Salt preserves. Light reveals. And Jesus says His people are both.

In this episode of The King’s Way, Michael McIntyre continues through the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:13-16, where Jesus calls His followers “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” These are not suggestions for what Christians might someday become. They describe what kingdom citizens already are.

But what does it mean to be salt in a decaying world? What does it mean to shine as light in the darkness? Together, we’ll see that salt must stay salty, light must stay visible, and the purpose of both is the glory of our Father in heaven.

As we continue this study, we pray that Christ would keep us from becoming useless through compromise, teach us not to hide the light He has given, and help us live distinctly and faithfully in the King’s way.

The King has called His people salt and light. Now we must live as what He says we are.

What does it really mean to be a person of character?

In this episode of Friday Focus, Micah sits down with Malachi Herbster to discuss biblical character, who we are on the inside, and how that shapes the way we live. Building on Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, they explore why true character begins in the heart, how God uses His Word, prayer, relationships, and even difficulties to shape us, and why developing Christlike character requires daily intentionality.

Godly character doesn’t happen by accident. It means guarding your heart, surrounding yourself with people who point you to Christ, and being willing to say no to yourself to become more like Him.

As one preacher put it, “Character is who you are in the dark.” What kind of character are you developing when no one else is watching?

What does it mean to live as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven? In this episode of The King’s Way, Michael McIntyre walks through the Beatitudes of Matthew 5, exploring the characteristics that mark those who belong to King Jesus. From being poor in spirit and mourning over sin to meekness, mercy, purity, peacemaking, and enduring persecution, Jesus presents a radically different picture of the blessed life than the world does.

The Beatitudes are not a list of qualifications we must accomplish to earn God’s favor—they are the characteristics of those who have received it. True blessing is found not in favorable circumstances, worldly success, or earthly satisfaction, but in belonging to Christ and living under His rule.

The Word of God is meant to shape more than one week of our lives.

In this episode of Friday Focus, we sit down with Boaz Briddick, founder, builder, and owner of Reforged, a Bible app designed to help believers read, study, memorize, and live the Word of God every day.

Southland has partnered with Reforged as part of our desire to see the Word-centered emphasis of summer camp continue long after campers leave the grounds. We want young people to take the Scriptures home with them and build a life around God’s Word, not just during camp, but every day.

In this 35-minute conversation, Boaz shares the story behind Reforged, why he built the app, and how technology can encourage a deeper, more consistent life in Scripture.

Listen in and discover how the Word we emphasize at camp can become the Word that shapes everyday life.

Learn more at reforgedapp.org!

When a mighty man speaks, many listen. But when the King speaks, His subjects obey.

In the opening episode of The King’s Way, we begin our journey through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5–7. Before we examine what Jesus taught, we must first consider who is speaking. Matthew presents Jesus as the King of a kingdom, and as He ascends the mountain, sits down, and begins to teach, we are listening to nothing less than the authoritative words of the King.

But what does the Sermon on the Mount mean for us today? Is it an impossible ideal, a future kingdom ethic, or a standard reserved for the spiritually elite? Or is it the King’s own description of how His people are to live?

Together, we’ll see that the Sermon is a sermon from the King, for His kingdom, to be heard and heeded by His people today. It is not merely a collection of inspiring principles—it is a call to live under the rule of King Jesus.

As we begin this study, our prayer is that the Sermon on the Mount would search our hearts, expose our need for Christ and His Spirit, and teach us to live as faithful citizens of His kingdom.

The King has spoken. Now we must listen—and obey.

Jesus is the King, and He has called us to live as citizens of His kingdom. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us a clear picture of what kingdom life looks like—how we think, how we love, how we respond to others, how we pray, what we value, and how we walk with God.

In this new Walk Talk series, we’ll journey through Matthew 5–7 and listen carefully to the words of our King. Together, we’ll discover the values of His kingdom, the character of His people, and the radical difference between living according to the way of the world and living under the rule of King Jesus.

This isn’t simply a study of Jesus’ teaching—it’s an invitation to live His way. Join us every Monday beginning August 31 for The King’s Way.

As our journey through the book of Daniel comes to an end, we turn our attention to the remarkable prophetic visions found in Daniel chapters 7–12. In this tenth and final episode of Take Courage: A Study of the Life of Daniel, Malachi Herbster walks through these powerful passages, highlighting God's revelation concerning the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms, the coming of the Messiah, the Great Tribulation, the resurrection, and the establishment of Christ's everlasting kingdom.

Though many of Daniel's prophecies point to events still awaiting fulfillment, their purpose is not to produce fear or speculation, but faith and steadfastness. Daniel reminds us that history is unfolding exactly according to God's sovereign plan and that His promises will never fail. No matter how uncertain the future may seem, believers can live with confidence, knowing that the Ancient of Days is still on the throne and that His kingdom will ultimately prevail.

Join us for the conclusion of Take Courage as we reflect on one of the Bible's most fascinating prophetic passages and discover how a clear view of God's plan for the future gives us courage to faithfully serve Him today.

God does not always keep His people from the trial—but He is always with them in it.

In the conclusion of Daniel 6, Malachi Herbster examines God's miraculous deliverance of Daniel from the lions' den and the powerful testimony that followed. Daniel's unwavering faith became a witness to a pagan king and a reminder that the Lord is able to preserve those who trust Him.

Join us as we explore what this familiar account teaches about God's sovereignty, His faithfulness in the midst of suffering, and the courage that comes from trusting Him completely. Whether God delivers through the trial or in the trial, He is always worthy of our confidence.

What does faithfulness look like when obedience comes with a cost?

In this episode of Take Courage, Malachi Herbster begins a two-part study of Daniel 6, one of the Bible's most familiar accounts: Daniel in the lions' den. But before Daniel ever faces the lions, he is found faithfully communing with God in prayer, even when doing so means certain persecution.

Join us as we discover how a steadfast walk with the Lord is forged long before the trial arrives. Learn why communion with God is the source of courage in the face of opposition, and how Daniel's unwavering devotion challenges believers to remain faithful regardless of the cost.

The conclusion of Daniel 6—and the miraculous deliverance from the lions' den—will be covered in next week's episode.

What happens when pride ignores every warning from God?

In this episode of Take Courage, Malachi Herbster examines the dramatic events of Daniel 5 as Belshazzar's great feast is interrupted by a mysterious hand writing a message on the palace wall. While a king celebrates his power, God declares that his kingdom has been weighed, measured, and found wanting.

Discover timeless lessons about pride, accountability, and God's sovereign rule over the kingdoms of men. Daniel's unwavering courage in the face of a collapsing empire reminds believers today to stand faithfully for truth, knowing that God is still the One who raises up kings and brings them down.

Whether you're studying the book of Daniel or looking for biblical encouragement to stand firm in a culture that rejects God, this episode will challenge you to live with humility and courage before the Lord.