In this message from 1 John, Pastor Bryan contrasts authentic Christianity with an incredibly common (and incredibly dangerous) alternative—Bible belt Christianity. Bible belt Christianity has just enough Jesus to make you feel acceptable, but not enough to make you uncomfortable. Like auditing a class, Bible belt Christianity says, “Give me the information without the responsibilities.” 

The trouble is, it just doesn’t work. If our relationship with God never confronts our idols, never rubs up against old patterns of behavior, never changes us, then it’s not a real relationship at all.

The Tests of Authentic Christianity

Sermon messages from Pastor J.D. Greear and the pastoral team of The Summit Church. The Summit is one church that meets in many locations around Raleigh-Durham, N.C.

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While the issues at the front and center of American politics in 2024 are different from those that the religious leaders highlighted during Jesus' day, they certainly aren't any less contentious. In this week's message from Mark 12, Pastor Bryan shows us how Jesus navigated stormy political waters with grace—and how we can do the same. When we recognize that it should be our faith that drives our politics (and not the other way around), we can then approach the upcoming election season in a way that honors both God and other people.

Gospel Witness in Political Chaos

With six months to go until Election Day, the rhetoric from news outlets and social media is likely to become increasingly combative. For Christians, one thing is certain: Our political engagement should look different than that of the world. In this week's message, the first of a two-part series, Pastor J.D. examines Mark 1 and Luke 2, drawing out the implications of Jesus' rule in a world hostile to it—both then and now. As followers of Jesus, our vote is important, but even more important is our witness to a watching world.  

A Political Gospel

These days, it's not exactly popular to claim the existence of absolute truth. It's even less popular to claim that such truth is embodied in the person of Jesus, the one who is the only way to salvation. In this week's message from John 14, Pastor J.D. shows us the importance of what is perhaps Jesus' most controversial "I am" statement: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." Yet, this statement isn't primarily about a set of principles to live by, or even having the correct answers to every theological question. Instead, it's about truly knowing and having a relationship with the Savior of the world.

I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life

It doesn't take an expert gardener to know that a branch that isn't connected to the vine won't survive for very long. In this week's message from John 15, Pastor Bryan explores the next of Jesus' "I am" statements, helping us understand what it means to abide in Jesus, the "true vine." Many other things—often good things—vie for our time and attention, making this seem impossible. But the truth is, we have no hope of producing lasting fruit if we're seeking life from any other source.

Christ, the True Vine

Without shepherds to care for them, the threats posed to sheep run the gamut, from losing their way to being attacked by other animals. Simply put, sheep thrive under the guidance and protection of their shepherd. In this week's message from John 10, Pastor J.D. takes us through Jesus' claim to be the "good shepherd." What is so remarkable about this shepherd is that his love for the flock leads him to not only protect them, but lay down his life for them. As believers, then, we can fix our eyes not on any dangers that may threaten to harm us, but on our good shepherd.

The Tests of Authentic Christianity

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