Explore every episode of the podcast I'll Be Honest

In episode 12 of A Walk With Mr. O, Stuart Olyott encourages us to get our eyes off ourselves and serve the Lord by caring for others. A simple visit, an encouraging conversation, and time spent reading Scripture and praying together can bring comfort to someone facing life’s trials alone.

0:00 1 - We’re in Danger!

4:25 2 - Him and Them!

8:47 3 - I Really Want to Serve the Lord!

In Episode 11 of A Walk with Mr. O, Stuart Olyott discusses the importance of prayer, both alone with God and together with His people. Why is prayerlessness so common, and what does it mean to truly walk with God?

Through a conversation between an older and younger Christian, he explores personal devotion, Bible reading, singing Psalms, family worship, and the importance of praying together as a church. He also explains how Christ-centered preaching and a genuine love for the Lord can transform a congregation's prayer life.

If God cannot lie, why did He confirm His promise with an oath? This message explores how God’s unchanging purpose, promise, and oath give struggling believers strong encouragement. Our hope of heaven rests not on our own strength or performance, but on Jesus Christ—our anchor, forerunner, and guarantor. When doubts arise and faith feels weak, we can look beyond ourselves to the Savior who has secured our salvation.

How can a godly man fall into shameful sin—and is there hope for recovery? In this sermon from Luke 22, Nathan Rages examines Peter’s denial of Christ, the danger of self-confidence, and the small steps that lead to a great fall. Through Peter’s restoration, we see the power of Christ’s intercession, the necessity of faith and repentance, and the grace that enables fallen believers to strengthen others.

Can Christians enjoy sustained inner peace even in a stressful and troubled world? Nathan Rages examines three biblical promises of peace from Isaiah 26:2–4, John 14:27, and Philippians 4:6–7. This sermon considers the peace God gives to believers—peace that is complete, available through Christ, different from the world’s peace, and experienced as we resist anxiety, trust steadily in God, and bring everything to Him in prayer.

Can a man be a gifted and powerful preacher yet still be unqualified to lead Christ’s church? Examining the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3, this sermon warns against allowing preaching ability, popularity, or public influence to outweigh biblical character. An overseer must be above reproach—marked by self-control, gentleness, faithful leadership at home, a good reputation, and a teachable spirit. A man’s ability in the pulpit cannot compensate for the absence of a godly life.

Have you ever failed the Lord so badly that you wondered whether He was finished with you? Peter knew that crushing guilt, yet two simple words—“and Peter”—revealed the tender heart of the risen Christ. Jesus restores repentant sinners, but His grace is never permission to remain in sin.

What does the Bible actually teach about women learning, teaching, and exercising authority in the church? In this sermon from 1 Timothy 2:11–15, Jeff Peterson examines Paul’s instructions in their biblical context, showing that women are not inferior to men, but that God has established distinct roles and order within the church.

What happens when Christians begin carrying rules and burdens that Christ never gave them? From 1 Timothy 1 and 2 Corinthians 3, this message examines the right and wrong use of God’s law and warns against legalism, man-made traditions, and spiritual expectations that weigh believers down. The Christian life is not lived by the letter, but by faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Peter never imagined he could deny Christ—but his self-confidence left him unprepared for temptation. This sermon shows the danger of trusting ourselves and the mercy of Christ toward humbled, repentant sinners.

In this panel discussion, several brothers share what their private devotional lives look like, how they seek communion with God in Scripture and prayer, and how Christians should think about family worship, burnout, rest, and serving others without neglecting Christ or the home.

In this sermon on Acts 9:10-19, we explore the profound theological weight of two simple words spoken by Ananias: "Brother Saul". Moving from a bloodthirsty persecutor of the church to a welcomed member of God's family, Saul's conversion beautifully illustrates the radical grace of God. This message breaks down two life-changing realities stitched into Ananias's greeting: our complete adoption into the household of God and our full acceptance in the Beloved. Are you fully resting in the Father's love, or are you just sipping from the cup and lingering on the fringe of the Christian life? Discover what it means to stop acting like an outsider and fully embrace your secure position in Jesus Christ.

In this message, Mack Tomlinson takes us deep into Psalm 22—the autobiographical cry of Jesus on the cross. Discover the four specific agonies Christ endured during those dark six hours: abandonment, mental and emotional trauma, physical pain, and the trial of unanswered prayer. This isn't just a look at His intense suffering, but a glorious reminder of the ultimate triumph and the global family born from His sacrifice.

