WeAreIBC

In Romans 6:1–14, Pastor Allen Bonnell confronts the lie that believers are powerless against sin. Because we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, sin no longer has the right to rule us. We have a new identity, a new master, and freedom to obey God. Allen calls believers to reckon themselves dead to sin, present their lives to God, guard what shapes their hearts and minds, confess sin when they fall, and rely on the grace of Christ that breaks sin’s dominion.

When anxious, intrusive, or negative thoughts show up, how can Christians tell where they come from—and what should we do with them? In this episode of Greater Than Sunday, Pastor Allen unpacks what it means to take every thought captive, distinguish temptation from sin, recognize destructive thought patterns, and build healthier pathways rooted in truth. The conversation also explores biblical meditation, prayer, community, and practical ways to replace lies with Scripture and action. Along the way, Allen explains why feelings shouldn’t lead the train—and how obedience can reshape the way we think and respond. Learn more about Immanuel Baptist Church at weareibc.com.

In Philippians 4:8–9, Pastor Allen Bonnell shows how to redirect anxious thoughts, renew your mind through practice, and rest in God’s peace. You are not defined by every thought that enters your mind, and not every thought needs a fight. Replace lies with God’s truth, let passing thoughts go, and put Scripture into practice. Through prayer, the help of others, and trust in Christ, we can learn new patterns of thought and find hope in the God who is with us.

What do you do when anxious thoughts keep coming back? In Episode 2 of Greater Than Sunday, Nathaniel Gray and Allen Bonnell continue the conversation about anxiety with practical questions from the church. They explore praying Scripture, making room for stillness, and recognizing the difference between conviction and condemning shame. The conversation also touches on daily habits, unresolved situations, serving others, counseling, and questions about medication. With encouragement to seek help and invite trusted people into the struggle, this episode offers ways to keep following Jesus when your mind feels restless. Learn more about Immanuel Baptist Church at weareibc.com.

In Philippians 4:1–7, Pastor Allen Bonnell shows how anxiety can sound convincing without always telling the truth. Rather than hiding, ruminating, or letting fear control the mind, believers are called to bring everything to God through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. This message explains how to label anxious thoughts, reframe them, uncover lies with Scripture, give concerns to God and trusted people, and settle the heart in God’s peace. The goal is not a new emotion, but a faithful response rooted in truth and trust.

What does it actually mean to put on the armor of God? In the first episode of Greater Than Sunday, Pastor Allen and James continue Sunday’s conversation about spiritual warfare and answer questions from the Immanuel church family.

They discuss recognizing the enemy’s schemes, understanding the difference between conviction and shame, responding to fear and anxiety, and how forgiveness affects our spiritual lives. They also explore practical ways to stand firm through Scripture, prayer, and community—and how taking a break from social media can make room for those habits.

In Winning the Battle, Pastor Allen Bonnell teaches from Ephesians 6:10–14 and 2 Corinthians 2:11 that Christians are not fighting for victory but from the victory Christ has already won. Satan works through deception, fear, condemnation, isolation, and false identity, but believers are called to recognize his schemes, put on the whole armor of God, fight the right battles, and stand firmly in biblical truth. The message calls us to replace lies with God’s Word, pursue prayer and community, and walk daily in the freedom Christ provides.

Preaching from Luke 5:1–11, Pastor Brent Foley challenges believers to join Jesus’ mission by faithfully lowering the net and sharing the gospel. Peter’s miraculous catch shows that God has the power to draw people to Himself, while our role is to obey when Jesus asks. Brent calls the church to respond with humility, reject fear, and move from addition to multiplication by making disciples who make disciples. The message ends with a practical challenge to identify someone close to you but far from God and share Christ with them.

In Luke 5:17–26, Pastor Dustin Rife shows how four determined friends carried a paralyzed man to Jesus, refusing to let the crowd stop them. Their faith pictures the kind of Christian community every believer needs: friends who will do whatever it takes, help carry burdens, and move one another closer to Christ. Yet Jesus does more than heal the man physically; He forgives his sins and addresses his deepest need. This message challenges us to build faithful community, pursue life-giving friendships, and bring others to Jesus.

In Luke 5:27–32, Scott Cannon shows how Jesus moved toward Levi, called him to follow, and transformed his life through the good news of the gospel. Levi responded by leaving everything, following Jesus, and inviting others to meet Him. This sermon challenges believers to move intentionally toward people, share their own story of what Christ has done, and invite others into a gospel conversation. Because every person is affected by sin, everyone needs the Great Physician, and Jesus offers salvation to all who repent and trust in Him.