Southland Christian Church: Recent Episodes

Southland Christian Church

Weekend teachings and more from Southland Christian Church

Weekend Scripture: Acts 8

Resilience is the capacity to maintain core purpose and identity in the face of dramatically changing circumstances.

Scott dives into Acts 8 to explore flexibility as we finish our series on Resilience. Persecution scattered the early church, but God leveraged changing circumstances to spread the Gospel as Philip faithfully obeyed and shared Jesus. A resilient church stands firmly on the Word of God, the power of God, and the mission of God to reach one more person with the life-changing news of Christ.

How do we build true spiritual resilience when life throws unexpected obstacles our way? What does it actually look like to step out of "playing church" and move into a bold, active faith?

This week on Off Script, Neil is joined again by Carl Kuhl to process his kickoff sermon in the series on resilience. Together, they peel back the curtain on sermon prep, explore leftover insights that didn't make the Sunday stage, and discuss what happens when we prepare for a river but end up facing a mountain. The guys dive into why simple spiritual disciplines like groups, serving, and giving are so critical, while tackling the danger of treating church routines as a checklist. From practical tools like five-year journaling to remaining a warrior in the spiritual battles of life, this conversation will challenge you to step up with boldness and take your next step in faith.

The Challenge: Reflect on your current spiritual routines this week. Are you just "showing up" and checking boxes, or are you approaching your faith, groups, and worship with genuine vulnerability and expectancy? Identify one area where you've felt hesitant - whether taking a bold step in conversation, serving, or opening up - and commit to stepping into it with courage.

Hosts: Neil Gregory and Carl Kuhl

What We Discuss

• Inside sermon preparation: Narrowing down a message from thousands of extra words

• Why spiritual resilience requires compassion, not just tough exterior strength

• The danger of "playing church" vs. authentically engaging in community and scripture

• Keeping faith simple: Why we tend to overcomplicate God's straightforward truth

• What to do when you prepare for a river and get a mountain

• Training for the storm: Why spiritual disciplines matter before the crisis hits

• Pushing past the "pit in your stomach" when having tough, loving conversations

• Leaning into God's mission: Lessons learned from the life and missteps of King David

• Measuring spiritual growth through the fruit of the Spirit and a 5-year journal

• The basic spiritual checklist: Why the system works if you are willing to work it

⸻ About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Acts 3-4

Resilience is both strong and flexible.

Carl Kuhl joins us to kick off our series on Resilience. We need the strength of resilience to resist temptation. In Acts 3 and 4, we see that resilient strength is ready at unpredictable times, grounded in Scripture, and unwavering in proclaiming the full truth of Jesus. Resilient strength is formed in the Church, so get in the Word, get in community, give, and serve.

Are you trusting God to see to the nitty-gritty details of your life, or are you letting fear keep you from stepping into what He's calling you to do?

This week on Off Script, guest teacher Ben Foot joins Neil to wrap up our series on Abraham and dive into the challenging story of Genesis 22. From computer crashes and wedding mishaps to the literal Hebrew translation of "The Lord will provide," Ben and Neil unpack what it really means to cultivate an unwavering trust in God. They discuss why we so easily freak out over life's "ant hills" despite God's past faithfulness, practical ways to study Scripture by slowing down, and why true faithfulness always costs something—including Ben's personal journey of bringing hidden struggles like depression into the light to find freedom.

The Challenge This week, identify one area where you know God is calling you to act, confess, or surrender, but fear or pride has held you back. Stop carrying the weight alone - rip the band-aid off, share it with a trusted friend or church community member, and take that terrifying yet freeing step of obedience.

Hosts: Neil Gregory and Ben Foot

What We Discuss

• Ben's chaotic week: A crashed computer, lost sermon notes, and his 17-year history with Scott Nickell

• Unpacking the Hebrew behind Genesis 22: Why "The Lord will provide" literally means "The Lord sees to it"

• Grappling with the sacrifice of Isaac and understanding Abraham's radical faith in resurrection

• The Jamaica ant hill story: Why we panic over small obstacles even after seeing God move mountains in our past

• A practical framework for reading Scripture: Small Picture, Big Picture, and Ultimate Picture

• Why reading the Bible slowly and intentionally yields deeper transformation than rushing through chapters

• The difference between simple belief and active faithfulness, which always requires sacrifice and dying to self

• Ben's personal story of struggling with depression and the freedom found in bringing hidden battles into the light

• Ripping off the band-aid: Taking steps of obedience without trying to walk through them alone

⸻ About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give.

Weekend Scripture: Genesis 22

Do you have unwavering trust in God's character and promises?

Ben Foote joins us to wrap up our series on Faith. In Genesis 22, we see God test Abraham's faith by stretching it to its absolute limits. Yet, Abraham demonstrates faith, an unwavering trust that God would remain faithful to His character and to His promises. May we make the sacrifices our God is commanding us to make, and trust His promise that life waits for us on the other side.

What does true, long-term obedience look like over decades of ministry, and how do you stay open when God asks you to pivot?

This week on Off Script, Neil sits down with long-time Southland team member Mike "Vandee" Vandemark to reflect on 70 years of Southland's ministry. Vandee shares his 28-year personal journey from playing drums at college ministry to overseeing multiple departments across the church, offering a front-row seat to how Southland has evolved while staying anchored to its core mission. Together, they discuss the danger of taking spiritual shortcuts, the power of trusting leaders who see potential in you, and how an attitude of availability can transform a simple life decision into a lasting legacy.

The ChallengeThis week, reflect on your own level of availability to God and the trusted leaders in your life. Is there an open door or a new responsibility you've been resisting because it stretches you outside of your comfort zone? Choose to step out in faith, trust where God is leading, and say "yes" to being used wherever you are needed.

Hosts: Neil Gregory and Mike "Vandee" Vandemark

What We Discuss

Vandee's origin story at Southland: playing drums for the "Encounter" college service to leading music, production, and facilities
Reflecting on Southland's 70-year history and the constant flexibility of methods while keeping the Gospel mission unchanged
Conversations with former senior minister Wayne Smith about reaching central Kentucky
Why avoiding shortcuts in ministry means choosing long-term obedience and flexibility over "the way we've always done it"
How Gary Black's perspective on video tools shaped Neil's heart for ministry 15 years ago
A life-changing conversation with Vandy's dad about stepping into leadership and trusting trusted mentors
Overcoming the fear of stepping outside your comfort zone to step into unexpected "God moments"
Reencountering a man in Richmond whose life was impacted by a simple parking lot prayer two decades ago

⸻

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Genesis 16

Where do you turn when you feel like God is not operating on your timetable?

This week, Scott dives into Genesis 16 to look at what happens when we try to outrun God's timetable. Weary of waiting a decade for the heir God promised, Abram and Sarai chose a shortcut, introducing bitterness and chaos that rippled across generations. Taking shortcuts around God's clear plan always brings pain, but true faith requires trusting His timeline and remaining obedient in the waiting room. The waiting may be difficult, but God has not abandoned us.

Are you tired of trying to control every detail of your own life, or are you ready to hand over the pen and let God write your story?

This week on Off Script, Neil and Scott Hatfield dive deep into the messy reality of faith, what it means to drop our self-made plans, and how we can learn to trust in God's relentless covenant. The guys discuss the grueling seasons of questioning God through life's deep valleys, why frustration expressed in prayer is still an act of faith, and how to cultivate eyes to see the quiet "God moments" hidden in our daily routines and surrounding community.

The Challenge

This week, create intentional space to look back and audit your life for "God moments." Take a long drive, open a journal, or sit down with a friend and write out 2–3 specific times where God showed His faithfulness to you in the past, choosing to actively remember His track record instead of getting paralyzed by the what-ifs of your current season.

Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Hatfield

What We Discuss

Unpacking the true depth of a biblical "covenant" as a waiverless, relentless, dogged faithfulness
Navigating the exhausting emotional, physical, and relational toll of infertility, and playing "mind games" with God during the waiting
Why Abraham's raw frustration with God is still an expression of faith, and why gut-wrenching prayers are still prayers
The power of Christian community and why stepping "off the island" of isolation into group life is vital for gritty discipleship
A sneak peek into the upcoming launch of Fight Club Online, shifting the men's ministry curriculum into a high-impact, 10-week format
Details for the upcoming Fight Club group leader interest meeting on August 10th at the Nicholasville campus

⸻

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Genesis 15

Faith is not polished and pristine. Faith is messy, gritty, and raw.

