Athens Church Podcast

<p>In this message, Charles Ficken continues our Discovering Jesus series with a story of people who were overlooked by everyone, except Jesus. He reminds us that no one goes unseen by Him, and His compassion extends to those the world often passes by. 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, Clay Scroggins continues our Discovering Jesus series, reminding us that God rarely runs on our schedule, but He is always right on time. 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 Rich Young Ruler — a powerful moment that shows us how God meets us right where we are. 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, Josh Bayne kicks off the Discovering Jesus series with a story about a man who waited 38 years for healing—until Jesus stepped in and asked the question we all must face: “Do you want to get well?” 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>On Easter at Athens Church, Jeff Henderson discussed our natural inclination to distance ourselves from God. Life can be distracting, full of worry and busyness, and many people keep their distance from God due to guilt, shame, or a feeling that God is disappointed in them. But God has so much more for us, and He is inviting us to come near.</p>

<p>In this message, Sean Seay wraps up The Digital Fast series, discussing how to live differently from the culture, with clarity, peace, and purpose—using technology without being used by it. The Digital Fast is a 28-day challenge to break digital distractions, refocus on God, and be more present. As we learn to spend less time scrolling and more time being present, we’ll find ourselves growing closer to each other and to God.</p>

<p>In this message, Clay Scroggins walks through Psalm 37, showing us how to move from duty-driven faith to deep, soul-refreshing joy. The Digital Fast is a 28-day challenge to break digital distractions, refocus on God, and be more present. As we learn to spend less time scrolling and more time being present, we’ll find ourselves growing closer to each other and to God.</p>

<p>In this message, Sean Seay will help us discover 3 things: our relationship with technology, our approach to spiritual growth, and the voice of God in our lives. The Digital Fast is a 28-day challenge to break digital distractions, refocus on God, and be more present. As we learn to spend less time scrolling and more time being present, we’ll find ourselves growing closer to each other and to God.</p>

<p>In this message, Clay Scroggins discusses how we live in a distracted world & that there's a battle for our attention. How do we even focus our attention on God when everything else is competing? The Digital Fast is a 28-day challenge to break digital distractions, refocus on God, and be more present. As we learn to spend less time scrolling and more time being present, we’ll find ourselves growing closer to each other and to God.</p>

<p>In this message, Sean dives into the effects of technology on our lives. He invites us to consider stepping into a richer, more satisfying life by participating in The Digital Fast. The Digital Fast is a 28-day challenge to break digital distractions, refocus on God, and be more present. As we learn to spend less time scrolling and more time being present, we’ll find ourselves growing closer to each other and to God.</p>

<p>In this message, Joel Thomas invites us to consider the truth that God is speaking to us about his unique purpose for our lives. Have you ever been in a season where you felt like you really needed to hear from God? Did you hear him? Does God still speak to people practically, personally, and purposefully? Through the lens of Moses's life, we'll explore all these questions and more!</p>

<p>In this message, Joel Thomas addresses how God wants to speak to us about our identity. Have you ever been in a season where you felt like you really needed to hear from God? Did you hear him? Does God still speak to people practically, personally, and purposefully? Through the lens of Moses's life, we'll explore all these questions and more!</p>

<p>In this message, Joel Thomas invites us to consider the truth that we can hear from God personally. Have you ever been in a season where you felt like you really needed to hear from God? Did you hear him? Does God still speak to people practically, personally, and purposefully? Through the lens of Moses's life, we'll explore all these questions and more!</p>

<p>In this episode, Josh Bayne identifies one of the main culprits to conflict in our relationships. Between dating disasters and marriage struggles, if we’re honest, many of us feel lost when it comes to love. Whether you’re single, dating, engaged, or married, this series is for all of us as we learn how to cut through the frustration and confusion of modern relationships.</p>