In this sermon on Revelation 3:14-22, we explore what it takes to experience spiritual recovery from lukewarm Christianity. It addresses the subtle ways believers drift into complacency, such as losing a sense of desperation for God, substituting religious activity for true intimacy, and tolerating sin without trembling. Through the historical context of the church of Laodicea and modern examples of faith, you will discover the symptoms of spiritual decline and the call to true repentance, complete surrender, and a renewed vision of Christ.

The Book of Job brings us face-to-face with the difficult truth of God's absolute sovereignty over both the good and the evil we experience. When severe adversity strikes, it is natural to ask "why?" Instead, this sermon challenges us to ask how we can use our suffering to bring God glory. We also look at Satan's role as a legalistic "prosecuting attorney" who operates on a transactional "skin for skin" worldview, using painful trials as a sting operation to tempt believers to curse God.

This sermon from Zechariah 3 shows the believer’s great hope in Christ when Satan accuses and conscience condemns. Though Joshua the high priest stands clothed in filthy garments, the Lord rebukes the accuser, removes his iniquity, and clothes him with clean robes. A powerful reminder that Christ defends, justifies, and intercedes for sinners who trust in Him.

Peter thought he knew his own heart better than Christ did. But pride made him resist the very words meant to prepare and humble him.

This sermon warns against letting feelings, pride, or personal ideas about God sit in judgment over Scripture. God’s Word does not need to be corrected by our emotions—we need to be humbled by it.

Why do pastors sometimes speak directly against false doctrine? In this Bible study from Titus 1, Jeff Peterson explains why elders are required to hold firm to sound doctrine, instruct the church, and rebuke teaching that contradicts the truth.

He also addresses the necessity of repentance, the danger of “free grace” teaching that denies perseverance, and why doctrines such as transubstantiation matter in light of the finished work of Christ.

A biblical sermon on modesty from 1 Timothy 2:9–10, showing that modesty is not mainly about man-made rules or outward control, but about godliness, self-control, dignity, and living for the glory of God in a fallen world.

In this sermon from Matthew 20:17–34, we see how Jesus responds to pride—not with harshness, but with humility, patience, and mercy. While His disciples argue over greatness, Jesus reveals a better way: true greatness is found in serving others and following Him to the cross. From proud ambition to blind desperation, this passage shows that Christ is both the humble King and the merciful Savior who opens blind eyes and transforms proud hearts.

In this sermon on Psalm 19, Ryan Fullerton shows how God speaks through both creation and Scripture, calling every person to hear His voice. He explains how the Word of God is perfect, powerful, and able to revive the soul, and he urges believers to cultivate real fellowship with God through Scripture, meditation, and prayer.

How does the wrath of God shape the way a Christian lives? This message explores how a right understanding of God’s wrath—seen in Scripture and ultimately borne by Christ on the cross—transforms the believer’s life. When Christians grasp the wrath they deserved and the grace they received, it humbles them, deepens gratitude for the gospel, and changes how they treat others. It reshapes marriage, softens the heart toward forgiveness, and removes the impulse to keep a record of wrongs. Seeing that Christ drank the cup of wrath for us produces patience, mercy, and humility in every relationship.

On the mountain, Jesus’ glory breaks through as Moses and Elijah speak with Him about the cross. A cloud descends, fear grips the disciples, and the Father declares, “This is My Son… hear Him.” This sermon calls us to see Christ rightly and to listen to Him above every other voice.

The stench of spiritual pride is seen in the rich young ruler’s confidence in his own goodness. He believed he had kept the commandments and needed only one final step to secure eternal life. But when confronted with the cost of true surrender, he walked away. His problem was not open wickedness, but a heart unwilling to bow. Spiritual pride smells like self-assurance that looks righteous on the outside yet refuses full dependence on Christ.

In Romans 14:13–23, Paul moves Christians beyond “don’t judge each other” to a more Christlike call: use your freedom in a way that protects other believers. This sermon explains how liberty can become a stumbling block—either by grieving a weaker brother or by pressuring them to violate their conscience—and why the kingdom of God is bigger than food, drink, and personal preferences. The takeaway: pursue peace, prioritize love, and practice wise restraint so the church is built up rather than divided.

Jesus didn’t only rise from the dead—He ascended, was enthroned, and reigns right now. This sermon looks at what Christ’s rule in heaven means for everyday believers: your assurance, your access to God in prayer, your strength in temptation, and your hope in suffering. Because He lives and reigns, His people are not abandoned—He is at work for them, and He will return in glory.