Scott Hatfield walks us through Genesis 15 as we continue our series on Faith. Coming out of warfare, Abraham gets radically honest with God about his deep disappointments, grief, and unmet expectations. Instead of shaming him, God meets Abraham with grace, steps in as his personal shield, and provides an undeniable reminder of His covenant promise. Hard, gut-wrenching prayers are still prayers, and our frustrations do not disqualify our faith. You were never meant to take the pen and write your own story. God, the Author, is personal, and He is inviting you to a life of faith. Let Him write your story.

When everything in life becomes chaotic and disorienting, where do you place your daily trust? Are you anchoring your faith in your own gifts and credentials, or are you ready to completely rely on the faithfulness of Jesus?

This week on Off Script, Neil is back from Ireland to dive into the life of Abraham and explore what it truly means to walk by faith. Neil and Matt break down how easily good things can become destructive when we turn them into ultimate things , and they look at the profound challenges of maintaining a persistent faith when traveling through the valley of tragedy. This conversation serves as a powerful reminder that the true strength of our faith is determined by its object, Jesus, rather than its size.

The Challenge this week, look closely at where you are placing your daily confidence. When you face an unexpected circumstance or tragedy, actively resist the natural urge to look inward or fixate on the "why". Instead, look for Jesus in both your circumstances and in Scripture, and focus on what you can learn about His character in the midst of the struggle.

Hosts: Neil Gregory and Matt Williams

What We Discuss

Unpacking Abraham's relationship with Lot and the spiritual implications that text has further down the road in Genesis
The hidden spiritual testing that comes with abundance and how it can easily breed apathy or lethargy in our faith
Matt's reflection on writing this specific sermon twice to look at faith through two completely distinct angles
Moving from a mountaintop baptism celebration directly into a heavy season of officiating a celebration of life service
Distinguishing between Paul's instruction to be thankful in all circumstances versus being thankful for all circumstances
The danger of letting good things become ultimate things, transforming them into destructive things in our lives
Why the object of our faith is vastly more important than the actual size of our faith
A powerful generational legacy of faith summed up by a grandmother's simple advice to always "look for Jesus"
Embracing the compound interest of faith by intentionally looking back to recognize God's past history of faithfulness

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Genesis 13

Sometimes we have to trust when our eyes can't see.

Matt walks us through Genesis 13 as we continue our series on Faith. When faith essentially comes down to whether or not we believe God is telling the truth, do we trust His intentions towards us? Walking by faith means that we trust in God's mercy, we trust in God's grace, we trust in God's provision, and we trust in God's promises. We may not be able to see the outcome ahead, but we can look for Jesus and trust Him. So walk by faith. All it takes is one step.

This week on Off Script, with Neil Gregory still overseas enjoying himself in Ireland, Connor Hall is back for another week of hosting and sits down with Lydia Florence to unpack the deeper elements of her sermon.

Lydia takes us behind the scenes of preaching under some unexpected conditions at the Nicholasville campus, where the air conditioning went out, leaving everyone to brave the blazing stage lights and heat together. Connor and Lydia dive deep into Genesis 12 and the roadmap of Abram's journey. They examine the immediate trial Abram faced upon entering the Promised Land - a famine - and challenge the modern "prosperity gospel" narrative. This conversation explores why suffering is a guaranteed reality of the Christian walk, how fear can cause us to make destructive trades in our marriages and careers, and what it practically looks like to rest in God's unchanging promises.

The ChallengeThis week, take a break from chasing "mountaintop" feelings and ground yourself in the reality of God's Word. Pick exactly one specific promise of God from Scripture to meditate on and memorize. When you encounter a crossroad of fear and faith, or find yourself in a pit of adversity, use that promise as your anchor instead of turning inward or trying to take control.

Hosts: Connor Hall and Lydia Florence

What We Discuss

Surviving the heat: Preaching on stage under blazing lights when the air conditioning failed at the Nicholasville campus
Tracing Abram's roadmap in Genesis 12 and why a famine immediately following a promise can feel so unexpected
Deconstructing the "prosperity gospel" lie that connects a lack of health or wealth to small faith
Recognizing that while Jesus lived entirely without sin, God has never had a child who lived without suffering
Why floating through life completely happy and free, without ever realizing your need for God, is far worse than suffering
A reminder from Tim Keller on how we move from abstract knowledge to personal understanding through the furnace of affliction
Navigating the downward slope after a "mountaintop" experience like a conference or baptism
Facing the crossroads of fear and faith by picking just one scriptural promise to constantly meditate on

⸻ About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Genesis 12

Where do you turn when life throws a wrench in your plans?

This week, Lydia dives into Genesis 12:10-20 as we continued our series: Faith. When a severe famine tested his faith, Abram chose a path of fear and detoured to Egypt, falling into a pit of failure by lying to save himself. Yet, the story reminds us that our rescue never depends on our own perfection, but entirely on God's unwavering faithfulness. When you face a crossroads, choose to follow Him in obedience and leave the outcomes in His hands.

What happens when God asks you to leave everything familiar behind before showing you where you are actually going? Are you willing to trust His promises when the path forward is completely hidden from view?

This week on Off Script, Connor Hall steps in for Neil Gregory to sit down and discuss a powerful Father's Day weekend. They unpack the launch of a new series on faith, diving deep into the story of Abram in Genesis 12 and what it looks like to step out in radical obedience. The conversation covers the grueling process of writing a sermon twice, the tough boundaries surrounding worship music and theology, and the countercultural reality that partial obedience is still disobedience. Ultimately, this episode serves as a reminder that while false gods will always demand that you bleed for them, our God is the one who bled for us.

The Challenge: Identify one area of your life where you have been offering God "partial obedience" or trying to bring your old baggage along for the ride. This week, make the definitive choice to clear out the weeds, leave that comfort zone behind, and take one full step of pure obedience into the unknown.

Hosts: Connor Hall and Scott Nickell

What We Discuss:

• Connor Hall stepping in to host the podcast while Neil Gregory is away across the pond in Ireland • How preaching on Father's Day affects Scott, and why the turnout this past weekend was a proud moment • The behind-the-scenes breakdown of why a sermon had to be entirely rewritten on a Wednesday morning due to a worship song copyright slide • The specific theological boundaries the church maintains regarding certain ministries, false gospels, and musical infiltration • Dissecting the massive chronological gap between Genesis 12, verses 3 and 4, by using Stephen's speech in Acts 7 • Why Abram's decision to bring Lot along was a hedge of his bets and a form of partial obedience • Reject, Redeem, Receive: A practical three-part filter for evaluating what can and cannot come with you into your Christian walk • Dismantling the cultural pressure of progressive Christianity that attempts to mold God's word around personal sexual identity

About Southland Christian ChurchSouthland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Genesis 12

Sometimes we try to fix the things only God can fix and forget to do the only thing we can do, which is to obey Him.

Scott jumps into Genesis 12 as we launch a new series on Faith. Sometimes we ask God to bless our desires, but God will not bless our sin. Sometimes the most loving thing God does is allow us to learn that the thing we want more than Him won't satisfy us. There is a constant competition for our hearts, but faith is demonstrable trust that God is who He says He is and will do everything He's promised to do.

Are you actively feeding your mind the things that produce true joy, or is your mental diet shaping you into someone who is grumpy, despairing, and ungrateful?

This week on Off Script, Neil sits down with the president of Ozark Christian College, Matt Proctor, to dive deep into a powerhouse verse that got cut from Sunday's sermon: Philippians 4:8. They discuss what it practically means to audit our mental intake and how tasting the "real thing" in Christ completely weakens the appeal of the world's counterfeits. From the compounding impact of social media algorithms and passive marketing in our homes, to finding the strength to give thanks in all circumstances rather than for them, this conversation is an urgent reminder that true joy is something we must actively fight for and cultivate daily.

The Challenge This week, slow down and practice the discipline of Christian meditation. Instead of gulping down chapters of Scripture just to check off a box, take just one verse, like Philippians 4:8, and chew on it slowly all week long, asking questions of the text and allowing it to take real residence in your heart, mind, and soul.

Hosts: Neil Gregory and Matt Proctor

What We Discuss

•How Matt unexpectedly transitioned from a local church pulpit to serving as the president of Ozark Christian College for 20 years

•The joy of traveling the globe to see how a "little bitty college" in Missouri impacts millions through its alumni

•How Matt manages a demanding travel schedule and a massive family of six kids and seven grandkids alongside his wife, Katie

•Diving deep into Philippians 4:8 and why Matt felt guilty for having to cut this highlight verse from his Sunday sermon

•The "Secret Service" approach to joy: why focusing on the real thing makes worldly counterfeits lose their flavor

•A sobering historical look at how a young Adolf Hitler's isolation and toxic mental diet shaped his path toward destruction

•Practical ways to practice "passive marketing" on your kids by strategically decorating your home with scripture and faith reminders

•The powerful distinction in 1 Thessalonians 5 between giving thanks for your difficult circumstances versus giving thanks in them

•Matt's infamous "three flat tire day" where his wife reminded him of James 1:2 right as he was grumbling on the curb

•The unforgettable ministry lesson Matt learned from Raymond, a nursing home resident with MS who chose to sing "I'm so happy" every single week

•Balancing holy ambition with the spiritual necessity to pause, pull back, and understand the difference between abounding and abiding

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Philippians 4

Are you building your life on a personal resume of accolades, or are you ready to trade it all in for something that actually lasts?