<p>In this episode, Josh Bayne explores Ephesians 5 and how it holds the key to lasting relationships. Between dating disasters and marriage struggles, if we’re honest, many of us feel lost when it comes to love. Whether you’re single, dating, engaged, or married, this series is for all of us as we learn how to cut through the frustration and confusion of modern relationships.</p>

<p>In this message, Josh invites us to examine what we believe about soulmates and our relationship expectations. Between dating disasters and marriage struggles, if we’re honest, many of us feel lost when it comes to love. Whether you’re single, dating, engaged, or married, this series is for all of us as we learn how to cut through the frustration and confusion of modern relationships. </p>

<p>In this episode, Jon Tyson joins Athens Church as we celebrate 20 years of life-changing ministry in the Classic City. It was an amazing time of celebration as we looked at what God has done in the past 20 years and dreamt together about what He has next in this city we love!</p>

<p>In this episode, Stephen Sowell discusses the vital role of celebration in overcoming discouragement. We all face discouraging things in life. If we’re not careful, discouragement can overwhelm us or shut us down. This teaching series is about how we can each live a meaningful life beyond life’s frustrations.</p>

<p>In this episode, Jeff Henderson shares with us one of the best ways we can each deal with discouragement. We all face discouraging things in life. If we’re not careful, discouragement can overwhelm us or shut us down. This teaching series is about how we can each live a meaningful life beyond life’s frustrations.</p>

<p>In today's message, Sean invites us to look at how Jesus dealt with discouragement. We all face discouraging things in life. If we’re not careful, discouragement can overwhelm us or shut us down. This teaching series is about how we can each live a meaningful life beyond life’s frustrations. </p><p><br></p><p>d5e9b400-f487-11ef-9323-6bc48f53a4df</p>

<p>Merry Christmas to you and your family! This family-friendly service will include opportunities to acknowledge the goodness and love of God, moments to celebrate what God has been doing, and a chance to look forward to what a new year has in store. Enjoy Christmas Eve at Athens Church! </p>

<p>In this episode, Stephen wraps up this series by inviting us to search for true meaning in Christ. Ultimately, everyone is searching for meaning and significance. But the question remains for so many: how do I find it? The Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke is full of people and situations where regular people received new meaning for their lives. What if the meaning you've been searching for all your life can be found in the meaning of Christmas?</p>

<p>In this episode, Josh open the Bible to look at the passage of Luke to explore the life of Jesus. Ultimately, everyone is searching for meaning and significance. But the question remains for so many: how do I find it? The Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke is full of people and situations where regular people received new meaning for their lives. What if the meaning you've been searching for all your life can be found in the meaning of Christmas?</p>

<p>In this episode, Stephen offers practical tools to implement Joy in our everyday lives. Ultimately, everyone is searching for meaning and significance. But the question remains for so many: how do I find it? The Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke is full of people and situations where regular people received new meaning for their lives. What if the meaning you've been searching for all your life can be found in the meaning of Christmas?</p>

<p>In this episode, Sean talks about the impact of gratitude. Discover how this spiritual practice can deepen your faith and bring God's peace into every area of your life. Drawing from the Psalms to Paul's letters, we'll explore practical ways to cultivate a heart of thanksgiving that revolutionizes your relationship with God and others. This series will help you increase the joy & decrease the negativity in your life.</p>

<p>In this episode, Sean offers some practical tools to help us find gratitude as we reflect on our lives daily. Discover how this spiritual practice can deepen your faith and bring God's peace into every area of your life. Drawing from the Psalms to Paul's letters, we'll explore practical ways to cultivate a heart of thanksgiving that revolutionizes your relationship with God and others. This series will help you increase the joy & decrease the negativity in your life.</p>

<p>In this episode, Stephen talks about how Athens I Love You® is more than a catchy motto. It’s the heartbeat of Athens Church for our city; in fact, love is at the heart of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. We deeply love our city—its quirks and all—and we want to share the love of Jesus with everyone who calls Athens home. But we know actions speak louder than words; so, we want to show our love by investing, engaging, and supporting our city. Because that’s what you do when you love something! Instead of recreating the wheel, we’ve chosen to partner with local, non-profit partners who are already doing incredible work in our city to continue to show our city we love it.</p>

