Traders Point Christian Church (Audio)

Many of us are here today believing that the biggest problem we have is our circumstances. We think if only our circumstances would be better, then we would be better. But what if our biggest problems aren’t from our circumstances? What if our biggest problems come from how we’ve chosen to define what it means to truly live? In this message, Teaching Pastor Ryan Bramlett teaches us that when we live based on circumstances, then joy will be circumstantial.Ryan Bramlett • Rebel's Guide to Joy • Philippians 1:20-26CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

God cares about our happiness, but he wants something more for us than just that. He wants us to experience joy. In this message, Lead Pastor Aaron Brockett explains the differences between happiness and joy and how joy can be experienced through a redeeming relationships with Christ.Aaron Brockett • Rebel's Guide to Joy • Philippians 1:12-19CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

When loneliness sets in, are still able to experience joy? The book of Philippians teaches that joy isn’t dependent on circumstances; it’s dependent on who or what we ground our identity in. In this message, Guest Pastor Jodi Hickerson says when our foundation is built on Jesus, we can respond with joy, no matter how lonely we might feel.Jodi Hickerson, Guest Pastor • Rebel's Guide to Joy • Philippians 1CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

According to the American Psychological Association, roughly 75% of us get stressed about finances on a regular basis, regardless of how much you make. In this message, Lead Pastor Aaron Brockett teaches on stewardship and generosity and how to effectively lead our money, instead of it leading us.Aaron Brockett • Letters From My Future Self • 1 Kings 7:2-12CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

If you wrote a letter to your future self, you might heed a warning of letting go of grudges – or forgiveness. No matter how badly you’ve been hurt, the power of God is strong than that grievance against you. In this message by Teaching Pastor Ryan Bramlett, we learn that if God can forgive us, we can forgive others. Ryan Bramlett • Letters To My Future Self • Matthew 18:21-35CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

What would a letter from your future self tell you? It might say not to overthink things – not to take yourself too seriously, or let criticism affect you, or worry too much. In this message, Lead Pastor Aaron Brockett teaches what we can do with our out-of-control thoughts by learning from Elijah’s story in the Old Testament – a story that’s real and relatable to our anxieties today.Aaron Brockett • Letters From My Future Self • Philippians 4:6-7CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

God did amazing things in and through Traders Point in 2022! The end of a year is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the year we’ve just finished, as well as look ahead at what’s coming in 2023. Pastors Aaron Brockett and Ryan Bramlett sit down to talk about their favorite big moments and even share some behind-the-scenes highlights from the year. 

NOS·TAL·GIA | NOUN | A LONGING FOR OR THINKING FONDLY OF A PAST TIME. It’s hard to put your finger on what exactly nostalgia is. It’s more than just a memory. Or a singular moment. It’s a feeling…an experience that takes you from where you are to where you want to be. And for many of us, the Christmas season is one that’s full of nostalgia.Nostalgia brings out the sentiment, longing, warmth, smells and sights, memories, and stories that we hold near and dear. It represents love, joy, and empathy. And during the Christmas season, it’s a reminder of the hope that broke through the noise and changed the world forever. Christmas With Traders Point is a celebration of the greatest joy we’ve ever known. It’s an opportunity for us to remember all that God has done for us and look toward how He’s at work in our midst. We’ll gather together to sing, to celebrate, and to find the nostalgia in the Christmas story all over again. Aaron Brockett • Christmas with Traders Point CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

As a church, our mission is to help people know God, find life-giving relationships, and make a difference. None of this can happen without the fuel of prayer and the Holy Spirit. Being filled with the Holy Spirit means letting Him form us into His image and give us life to the full. Prayer is where that filling happens. As you watch this message, let it remind you to be regularly filled up in God’s presence as you engage in the mission of the church.Ryan Bramlett • We Are Traders Point CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