This week on Off Script, Neil and Scott dive into Philippians Chapter 3 to explore what it truly means to count everything as loss compared to the ultimate prize of knowing Jesus Christ. The guys talk about how easy it is to treat our credentials, whether it's church heritage, hard work, or worldly success, as a security blanket, and how Paul radically redefines all of it as skubalon. This conversation challenges us to draw a line in the sand, throw away our self-made resumes, and firmly anchor our identity in Christ alone.

The Challenge

This week, take a hard look at where you are placing your daily confidence. When you feel tempted to cross the line back into earning God's favor or leveraging your status over others, consciously choose to drop that resume in the trash, stand firm, and take offensive action in your faith.

Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Nickell

What We Discuss

Scott's behind-the-scenes mishap of accidentally cutting an entire page of notes and a cue quote during the first service
How Paul's mindset in Acts 20 of facing imprisonment and afflictions heavily influenced Scott's journey back to Southland
Reflecting on Jim Elliot's missionary legacy and Edmund Clowney's quote about the church being composed of "losers" for Christ
The rich young ruler and the parable of the man building bigger barns to store up temporary worldly wealth
A moment of vulnerability regarding entitlements, taking shots from critics, and the danger of treating knowledge as wisdom
Scott's blunt interaction with a churchgoer right before service and why tolerating lies is not a Christian virtue
The cultural prescriptions of the "Bible Belt"—from perfect attendance to Church badges—versus actual heart transformation
Unpacking the extreme Greek word skubalon and why Paul used the equivalent of a cuss word to describe his credentials
Navigating the ditch of legalism on one side and "grace abusers" (antinomianism) on the other
What it practically means to "stand firm" using wrestling terminology and taking offensive action in your marriage, parenting, and career

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Philippians 3

Who have you placed your confidence in?

Scott leads us through Philippians 3 as we continue our series on Joy. Everyone has credentials, things we think can "get us in" to where we want to go. Paul has a lot of religious credentials, even claiming to be blameless under the law. But instead of boasting, Paul says to count it all as loss and exhorts the church at Phillipi that the only credentials that matter, the only One we can place our confidence in, is Jesus. You really get to know Jesus when everything you hold dear is stripped away, and all you have is Him, proving His faithfulness and giving you joy in the pain. When you sin, fall short, and mess up, you can remind yourself, "I know a guy… His name is Jesus."

Are you trying to find fulfillment by filling yourself up, or are you ready to experience the deep joy that only comes from pouring yourself out?

This week on Off Script, Neil and Scott dive into Philippians Chapter 2 to explore the radical humility of Jesus and what it practically looks like to live a life of emptying ourselves for others. The guys break down the stark contrast between a "stagnant lake" that stores up blessings and a flowing stream that continually pours out, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate example of self-emptying love. They also dive into the historical reality of Paul and Silas singing hymns in a midnight dungeon, challenging us to step out of our physical and spiritual comfort zones to "sing through the suffering."

The Challenge

This week, look for an intentional pathway to empty yourself on behalf of someone else. Ask yourself three specific questions: Who did I serve today? What did I give away? and Whose burden did I bear? When the Holy Spirit presents a clear opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and serve, make the choice to say yes instead of looking inward.

Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Nickell

What We Discuss

The balance of pastoral health: establishing thresholds for preaching and demonstrating the necessity of rest
Shifting from a "stagnant lake" mentality to becoming a flowing, overflowing stream that pours out to others
How trying to constantly fill and satisfy ourselves blocks us from experiencing true biblical joy
The historical background of Philippians 2 and the missing context of Epaphroditus falling deathly ill
A vivid look at Acts 16: the brutal reality of Paul and Silas being beaten with rods and thrown into prison stocks
Why singing through suffering destroys the leverage of the enemy and serves as a powerful witness to others
Overcoming pride in worship and how changing our physical posture can unlock something deep within us spiritually
Capturing the powerful moment of bowing our heads to acknowledge being small instruments in God's hands

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Philippians 2

To live is Christ and to die is gain.

This week, Scott walked us through Philippians 2. Jesus poured Himself, emptying Himself of the riches of heaven so that we could be saved by His grace. According to Paul, Jesus said that it is more blessed to give than to receive. The most joyful life is the one spent for Jesus, reaching lost and broken people. The path to being full of joy is emptying yourself out. If you aren't experiencing the joy of Jesus, it's because you aren't emptying yourself out for Jesus.

When your circumstances spiral out of your control, do you let your emotions spiral with them, or do you choose a different path?

In this episode of Off Script, Carl joins Neil to dive into the first chapter of Philippians. They unpack the context behind Paul's letter, written while chained inside a prison cell, and how his circumstances didn't stop him from overflowing with joy. The conversation explores why we often confuse the endless chase for pleasure (dopamine) with the lasting gift of true joy (serotonin). Carl breaks down the three traps we fall into when the future is uncertain and how we can respond.

The Challenge

This week, look at the areas in your life where your future feels uncertain or chaotic. Instead of sliding into victimhood, playing it safe, or getting stuck, choose to take "one step". Pick one practical area, whether it's doubling down on gratitude, fighting the spiritual battle, living on mission, or leaning into your crew, and take that single step toward choosing joy today.

Hosts: Neil Gregory and Carl Kuhl

What We Discuss

Kicking off our new sermon series on the book of Philippians and the central theme of joy
The historical context of Paul writing the letter to the Philippians while literally chained inside a prison cell
Chasing dopamine versus chasing serotonin: Distinguishing between temporary pleasure and lasting biblical joy
Asking the filtering question: "If you were to chase a vice this week to numb yourself, what would that vice be?"
How good things become destructive things when we turn them into "ultimate things"
The three distinct traps we fall into when the future is uncertain: getting stuck, playing it safe, and choosing victimhood
Misplaced sympathy and the epidemic of adopting a victim mentality instead of taking personal responsibility
Henry Cloud's concept of being "ridiculously in charge" of your own life, choices, and reactions
The two ultimate things you can always control in any given situation: your actions and your attitude

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Philippians 1

Choose joy when the future is uncertain.

Carl Kuhl joins us to launch our new series on Joy. In Philippians 1, Paul sets an example for the church at Philippi to practice gratitude and choose joy no matter their circumstances. If you want to be confident that God is not done, double down on gratitude. Join the battle, link arms with your church family, and fight through prayer. Our hope is in Jesus, and He has the eternal victory.

What if the very things you do to find comfort are actually keeping you from the freedom Jesus promised?

This week on Off Script, Conor Hall joins Neil to wrap up the book of Galatians and look at what it practically means to live out Gospel freedom. They address the common struggle of entitlement, how feeling "deserving" of rest can quietly breed spiritual laziness and lead us to abandon daily disciplines. The conversation highlights the vital difference between the enemy's condemnation and the Holy Spirit's conviction, emphasizing that we destroy Satan's leverage over our lives the moment we stop hiding our messes and choose to carry each other's burdens in community.

The Challenge

This week, take aim at entitlement by auditing your "internal script." When you feel too tired or "deserving" of a break to engage in spiritual disciplines, recognize that as a signal to bring your darkness into the light.

Hosts: Neil Gregory and Connor Hall

What We Discuss

Wrapping up the Galatians series and summarizing its fierce defense of Christian freedom against legalism
The danger of letting a sense of entitlement turn into spiritual laziness and a neglect of daily disciplines
Distinguishing between the enemy's condemnation (which makes you hide) and the Holy Spirit's conviction (which leads to growth)
The power of confession and why bringing our secret struggles into the light destroys Satan's leverage
How "sideways energy" builds up in our lives when we refuse to deal with our internal messes
The practical reality of what it means to bear one another's burdens as a healthy church family
How sharing your struggles out loud strengthens others who may have walked through the exact same thing
The importance of finding an authentic community of people who will kindly remind you of your true identity
A sneak peek at our upcoming summer series through Philippians as we prepare to shift our focus to joy

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Galatians 6

Are you living out of the radical freedom of the Gospel, or have you traded it for the false security of a religious checklist?

