Clair, who leads our Outreach and Prayer Ministries, delves into the prophetic words of Isaiah 9, which foretell the coming of a child who would change everything. This isn't just any peace we're talking about – it's the deep, transformative shalom that only God can bring. We're challenged to move beyond our typical ways of seeking peace through escapism or numbing, and instead lean into the Prince of Peace himself. The four promises in Isaiah's prophecy – light shining in darkness, joy springing up in gloom, breaking the yoke of oppression, and burning the instruments of war – all find their fulfillment in Jesus. As we prepare our hearts this Advent season, we're invited to receive this child-king and allow Him to bring His peace into every area of our lives. It's a reminder that true peace isn't found in circumstances, but in a person – Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

In this episode, Pastor Tyler interviews Dr. Sharon Miller for a deep dive into the complexities of control in our spiritual journey. Dr. Miller is co-pastor of Bright City Church and author of "Free of Me," "Nice," and "The Cost of Control," She shares her incredible insights into how control and faith intertwine for Christians, especially in today's uncertain world.

🌿 What's Covered in This Episode:

--Discover how the pursuit of control can shape our relationships and spirituality.

--Learn about the "false gospel" of control and how to shift towards genuine faith.

--Gain practical tips on balancing influence within God's boundaries.

--Hear Sharon's personal journey through family, church leadership, and overcoming the societal pressures of control.

✨ Key Takeaways:

1. The surprising link between anxiety and control.

2. How to recognize the cost of control in your life and relationships.

3. Embracing faith amidst uncertainty and the call to let God lead.

🔗 Connect with Sharon Miller:

--Follow her on Instagram: @SharonHMiller

--Tune into her podcast: "The Resilient Pastor" featuring delightfully insightful conversations.

If you find it helpful, share it with someone who needs encouragement today.

Thanks for tuning in! 🙏 Let’s journey together towards transformation and healing.

Pastor Brice takes a deep dive into the prologue of John's Gospel, uncovering profound truths about Jesus Christ. The message reveals how John artfully connects Jesus to both the Creation story and the Exodus, painting a picture of Christ as the Word, the Light, and the catalyst for new creation. We're challenged to consider the magnitude of these claims: Jesus as fully divine, eternally existent, and the source of all life. This isn't just ancient theology; it's a call to recognize that God hasn't abandoned us in our darkness. Instead, He's entered our world, offering us unshakable hope and a bright future. As we navigate the ups and downs of the Christmas season, we're invited to let our moments of despair serve as reminders of the glorious future God has prepared for us. This message encourages us to choose hope, not as mere optimism, but as a powerful act of faith and endurance.

Pastor Tyler delves into Philippians 2:5-11, uncovering the profound truth of Christ's self-emptying love. This passage, known as the 'Christ Hymn,' reveals how Jesus, despite being fully God, chose to humble Himself and become human for our sake. We're challenged to adopt this same mindset of Christ - one of selflessness and joy in serving others. The message reminds us that true joy isn't found in worldly power or success, but in following Jesus' example of radical self-surrender. As we navigate the sorrows and challenges of life, we're encouraged to choose joy deliberately, not as a fleeting emotion, but as a steadfast attitude rooted in our faith. This choice to embrace joy, even in difficult circumstances, becomes an act of faith and a powerful testimony to the transformative power of Christ in our lives.

In the final part of our Generosity series called GREAT GAIN, we are challenged to examine our relationship with money through the lens of faith. The central theme revolves around Jesus' teaching in Matthew 16:24-26, where He calls us to take up our cross and follow Him. This passage isn't just about spiritual devotion; it's a radical call to trust God with every aspect of our lives, including our finances. We're reminded that true contentment and 'great gain' come not from accumulating wealth, but from godliness and generosity. The message draws fascinating parallels between our financial habits and our spiritual health, suggesting that how we handle money reflects our trust in God. Are we clutching our purses tightly, or are we open-handed, ready to give as God leads? This perspective shift invites us to see generosity not as a burden, but as a path to freedom from anxiety and a way to participate in God's kingdom work. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to ask ourselves: Do our bank statements reflect a life of faith and trust in God's provision?

In part 2 of our newest series, GREAT GAIN, Pastor Brice challenges us to reexamine our relationship with money through the lens of Christ's teachings. The central theme revolves around Jesus' warnings about greed and the love of money, as found in Luke 12:15 and 1 Timothy 6:6-10. We're reminded that Jesus, as the Creator and owner of all things, speaks about money not to restrict us, but to free us from its grip. The message beautifully illustrates how our desire for wealth can become a 'special temptation,' opening doors to various other sins. By understanding Jesus' teachings as coming from the most generous being in the cosmos, we're invited to shift our perspective and find true contentment in Christ rather than in material possessions. This insight is particularly relevant in our modern world, where success is often equated with wealth. As we reflect on this message, we're encouraged to ask ourselves: Are we serving God or money? How can we cultivate a heart that values Christ above all else?

In our new series GREAT GAIN, we're challenged to examine our relationship with money and generosity through the lens of godliness. The story of the rich young ruler in Luke 18 serves as a stark reminder that possessions can possess us, hindering our spiritual growth. We're asked to consider: do we possess our possessions, or do they possess us? This narrative invites us to reflect on what we might need to 'lack' in order to fully embrace the kingdom of heaven. The message emphasizes that true godliness often requires us to loosen our grip on worldly security and trust more deeply in God's provision. As we contemplate this, we're encouraged to open our hands and hearts, asking God how He wants us to use the gifts He's given us for His kingdom purposes.

In the final sermon of the series "WITH", we're reminded of the profound importance of childlike faith and how it relates to our spiritual journey. The key scripture comes from Mark 10, where Jesus says, 'Let the little children come to me.' This isn't just about kids – it's about all of us embracing a childlike approach to faith. We're challenged to consider how our childhood experiences, especially trauma, can shape our perception of God and others. The message draws fascinating parallels between attachment theory and our spiritual lives, suggesting that our early relationships profoundly impact our ability to connect with God. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to allow Jesus to heal our inner child, transforming our faith journey. This isn't just theory – it's an invitation to experience deeper belonging, becoming, and blessing in Christ, potentially changing how we relate to God, others, and even the children in our lives.

In this powerful exploration of marriage, we're challenged to view our relationships through the lens of Christ's love for the church. The key message revolves around three choices we must make: to love, to sacrifice, and to heal. Drawing from Philippians 2, we're reminded that true joy in marriage comes from being like-minded, having the same love, and being one in spirit. This isn't about losing our individuality, but about choosing unity over being right. The sermon emphasizes that thriving in marriage is our choice - it's what we get by giving in God's grace. Just as Christ emptied himself for us, we're called to humble ourselves and value our spouse above ourselves. This perspective shift can transform our marriages from battlegrounds to holy grounds where God's love is manifested.

The sermon "With — Neighbors" emphasizes the importance of engaging in genuine, compassionate faith conversations rather than relying solely on traditional sermons. Drawing on the example of Philip the Evangelist, it highlights how Christians can overcome barriers to sharing their faith by challenging preconceived categories of who is deserving, prioritizing evangelism even amid discomfort, and being open to diverse methods led by the Holy Spirit. The core message is that effective evangelism starts with listening, understanding, and letting God’s love and Spirit guide interactions, reaching beyond boundaries to share the good news with all.