Athens Church Podcast

<p>In this message, Josh Bayne kicks off the “Good News” series by exploring a question we all wrestle with: what do we do with the weight of our past? We spend so much time trying to cover, fix, or outrun our mistakes, only to find they still follow us into the future. But what if the solution isn’t something you do, but something that’s already been done for you? This message invites you to discover the good news that through Jesus, your past doesn’t have to define your future.</p>

<p>On Easter at Athens Church, Sean Seay explores how the "scary headlines" on our devices have become the primary lens through which we view our lives. He reveals how the resurrection of Jesus serves as the ultimate counter-narrative, offering a path to restore our fractured world and our individual peace of mind. Learn how to stop letting negative notifications define your reality and start living through the lens of the greatest news in history.</p>

<p>In this message, Clay Scroggins explores the universal struggle of what to do with the mistakes we wish we could erase. Whether you’re exhausted from trying to hide a secret or you feel like your past has become your permanent identity, this talk offers a way out of the cycle of shame. Discover why your worst moment doesn't have to disqualify you, but can actually be the very thing that finally opens you up to a life of genuine freedom and fresh starts.</p>

<p>In this message, Stephen Sowell explores how the life of David reveals the path to living a heart "fully alive" rather than just going through the motions. He explains that while we often try to numb difficult feelings like fear or sadness, doing so actually blocks our ability to experience true joy and connection. By looking at Psalm 23, Stephen shows how we can find genuine peace and "true gladness" in any life circumstance by trusting in God's constant presence.</p>

<p>In this message, Sean Seay looks at the story of David to show that even the most legendary leaders deal with deep fear and anxiety. We’re breaking down the old myth that "being tough" means hiding your feelings and instead discovering a healthier way to process stress. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by life or just looking for more peace, join us to learn how to move from feeling stuck to living with a heart that is truly alive.</p>

<p>In this week’s message, Charles Ficken looks at a painful moment in the life of David to show that sadness isn’t weakness—it’s evidence that something mattered. Through the story of David, we see that a heart like David’s is courageous enough to feel loss instead of explaining it away. When we numb our sadness, we also numb our capacity to love, connect, and experience joy. But when we bring our sadness to God and to others, it becomes a pathway to comfort and a deeper, more alive heart.</p>

<p>In this week’s message, Clay Scroggins kicks off our new series on David by asking a simple but powerful question: what is God actually looking for? Looking at 1 Samuel 16:7, we see that while people focus on the outside, God looks at the heart. If you’ve ever felt exhausted trying to be better or wondering if you’re doing enough, this message is for you. God isn’t asking for a polished version of you — He’s inviting the real you into a deeper, more honest relationship with Him.</p>

<p>In this message, Josh Bayne talks about what to do when someone hurts you — and you can’t seem to move on. We’ve all carried wounds from betrayal, disappointment, or words that still echo. But what if you don’t have to keep carrying them? This message offers a clear path toward forgiveness and the freedom that comes with it.</p>

<p>In this message, Josh Bayne challenges us to pay attention to the subtle habits and patterns that shape the direction of our relationships. With practical insight and clear next steps, Josh shows how being proactive today can protect what we value tomorrow. This message will help you strengthen your relationships by addressing the little things before they become big problems.</p>

<p>In the message, Josh Bayne challenges us to consider where the choices we’re making today are actually leading. Long before life falls apart, we find ourselves on paths that slowly shape our future—for better or worse. This message invites you to be proactive about the direction you’re heading and offers hope that a better path is always possible.</p>

<p>In this message, Sean Seay reminds us that we are all wired to celebrate and that the greatest joy comes when we celebrate what heaven celebrates. On Celebration Sunday, Athens Church marks 21 years of life change, faith, and impact in our city, reflecting on God’s heart for the lost. This message celebrates salvation, baptism, and new life in Christ while honoring all that God has done—and continues to do—through Athens Church.</p>

