In this episode of The Sharing Grace Podcast, Brandon sits down with Jay Austin and Wendell Mathis to unpack this week’s message from our series RENEW: Building Relationships God’s Way. Together, they dive into a candid conversation about biblical sexual purity, what it means to live like “the standard is the standard,” and how passages like 1 Peter 1, Song of Solomon, and 1 Thessalonians 4 shape our thought life, dating relationships, boundaries, and marriages in a culture that often pulls the other direction.

In Wendell’s weekend message, he encourages listeners to pursue genuine spiritual and mental compatibility in relationships by asking sincere, meaningful questions. Brandon mentioned that these questions would be included in today’s podcast notes. Here they are:

Is this person a believer?

How often do they read Scripture and pray?

Do they attend church? Where, and how often?

Do they want children? How many?

What forms of discipline do they believe in?

Are their parents still married? If divorced, why? How did that shape them?

What do they believe biblically about divorce?

What is their relationship like with their mom and dad?

What are their expectations around last names in marriage?

How do they plan to handle in-laws?

Views on work and stay-at-home parenting?

What kind of provider was their dad? What kind are they hoping to be or marry?

Are they more of a spender or a saver?

What are their beliefs regarding abortion?

How do they think about cultural issues affecting children, including gender-related medical decisions?

How do they view religious freedom and public expressions of faith?

This episode is honest, pastoral, and deeply practical. If you’re seeking wisdom in your relationships and a renewed commitment to holiness, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to take one concrete next step.

Please note: due to the nature of the topic, listener discretion is advised for younger audiences.

In this message from our Renew: Building Relationships God’s Way series, Wendell delivers a clear and challenging call to holiness in a culture that has normalized sexual sin. Rooted in 1 Peter 1:15–16, this sermon reminds us that God’s standard has not changed and that grace is never permission to live in disobedience.

Addressing sexual temptation, purity, and wisdom across generations, Wendell calls the church to choose wisdom over foolishness and to see the cross not as tolerance for sin, but as a declaration of war against it. This message speaks to singles, parents, students, and families, urging us to rebuild what has been weakened, set biblical guardrails, and live set apart for the glory of God.

This sermon is honest, pastoral, and deeply rooted in Scripture, calling believers to devotion, obedience, and faith that is lived out when no one else is watching.

Episode 52 dives into God’s design for the parent-child relationship.

Pastor Brandon is joined by Discipleship Pastor Jay Austin and Family Pastor John Leathers to reflect on the RENEW: Building Relationships God’s Way series, exploring how parents serve as God’s ambassadors at home. This conversation unpacks everyday rhythms, faith lived out in real life, and practical next steps for shaping the next generation with truth, grace, and intentionality.

In this message from our Renew: Building Relationships God’s Way series, we look at one of the most foundational relationships God has given us: parents and children. Drawing from Deuteronomy 6 and Ephesians 6, Pastor John unpacks God’s design for the family and reminds us that parents are called to be the primary disciplers of their kids, modeling what it looks like to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength.

This sermon is both practical and deeply encouraging, offering wisdom for parents navigating the challenges of everyday discipleship and clarity for children on what it means to honor and obey their parents. Whether you’re raising young kids, parenting teens, or reflecting on your role as a son or daughter, this message points us all back to our perfect Father and our calling to live as ambassadors of Christ in the home.

Global Impact Week 2026 invites listeners into a thoughtful conversation on living “sent” wherever God has placed us. Brandon and Jay are joined with Tracy Buck, Local Missions Director at Church at Viera, to unpack the heart behind Global Impact, the discomfort that often holds us back, and the powerful stories of how God is working through everyday people. Together, they explore God’s heart for the nations, practical next steps toward real partnership, and how ordinary faithfulness can lead to extraordinary impact, both locally and globally. 🌍✝️

What does Global Impact have to do with relationships, and why does God ask us to go?

In this message from Global Impact Weekend, we’re reminded that following Jesus has always been about presence. About showing up as an extension of God’s love in hard places, both locally and around the world. Through Scripture, personal stories, and powerful testimony, we see that discipleship is built on relationships and that God often invites us to step outside our comfort zone so others can experience His grace.

You’ll hear firsthand what it looks like to be “comfortable with being uncomfortable,” from language barriers and cultural differences to life-changing moments of ministry and worship overseas. This message challenges every believer to consider their role as an ambassador for Christ and to respond with obedience through praying, giving, or going.

📍 Whether you’re feeling called to the nations or wondering what your next step of faith might be, this message will encourage you to trust Jesus, show up, and let God use your life for His global purposes.

What if marriage was meant to be more than coexisting under the same roof? In this episode, the Sharing Grace Podcast Team is joined by Art of Marriage facilitators Chris and Amy Royce to explore marriage as a God-designed friendship. Through Scripture and real-life insight, the conversation unpacks the Five-Star Friendship model, showing how intimacy, shared purpose, resilience, devotion, and spiritual growth can renew and strengthen a marriage. Whether newly married or years in, this episode invites couples to move from survival to intentional, faith-centered friendship.

What makes a marriage truly thrive? In this message, we’re reminded that the foundation of a strong, lasting marriage isn’t just romance or responsibility; it’s deep friendship. Drawing from Scripture, history, and personal stories, this sermon unpacks what it looks like to build a five-star friendship in marriage: being intimate insiders, purpose partners, adversity advocates, dedicated devotees, and soul shapers.

Whether you’re married, dating, single, or supporting others in their relationships, this message offers practical wisdom and gospel-centered hope. Learn how friendship strengthens marriages through every season of life, how God uses marriage to shape our character, and why the strongest relationships are wrapped in both friendship and faith.

What does it really mean to live an overflowing life beyond Sunday morning? In this episode of The Sharing Grace Podcast, Brandon sits down with Discipleship Pastor Jay Austin to unpack this week’s message from the RENEW: Building Relationships God’s Way series. Together, they explore what spiritual overflow looks like in everyday life, the danger of quiet exhaustion, and how God-honoring boundaries and shared leadership lead to renewal rather than burnout. Along the way, they highlight practical next steps for getting connected at Church at Viera and stepping into a life that multiplies grace. 🌱

Are you running on empty or just barely getting by? In this message from our Renew: Building Relationships God’s Way series, Pastor Jay Austin walks through Exodus 18 to show how God never intended us to live isolated, overwhelmed, or spiritually drained. Using the story of Moses and the wise counsel of his father-in-law Jethro, we see God’s design for moving from an empty cup to an overflowing life through healthy relationships and shared responsibility.

This sermon explores how God fills us through worship, His Word, and intentional community so that what He pours into us can spill out onto others. You’ll hear a powerful reminder that even strong leaders can be “isolated in plain sight,” and that God’s solution is not more effort, but deeper connection. From the discipleship pathway to life-giving groups, this message invites us to stop doing life alone and start living from overflow.

Whether you feel empty, half-full, or hopeful, this message will encourage you to embrace God’s blueprint for renewal, community, and lasting impact.