<p>Your great work is to identify the distractions that keep you from the “problem” that you are uniquely positioned to solve. Jesus came that we might discover “life to the full,” while the enemy plots to steal, kill, and destroy. Many often miss out on this abundant joy available to them due to “fatal distractions.” It's much easier for the enemy to keep us distracted than it is for him to take us out. In this series, we’ll explore both the implications and antidotes of three major types of distractions: fog, fires, and fear.</p>

<p>Great work is often found on the other side of a terrifying longing. How could</p><p>clarity regarding your “terrifying longing” reduce the allure of the distractions you’re most</p><p>susceptible to? Jesus came that we might discover “life to the full,” while the enemy plots to steal, kill, and destroy. Many often miss out on this abundant joy available to them due to “fatal distractions.” It's much easier for the enemy to keep us distracted than it is for him to take us out. In this series, we’ll explore both the implications and antidotes of three major types of distractions: fog, fires, and fear. </p>

<p>In this episode, Clay asks the question: If we knew we were in a battle, how would we pray? Ephesians 6 tells us that prayer is one of the greatest weapons God has given us against the lies of the Enemy. Discover how this ancient collection of books known as the Bible communicates timeless truths that we can apply to our modern lives.</p>

<p>In this episode, Sean explains that we live in a spiritual world. In Ephesians 6, we learn that there is a spiritual battle going on between light and darkness. Through putting on the armor of God, we can choose to live in light and reject darkness.</p>

<p>While Ephesians 1-3 teaches us about who we are in Christ, Ephesians 4 begins to explain how to live that out. In this episode, Clay walks through Ephesians 4 and the difference between being a spiritual infant and someone who is growing in Christ through pursuing unity with others.</p>

<p>In this episode, Sean walks through Ephesians 3 and helps us understand the importance of being rooted in God’s love by spending time with Him, being established in God’s love by doing what His Word says, and being filled by God’s love. Discover how this ancient collection of books known as the Bible communicates timeless truths that we can apply to our modern lives.</p>

<p>In this episode, Clay walks us through the passage of Ephesians 2 and encourages us to rest in God's grace. Discover how this ancient collection of books known as the Bible communicates timeless truths that we can apply to our modern lives.</p>

<p>In this episode, Sean talks about identity. Discover how this ancient collection of books known as the Bible communicates timeless truths that we can apply to our modern lives.</p>

<p>In this episode, Sean talks about the power of renewing our minds and connecting with God's word daily. Discover how this ancient collection of books known as the Bible communicates timeless truths that we can apply to our modern lives. </p>

<p>In this episode, Josh talks about what to do with your freedom. Life is full of pivotal moments that shape our journey. Whether you’re a college student or 20-something charting your future, an empty-nester rediscovering your purpose, or right in the middle raising kids and figuring out how to step into new decades yourself, every new season brings about new decisions that have the potential to make or break the months and years to come. In this sermon series, we'll discover how faith can provide direction, hope, and purpose through life's most challenging transitions.</p>

<p>In this episode, Josh redefines success in life's changing seasons through the lens of three vital relationships. Life is full of pivotal moments that shape our journey. Whether you’re a college student or 20-something charting your future, an empty-nester rediscovering your purpose, or right in the middle raising kids and figuring out how to step into new decades yourself, every new season brings about new decisions that have the potential to make or break the months and years to come. In this sermon series, we'll discover how faith can provide direction, hope, and purpose through life's most challenging transitions.</p>

<p>In this episode, Sean talks about the importance of being equipped with different tools to maintain authentic relationships. It is easy for men to feel lonely & isolated, but most want to be good men & just don't know how to get there. This series is taught by 3 men who have been helping each other live well for 30 years. It's a can't miss series for men & anyone wants to help men be their best.</p>