This week on Off Script, Neil and Scott discuss why a life of rules is a "low bar" and how true maturity only comes through responsibility and walking hand-in-hand with the Holy Spirit. They explore the tension of the Christian life, comparing spiritual growth to the "cultivating and killing" required in a summer garden. From Scott's childhood memories of planting live Christmas trees in frozen ground to the high-stakes dangers of wandering off the path on Mount Everest, the conversation highlights why we cannot produce spiritual fruit on our own.

The Challenge

This week, identify one "weed" in your life, a specific struggle or habit like anger or addiction, that you want to be done with this summer. Instead of trying to fix it through willpower, bring it into the light by telling a trusted friend and invite the Holy Spirit to help you "kill" it.

Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Nickell

What We Discuss

Why Galatians 5:1 is the "CliffsNotes" and summary statement of the entire book.
Why you can't "make an apple" and the reality that only the Holy Spirit produces spiritual fruit.
The strategy of "Cultivating vs. Killing" in your spiritual life this summer.
Why "order" is attractive to those coming from chaos, but isn't always godly.
How the law acts as a "low bar" that provides false security and leads to spiritual despondency.
The relationship between maturity, responsibility, and true freedom.
Why Paul's struggle in Romans 7 gives us hope when we feel like we're losing the battle.
The high-stakes metaphor of Mount Everest and why wandering away from the Holy Spirit always has a cost.

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Galatians 5

Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you.

This Sunday, Scott dives into Galatians 5 where Paul encourages the church in Galatia to live by the Spirit. Even in our walk with Jesus, we will still face, struggle with, and be tempted to sin. But we must join the Holy Spirit daily in continuing to crucify our flesh. When we live by the Spirit, He supplies what we need to grow. He shapes us, changes us, transforms us, and enables us to become more like Jesus.

Why is it that even when we've been set free, we find ourselves drifting back toward the chains of rules and performance?

This week on Off Script, Neil, Matt, and Conor discuss the raw power of identity and why living in the light of the Gospel means moving from condemnation to conviction. The conversation dives deep into the concept of identity, distinguishing between the external "mask" of religious performance and the internal reality of being a child of God. Matt shares personal stories of "home improvement projects" gone wrong as a metaphor for our own lives, reminding us that while the Holy Spirit convicts us to move toward something better, He never condemns who we are in Christ.

The Challenge

This week, pay attention to your "internal script" when you mess up. Distinguish between condemnation, which tells you that you are bad and drives you to hide, and conviction, which identifies the behavior as wrong but invites you into the light. Choose one area of "darkness" you've been hiding and share it with a trusted friend to walk toward freedom instead of shame.

Hosts: Neil Gregory, Matt Williams, and Connor Hall

What We Discuss

The three things Matt originally left off his manuscript, from the beginning to the end of the sermon
Understanding the "identity" crisis: Are you defined by your activity or your relationship with God?
The difference between the Holy Spirit's conviction and the enemy's condemnation
Why we are so tempted to stay in the "darkness" of our mistakes rather than bringing them to the light
A look into Matt's "home improvement" struggles and how they mirror our spiritual growth
The danger of "sideways energy" when we refuse to deal with our internal brokenness
How to separate your worth from your performance at work or in the home
The importance of having a community that points you back to your true identity in Jesus
Why the "freedom" promised in Galatians is both a gift and a responsibility to walk in daily

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Galatians 4

What does it mean to be a child of God?

This week, Matt walked us through Galatians 4, focusing on freedom through our adoption into God's family. God redeems us, places us in His home, and proclaims that we are His. Because of the gospel, we know that our identity is found solely in Christ. And if what we believe shapes how we behave, the gospel shouldn't just inform the way we live; it should transform the way we live.

In this episode of Off Script, Neil and Scott dive into the third week of the Galatians "Freedom" series. They explore why Paul used such harsh language - calling the Galatians "fools" - to snap them out of their slide back into legalism. Scott breaks down the historical background of the region, the relationship between the Promise and the Law, and why the church thrives most when it lacks "cultural capital." From heated disagreements on the baseball field to the painful leap of faith required to move a family across the country, this conversation centers on what it really looks like to be "made new" rather than just "tamed." The Challenge Take some time this week to reflect on two specific questions: What in your life is only explainable by God's grace, and what in your life is only explainable by your faith in Him? If you find it hard to answer the second one, ask yourself what a step of authentic, risky obedience might look like in your marriage, your parenting, or your career. Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Nickell What We Discuss * Why Paul starts Galatians 3 by calling the audience "idiots" or "fools." * How we often "sanitize" the Bible and view characters as "flannelgraph people." * The technical argument of why the Promise to Abraham preceded the Law of Moses. * The difference between justification (being made righteous) and sanctification (the work of the Spirit). * Why "being nice" is not a fruit of the Spirit, but being kind is. * The danger of turning your children's sports and success into "little gods." * Navigating the tension of being a "Christian in name only" versus having true integrity.

About Southland Christian Church Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Galatians 3

What are you going to do with the new you?

This week, Scott dives into Galatians 3 and the rough crowd of the city of Galatia. The Galatian people had a wild and extreme heritage marked by violence and paganism. This is why Paul wanted to be so clear to the Galatian church: Jesus, and only Jesus, can set us free. You became a Christian by grace through faith in Jesus because there is no other way.

Are you living in the true freedom Jesus provides, or are you slipping back into the exhausting cycle of trying to earn your own righteousness through performance?

This week on Off Script, Neil and Scott dive into the second week of the Galatians series to discuss why even the most seasoned believers can fall into the trap of legalism. They explore the intense showdown between the two pillars of the Christian faith, Peter and Paul. They discuss why Paul was willing to be so confrontational, matching his "angriest" letter with a style that pulls no punches, to protect the purity of the Gospel from false teachers who wanted to add the law to the work of Christ.

The Challenge

This week, audit your spiritual wiring. If you lean toward strength, ask God where you might be making non-essential rules a barrier to the Gospel. If you lean toward flexibility, ask for the courage to stand firm on truth even when it's uncomfortable. Identify one "former thing" you are tempted to run back to and ask your community to help you walk in freedom instead.

Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Nickell

What We Discuss

Why reading the Book of Acts provides the essential historical "sequel" for understanding Paul's epistles.
The strategic reason Paul circumcised Timothy but refused to circumcise Titus.
What "spying out our freedom" literally meant in the original Greek context.
The "Dental Metaphor": Why a root canal (endodontics) is the only cure for a root problem, not braces (orthodontics).
A powerful story about "Sunshine" and the devastating impact of self-righteousness in the church.
The critical distinction between welcoming a person and affirming false teaching.
Why Peter, despite his great proclamations, acted like a "coward" and a "hypocrite" in Antioch.
The importance of authentic community in calling us back to our true Gospel identity.

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Galatians 2

Because Jesus is for everyone, His followers must welcome anyone.

Scott walks us through Galatians 2. Christ came to set us free, and that includes freedom from the Law. We are not justified by works, but through faith in Jesus Christ. Justification by works produces both hypocrisy and cowardice, and both pull us out of line with the Gospel. If we are going to be a resilient church built on Jesus' authority, we have to grow in flexibility and in strength, in grace and in truth. Which do you need to grow in?

Is your definition of "truth" based on the unchanging Word of God, or is it a moving target defined by cultural trends and political convenience?

This week on Off Script, Neil and Scott dive into the "explosive" book of Galatians and why the Apostle Paul was so viciously protective over the purity of the Gospel. They tackle recent public statements from political figures that mirror the "progressive Christianity" Paul originally wrote to combat. The conversation moves from the dangers of virtue signaling to the vital importance of biblical authority, specifically regarding how we view sin, conversion, and the radical transformation that only Jesus can provide.

The Challenge

The challenge for this week is to start breaking down the barriers that keep you from fully believing God's freedom is for you. As we move into chapters 2 through 6 of Galatians, take time to identify the "former things" or old patterns you are most tempted to run back to when life gets difficult. Commit to reading ahead in the text and honestly auditing your heart: Are you living out of the radical transformation Jesus provides, or are you slipping back into the exhausting cycle of trying to earn your own righteousness?

Hosts: Neil Gregory & Scott Nickell

What We Discuss

Why Galatians is one of Scott's favorite letters because of its explosive and confrontational nature
The "crazy combination of head and heart" that allowed Paul to be a brilliant scholar and a physical "fistfighter" for the faith
Deconstructing the prideful idea that you have sinned too much for God's grace to reach you
A breakdown of the Supreme Court decision regarding Christian counseling and free speech
The danger of "virtue signaling" and using coded language to redefine biblical concepts like conversion
Questions every Christ follower should ask when a public leader makes religious claims
Why Paul tells the Galatians (and us) to reject even an "angel from heaven" if they preach a different gospel
The historical claims of Islam and Mormonism regarding angelic visitations and how they relate to Paul's warnings in Galatians

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Galatians 1

Jesus + nothing = everything.

