Greater Than Sunday

Romans 8 gives believers some of the clearest promises in Scripture about life in Christ. In this episode, James and Pastor Allen talk through what it means to live with no condemnation, how to respond to guilt and regret, and how the Holy Spirit assures, leads, and sanctifies believers. They also discuss putting sin to death, why spiritual maturity is connected to surrender and obedience, what it means to be adopted into God's family, and why casual Christianity misses the heart of discipleship. The conversation closes by exploring how Christians can hold together real intimacy with God as Father and a deep reverence for His holiness.

Why do Christians still struggle with sin if Christ has set them free? In Episode 5 of Greater Than Sunday, Allen Bonnell and James continue the conversation from Romans 7 and work through practical questions about the Christian life. They discuss why believers still sin, what God’s law is for, grace versus works, the difference between obeying the law and relying on it, and what sanctification really means. They also talk about legalism, cultural standards of right and wrong, moral relativism, and why God’s commands are ultimately good. The conversation keeps returning to one central truth: Christians do not outgrow the gospel—we confess our sin, depend on the Spirit, and walk in the victory Christ has already secured.

In this episode of Greater Than Sunday, James and Pastor Allen Bonnell continue the conversation from Romans 6 by unpacking what it means to be justified by Christ and still pursue sanctification. They talk about assurance of salvation, the role of God's law, why believers still struggle with sin, and what it looks like to live as a slave to righteousness. The conversation also explores prayer, identity in Christ, resisting temptation, and the importance of Christian community in bringing sin into the light. If you've wondered how grace and obedience fit together, this episode offers practical encouragement for living out your faith throughout the week.

When anxious, intrusive, or negative thoughts show up, how can Christians tell where they come from—and what should we do with them? In this episode of Greater Than Sunday, Pastor Allen unpacks what it means to take every thought captive, distinguish temptation from sin, recognize destructive thought patterns, and build healthier pathways rooted in truth. The conversation also explores biblical meditation, prayer, community, and practical ways to replace lies with Scripture and action. Along the way, Allen explains why feelings shouldn’t lead the train—and how obedience can reshape the way we think and respond. Learn more about Immanuel Baptist Church at weareibc.com.

What do you do when anxious thoughts keep coming back? In Episode 2 of Greater Than Sunday, Nathaniel Gray and Allen Bonnell continue the conversation about anxiety with practical questions from the church. They explore praying Scripture, making room for stillness, and recognizing the difference between conviction and condemning shame. The conversation also touches on daily habits, unresolved situations, serving others, counseling, and questions about medication. With encouragement to seek help and invite trusted people into the struggle, this episode offers ways to keep following Jesus when your mind feels restless. Learn more about Immanuel Baptist Church at weareibc.com.

What does it actually mean to put on the armor of God? In the first episode of Greater Than Sunday, Pastor Allen and James continue Sunday’s conversation about spiritual warfare and answer questions from the Immanuel church family.

They discuss recognizing the enemy’s schemes, understanding the difference between conviction and shame, responding to fear and anxiety, and how forgiveness affects our spiritual lives. They also explore practical ways to stand firm through Scripture, prayer, and community—and how taking a break from social media can make room for those habits.