Jeremy Walker preaches from Psalm 109 and presses the simple, desperate petitions of verse 26—“Help me, O LORD, my God… save me according to Your mercy”—as language God gives His people for seasons when we are weak and our enemies are strong. He warns against formal, rote praying and calls the church (and the Christian at home) to recover urgent, needy prayer—turning the prayer meeting into a true “cry room,” laying hold of the God of heaven for the help He alone can give.

From Titus chapter 2, Stuart Olyott unfolds what it truly means to live as a Christian — not merely to be one. Using vivid illustrations from history and everyday life, he shows that the grace which saves also teaches, shaping believers to deny ungodliness, live righteously, look for Christ’s return, and remember the cross. A message that brings the Christian life into focus — grounded in Calvary and fixed upon Christ’s coming.

Isaiah 49 shows the Servant of the Lord—Jesus Christ—speaking and being spoken of as the merciful Shepherd who gathers sinners, frees prisoners, and leads His flock through a wilderness world. This sermon follows the promise that believers will “neither hunger nor thirst,” and will not be struck down by the heat, because the One who has mercy is personally guiding them by living waters. Drawing the line from Isaiah 49 to Revelation 7, it shows that Christ’s care now is a true foretaste of heaven: the same Shepherd, the same mercy, brought to full and final glory.

The world calls the cross foolish—but God saves through what looks weak. This sermon opens up Paul’s argument that Christ crucified is God’s wisdom and power, cutting down human pride so our faith rests on God, not on man.

Ryan Fullerton | Part 2 | After weeks in Matthew 19 and 1 Corinthians 7, Ryan Fullerton turns to Ephesians 5 and asks how a local church can actively help single Christians who desire marriage to find a godly spouse. This message walks through character, covenant, counsel, and practical wisdom on dating, showing how pastors, parents, and the whole congregation can support singles toward Christ-honoring marriages.

Matthew 19 and 1 Corinthians 7 raise honest questions about marriage, singleness, desire, and calling. In this sermon, Ryan Fullerton walks through Jesus’ words on “it is better not to marry,” the so-called “gift of singleness,” and how the church should love and honor singles, widows, and those who long to be married but are not.

A young man under deep conviction seeks spiritual help, but his uncle gives ruinous counsel—minimizing sin and soothing the very conscience God had awakened. Distressed by this false peace, he returns to his pastor, who warns him that such advice can hinder salvation. Guided back to Scripture and to a true sense of his need for Christ, the young man ultimately finds genuine hope. The sketch warns against comforting a sinner when God is calling him to repentance.

From the woman at the well in John 4 to Jeremiah’s “broken cisterns,” this sermon shows how Jesus alone gives living water that truly satisfies—spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally—so that your soul no longer has to chase the world for peace, purpose, and joy.

Is unforgiveness secretly blocking your prayers? In this message from Mark 11:22–25, we look beyond “Do I have enough faith?” and ask a deeper question: “Am I holding on to offenses?” Drawing from Jesus’ words on prayer and forgiveness, the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18, and the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6, we see how clinging to bitterness can turn our prayer life into “airplane mode” before God. True grace not only cancels our unpayable debt of sin, it produces a heart that forgives others from the heart. If your prayers feel like they’re hitting a brass ceiling, this sermon will help you examine your heart, let go of offenses, and seek the kind of forgiveness that leads to unhindered fellowship with God.

In this sermon from Mark 11:20–25 (Part 1), the preacher unpacks Jesus’ words about faith that moves mountains, exploring the tension between bold belief and humble submission to God’s will. Through vivid illustrations and honest wrestling with the text, we see how true faith leads to prayer that depends wholly on God, not self-sufficiency.

There is yet another form of backsliding that must be mentioned, especially since many in our present age have been overtaken by it: an eager and consuming involvement in political disputes.

The state of the world in recent times has stirred up the attention and conversation of people in every class of society. As one political party or another has gained success, people’s minds have become deeply affected—some filled with fear that their side will be defeated, others overflowing with excitement, as if a new world of freedom, peace, and universal happiness were about to begin.....

Another common form of backsliding is through love for the world.

It is not unusual for those who once seemed zealous, affectionate, and devoted to God to gradually lose their spiritual fervor once they become settled in life and absorbed in its daily responsibilities. As they pursue their business and personal goals, their heart for God fades, and they begin to care about little else except saving money.

This attitude is rarely condemned by society. In fact, as long as someone is fair in business, the world praises such conduct as wise. “Men will praise you when you do well for yourself.” They say, “He’s a careful man, a man who knows how to secure his future.”....

In a walk with a seasoned Christian mentor, a young leader asks for wisdom on three crucial areas of life: What is the single most important piece of advice for the next generation? How should a Christian approach the simple act of entering a room? And what is the wisest way to give counsel to someone in need?