<p>In this message, Sean Seay invites us to pause and reflect at the start of a new year. Instead of focusing on resolutions, he shares a meaningful perspective from the Bible on being rooted in love, a foundation that can shape our lives over time.</p>

<p>In this message, Bob Lotich speaks to the frustration of doing the right things and still feeling stuck. Using Galatians 6:9, he shares why slow progress doesn’t mean failure and how the payoff often shows up differently than we expect. This conversation is a reminder to keep moving forward, stay faithful in the unseen moments, and trust that your effort isn’t wasted—even when it feels that way.</p>

<p>In this message, Bob and Linda Lotich dive deeper into the practical steps we can take to experience financial breakthrough. They unpack what that looks like in everyday decisions with money. From earning, saving, and giving to accountability, generosity, and unity in relationships, this message offers clear, faith-filled guidance for taking wise next steps and trusting God to move.</p>

<p>In this message, Bob and Linda Lotich kick off a new series called Money Talks, where they share their journey from financial pressure to freedom, showing how humility, dependence on God, and faithful obedience led to breakthrough. Rooted in 2 Chronicles 20, they remind us that while God fights our battles, He invites us to take steps of faith and obedience. This message challenges us to trust God with our finances, take practical action, and expect Him to move.</p>

<p>In this message, Sean Seay reminds us that Christmas is about more than traditions or perfection—it’s about Jesus coming for imperfect people. He shares that Jesus didn’t come to judge us, but to rescue us and show us how deeply God loves us. And this Christmas, we’re invited to receive that love and allow Jesus to lead every part of our lives.</p>

<p>In this message, Stephen Sowell explores the chaos that so often surrounds our families at Christmas and the deep longing all of us have for peace. Through Mary’s story in Luke 1, we discover that peace isn’t found by controlling our circumstances, but by surrendering them to God. The Bible recounts Jesus’ family tree - a lineage filled with outsiders, messiness, scandals, and deeply flawed people. From the lives of these complicated people the Savior of the world descended. Jesus entered history to bring hope, grace, and redemption, not only to His family tree, but to the line of every family.</p>

<p>In this message, Clay Scroggins looks at the name Immanuel: God With Us in our Family Tree series and unpacks a life-giving truth: God doesn’t wait for our lives or families to get cleaned up before He shows up. He steps into the mess with us. The Bible recounts Jesus’ family tree - a lineage filled with outsiders, messiness, scandals, and deeply flawed people. From the lives of these complicated people, the Savior of the world descended. Jesus entered history to bring hope, grace, and redemption, not only to His family tree, but to the line of every family.</p>

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<p>In this week's message, Josh Bayne dove into the story of Philip and the Ethiopian, and explained that, when we’re willing to be interruptible and intentional, God can use us to guide others to life in Jesus. </p><p><br></p><p>What is the church, really? Have you ever wondered when it all began and what it was meant to be from the start? In this Sunday morning teaching series, we’ll journey through the book of Acts to see how the church was born and how the movement of Jesus spread across the world. Together, we’ll discover that the church isn’t just something we go to, it’s something we are. </p>

<p>In this week's message, Sean Seay continued our series, Acts: The Church on the Move, by challenging us to pray for courage and boldness, just as the first church did. In this Sunday morning teaching series, we’ll journey through the book of Acts to see how the church was born and how the movement of Jesus spread across the world. Together, we’ll discover that the church isn’t just something we go to, it’s something we are. </p>

<p>In this week's message, Clay Scroggins continued our series Acts: The Church on the Move by explaining what the early Church was all about: staying close to people, serving those around you, and sharing what you have. What is the church, really? Have you ever wondered when it all began and what it was meant to be from the start? In this Sunday morning teaching series, we’ll journey through the book of Acts to see how the church was born and how the movement of Jesus spread across the world. Together, we’ll discover that the church isn’t just something we go to, it’s something we are. </p>