Scott kicked off our next series on Freedom with a look into Galatians 1. Only Jesus sets us free from our slavery to sin. He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. You have been set free from your former life to walk in the freedom that comes through Christ alone!

How many people in your life are one invitation away from a completely different future?

This week on Off Script, Neil and Scott celebrate the miracles of Easter and discuss why the "flood" of new life is only the beginning of the journey toward true freedom. They share behind-the-scenes stories of the logistics and emotions involved in Easter services. The conversation then shifts to the future as they preview an upcoming teaching series on the book of Galatians, exploring the messy, vital distinction between religious performance and the authentic freedom found only in Christ.

The Challenge

As we move out of the Easter season, don't let the momentum stop. This week, pick up your Bible and start reading through the first few chapters of Galatians to prepare your heart for our next series. Ask yourself: Am I living like a "religious" person trying to earn points, or am I living as a child of God who is already loved?

Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Nickell

What We Discuss

Reflecting on the "Easter edition" of the podcast and the energy of five weekend services
The "flood" of baptisms across campuses and the excitement of seeing lights come back on in the baptistry for more people
The behind-the-scenes effort from staff and volunteers to make Easter weekend happen
The significance of "moving the line" and making last-minute decisions for Christ
Previewing the upcoming series on the book of Galatians
Defining the "Good News" versus the "Religious News" that often traps believers
The struggle of even "Bible Belt" Christians to actually experience the freedom Jesus promised
A challenge to read ahead in the first six chapters of Galatians to prepare for the new series

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: John 20:31

When life throws you a total curveball, do your prayers stay polite or do you take off the mask and get real with God?

This week on Off Script, Neil sits down with guest teacher Carl Kuhl to discuss the raw honesty required for a true relationship with Jesus. They dive into the story of Lazarus to explore how we can trust a God who is often unexplainable and seemingly out of our control. From the emotions of a morning check-in to the risks required by true faith, this conversation is a call to stop performing for God and start abiding in Him.

The Challenge

This week, move beyond your typical prayer list and try a "morning check-in." Take a few deep breaths and be honest with God about where you are emotionally and whether you're sad, angry, scared, or excited. Once you've met Jesus in the morning, look for one "risk" you can take today that proves your belief is more than just a statement, but an action.

Hosts: Neil Gregory and Carl Kuhl

What We Discuss

Why the "Bible Belt" culture in Kentucky makes it easy to say you have a church without actually following Jesus
Funny college stories about Scott and how Jesus "sanctifies people over time"
Why pain is the only universal language that doesn't need to be contextualized for a sermon
The comfort of an "unexplainable" God: Why God's mind is so much bigger than our logic
How realizing we were never actually in control is the first step toward true freedom
Why "faith is spelled R-I-S-K" and what it looks like to take those steps in daily life
Overcoming the embarrassment of Jesus to invite others without "being weird" about it
Distinguishing between inviting people out of a checklist of performance versus a fresh encounter with God

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: John 11

Come and see.

This week, Carl Kuhl joined us to talk about Salvation. Through no actions of our own, through nothing we've deserved, God offers us each an inheritance: salvation by grace, through faith. It doesn't come from ourselves, but is a gift from God. We worship the one who defeated death, who calls us out of the grave, and who makes all things new. Who can you invite to come and see?

Is your confidence in your eternity based on what you do, or who you belong to?

This week on Off Script, Neil and Scott dive into the distinction between religious activity and a genuine relationship with Jesus, exploring how our true identity must always precede our activity. They address the "progressive lie" and the "prosperity lie", including its shadow version, the "poverty gospel", and explain why your bank account is never a measure of your righteousness. The heart of the discussion centers on the doctrine of adoption, the power of fostering and adoption stories, and why so many people struggle with a lack of confidence in their salvation.

The Challenge

This week, audit your confidence. If you were asked why you're sure about your eternity, notice if your answer starts with "I" or with "Jesus". Spend time this week "abiding" in the Word, letting your identity as an adopted child of God be the foundation that all your actions flow from.

Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Nickell

What We Discuss

The powerful impact of the recent testimony video on the fostering and adopting community
How the doctrine of adoption mirrors God's heart for us as His children
Deconstructing the "poverty gospel" and why intentionally pursuing poverty doesn't make you more spiritual
Why wealth can often mask our desperation for Jesus and lead to a false sense of security
The "Monopoly board" analogy: why all our earthly effort eventually goes back in the box
Warning signs of "progressive" theology in seminaries and universities that have left the Bible behind
Why many people have a "moderate level of confidence" in their salvation due to works-based theology
Why identity must always precede activity: you can't nail fruit to a fencepost

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: John 8

It is possible to have Jesus right in front of you and miss Him because of lies.

This week, Scott jumped back into John 8 as we finished up our series on Truth. Jesus has made it clear that we have a big problem: our slavery to sin. But the good news is that He has come to set us free. Who do you know that needs to know Jesus?

What does it actually mean to "abide" in the truth, and how can familiarizing ourselves with God's Word help us spot the counterfeits in our culture?

In this episode of Off Script, Scott and Neil reflect on the incredible success of the recent Meal Pack, where Southland packed one million meals across five campuses. They dive into the importance of men stepping up for mission trips. The heart of the conversation focuses on "Week 3" of the Reset Challenge, exploring how replacing digital noise with Bible teaching and daily reading in the Book of John is changing lives. Scott also unpacks what it means to "make yourself at home" in the Bible so that we can develop the discernment needed to navigate a world where truth is often seen as relative.

The Challenge

Don't let go of the discipline you've put in place. As we move into the final week of the Reset Challenge, continue your daily reading in the Book of John and look for ways to move from being a bystander to pouring your life out as an offering for something bigger than yourself.

Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Nickell

What We Discuss

The "breaking news" that Scott is officially attempting to take over the DJ playlist for next year's Meal Pack
Why it's vital for men to prioritize mission trips despite busy schedules and work responsibilities
Feedback from the Reset Challenge and the impact of listening to solid Bible preachers
The "non-negotiable" habit of daily scripture reading to keep from falling back into old patterns
Why 83% of teenagers believe truth is relative and where that cultural shift is coming from
The definition of "abide" as making yourself at home in the Word of God
How Jesus illustrated his "I Am" statements through miraculous actions in the Gospel of John
Learning to recognize the "whiff of a lie" by becoming intimately acquainted with the real truth
Understanding what we are saved from: the penalty, the practice, and the power of sin
The significance of physical movement in worship and why Scott called people to the front of the stage this week

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: John 8

Because of Jesus, you can be set free from the penalty of sin. Because of Jesus, you can be set free from the practice of sin. Because of Jesus, you can be set free from the power of sin.

This Sunday, Scott dove into John 8 as we seek to discover the truth about who Jesus is and the mission that He's on. He sets us free from the penalty, practice, and power of sin!

Ever wondered if your struggle to believe is actually a symptom of how much God loves you? This week, we explore why the most famous verse in the Bible is often the most misunderstood.

In this episode of Off Script, Neil and Scott are joined by special guest Rusty George for a deep dive into the "Mount Everest" of Scripture: John 3:16. Rusty shares his journey from teaching at Southland to pastoring California, offering a unique perspective on the tension between belief and behavior. They discuss the cultural weight of being a "believer," why we often try to earn what has already been given, and how the love of God is the fuel for change, not the reward for it.

The Challenge

Don't lose momentum! Keep going with the Reset Challenge! Commit to changing your algorithm. Replace your usual political or cultural podcasts with faithful Bible teaching from trusted sources, spend time reading the Book of John, and set a scripture wallpaper on your phone to remind you whose voice matters most.

Hosts: Neil, Scott, and special guest Rusty George.

What We Discuss

Rusty's "homecoming" to Southland
The shift from pastoring in Kentucky to the unique spiritual landscape of California.
Why John 3:16 is considered the "Mount Everest" of the Bible and why it's so hard to preach.
The nuance of the word "believe", moving from mental agreement to "believing into" Jesus.
How our cultural obsession with "being a good person" can actually get in the way of the Gospel.
Addressing the fear that "Grace" will lead to a license to sin (and why the opposite is true).
The distinction between God's love as a "reward" versus God's love as the "source."
How the light of Jesus exposes our mess not to shame us, but to heal us.

Resources Mentioned

The Cross of Christ by John Stott
The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: John 3: 1-17

The number one reason we struggle with God's love for us is that we overlook it.

This week, Rusty George led us through John 3 as we finished our series on Grace. No matter what you have done or how far you have run from God, verse 16 tells us that "whoever" believes in Jesus will have eternal life. Whoever means just that, whoever. No qualifications, no precursors. Just grace and an open door.