Bob Jennings | January 22, 1997 | In 1 Corinthians 5:6, Paul urges believers to cleanse themselves of “the leaven of malice and wickedness” and to embrace “the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” Drawing from the Passover Feast in Exodus 12, Paul illustrates the Christian life as a spiritual feast characterized by honesty and integrity.

What does it mean to forgive “from the heart”? Walking through Matthew 18:21–35, this message shows the extent of Christian forgiveness (70×7) and the motive that makes it possible—God’s immeasurable mercy toward us. You’ll learn the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, why repeated forgiveness doesn’t erase church discipline, how personal mercy coexists with the state’s duty to punish evil (Romans 13), and practical ways to keep bitterness from taking root. Includes a striking modern example of public forgiveness and pastoral counsel for lifelong practice.

In this sermon excerpt, Jeff Peterson admits that at times his preaching may have been too harsh, leading believers to wrongly question their salvation. He asks forgiveness for this and makes clear that his desire is to encourage assurance, not doubt. He reminds his listeners that even weak faith, as small as a mustard seed, is God-given and sufficient to save.

Mr. O shares how our deepest yearnings point us to Christ, the reality of walking with Him day by day, and why true godliness isn’t something we can manufacture.

In this message from the book of Job, we look at the response of Job’s three friends who came to comfort him in his suffering. While they began with sympathy and silence, their words later failed to bring life or hope. We explore the difference between sympathy and empathy, the value of silence, and why kindness and listening are essential in counseling one another. Job’s experience challenges us not to become “dry riverbeds” when our brothers and sisters come to us for help, but instead to offer true compassion, patience, and love.

What does evangelical obedience really mean, and how does it shape the way we live out our faith? In this conversation with Mr. O, we explore obedience to Christ as a thankful response to the gospel, not mere duty or fear. The discussion touches on handling family conflicts with a Christ-centered compass, preparing for leadership in the church through Bible study, doctrine, and church history, and the reality of prayer—especially when we find ourselves asking the same thing again and again. A practical and heartfelt guide for Christians seeking clarity, direction, and encouragement in their walk with Christ.

This devotional study of Romans by Robert Charles “Bob” Jennings was written from his sermons between 1992 and 1994. Rather than being an academic commentary, it’s a Christ-centered guide meant to help believers understand Romans deeply and to point the lost to the Savior.

(0:00) Introduction

(2:10) 1:16-17 – Not Ashamed

(11:08) 1:18 – Wrath of God

(18:30) 1:18-20 – Reasons for Wrath

(26:48) 1:21-22 – A Short History of Man

(34:15) 1:23 – Wrath Revealed

(42:05) 2:1-2 – God Judges the Good Man Too

(45:57) 2:4-5 – What Will God Do With You?

(53:37) 2:6-11 – Deeds and Judgment

(1:01:09) 2:11-16 – No Partiality

(1:07:43) 2:17,29 – False Security of the Jew

(1:16:23) 3:1-8 – No Advantage?

(1:21:08) 3:9-20 – All Under Sin

(1:28:25) 3:19-24 – Getting Right With God

(1:32:19) 3:24-26 – Just God, Justifying the Unjust

(1:40:27) 3:27f – Law of Faith

(1:46:57) 4:1-8 – OT Example of Justification

(1:52:32) 4:9-12 – Rituals Don’t Save

(1:57:55) 4:13 – Blessing by Faith, Not Law

(2:04:45) 5:1 – Results of Faith

(2:12:08) 5:2 – Access by Faith

(2:15:45) 5:2 – Boasting in Hope

(2:20:46) 5:3 – Boasting in Tribulations

(2:27:38) 5:5 – Spirit’s Witness of God’s Love

(2:31:16) 5:6-8 – Love of God Demonstrated

(2:38:37) 5:9 – Much More — Saved From Wrath

(2:46:55) 5:10 – Much More — Saved by His Life

(2:52:31) 5:11 – Exulting in God

(2:59:08) 5:12-14 – Adam’s Sin, Death’s Reign

(3:06:29) 5:15 – Grace Abounding

(3:12:05) 5:16-17 – More Much Mores

(3:16:35) 5:18-19 – Obedience of the One

(3:22:13) 5:20-21 – Reign of Grace

(3:28:57) 6:1-2 – Continue in Sin?