<p>In this week's message, Sean Seay kicked off our new series Acts: The Church on the Move by walking through the moment that started the movement of the Church, and challenging us that we are key players in God’s worldwide movement. What is the church, really? Have you ever wondered when it all began and what it was meant to be from the start? In this Sunday morning teaching series, we’ll journey through the book of Acts to see how the church was born and how the movement of Jesus spread across the world. Together, we’ll discover that the church isn’t just something we go to, it’s something we are. </p>

<p>In this week's message, Bronson Crawford and Stephen Sowell lead us in ways we can show love to those in the Athens community during Athens, I Love You® season. Athens, I Love You® is a season of generosity that shows the love of God to the people of our city in tangible ways by partnering with nonprofits who are making a difference. Join us as we Love Serve Give!</p>

<p>In this week's message, Josh Bayne concluded our Chasing the Good Life series by challenging us: What do you need to sacrifice to follow Jesus instead of the good life? We’re all chasing something. From childhood dreams to adult goals, we’re wired to pursue “the good life.” But what if the life we’re chasing is actually exhausting us instead of satisfying us?</p>

<p>In this week's message, Sean Seay continued our Chasing the Good Life series by reminding us that while all of us have a picture of the life we want — more money, more love, more experiences — the chase often leaves us exhausted, envious, and discontent. We’re all chasing something. From childhood dreams to adult goals, we’re wired to pursue “the good life.” But what if the life we’re chasing is actually exhausting us instead of satisfying us?</p>

<p>In this message, Clay Scroggins continues our Chasing the Good Life series, showing why denial keeps us stuck and honesty is the first step toward real freedom. He’ll challenge us to face what we’ve been avoiding, invite God’s grace in, and start living the abundant life Jesus promises. We’re all chasing something. From childhood dreams to adult goals, we’re wired to pursue “the good life.” But what if the life we’re chasing is actually exhausting us instead of satisfying us?</p>

<p>In this week's message, Josh Bayne unpacks Jesus’ words about greed and possessions in a way that just might change how you see your stuff and your life. We’re all chasing something. From childhood dreams to adult goals, we’re wired to pursue “the good life.” But what if the life we’re chasing is actually exhausting us instead of satisfying us?</p>

<p>In this week's message, Clay Scroggins continues the Chasing the Good Life series with another big question: What if the thing keeping us from the life we want isn’t our circumstances, but our sense of entitlement? We’re all chasing something. From childhood dreams to adult goals, we’re wired to pursue “the good life.” But what if the life we’re chasing is actually exhausting us instead of satisfying us?</p>

<p>In this week’s message, Josh Bayne unpacks how to build a failure-proof identity that isn’t tied to success or failure, but to something unshakable. We’re all chasing something. From childhood dreams to adult goals, we’re wired to pursue “the good life.” But what if the life we’re chasing is actually exhausting us instead of satisfying us?</p>

<p>In this message, Sean Seay explores how culture tells us the good life should be fast and easy, but the abundant life Jesus offers, the life that truly satisfies, is slow, faithful, and lasting. We’re all chasing something. From childhood dreams to adult goals, we’re wired to pursue “the good life.” But what if the life we’re chasing is actually exhausting us instead of satisfying us? </p>

<p>In this message, Josh Bayne explores how, instead of endlessly climbing ladders that won’t deliver, we’re invited to bring our desires and restlessness to Jesus, who offers lasting fulfillment and purpose. We’re all chasing something. From childhood dreams to adult goals, we’re wired to pursue “the good life.” But what if the life we’re chasing is actually exhausting us instead of satisfying us? </p>

<p>We’re all chasing something. From childhood dreams to adult goals, we’re wired to pursue “the good life.” But what if the life we’re chasing is actually exhausting us instead of satisfying us? In this message, Sean Seay explores why the version of success our culture promotes always feels just out of reach, and how Jesus offers us something better: a rich and satisfying life we don’t have to chase to earn.</p>

<p>In this message, Stephen Sowell explores how true transformation often begins with a simple act: investing in your relationships and extending an invitation that could change someone's eternity. In this 4-part series, we unpack powerful principles that can help you find, build, and keep the kind of friendships your soul actually needs. Because great friendships aren't just nice—they're necessary.</p>