Is it possible that our greatest barrier to understanding Jesus is actually our own "religious" expectations? This week, we explore why Jesus is the only one who can truly introduce us to the Father.

In this episode of Off Script, Neil and Scott dive into the profound prologue of the Gospel of John. Scott explains the "why" behind choosing this heavy theological text and discusses the concept of Jesus as the Logos. They tackle the tension between law and grace, the difference between "getting" the Bible and actually knowing God, and why seeing Jesus is the only way we can truly understand the character of a Father we've never seen.

The Reset Challenge

Commit to changing your algorithm. Replace your usual political or cultural podcasts with faithful Bible teaching from trusted sources, spend time reading the Book of John, and set a scripture wallpaper on your phone to remind you whose voice matters most.

Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Nickell

What We Discuss

The intentionality behind preaching the prologue of John and its "Mount Everest" theological status.
Understanding the Logos
Why "Grace upon Grace" isn't just a catchy phrase, but a description of God's literal, overflowing kindness.
The tension between the Law given through Moses and the Grace and Truth that came through Jesus.
The danger of knowing the "Book" (The Bible) without actually knowing the "Word" (Jesus).
How Jesus "tabernacled" or pitched His tent among us to move into our neighborhood.
The power of the "One More" mission as Southland celebrates baptisms across multiple campuses.

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: John 1:14, 16-17

The most disorienting thing you will find on your journey with Jesus is grace.

This week, Scott took us back to John 1 as we started exploring the concept of God's grace. We are sinners in desperate need of a Savior. Sinners in need of grace. But here's the good news: No matter how far we've run, God's grace is sufficient.

Whose voice are you actually listening to, and is it possible your phone's algorithm has become your primary spiritual guide?

This week on Off Script, Neil and Scott dive into why the noise of the world is making us angry and how to intentionally tune back into the frequency of the Good Shepherd. The heart of the conversation, however, is a challenge to "reshape your algorithm." Scott discusses the limits of human capacity for information and the danger of "doomscrolling," offering a practical four-week plan to replace outrage-driven media with faithful Bible preaching and scripture.

The Challenge

For the next four weeks, commit to changing your algorithm. Replace your usual political or cultural podcasts with faithful Bible teaching from trusted sources, spend time reading the Book of John, and set a scripture wallpaper on your phone to remind you whose voice matters most.

Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Nickell

What We Discuss

The story behind the cease and desist from a nun that forced a name change
Southland's theological stance on women teaching from the stage
The distinction between "ongoing authoritative teaching" and individual snapshots of teaching
Why the "Good Shepherd" metaphor was so counter-cultural in Jesus's day
The biological and emotional limits of human capacity for knowing people and news
How social media creates a "vast illusion" of connection
The "Reshape Your Algorithm" challenge for the next four weeks
Identifying "toxic" cultural commentators and the trap of outrage-driven media
The importance of reading the Bible in context rather than "point-and-flip" methods
Why it is vital to stay in community while processing God's Word

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: John 10

Whose voice do you listen to the most?

This week, Scott walked us through John 10 and gave us a challenge: to replace the many voices we listen to with the only one that matters, the voice of Jesus. He is the good shepherd. Do you know His voice?

Join the challenge today.

Is it possible to be so close to the Bible that you actually miss the heart of Jesus?

In this episode of Off Script, Neil sits down with Lydia Florence and Connor Hall to discuss a sermon on the healing of the blind man. Connor shares his "method" approach to sermon prep, practicing in total darkness, and dives into the research he did on different types of blindness. The team examines "Cracker Barrel Christianity," the danger of spiritual pride among those who study Scripture deeply, and why we often try to make Jesus more like us instead of becoming more like Him.

The Challenge

Identify one "southern saying" or cultural idea about God you've relied on more than actual Scripture.

Hosts: Neil Gregory, Connor Hall, and Lydia Florence.

What We Discuss

Connor's "method" sermon prep: practicing in the dark to better understand the blind man's perspective.
The decision to preach without notes, images, or props to keep the focus entirely on the Word.
Why a full page of "marshmallow fluff" was cut from the final sermon.
Fascinating research on blindness, including how those born blind dream differently than those who lost their sight.
"Cracker Barrel Christianity": Why southern sayings like "God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers" aren't actually in the Bible.
The "Bless This Mess" mentality, why we want Jesus to bless our chaos rather than transform it.
The danger of spiritual elitism and "holy huddles" where we study the Bible but never reach the lost.
Why teachers will be judged more strictly and the weight of living out what you preach.
Addressing the tendency to try to make Jesus "cool" or popular so that we can feel accepted by culture.
The truth about the Christian life: it will rarely be easy, but it will always be worth it.

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: John 9

If you had to pick between Jesus and everything else, which one would you choose?

This week, Connor dives into the healing of the blind man as we continue our series on Jesus. We can all learn a lot from the blind man Jesus healed, but here is one takeaway: Listen to Jesus's words and follow what he said.

What happens when the things you're drinking from to find satisfaction only leave you more dehydrated? This week, we explore the difference between managing your thirst and finding the fountain that never runs dry.

In this episode of Off Script, Neil sits down with Lydia Florence and Connor Hall to dive deeper into the narrative of the Woman at the Well. Lydia explains why this story is such a powerful revelation of Jesus' heart. The team discusses the "Lord, Liar, or Lunatic" dilemma, the practicalities of trading "salt water" habits for living water, and why your personal story, regardless of how "boring" you think it is, is a vital testimony of God's faithfulness.

The ChallengeAudit your "camera roll, calendar, and bank account" this week. Identify one "well" you've been turning to for comfort or security that isn't Jesus, and consciously choose to take that need to Him in prayer first.

Hosts: Neil Gregory, Lydia Florence, and Connor Hall.

What We Discuss

C.S. Lewis' famous "Liar, Lunatic, or Lord" quote and why Jesus doesn't leave room for neutrality.
The primary ways we "drink" living water through the Bible, prayer, and community.
How to find your true priorities by looking at your time, memories, and money.
The danger of looking for "quick fixes" in faith versus building a long-term relationship.
A practical illustration of how Jesus changes our "palate" for sin.
The exegetical distinction between feeling thirst and being thirsty in a state of spiritual dryness.
Why the Woman at the Well serves as the first evangelist despite her social status.
Overcoming "main character disease" to see your testimony as a story about God's faithfulness.

About Southland Christian Church Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: John 4

This week, Lydia invites us to listen in on a conversation and answer one simple question: Who is Jesus? In this week's passage, Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well and invites her to drink the living water He has to offer. We all thirst for something, though we don't always look to Jesus to quench our thirst. He invites us to stop drinking out of saltwater wells, and instead come to Him to drink living water, the "spring of water welling up to eternal life." Only Jesus can quench your thirst. Will you let Him?

What does it look like when Jesus gets angry and why does it matter for us? Is there a kind of anger that actually reflects the heart of God?

This week on Off Script, Neil and Scott unpack the story of Jesus clearing the temple and explore what didn't make it into Sunday's sermon. The conversation moves from righteous anger to spiritual formation, from protecting the vulnerable to resisting a soft, convenience shaped faith. Along the way, they wrestle with what it means to be a church that stays centered on Jesus, no matter the cost.

Challenge: Ask yourself the question Jesus presses at the end of the story: Which side of the table do you want to be on? Then take one concrete step this week toward formation over comfort, obedience over convenience, and Jesus over everything else.

Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Nickell

What We Discuss:

Why Jesus' anger in the temple was intentional, not impulsive
The difference between righteous anger and sinful anger
What happens when we stuff anger instead of submitting it to God
Being "for" people instead of merely "against" problems
How neglecting righteous anger leaves the vulnerable unprotected
Why following Jesus requires formation, not convenience
The danger of a soft faith shaped by comfort and culture
Mentoring, adoption, and showing up when it's not glamorous
Keeping the church centered on a Person, not a cause or platform

⸻

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

John 2

Weekend Scripture: John 2

This week, Scott dives into John 2:13-22, that famous passage where Jesus flips tables in the temple court. But how did He do it without sin? Listen in to learn how Jesus demonstrates righteous anger for the vulnerable, directed at anyone who dares to get between God the Father and those who want to worship Him.

What if your deepest longings aren't bad, they're just aimed too low?

This week on Off Script, Neil and Scott dig into Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana and the details that didn't make it into Sunday's message. They talk about servants hauling heavy jars, why obedience often feels inconvenient, and how our everyday desires point to something far bigger than we expect. From baby pools at the beach to the smell of bread outside a packed restaurant, this conversation keeps circling one question: Are we settling for the sample when Jesus is offering the table?

