness, lust, and impure desires are not small issues—they are spiritual problems that separate people from God and damage relationships with others.

Thesis Text — Matthew 5:20

Jesus teaches that righteousness must exceed the superficial righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. The kingdom of God demands transformed hearts, not merely outward compliance.

Anger and the Stages of the Heart

Jesus moves beyond the command, “You shall not murder,” and addresses the root behind destructive behavior—anger. In this discussion, we examine:

• The progression of sinful anger
• Bitterness and unresolved conflict
• The destructive power of words
• Why reconciliation matters to God
• The danger of contempt toward others
• How anger damages both worship and relationships

The conversation also explores practical ways Christians can pursue peace, humility, and reconciliation in a culture fueled by outrage and division.

The study also introduces Jesus’ teaching concerning lust and purity, emphasizing that sin begins long before actions are carried out externally. Christ calls His followers to guard both mind and heart.

What does this teaching mean for Christians today?

In this segment, the discussion centers on:

• Learning to control anger before it controls us
• Practicing reconciliation quickly
• Speaking with grace and wisdom
• Guarding the heart from sinful desires
• Pursuing holiness in thought and action
• Reflecting the character of Christ in everyday relationships

Jesus reminds us that true discipleship is not simply avoiding sinful actions—it is becoming people whose hearts are transformed by God.

• First Corinthians 8–10
• Romans 15:1–2
• Matthew 18
• James 3:1–10

Thank you for listening to the UNTIED Podcast! We hope this study encourages you to pursue a deeper righteousness that begins in the heart and honors Christ in every area of life.

Please send in your questions or comments—we would love to hear from you!

Be sure to Like, Follow, Share, and Subscribe.

Available on all major podcast platforms.

Season 4 Episode #5 - Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus' View of Scripture & Thesis

Show Theme: Welcome to Season 4 Episode 5, Jesus' view of Scripture & Thesis

Welcome: "Welcome to the UNTIED Podcast, where we unravel the knots of life with faith, wisdom, and encouragement—because together, we're here to untie from tradition and embrace truth through powerful Bible teaching!"

Segment #1 - Welcome to Season 4, Episode 5. What’s been cooking?

• In your life, in your ministry, and on your grill?!

Segment #2 - Looking at the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5 in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, as we look at His view of scripture and His thesis

• Please send in any questions or comments; we would love to hear from you!
• Please, Like, Follow, Share, and Subscribe
• Found on all podcasting platforms.

Bible texts used during the show:

Ezra 7:10; Matthew 6:1, 33; 16:19; 18:18; Hebrews 1:1-2

Study Breakdown:

vs. 20, The thesis of the sermon.

UNTIED Podcast with Corey Sawyers & Garrett Bernethy

Season 4, Episode 4: Salt & Light

A Study of the Sermon on the Mount

Join Corey and Garrett for another engaging episode filled with meaningful conversation about life, food, ministry, and, most importantly, God’s Word.

In this week’s episode, we turn our attention to Matthew 5:13–16, exploring Jesus’ powerful teaching on being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. What does it truly mean to influence the world around us? How do we live in a way that reflects Christ in both character and action?

Together, we unpack the depth and responsibility of this calling—challenging ourselves and our listeners to live lives that preserve truth, shine brightly, and point others to God.

We hope this episode encourages and strengthens your walk with Christ.

UNTIED Podcast — Untie from tradition and embrace truth through powerful biblical teaching.