(3:34:43) 6:3-13 – Dead, Yet Alive With Christ

(3:42:15) 6:12-14 – Therefore Do Not

(3:47:48) 6:14 – The Law and the Saint

(4:00:03) 6:15-18 – Two Slaveries

(4:03:44) 6:19-20 – Just As – So Now

(4:08:28) 6:21-23 – Outcomes of Slavery

(4:15:09) 7:1-6 – Dead to the Law

(4:21:00) 7:7-14 – What the Law Does

(4:28:52) 7:14-25 – A Wretch Needs a Savior

(4:33:57) 8:1 – No Condemnation

(4:39:33) 8:2 – New Dispensation

(4:45:11) 8:3-4 – Law’s Failure and Fulfillment

(4:51:11) 8:3 – Christ’s Temptation and Sin

(5:00:31) 8:5-8 – Righteous Requirement Fulfilled

(5:06:04) 8:9-11 – Indwelling Spirit

(5:13:12) 8:12-13 – Obligation to the Spirit

(5:26:18) 8:14 – Led by the Spirit, Proof of Sonship

(5:35:27) 8:16 – Witness of the Spirit

(5:50:42) 8:17 – Heirs Also

(6:00:52) 8:18 – Glory Revealed

(6:09:23) 8:26-27 – Spirit’s Help in Prayer

(6:17:15) 8:28 – All for Good

(6:28:23) 8:29 – Foreknowledge and Plan

(6:34:12) 8:29 – Predestination

(6:42:14) 8:31 – God For Us

(6:51:53) 8:32 – How Much God Is For Us

(7:02:32) 8:33-34 – No Charges

(7:10:52) 8:35 – Perseverance of the Saints

(7:22:26) 9:1-13 – Jewish Unbelief

(7:29:37) 9:14-16 – Election — Is It Fair?

(7:33:25) 9:17-24 – God’s Choices and Reprobation

(7:44:22) 9:24-33 – Gentiles Accepted, Jews Rejected

(7:49:55) 10:1-4 – False Zeal

(7:57:09) 10:5-13 – Justification by Faith

(8:05:46) 10:14 – Still Unbelief

(8:11:28) 11:1 – Jewish Rejection Not Absolute

(8:20:23) 11:7 – The Rest Hardened

(8:28:22) 11:12 – Failure and Fulness

(8:37:41) 11:33-36 – Greatness of God

(8:49:38) 12:1-2 – Living Sacrifice

(9:02:21) 12:3-6 – Self-Image and Gifts

(9:15:55) 12:6 – Gift of Prophecy

(9:42:54) 12:7 – Gift of Serving

(10:02:37) 12:7 – Gifts of Teaching, Exhortation, Leadership

(10:16:52) 12:9 – Primacy of Love

(10:25:14) 12:11 – Diligent, Fervent, Serving

(10:41:28) 12:12 – Rejoicing, Persevering, Praying

(10:57:06) 12:13 – Contributing, Hosting

(11:03:21) 12:14-21 – No Retaliation

(11:21:56) 12:15 – Identification

(11:42:34) 13:1 – Government (Part 1)

(11:55:09) 13:1 – Government (Part 2)

(12:14:17) 13:8 – Love Fulfills the Law

(12:32:43) 13:11 – Alarm to Sleepy Saints

(13:00:28) 13:14 – Put On Christ

(13:07:59) 14:1 – Accepting One Another

(13:32:11) 14:8 – Reasons for Receiving

(13:54:44) 14:17 – Acceptable Service

(14:14:42) 14:23 – Operating by Faith

(14:28:44) 15:1-3 – Self-Denial in Service

(14:43:23) 15:4 – Help from the Word

(14:58:18) 15:5 – Reasons for Unity

(15:11:20) 15:13 – Prayer for Abounding Hope

(15:22:53) 15:14 – Paul’s Boldness (Part 1)

(15:36:23) 15:15 – Paul’s Boldness (Part 2)

(15:45:46) 15:15 – Paul’s Boldness (Part 3)

(16:02:57) 16:1 – Paul’s Friends

(16:23:06) 16:17-18 – Separation

(16:44:07) 16:25-27 – To Establish You

Bob Jennings | Romans 15:4 | The Old Testament encourages believers today by playing a foundational role in shaping their lives. Its teachings, described in Romans 15:4, were written to instruct, inspire perseverance, and offer encouragement and hope. In this blog, we explore the ongoing relevance and impact of the Old Testament for Christians today.

Have you ever felt like your Christian life is nothing more than a checklist—Bible reading, prayer, church attendance—without joy or power? In this walk with Mr. O, we explore what it means to truly thrive in faith, not just perform duties. From the history of how believers lived without daily Bibles to the struggles of prayer, this conversation points us back to a living, joyful relationship with God.