<p>In this episode, Brent encourages us to lead those around us well. It is easy for men to feel lonely & isolated, but most want to be good men & just don't know how to get there. This series is taught by 3 men who have been helping each other live well for 30 years. It's a can't miss series for men & anyone wants to help men be their best.</p>

<p>In this episode, Michael offers some tools to keep pushing forward to find meaningful community for men. It is easy for men to feel lonely & isolated, but most want to be good men & just don't know how to get there. This series is taught by 3 men who have been helping each other live well for 30 years. It's a can't miss series for men & anyone wants to help men be their best.</p>

<p>In this episode, Sean, Brent, and Michael have a discussion on the importance for men to have relationships & environments to have meaningful & vulnerable conversations. It is easy for men to feel lonely & isolated, but most want to be good men & just don't know how to get there. This series is taught by 3 men who have been helping each other live well for 30 years. It's a can't miss series for men & anyone wants to help men be their best.</p>

<p>In this episode, Andy Lowry shares how we can pause and rest in God’s presence. When we create space to be with God, we can grow in knowing that we are seen, known, and loved by God. Are you struggling to catch a breath, to find rest, or to find time to experience the presence of God? Pause Sunday was created just for you. We all need a moment to be able to sit with God, but it's not always easy to find the time in our busy schedules.</p>

<p>In this episode, Justin Halleck reminds us that your friends determine the quality and direction of your life. The book of Proverbs is overflowing with wisdom in this area. How can we know what to do when we are stuck at a crossroads or are striving to make decisions that will have an impact on the direction of our lives? Wisdom allows us to rise above the clouds of emotion and bias. It looks beyond our present circumstances to a bigger picture. We all need wisdom, so how do you get it?</p>

<p>In this episode, Trevour Wiltshire reminds us to continually pursue a passion for wisdom. The book of Proverbs is overflowing with wisdom in this area. How can we know what to do when we are stuck at a crossroads or are striving to make decisions that will have an impact on the direction of our lives? Wisdom allows us to rise above the clouds of emotion and bias. It looks beyond our present circumstances to a bigger picture. We all need wisdom, so how do you get it?</p>

<p>In this episode, Stephen Sowell shares how we can have wisdom in the midst of our fear and uncertainty. The book of Proverbs is overflowing with wisdom in this area. How can we know what to do when we are stuck at a crossroads or are striving to make decisions that will have an impact on the direction of our lives? Wisdom allows us to rise above the clouds of emotion and bias. It looks beyond our present circumstances to a bigger picture. We all need wisdom, so how do you get it?</p><p><br></p>

<p>In this episode, Sean Seay shares how we can honor God with our finances and actually be successful by following His ways. The book of Proverbs is overflowing with wisdom in this area. How can we know what to do when we are stuck at a crossroads or are striving to make decisions that will have an impact on the direction of our lives? Wisdom allows us to rise above the clouds of emotion and bias. It looks beyond our present circumstances to a bigger picture. We all need wisdom, so how do you get it?</p>

<p>In this episode, Bronson Crawford looks at Proverbs 16 as it gives wisdom for our life plans. How can we know what to do when we are stuck at a crossroads or are striving to make decisions that will have an impact on the direction of our lives? Wisdom allows us to rise above the clouds of emotion and bias. It looks beyond our present circumstances to a bigger picture. We all need wisdom, so how do you get it? </p>

<p>In this episode, Daniel helps us understand what it's like to be on the other side of a teenager today and challenges us to commit to the next generation. Every relationship has a climate- sunny, stormy, or even icy. Many of us are unaware of the emotional climates we carry around us. Join us for the series Climate Change to understand how the changes in our own climate impact the relationships around us.</p>

<p>In this episode, Sean celebrates mothers and discusses how the most important thing we can do for our families is to hear from God. Every relationship has a climate- sunny, stormy, or even icy. Many of us are unaware of the emotional climates we carry around us. Join us for the series Climate Change to understand how the changes in our own climate impact the relationships around us.</p>