If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s more going on than what we can see—but don’t want fear, hype, or strange answers—this conversation is for you. Pastor Mateen shares a thoughtful biblical perspective on the spiritual world so you can approach these questions with confidence instead of anxiety.

• What Scripture actually says about angels, demons, and spiritual beings
• Why Christians shouldn’t ignore the spiritual world—or obsess over it
• How God’s authority gives believers confidence instead of fear

Chapters

02:24 Mateen’s Story: From the Occult to Following Jesus

08:15 What Does the Bible Actually Say About Spiritual Beings?

13:15 Should Christians Be Afraid of Demons?

21:33 Can Christians Be Demon Possessed?

29:16 What Should You Do If You’re Still Wrestling With These Questions?

ind Your Place To Belong At First Pres: https://firstprescos.org/belong

Watch More Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnLY-c1KPtO7a_Zw4LIVbMhbevfOMgApx

If you believe in Jesus but death, hell, or the afterlife still make your stomach drop, this episode is for you. Emmy sits down with Matt Holtzman to talk honestly about fear, grief, heaven, hell, Scripture, and the kind of hope that does not rush past the hard questions.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why honest questions about death do not make you a bad Christian
• How Scripture, mystery, and pastoral care can hold together when answers feel incomplete
• One low-pressure next step if grief, doubt, or fear has been feeling too heavy to carry alone

Matt brings his experience as a caring ministries pastor who has walked with people through grief, final days, doubt, and fear.

Your next step: bring one real question into the light with someone you trust, and find people who can walk with you at First Pres.

Chapters:

00:00 Why Christians still fear death (and why it's okay to ask)

04:09 What do you say to someone who's afraid to die?

08:12 Can you really be sure what happens after death?

16:14 Holding faith and mystery together without pretending

24:21 What if you're afraid of hell—or for someone you love?

29:27 Your next step if grief, doubt, or fear feels overwhelming

Find Your Place To Belong At First Pres: https://firstprescos.org/belong
Watch More Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnLY-c1KPtO7a_Zw4LIVbMhbevfOMgApx

If you’ve wondered whether prayer really matters in everyday life, this episode is for you. This conversation offers an honest look at why prayer can feel hard, what it changes, and how to take a real next step without pretending.

Why prayer can feel slow, silent, or confusing
What prayer changes even when your situation stays hard
How to begin again with honesty instead of pressure