What does freedom look like in your life? In this brand-new series kicking off the year, Lead Pastor Nancy Berwid explores how God’s Word promises to set us free—from fear, shame, and the lies we tell ourselves, to financial struggles, anxiety, and beyond. Through His truth, we’re called into a life of freedom where joy, love, and purpose flourish.

In this first episode, we’ll look at Jesus’ powerful encounter with a man consumed by darkness, living among the tombs. This man, seemingly too far gone, experienced the transformational compassion of Christ and was set free to share his story. If no one is beyond God’s reach, what does it mean for us to invite Him into our struggles and let His truth transform us? Join us as we discover how God’s truth brings lasting freedom and sets the stage for an extraordinary year ahead!

"True freedom doesn’t come from trying harder—it comes from walking in grace."

In the previous episode, we began exploring God’s grace and how it brings joy into our lives. This time, we dive deeper into the tension between grace and works and what it truly means to walk in the Spirit. Paul’s letter to the Galatians reminds us that grace, not law, produces the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and more. These aren’t achieved by our efforts but flow naturally when we rely on God’s unmerited favor.

Living by the Spirit transforms how we experience life. It frees us from the weight of trying to earn worth through works and keeps us from being entangled in the "yoke of bondage." Grace invites us to a life of freedom, joy, and purpose—not by striving, but by trusting in Christ.

What does it mean to have courage, faith, and joy in the face of the impossible?

In this heartwarming finale to the Oh Joy! series, Lead Pastor Nancy Berwid takes us back to the miraculous story of the birth of Christ. Together, we’ll explore the incredible courage of Mary and Joseph—two ordinary people called to an extraordinary purpose. Despite facing danger, ridicule, and immense uncertainty, their faith and obedience paved the way for the greatest gift of all: Jesus, our Savior.

Pastor Nancy dives into key scriptures to reveal the deep joy that comes from saying "yes" to God, even in challenging circumstances. We’ll see how their willingness to trust God’s plan brought immeasurable blessings—not just to them, but to the entire world. This episode is a celebration of faith, courage, and the life-changing joy that comes with stepping into God’s calling for us.

Let’s wrap up this series with gratitude, inspiration, and the courage to say “yes” to God’s purpose for our lives!

What gives you strength when life feels overwhelming? In this episode, Lead Pastor Nancy Berwid delves into the powerful truth that the joy of the Lord is our strength. We’ll explore how engaging deeply with God’s Word—not as a duty but as a delight—can transform our hearts and minds, filling us with unshakable joy and resilience. Drawing from passages like Nehemiah 8 and Matthew 13, Nancy highlights how the Word can be planted in our lives, nurturing joy and producing strength even in challenging seasons.

Nancy also shares practical steps for receiving, retaining, and releasing the Word, showing how meditating on Scripture and applying it to daily life can lead to lasting change. Whether you’re feeling stuck, dry, or simply curious about how God’s Word can bear fruit in your life, this episode is packed with inspiration and tools to help you stay rooted in the joy and strength of the Lord. Join us and experience the life-changing power of God’s Word!

Did you know that thanksgiving can unlock steady joy and peace—even in the hardest circumstances? In Episode 6, Worship Pastor Susan Chung Beaudry leads us through the transformative power of gratitude, a choice that connects us to God’s presence and renews our spirits. Giving thanks isn’t about ignoring challenges or pretending they don’t hurt—it’s about focusing on God’s goodness and what He has done, even in the middle of life’s storms. Drawing inspiration from stories like Daniel in the lion’s den and Jesus giving thanks before feeding the multitudes, we’ll explore how gratitude can shift our perspective and bring supernatural peace.

We’ll also discuss the joy of giving—how God’s design for financial giving frees us from the stress of money and allows us to rely on Him as our ultimate provider. Through scriptures like Philippians 4:6 and 2 Corinthians 9:6, Pastor Susan uncovers how thanksgiving is both an act of faith and an expression of worship. Whether it’s offering thanks in prayer, giving financially, or simply acknowledging blessings, this episode will inspire you to embrace the life-changing joy that comes through a thankful heart.

"Joy isn’t just for this life—God promises us eternal joy through Christ’s return."

Fellowship fills our lives with joy, but there’s an even greater promise: Jesus is coming back! The resurrection of Christ is not only the cornerstone of our faith but also a preview of what’s to come. 1 Corinthians 15 reveals that those who have fallen asleep in Christ will rise at His return, and we will all be transformed into new, incorruptible creations.

This hope isn’t abstract—it’s deeply personal. Host Mentor Patty Vazquez dives into how Christ’s return brings an end to pain, death, and sorrow, replacing them with life, victory, and unshakable joy. If you’ve ever wrestled with loss or wondered about life’s greater purpose, this episode will show you how God’s promises can bring true comfort and hope.

"What if true joy isn’t something you find on your own, but something you share with others?"

In the last episode, we explored how grace frees us to walk in the Spirit and bear the fruit of joy. In episode 4 of our OH JOY! series, we shift our focus to fellowship and its power to bring deep, lasting joy. Fellowship isn’t just attending a meeting or being part of a group—it’s about sharing life, love, and purpose with others as brothers and sisters in Christ. Acts 2:42 shows the early church steadfastly devoted to teaching, prayer, and breaking bread together, experiencing gladness and simplicity of heart.

Fellowship brings healing, encouragement, and unity when it’s rooted in God’s love. As Philippians 2:1-2 reminds us, we are called to be of one accord and one mind, esteeming others and sharing joyfully in each other’s lives. Through this connection, we refresh one another and see God’s presence in action. Joy flourishes when we do life together, not as isolated individuals, but as a spiritual family walking in God’s love and purpose.

Why is it so hard to believe in God’s grace? In this second episode of the Oh Joy! series, we delve into Luke 15, where Jesus uses the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son to show us that grace is unearned, unending, and deeply personal. God’s love doesn’t wait for us to “get it together.” Instead, He seeks us out, rejoices when we return, and restores us fully. “There is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7).

Grace is more than forgiveness—it’s God’s unmerited favor, freely given even when we feel unworthy. Yet, like the older son in the prodigal son’s story, we can struggle to accept it, clinging to pride or resentment. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God’s love is a gift, not a reward for our efforts. When we truly grasp this, we find joy in His presence and freedom from the weight of shame or self-righteousness. Will you let go and embrace His grace today?

In episode 1 of the OH JOY! series, Pastor Nancy of Searchlight Fellowship highlights the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness depends on good circumstances, but true joy comes from God’s presence and remains unshaken even in hard times. Psalm 16:11 says, “In Your presence is fullness of joy.” Pastor Nancy encourages us to let go of relying on “other gods”—like success, relationships, or comfort—and instead focus on God’s vast love and promises.

Jesus reminds us in John 16:24, “Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” By abiding in Him and trusting His Word, we can experience joy that transcends life’s ups and downs. Joy isn’t just for good days—it’s for every day, as we stay close to God and walk in His unchanging love. “I bring you good tidings of great joy,” says Luke 2:10. This joy is here, and it’s for you!

In Episode 8 of our "Raise the Dead" series, led by Pastor Nancy, the focus is on the transformative power of prayer for friends.

Emphasizing the role of believers as ambassadors for Christ, the episode encourages laboring in the harvest, healing, and sharing the gospel. Through earnest prayer, we seek open doors for the Word, and our speech is guided by wisdom and grace.

This episode underscores the potency of the gospel and emphasizes Pastor Nancy's guidance on continuing to lift our friends in prayer for salvation and spiritual renewal.