One of the reasons why it’s fulfilling and feels good to be generous and serve others is because God made us that way. We were created on purpose for a purpose.Our spiritual growth is tied to our willingness to serve others. God’s Word tells us that when we do it out of gratitude for what Jesus has done for us, the result is joy.Check out this message to learn how you can live out your calling by using your time, talent and treasure to serve others in and outside of the church.Aaron Brockett • We Are Traders Point • Acts 6:1-7CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

At Traders Point, we’re all about fostering life-giving relationships with one another. One of the ways we do this at Traders Point is through small groups. The people in Acts 2 of the Bible gathered consistently and were in relationship, even when it wasn’t convenient. These relationships gave them life! Being a part of a small group surrounds you with community, accountability, and new ways to grow in your faith.Aaron Brockett • We Are Traders Point • Acts 9:4-19CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

Every now and then, it’s important to stop and take a look at what we do and why we do it so we don’t drift off course. It’s not enough to say we’ve always done things a certain way. This is a message about reevaluating and assessing as a church what God has called us to, and what He’s calling us to next. One thing’s for sure: Helping people know God is the primary motivator in everything our church does. As each week builds upon the last, let this be a series that helps you decide if Traders Point is the church for you, and if it is, how you can be all in.Aaron Brockett • We are Traders Point • John 17CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

Chapter 5 in 1 Peter has a lot to say about leadership – specifically Christian leadership. Practically speaking, the leadership principles from this chapter can apply to us today, not matter what type of leadership seat we hold or influence we have. But to fully live them out? That’s only possible through the Holy Spirit. Check out this message to see what the Bible says about leading others the way God intended.Ryan Bramlett • The Foreigners • 1 Peter 5CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

In this week’s passage, the author of 1 Peter in the Bible lays out eight defining characteristics of exiles God uses to make a difference in this world. These are the qualities that should set us apart as Christians. Watch this message to learn how we can stand out and make a difference in this hurting world.Aaron Brockett • The Foreigners • 1 Peter 3-4CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

For Christ-followers, this world is sometimes an uncomfortable experience. It’s no wonder the teaching in 1 Peter on submission goes against the grain of how we’ve been conditioned to think and behave by our current culture. When it’s difficult to submit, we need to remember that we are really submitting to God. In this message, we hear that submission is an important part of the Christian life and why that is – even when it feels unnatural.Aaron Brockett • The Foreigners • 1 Peter 3CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

In his second letter, Peter reminds Christians scattered across Asia Minor of their identity as followers of Jesus. We, too, can be reminded of our identity. We are the church. Born again, chosen, royal priests, a holy nation, and God’s very own possession. Our purpose as believers cannot be realized apart from community. Being in a relationship with Jesus means being in a relationship with others, with the purpose to make the goodness of God known to the world.Ryan Bramlett • The Foreigners • 1 Peter 2CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

The author of 1 Peter wrote a letter to a group of scattered Christ-followers who were located all over Asia Minor – a letter with a message that applies to us today. He let them know the disorienting feeling they had as Christians was real and justified. They had become foreigners in this world, primarily because of their association and devotion to Jesus. As a result, their entire lives were uncertain and their support systems had been decimated. If you are battling discouragement, this is ultimately a letter of hope and reminder of where to keep your focus.Aaron Brockett • The Foreigners • 1 Peter 1CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

In Daniel 9, Daniel is now an old man reflecting back on his nearly seven decades of exile in Babylon. God allowed Jerusalem to go into exile because of their continual disobedience and hardened hearts toward Him. But Daniel knew God hadn’t abandoned them; He was working on restoring them in a way that would eclipse everything they were going through. Because of this, Daniel stayed faithful to God and wasn't distracted by what was holding him captive.Aaron Brockett • Among Lions • Daniel 9CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

Daniel 8 gives us another foreshadow of what the end times will be like. Though we aren’t certain of when they will come, we're given prophecies about the Good News of Jesus that are already and not yet fulfilled. Jesus has given us the confident hope of new life and defeat over sin and death. Until we get to experience the fullness of these prophecies, we're called to usher in His Kingdom in the “now, not yet.”Ryan Bramlett • Among Lions • Daniel 8CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