Challenge: Do what Jesus says. Trust Him with the results. Don't settle for the smell of the feast when you've been invited to sit down.

Hosts: Neil Gregory & Scott Nickell

What We Discuss:

Why the servants matter more in the Cana story than we usually notice
Obedience that feels small, but costs something
Dirty water jars and why Jesus loves repurposing unlikely things
Desire: not too strong, but too weak
C.S. Lewis, baby pools, and missing the ocean right in front of us
The danger of legalism and the ditch on the other side of freedom
Why churches can feel fake and how pretending kills community
Bars, belonging, and why everyone wants a place where they're known
"Obey Jesus and leave the consequences to Him"
The invitation to the feast and what keeps people from accepting it

⸻

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: John 2

This week, Scott reminds us that "our job is to obey Jesus and leave the consequences to Him." He walks us through Jesus' first public sign in John 2, turning water into wine at the wedding at Cana. Not just any wine, but good wine that impressed the master of the feast. We were invited to remember these three things: 1.) Jesus' kingdom is coming 2.) In Jesus' kingdom, there is more than enough 3.) Jesus saves the best for now.

What does it really mean to call Jesus "the Lamb of God"?

This week on Off Script, Neil sits down with Scott to unpack what didn't make it into Sunday's message. From a very real and very unpredictable lamb on stage to the deep theology behind penal substitutionary atonement, they explore why starting the year with Jesus changes everything. The conversation moves from Genesis to the Gospel of John, from Passover streets stained with blood to our everyday temptation to earn what God freely gives. Todays conversation is rooted in the hope that we are sons and daughters and not spiritual free agents trying to prove ourselves.

Your challenge: Stop treating Jesus like your last resort. This week, make Him your first response before you fix, control, or react. Pray first. Then move. Watch what changes.

Hosts: Neil Gregory & Scott Nickell

What We Discuss

Why Southland is starting the year focused on Jesus
The meaning behind John the Baptist calling Jesus "the Lamb of God"
The very real experience of using a live lamb on stage
The foreshadowing of Jesus in the story of Abraham and Isaac
What "penal substitutionary atonement" actually means
The shocking reality of the Passover sacrifices
Why there are no "JV" or "elite" Christians
The danger of treating pastors like spiritual professionals
What it really means to be a son or daughter of God
How to make Jesus your first response instead of your last resort

⸻

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

John 1:29

What happens when the "problem child" grows up to lead the church? And what if the real prodigal in Jesus' story isn't the son at all?

This week on Off Script, Neil sits down with Scott to unpack what didn't make it into Sunday's sermon on Luke 15. They talk about why the parable is really about an extravagant Father, not just a reckless son. Scott shares the parts he had to cut, the cultural context we often miss, and the symbolism behind robes, rings, and pigs.

Scott opens up about getting kicked out of school and the people who refused to give up on him. You'll hear how radical grace changed his trajectory and why that same grace has to shape how we treat "one more" today.

It's a reminder of who Southland has always been and who we're committed to be.

The Challenge:

Who is your "one more"? This week, lay down a preference, take a risk, and invite someone. Grace changed your story…now let it shape theirs.

Hosts: Neil Gregory & Scott Nickell

What We Discuss:

Why "The Prodigal Son" might be the wrong title
The cultural weight of the son asking for his inheritance
What feeding pigs really meant in Jewish culture
The symbolism of the robe, ring, and sandals
How the older brother missed his identity as a son
Scott's story of detention, rebellion, and grace
The leaders who refused to give up on him
Why churches must make room for messy people
What "one more" really looks like in everyday life

⸻

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Luke 15

Who is close to you but far from God?

All of Heaven is desperate for one of God's kids to come home. There is nothing you can do to make God love you more and there is nothing you can do to make Him love you less. Listen in as Scott discusses God's desire for one more to return to Him, and our church's desire to reach one more for His sake.

What if becoming "different and better" takes longer than we'd like? And what if that slowness is actually grace?

This week on Off Script, we sit down with Scott Nickell and Jon Weece to talk through what didn't make it into Sunday's sermon. The conversation moves from the weight of finishing a season, to the quiet faithfulness God builds over decades, to why ministry still comes down to loving the one right in front of you.

This episode reflects on tested faith, spiritual patience, and the kind of obedience that grows slowly. It's honest, grounded, and full of reminders that God is faithful in every season, especially the transitional ones.

The challenge:

Slow down. Be patient. Stay intentional. God isn't finished with you yet and the work He's doing now is shaping something better.

Hosts: Neil Gregory, Scott Nickell & Jon Weece

What We Discuss

Writing a sermon without adding pressure to "make it special"
Why Jesus always noticed the one person in front of Him
The emotion of closing a long chapter of ministry
What faith looks like after it's been tested
How gratitude shapes leadership transitions
Why patience is essential to spiritual growth
Fishing and farming as metaphors for discipleship
The power of remembering what God has already done
Moving forward with trust instead of urgency

⸻

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Mark 3:1-5

What does it look like to pray when you're out of control? And what happens when desperation becomes the doorway to deeper trust?

This week on Off Script, Neil sits down with Matt Williams to unpack what didn't make it into Sunday's sermon on desperation and prayer. From hospital rooms to unanswered prayers, they talk honestly about what it means to depend on God when control slips through your fingers. The conversation moves from the Garden of Gethsemane to everyday life, parenting, grief, career changes, and reframes prayer as relational, not transactional. It's a reminder that surrender isn't weakness; it's training for trust.

The challenge:

As you step into a new year, don't just ask what you want to add. Ask what God is inviting you to lay down. Where might surrender make room for deeper dependence?

Hosts: Neil Gregory & Matt Williams

What We Discuss

Why desperation often reveals what we truly depend on
Standalone sermons and the pressure of closing out the year
Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane as our model for prayer
Prayer as relational rather than transactional
How honesty and tears can become prayers
Parenting, prayer, and reflecting the heart of the Father
What it means to pray "Your will be done" when outcomes hurt
The difference between hope and expectation
Surrendering good things to say yes to better ones

⸻

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Matthew 26

⸻

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

What happens when God breaks 400 years of silence? What if Christmas isn't just comfort and joy, but a call to clear the way?

This week on Off Script, Neil and Scott go deeper into Christmas According to Kids, Part 2, unpacking the story of John the Baptist, Mary, Elizabeth, and the moment when God's long silence finally ends.

They explore how ancient prophecy collides with everyday faith, why John's whole life was about getting out of the way, and how Christmas awakens a deep longing, even in people far from God. From Malachi to the manger, from dragons to dinner tables, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the spiritual battle behind the nativity and the simple invitation Jesus still gives: come and see.

The Challenge

This Christmas, ask the question John's life demands: Who is near to me, but far from God? Then take one small step, ask a question, share your story, extend the invitation. Let Jesus do the rest.

Hosts: Neil Gregory & Scott Nickell

What We Discuss

Why God's 400 years of silence matters more than we realize
How Malachi's prophecy points directly to John the Baptist
Why Christmas softens hearts in ways Easter often doesn't
The power of asking simple, curious questions about faith
"Come and see" as Jesus' most effective invitation strategy
Spiritual warfare hiding in plain sight in the Christmas story
Finding comfort and joy without pretending everything is okay
Why your story with Jesus matters more than having all the answers

⸻

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Weekend Scripture: Luke 1:39-45

What if the wonder you lost somewhere between wrapping paper, deadlines, and traffic could actually come back and lead you straight to Jesus?

This week on Off Script, Neil sits down with Scott to talk Christmas nostalgia, and Mary's fierce childlike faith. In a season that can feel rushed and noisy, the conversation invites us to look through the eyes of a teenager from Nazareth, one who didn't just hope God could move, but trusted He would.

Mary's response wasn't sentimental; it was courageous. Saturated in Scripture, rooted in promise, she embraced a calling far beyond her understanding with a simple, steady "Let it be." That's the invitation of Christmas: not to do more, perform better, or polish ourselves into worthiness, but to stand in awe at the God who came near.

Your Challenge:

This week, act like a kid on purpose. Slow down. Notice beauty. Drink cocoa. Look at lights. Let wonder lead you back to worship, not worry.

Hosts: Neil Gregory & Scott Nickell

⸻

What We Discuss

Scott's unapologetic love for Christmas
Why Die Hard is (apparently) a Christmas movie
The return of Christmas According to Kids and why the team ran it back
Mary's Magnificat and her surprising theological grit
Humble obedience vs. trying to "do better"
Scripture memory
Recovering dangerous wonder in a grown-up world
When faith feels like microscope vs. telescope living
How worship, lights, music, and tradition awaken childlike joy
Christmas and Easter: morning and night of the same story

⸻

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

What if the love you're giving, and the love you're expecting, aren't the same thing?

