In this powerful message from the Take the Hill series through the Book of Joshua, Pastor Jay Austin invites us to step into one of the most pivotal moments in Israel’s journey—crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. But before victory ever comes, God calls His people to something deeper: surrender.

As the Israelites stand in enemy territory, God is already at work ahead of them—removing fear from their enemies, restoring their identity, healing their shame, and reminding them of His faithfulness. Through vivid storytelling and practical application, this sermon walks through six key areas of surrender that prepare us for the battles ahead.

We’re challenged to release our need for control, embrace our identity as God’s people, let go of past shame, remember God’s provision, step into responsibility, and ultimately recognize God as the true commander of our lives.

Whether you’re facing uncertainty, fear, or a season of transition, this message is a reminder that God is already ahead of you. Victory isn’t something we strive for, it’s something we step into through surrender.

In this episode of the Sharing Grace Podcast, Pastor Jay sits down with Pastor Mark Ragsdale to unpack Joshua 3–4 and explore how God moves us from feeling stuck into walking boldly by faith. Together they discuss five powerful habits that build a formidable faith: starting each day with prayer and purpose, putting God first, fully surrendering to Christ, stepping forward in obedience before seeing the outcome, and remembering God’s faithfulness along the way. If you’ve been circling the same struggles or longing for spiritual momentum, this conversation offers practical encouragement to trust God’s leading and take your next step with “holy crazy” faith.

What if the life you’re longing for is on the other side of one bold step of faith?

We all want to do something meaningful—something that matters. But too often, we get stuck waiting for the “right moment,” the perfect conditions, or clear direction before we move. The truth? Faith doesn’t work that way.

Just like Joshua and the Israelites standing at the edge of the Jordan River, sometimes God is calling us to step in before He makes a way. You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be willing.

The same God who made a way then is still moving now. The question is: will you trust Him enough to take the step?

In this episode of the Sharing Grace Podcast, we unpack the powerful story of Rahab in Joshua 2 and discover how saving faith can rise from the most unexpected places. From fear to courage, shame to legacy, Rahab’s journey reminds us that it’s never too late to trust God, change sides, and believe Him before the walls fall.

Joshua’s mission to “take the hill” was about more than land—it was about preparing the way for Jesus, the true Savior (Yeshua), who would secure our salvation on the cross. This message connects that bigger story to our lives today: God is still calling people to step out in faith and take the “hill” He’s placed in front of them.

Through the story of Rahab, we see what real, saving faith looks like—confessional, confident, courageous, and concerned for others. Despite her past, God redeemed her story and used her in a powerful way, even placing her in the lineage of Jesus. It’s a reminder that no one is too far gone and that God specializes in transformation.

This message challenges you to ask: What is your hill? And are you willing to trust God enough to take it?

Episode 63 of the Sharing Grace Podcast, “Take the Hill: Courage Is Required,” explores why we often stay stuck even when we know God is calling us forward. Walking through Joshua 1, the conversation highlights how God prepares us in seasons of waiting, calls us to move beyond past disappointments, and invites us to step into His promises with courage. The episode challenges listeners to confront the “giants” in their lives, trust in God’s constant presence, and take practical steps of obedience, reminding us that movement creates momentum and that true strength comes from anchoring ourselves in God’s Word.

This message walks through the beginning of the book of Joshua, where Joshua is called to lead Israel into the Promised Land after Moses’ death. Even though Joshua knows what God has asked him to do, he hesitates out of fear and uncertainty.

God responds by giving Joshua clarity and reassurance: a clear directive (get up and go), a clear direction (cross the Jordan), and a clear destination (the land already promised to them). Joshua’s challenge isn’t knowing what to do—it’s having the courage to do it.

The sermon emphasizes that courage doesn’t come from ourselves, but from God in four ways: His presence (we are not alone), His promises (what He calls us to is already secured), His Word (we are to be rooted in and guided by Scripture), and His authority (God commands and knows what is best).

Ultimately, believers are challenged to identify the “hill” God is calling them to take—whether that’s sharing their faith, serving, or stepping out in obedience—and to move forward with courage, trusting that God is with them.

Step into the echoes of Easter with Jay Austin and Jonmark Ragsdale as they trace the journey from grave to glory through every song sung at Church at Viera’s powerful celebration. From the grounding identity of Blessed Assurance to the freeing release of Goodbye Yesterday, this episode peels back the curtain on the intentional story woven through worship. One that moves from surrender to celebration, from the weight of the cross to the spark of resurrection joy. Along the way, they wrestle with real questions about forgiveness, faith, and what it actually means to walk in new life, inviting listeners to shift from simply hearing the message to living it. If Easter felt electric, this is where you discover why, and how to carry that joy long after the final note fades.

Celebrate the power and joy of Resurrection Sunday with this life-giving message centered on the story from Gospel of Luke 24. In this powerful sermon, we walk alongside two discouraged disciples on the road to Emmaus only to discover that Jesus Christ had been with them all along.

What looked like defeat turned into the greatest victory in history.

This sermon brings clarity, encouragement, and a fresh perspective on the cross and the empty tomb. The same Jesus who walked with the disciples is still pursuing hearts today offering forgiveness, purpose, and eternal life. The victory has already been won, but you have to recognize it, receive it, and invite Jesus in.

Whether you’re feeling discouraged, searching for truth, or ready to take your next step in faith, this message is for you.

This Easter week, the Sharing Grace Podcast leans into three words that echo across eternity: “It is finished.” Join Jay Austin, Brandon Reid, and Cris O’Brien as they unpack the moment at the cross that looked like defeat but declared ultimate victory. Through Scripture, honest conversation, and real-life application, they explore what Jesus actually finished and why we can stop striving and start living in freedom, identity, and grace. Don’t hit stop too soon… hang around until the very end for a special, heart-melting bonus from Caribelle sharing her original song about baptism that just might stay with you long after the episode ends. 🎙️✨