Sometimes, when we study the end times in the Bible, we try to crack the code to figure out God’s plans for the future. But God is not hiding anything from us—prophecy is supposed to reassure us. In Daniel 7, we learn about a visionary dream Daniel had that reminds us of the God we serve. The God of the furnace and the God of the lion’s den is the same God who reigns over heaven and earth.Ryan Bramlett • Among Lions • Daniel 7CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

Daniel’s experience in the lions’ den was his final demonstration of how to live for God within a godless culture. It was a result of small, daily acts behind closed doors when no one was looking. Daniel didn’t suddenly muster up the courage to face a group of hungry lions. His character was built by the habits he formed over decades. Building his muscles of faith equipped him to be among lions.Aaron Brockett • Among Lions • Daniel 6CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

Pride is a blind spot that we often don’t recognize in ourselves until it’s too late. In Daniel 4-5, God confronts the pride of two powerful kings. It’s a story about how He ultimately brought down the Babylonian Empire, but it also shows how He deals with prideful, rebellious people in all times and places. God will always have the final word. Our hope isn’t in our circumstances. It’s in Him.Aaron Brockett • Among Lions • Daniel 4-5CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

When Daniel’s friends were told to bow down to a golden idol, they were courageous in their convictions. As a result, they were thrown into a fiery furnace. We all face our own furnaces that ultimately reveal who we are and who we’re becoming. When we go into the heat, we’re not alone. We can trust God to refine us to become more like Him.Aaron Brockett • Among Lions • Daniel 3CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

In Daniel 1, we saw Babylon’s strategy to influence Daniel. In chapter 2, we see Daniel’s strategy to influence Babylon. God was at work in and through Daniel because he didn’t isolate, blend in, or water down. He was deeply involved in others’ lives who were far from God, and he lived unapologetically for God. When the pressure’s on, God wants to give us a solid foundation so we can make a difference for Him.Aaron Brockett • Among Lions • Daniel 2CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

The book of Daniel is a roadmap for how godly people can thrive in a godless culture. Daniel lived for God in a way that was winsome and influential. He didn’t just survive the godless culture around him. He thrived in it, got promoted in it, and was viewed with respect and had influence within it. While Babylon tried to indoctrinate him, Daniel held onto his distinctiveness and didn’t compromise his faith.Aaron Brockett • Among Lions • Daniel 1:1-20CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

Jesus is the perfect expression of the Fruit of the Spirit, including self-control. In Matthew 4, He was tempted by three of the greatest lures that can lead someone to lose control of their life: instant gratification, identity, and power. Each time, He used the Word of God and showed us that self-control happens when we exchange our personal priorities for the provision, purpose, and power of God.Alex Diaz • What the World Needs Now • Galatians 5CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

We live in a harsh world, which means there’s a great opportunity for gentleness. Gentleness is strength under control. It doesn’t mean being weak; it means acting like Jesus under pressure. When we’re gentle, we’ll stand out in division, we’ll allow healing to take place, and we’ll allow the truth to be heard. People need to see the gentleness of Jesus, and we’re the ones who can show it to them.Matt Hessel • What the World Needs Now • Galatians 5CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

Faithfulness is different from the other Fruit of the Spirit because it takes time. In order for us to reflect God’s faithfulness, we must first understand it. He is never-changing, always true, a firm foundation that can always be trusted. When we anchor ourselves to His character, we’ll be people of integrity who reflect His faithfulness to an ever-changing world.Jake Barker • What the World Needs Now • Galatians 5CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

Do you believe that God is good? Not just that He does good things, but that He is good. It’s who He is. The goodness of God is seen in the characteristics of God. God’s goodness is seen in His loving-kindness. His kindness draws us closer to him. It’s an act of his goodness when he saves us. God’s goodness is seen in how he shares even himself with us. Once you are saved by God, you’re also sealed with his Spirit.Ryan Bramlett • What the World Needs Now • Galatians 5CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