<p>In a world that feels more divided than ever, what if disagreement is actually the key to deeper, more meaningful friendships? In this message, Joel Thomas explores how Scripture invites us to move toward each other with curiosity, courage, and Christlike love. In this 4-part series, we unpack powerful principles that can help you find, build, and keep the kind of friendships your soul actually needs. Because great friendships aren't just nice—they're necessary.</p>

<p>In this message, Joel Thomas explores how valuing independence over connection can isolate us from the people who help us grow, and how even King David’s greatest failure stemmed from acting alone. True strength isn’t standing on your own; it’s embracing interdependence, the way God designed us to live. In this 4-part series, we unpack powerful principles that can help you find, build, and keep the kind of friendships your soul actually needs. Because great friendships aren't just nice—they're necessary.</p>

<p>In this message, Joel Thomas unpacks the growing epidemic of loneliness and reminds us that God designed us for meaningful connection. He challenges us to move beyond surface-level relationships and pursue intentional community that reflects the heart of Jesus. In this 4-part series, we unpack powerful principles that can help you find, build, and keep the kind of friendships your soul actually needs. Because great friendships aren't just nice—they're necessary.</p>

<p>In today’s message, Andy Lowry invites us to slow down and refocus on who God truly is. Sometimes, our view of God gets clouded—by busyness, disappointment, or misunderstanding. We begin to see Him as distant, demanding, or hard to reach. But what if God is actually inviting us to pause and simply be with Him? Enjoy this special message from Pause Sunday, a space designed for prayer, worship, and personal reflection.</p>

<p>In this message, Daniel Amable wraps up our Discovering Jesus series by asking the question that changes everything: “Who is this man?” Whether you're curious or committed, this message invites you to discover the real Jesus—and why it makes all the difference. Have you ever wondered what God is really like or if He even cares about you? Explore powerful moments where Jesus met real people right where they were and discover what that reveals about the true heart of God.</p>

<p>In this message, Sean Seay continues our Discovering Jesus series with the story of the woman at the well, diving into the truth that our past does not disqualify us. Have you ever wondered what God is really like or if He even cares about you? Explore powerful moments where Jesus met real people right where they were and discover what that reveals about the true heart of God.</p><p><br></p><p>In this message, Sean Seay references a clip from The Chosen Season 1, Episode 8. You can watch this clip at https://<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ordhsDeAt60" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.youtube.com/watch?v=ordhsDeAt60</a></p>

<p>In this message, Josh Bayne continues our Discovering Jesus series with the story of the woman caught in adultery and Jesus' unexpected response that left everyone shocked. Have you ever wondered what God is really like or if He even cares about you? Explore powerful moments where Jesus met real people right where they were and discover what that reveals about the true heart of God.</p>

<p>In this message, Stephen Sowell continues our Discovering Jesus series, inviting us into the idea that when we get personal with God, He will get personal with us. Have you ever wondered what God is really like or if He even cares about you? Explore powerful moments where Jesus met real people right where they were and discover what that reveals about the true heart of God.</p>

<p>In this episode, Sean Seay and Stephen Sowell dive deeper into Sunday’s message, exploring what it really means to navigate failure in our lives. Together, they explore how our biggest failures can become a foundation for spiritual growth, humility, and even transformation. Whether you're in the middle of a setback or reflecting on past mistakes, this conversation offers encouragement, perspective, and hope.</p>

<p>In this message, Sean Seay reminds us that even in our biggest failures, Jesus is not finished with us — He still has a purpose, a calling, and good plans for our lives. Have you ever wondered what God is really like or if He even cares about you? Explore powerful moments where Jesus met real people right where they were and discover what that reveals about the true heart of God.</p><p><br></p><p>In this message, Sean Seay references a clip from The Chosen Season 4, Episode 2. You can watch this clip at <a href="https://watch.thechosen.tv/video/184683596183" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://watch.</a><a href="http://thechosen.tv/video/184683596183" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">thechosen.tv/video/184683596183</a>. </p>