In this episode from the archives, Pastor Erwin McManus shares his unexpected journey from skepticism to faith, his conviction to plant roots in Los Angeles, and the challenges of building a church that embraces the outsider. With raw honesty, he recounts battles fought—not just against societal norms, but within the church itself—while casting a bold vision for the next 20 years. This episode is more than a celebration; it's a rallying cry to step into the unknown, to embrace the giants ahead, and to be architects of a world where creativity and spirituality collide. If you’ve ever wrestled with your calling, struggled to fit into traditional faith structures, or dreamed of making an impact, this is a must-listen. The future is ours to create.

We humans are designed for risk. When we're risking with intention, we're living our lives for something bigger than ourselves. In Matthew, Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven as like treasure hidden in a field. It comes only when we're willing to risk everything for it.

In the Beatitudes, when Jesus says, blessed are, he's actually saying happy are. He actually addresses negative emotions like mourning, sorrow, brokenness. The happiest people in the world embrace their sadness. It is about celebrating life all the time. The happiest people in the world are the ones who have a reason to suffer. The apostles left the Sanhedrin rejoicing, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the name. We are designed for adventure. If you begin to make choices where you're adverse, then you're not happy.

During a time of tragic loss with the fires raging in Los Angeles,

Happy new year. 2025 is already the best year of our lives. Let all the belief in this room seep into your soul. God is ready to do something extraordinary in your life. Let's pray together.

Jesus says anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate is a thief and a robber. Sheep can hear their shepherd's voice and they follow. This is the singular defining characteristic of someone who belongs to God. Can you develop the ability to hear God's voice? If you're going to learn how to hear God's voice, you need to realize your inner world is voice activated. Have you ever found yourself just talking and talking to yourself? And the people whose lives are healthier are the ones who make sure that the voices that are activated in their soul are ones that make them the best version of themselves. Jesus says there is a thief that wants to steal your life. He activates his voice inside of your soul. The voices that are fighting for you are actually two voices. One voice is calling you to life, and one voice is called you to death. 2025 is the year that you pay attention to the voice, voice of God. When you hear God speaking, you act. Here's small ways. When an action to do good is activated in your heart, just do it.

What if the beauty of Christmas isn’t found in extravagance but in simplicity? This message invites you to reflect on the story of Jesus’ birth, not as a distant tale, but as a powerful reminder of God’s love meeting us in our brokenness. From childhood memories filled with Santa and magical moments to hearing the Gospel for the first time, we explore how God’s plan unfolds in unexpected ways to bring hope and restoration.

When you become a relational idealist, when you begin to believe in others, you're not free from wounds. Jesus was betrayed by a kiss, so don't be surprised when you are. And I can make the world better when I believe in people. Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit. When God believes in you, you start becoming what he sees in you. You have to actually learn how to celebrate with others. It's really, really easy to like people when they're doing poorly.