Kindness means being genuinely concerned with what’s best for someone else no matter what. God is kind, compassionate, and tenderhearted toward us, and He wants to produce supernatural kindness within us. What the world needs now is His kindness expressed through selfless love and service. That’s what draws people to Christ.Ryan Bramlett • What the World Needs Now • Galatians 5CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

The world moves at a pace that makes it hard to be patient, but God wants to produce supernatural patience in our lives. Patience is the ability to endure for a long time, to persevere without wanting to retaliate or seek revenge, and to be content in all circumstances. What the world needs now is for us to be patient with God’s plan for our lives and with one another and ourselves.Ryan Bramlett • What the World Needs Now • Galatians 5CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

NFL quarterback Carson Wentz sits down with our lead pastor Aaron Brockett for a conversation around fatherhood.CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

Our culture is obsessed with happiness, but happiness and joy are not the same. Where happiness is a feeling, joy is an attitude based on the God we serve. God wants us to experience something eternal, not temporary. Eternal joy anchors us in the fact that God is with us no matter what, because His presence never changes.Kyle Riley • What The World Needs Now • Galatians 5CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

The Fruits of the Spirit are natural byproducts of walking in a close relationship with God. The first fruit listed in Galatians 5 and the one that informs all the rest is love. Agape love means a choice, not a feeling. It’s a decision to put others first. The world needs us to show them real, sacrificial, unconditional love. When we know God’s love, we can show His love to others.Bart Shaw • What The World Needs Now • Galatians 5CONNECT WITH US!Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messagesVisit our website: https://tpcc.orgWe believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TradersPointCCFacebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

All of us need friends who are willing to see us for who we really are and love us anyways. The Bible has no shortage of friendships, including David and Jonathan. What we learn from them is that friendships deeply impact us. They fulfill our desire to belong; they require encouragement, challenge, and commitment; and they’re an opportunity to be fully seen and fully known.

Relationships can be hard, but the Bible has a lot to say about them. It affirms singleness, doesn’t idolize marriage, and teaches that divorce shouldn’t be a first response but a last resort. The best thing we can do in our cultural climate is model marriage, relationships, sexuality, and singleness the way God designed for the world to see.

When sin entered the world, it put a wedge in our relationships, distorted our view and understanding of sex, and shattered the image of God within us. What we do with our bodies forms us into the person we’re becoming. Ultimately our understanding of sex is a lordship issue. Will we trust God and what He says about sex, or will we trust what we feel or what culture says? Satan has a plan to curse our life, but God has a plan to bless our life. If we choose His best, He’ll strengthen us for it.

Maddie Wentz, wife of NFL quarterback Carson Wentz, sits down with our lead pastor Aaron Brockett for a conversation around motherhood.

Society is constantly shaping our beliefs, determining our perspective, and guiding our decisions about sex. God designed sex as a gift to be enjoyed within boundaries where it will bring blessings and not pain. But because of the sinful nature that exists in all of us, sex has the potential to become one of the greatest problems in a dating or marriage relationship. Sex is a divine design. It isn't just physical; it's spiritual. It isn't just casual; it's purposeful. Wherever and however we've struggled, we can be made clean through the forgiveness and grace Jesus purchased for us on the cross.Aaron Brockett • Significant Other • Genesis 2

One of the things that makes life so rich and rewarding is relationships. And one of the things that makes life so painful and complicated is relationships. God designed us on purpose. He made human beings in His image. What we believe about that will impact how we relate to others and inform how we behave. God is relational and designed us for connection. When we see ourselves as image bearers of a good God, we’ll see others as His image bearers and treat them accordingly. No matter the relationship, our love will be built on friendship.Aaron Brockett • Significant Other • Genesis 1-2

In John 3, Jesus has a conversation with Nicodemus—a man who appears to have it all together from the outside, but Jesus knows what’s going on underneath the surface. We can fool a lot of people, yet all of us are guilty of holding back a portion of ourselves or not revealing all that’s going on inside our hearts. Jesus looks past the exterior to what’s underneath. The only way to have a relationship with Him is to be completely remade, to start over and be born again. Jesus didn’t come to reform; He came to completely transform.Aaron Brockett • Jesus Is • John 3:1-21

