In this week’s episode of The Follow Up, we explore John 8:31–59, where Jesus reveals what true freedom really is. Even believers can live as though they’re still enslaved, and in this conversation we unpack why that happens, how to recognize the chains we often ignore, and what it looks like to pursue freedom in Christ with intention.

Pastors Jack, Jeff, and Bill discuss:

– The difference between independence and true freedom

– Why we’re often the last to see our own areas of bondage

– Idols that quietly control our hearts

– How Scripture and community work together to expose what enslaves us

– Jesus’ staggering claim: “Before Abraham was, I AM.”

– Practical steps to move toward spiritual freedom

If you’re stuck in one area of life and longing for change, this episode offers both clarity and hope.

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Spring Lake Church’s G4 Care Groups offer structured, gospel-centered help for people walking through struggles, addictions, relational wounds, or emotional burdens. Learn more at: https://springlakechurch.org/g4-care-groups

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Spring Lake Church – Downtown
Sermon: Freedom in the Father
Teacher: Jeff Lederer
Passages: John 8:31-59

In “Freedom in the Father,” Pastor Jeff Lederer teaches from John 8:31–59, showing that true freedom comes only through Christ. Jesus exposes the slavery of sin, confronts false spiritual confidence, and reveals Himself as the great “I AM.” Real freedom changes our actions, our words, and our worship, leading us to eternal life in Him. We’re invited to recognize our chains, trust Christ, and walk in His truth together.

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Spring Lake Church – Bellevue
Sermon: Freedom in the Father
Teacher: Jack Guerra
Passages: John 8:31-59

In “Freedom in the Father,” Pastor Jack Guerra teaches from John 8:31–59, where Jesus reveals that true discipleship means holding to His word—and that the truth sets us free. He confronts the crowd’s spiritual slavery, shows that real freedom changes how we live, and promises eternal life to those who obey Him. When Jesus declares “before Abraham was born, I am,” He makes clear that He is God Himself. Only the Son can set us free indeed.

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In this week’s Follow Up episode, Pastors Jack and Arlen dive deeper into John 8 — one of the most theologically dense and debated chapters in the New Testament. They discuss why Jesus says He is “the light of the world,” what it means that He uses the divine name “I AM,” and how to think about faith when people ask for more “proof.”

They also address the famous passage of the woman caught in adultery — why it appears in some Bibles and not others — and why textual transparency actually strengthens rather than weakens our confidence in Scripture.

Other themes include:

• How assumptions distort our view of Jesus

• Why every worldview relies on faith

• How logic and experience work together

• The tension of truth and grace

• Why Jesus’ clarity is actually compassion

This episode offers a grounded, pastoral, and thoughtful exploration of what Jesus claimed about Himself — and what that means for us today.

Spring Lake Church – Bellevue
Sermon: What More Do You Need?
Teacher: Arlen Chastain
Passages: John 8:12-30

In “What More Do You Need?” Pastor Arlen Chastain walks through John 8:12–30, where Jesus declares Himself the light of the world and the One sent by the Father. Though the Pharisees demand more proof, Jesus reveals that His words, His works, and the Father’s own testimony confirm His identity. He warns that unbelief leads to dying in sin, but faith leads to life. The question remains for us today: What more do we need to believe?

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Spring Lake Church – Downtown
Sermon: What More Do You Need?
Teacher: Jack Guerra
Passages: John 8:12-30

In “What More Do You Need?” Pastor Jack Guerra walks through John 8:12–30, where Jesus declares Himself the light of the world and the One sent by the Father. Though the Pharisees demand more proof, Jesus reveals that His words, His works, and the Father’s own testimony confirm His identity. He warns that unbelief leads to dying in sin, but faith leads to life. The question remains for us today: What more do we need to believe?

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In this week’s episode of The Follow Up, Ryan fills in as host and is joined by Jack and new staff member Ben Milkie to explore John 7, a chapter full of tension, questions, and conflicting reactions to Jesus.

They unpack the three major scenes of division—among Jesus’ brothers, the crowds in Jerusalem, and the religious leaders—and show how each group responds differently to His identity. They also dive into the rich symbolism of the Festival of Shelters, the promise of living water, and the future outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Ryan, Jack, and Ben reflect on how Jesus’ exclusive claims naturally create division, why His mercy remains constant, and how believers can navigate modern-day tensions with humility, gentleness, and truth—especially around holidays and family gatherings.

A thoughtful, encouraging conversation for anyone wanting to understand Scripture more deeply and follow Jesus faithfully in a divided world.

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Spring Lake Church – Bellevue
Sermon: Divine Division
Teacher: Jack Guerra
Passages: John 7:1-52

In “Divine Division,” Pastor Jack Guerra teaches from John 7, showing how Jesus’ identity created division in His family, among the crowds, and with the religious leaders. Some dismissed Him, some debated Him, and some believed—but no one ignored Him. Jesus offers living water to all who come, yet His truth still confronts and divides hearts today. The question remains: How will we respond to Him?

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Spring Lake Church – Downtown
Sermon: Divine Division
Teacher: Ben Milkie
Passages: John 6:25-71

In “Divine Division,” Ben Milkie teaches from John 7, showing how Jesus’ identity created division in His family, among the crowds, and with the religious leaders. Some dismissed Him, some debated Him, and some believed—but no one ignored Him. Jesus offers living water to all who come, yet His truth still confronts and divides hearts today. The question remains: How will we respond to Him?

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In this week’s episode of The Follow Up, Jack sits down with Adam and Bill to discuss one of the most challenging moments in Jesus’ ministry—His teaching in John 6 that caused many to walk away. Together they explore what Jesus meant, why He leaned into the difficulty rather than softening it, and how this passage exposes our motives and expectations.

Jack leads the conversation into themes of spiritual maturity, surrender, religious performance, and what it means to build your life on Christ alone. Whether you’re a longtime believer or someone wrestling with big questions, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and encouragement.

Join us again next week!
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