Many of us would say we want safety and security, but we often experience the opposite. In John 10, Jesus describes Himself as the Gate. If we want all that God has for us, Jesus is the door that we must go through. When we walk through that door and hear His voice, He promises three things: we will be saved, we will come and go freely and find good pastures, and we will have a rich and satisfying life. A full life means having peace, having joy, having God.Ryan Bramlett • Jesus Is • John 10:1-10

The theme of shepherd and sheep is one that runs throughout the Bible. Jesus came to be the Good Shepherd. He sacrificed it all for us, even His life, and He’s motivated by love. To God, we’re not a number. We’re not what we can do or what we can produce. He calls us by name. How can we hear the voice of the Good Shepherd? We turn down the volume of the world and find silence in God’s presence. He knows us, and He wants a relationship with us.Ryan Bramlett • Jesus Is • John 10:11-18

Jesus concludes His Sermon on the Mount with a parable about foundations. Storms are inevitable, and the best time to prepare for them is before they come. We are all building a life. Our daily decisions, choices, and routines are the hammer and nails, assembling the shape of what our lives will ultimately be. A wise builder understands the cumulative effect of choices, big and small, and applies wisdom frequently to each one. Jesus calls us to build our foundations with wisdom.Aaron Brockett • MasterClass • Matthew 7:24-29

As the Sermon on the Mount nears the end, Jesus warns us about people who pretend to be something they’re not. We not only have to watch out for external threats from false prophets; we have to watch out for the false prophets within ourselves. How do we change our hearts to be real? We face our reality boldly, tell ourselves the brutal truth, and choose to be broken before God and someone else. God wants to know us and be known by us. Aaron Brockett • MasterClass • Matthew 7:15-23

Jesus has preached a message to His disciples on some very heavy topics. As we allow His words to equip and empower us, we come to realize that spiritual growth is often harder than we expected. We have an enemy who wants to tempt and distract us from growing closer to Jesus, and Jesus tells us the answer is prayer. He teaches us to pray for our spiritual lives by continuing to ask, seek, and knock. The Kingdom of God begins in our hearts. Kyle Riley • MasterClass • Matthew 7:7-14

As Jesus teaches His disciples what it looks like to live in the kingdom of God in His famous Sermon on the Mount, He dives straight to our hearts, and His teaching on judging others is no different. Jesus isn’t saying there’s never a time to make a judgment call or to be discerning, but He does challenge us to judge rightly. To do that, we must see ourselves and others clearly, and seeing clearly begins in our hearts. Ryan Bramlett • MasterClass • Matthew 7:1-6

The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus exclaiming to His followers that God has so much more for us than the brokenness so prevalent in our world today. From His teaching on treasure and material possessions, Jesus now digs a little deeper into that topic by showing us how disordered priorities and misguided affections are often the cause of much of the worry we face in this life. Instead of just a command to “stop worrying,” Jesus invites us into a life of freedom and abundance. Aaron Brockett • MasterClass • Matthew 6:25-34

Prayer may be the most universal spiritual discipline practiced across all religions. Even if we don’t believe in God, we probably still pray because something inside of us instinctively recognizes our need for help and cries out for it! In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives His followers the why and how to pray. As we practice this discipline, we learn that prayer is all about deepening our connection with our heavenly Father, something very different from any other religion. We pray not to get something, but to know Someone. Ryan Bramlett • MasterClass • Matthew 6:5-15

Jesus isn’t afraid to address challenging topics because He knows our lives are greatly impacted by them. As He turns His attention to good deeds, money, and material possessions in His Sermon on the Mount, He continues to focus on the motivations of our heart and transformation from the inside out. He teaches the important truth that our hearts will always follow what we treasure, and He challenges us to have spiritual vision and an eternal perspective.   Aaron Brockett • MasterClass • Matthew 6:1-4, 19-24