In this week's episode of Off Script, Neil and Scott wrap up an 11-week journey through men, women, and marriage. They explore what didn't make it into Sunday's sermon, from C.S. Lewis insights, to Greek word studies on love, to the work that needs to be done in every relationship. Together they unpack why fixing our eyes on Jesus is the only way marriage makes sense at all.

Challenge:

This week, choose one action that demonstrates love or respect, and practice it without expecting anything in return.

Hosts: Neil Gregory & Scott Nickell

⸻

What We Discuss

The divine drama of marriage and why it can't simply end with "try harder"
What "love and respect" actually mean, and how they're misused
The four Greek words for love and why agape changes everything
Why biblical love feels impossible without Jesus
Tough and tender: the two postures every husband must hold
Emotional homework for men (and why anger is rarely the real emotion)
Niceness vs. kindness and why only one is a fruit of the Spirit
How to recognize the Shepherd's voice in a world full of noise
What couples should starve and what they should feed in their marriage

⸻

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Ephesians 5:21-33 | Join us as Scott unpacks God's intention for marriage in a sermon on love and respect versus bitterness and resentment.

What if the very things that feel like obstacles are actually the places God wants to deepen unity, honesty, and love?

This week on Off Script Neil and Jon dive into the real and raw process of becoming "one." From the emotional and spiritual oneness that takes decades to form, to the hidden dangers of emotional attachments, this conversation goes far beyond Sunday's teaching. Whether you're dating, newly married, deep in the "Kansas" part of the journey, or decades in, this episode offers a hopeful reminder: you're not alone, and God is shaping something good.

Your challenge:

Take time this week to ask, with humility, How have I hurt you recently? Then listen without defending.

Hosts: Neil Gregory & Jon Weece

⸻

What We Discuss

Why emotional and spiritual oneness takes years, not days, to develop
How cultural expectations warp our view of "instant" connection
Why older couples can become one of the greatest resources for younger marriages
The hidden dangers of emotional attachments and comparison through social media
How past sexual experiences create lingering soul ties, and how God heals them
Why honesty breaks the lie that "you're the only one struggling"
The power of intentional conversations that rebuild trust and closeness
How to keep stress from pulling you apart
The value of pre-marriage counseling, community, and seeking wisdom before you're in crisis
Why selflessness and not fairness, is the engine of a healthy marriage

⸻

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. Jesus came to seek and save the lost and we follow Him into that work. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Ephesians 5:21-33 | Join us as Jon unpacks God's intention for marriage in a sermon on beauty and mystery versus boring and monotonous.

What if the most intimidating parts of marriage are actually invitations from God to build something stronger, not scarier? And what if submission, sacrifice, and responsibility look far different than what culture assumes?

This week on Off Script, the conversation gets honest and unavoidably practical as we dive into the marriage portion of the Toy Stories mega-series. Scott unpacks the beauty and weight of Ephesians 5, why this familiar passage deserves fresh eyes, and how men and women can step into their God designed roles with humility instead of fear. From the responsibility of headship to the strength behind the word "helper," from covenant relationships to the call for purity, this episode gives shape to what biblical marriage is meant to be and why it matters for everyone, married or not.

Your challenge:

Take an honest look at the posture of your heart this week. Where do you need to humble yourself, submit to Jesus, or take ownership in your home?

Hosts: Neil Gregory & Scott Nickell

⸻

What We Discuss

Why familiar Bible passages can be the hardest to teach
Headship as responsibility, not dominance, and why it should drive men to their knees
The strength and dignity behind the biblical word helper (ezer kenegdo)
What submission actually means (and doesn't) in light of Jesus
Covenant vs. contract and why culture keeps confusing the two
The three paths back to honoring Jesus in relationships
Why gathering for worship matters more than we admit, and why men especially should lift holy hands
The importance of community when you're trying to grow, heal, or rebuild
Friendship as the often overlooked foundation of a lasting marriage

⸻

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Ephesians 5:21-33 | Join us as Scott unpacks God's intention for marriage in a sermon on real roles versus interchangeable parts.

What if the very thing you're trying to avoid is the thing God wants to redeem?

This week, Neil and Scott walk through the story of Ruth, a story filled with grief, loyalty, risk, and the surprising ways God works through ordinary obedience.

Scott unpacks how Ruth's story confronts the lies culture sells us, reframes what submission truly means, and invites us to trust God with our whole lives, even the painful parts.

The challenge:

Ask yourself honestly: Do I really believe Jesus is who He says He is? Because if so, it changes everything, how we love, how we sacrifice, and how we lay down our lives every day.

Hosts: Neil Gregory & Scott Nickell

What We Discuss:

Why Ruth was chosen to close the Women series
The surprising meaning behind the names in Ruth
Why Naomi's bitterness resonates with so many of us
The risky nature of Ruth's visit to the threshing floor
Boaz as a picture of Jesus, the Kinsman Redeemer
What "submission" actually means (and what it doesn't)
How bitterness becomes an identity if left unchecked
The reality of emotional vs. visual pornography
Why repentance doesn't erase consequences
The simple but costly call to die daily

⸻

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. We want what He wants: for heaven to be really crowded. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Proverbs 31:10-31 | Join us as Scott unpacks God's intention for womanhood in a sermon on being sacrificial versus self-serving.

What if nurturing isn't something you feel, but something you grow?

This week on Off Script, Neil sits down with Scott, and Lydia to unpack the sermon on nurturing the kind of strength that builds others up. Lydia shares what it felt like to prepare a message many women receive with mixed emotions, and why turning to Scripture, not culture, is the only way to truly understand God's heart. Together, we explore what nurture is, what it isn't, why it matters, and how it reflects the very character of Christ.

The Challenge: Don't wait to "feel ready." Take one step this week to nurture someone intentionally, sacrificially, and with the strength God supplies.

Hosts: Neil Gregory, Scott Nickell, & Lydia Florence

⸻

What We Discuss

Why preparing this sermon required sitting with Scripture deeply
How nurture is more than personality, it's cultivation
The cultural confusion around womanhood and motherhood
The biblical picture of strengthening others
Why clarity is kindness in discipleship and teaching
How Jesus Himself models perfect nurturing strength
The lie that flourishing comes from self-reliance
The beauty and cost of nurturing relationships
A call for both men and women to move from consuming to contributing in the church

⸻

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. We want what He wants: for heaven to be really crowded. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Proverbs 31:10-31 | Join us as Lydia Florence unpacks God's intention for womanhood in a sermon on being nurturing versus domineering.

What happens when we stop chasing approval and start living from design?

In this week's episode of Off Script, Neil, Jess, and Jon unpack the conversation behind the sermon on modesty, a topic that's often misunderstood and sometimes avoided. Jon shares the deeper biblical meaning behind the word modest, why it's rooted in the nature of God, and how living a "well-arranged" life brings freedom, not restriction. Together they explore what it looks like to find order in the chaos, reclaim identity in Christ, and take one small step toward living with purpose and peace.

This week, take one step toward being "well arranged." Whether it's your wardrobe, your words, or your work, ask God to help you bring order to what feels chaotic and let your life reflect His beauty and design.

Hosts: Neil Gregory, Jess McKenney, and Jon Weece

What We Discuss:

The biblical meaning of "modesty"
Why modesty is more about order than appearance
How culture confuses freedom with pressure, especially for women
The connection between modesty and identity in Christ
Practical ways to take one step toward change
The role of older women as examples of grace and wisdom
Lessons from Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her "well-arranged" faith
How dads can shape daughters' sense of worth and security
Why words matter as much as wardrobe
Finding peace and purpose in the midst of cultural chaos

⸻

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. We want what He wants: for heaven to be really crowded. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Proverbs 31:10-31 | Join us as Jon unpacks God's intention for womanhood in a sermon on being modest versus manipulative.

When everything falls apart, will you still trust God?

This week on Off Script, Neil and Scott sit down to unpack the message that almost didn't happen, one built in real time around the story of Hannah. From flight cancellations to last-minute rewrites, what emerged was a powerful reminder of humility, sacrifice, and the high calling women carry as image bearers of God. Scott shares what got left on the cutting room floor, including deeper insights into Samuel, the weight of infertility, and how modern lies of self-sufficiency aren't just failing men, they're failing women too.

What are you still trying to control? Maybe it's time to hand it over to God.

Hosts: Neil Gregory & Scott Nickell

⸻

What We Discuss:

What happens when your guest teacher gets stuck in Missouri
How Hannah models humility and strength in the face of hardship
Samuel's birth, his name, and his powerful legacy
Why Eli's sons were worthless and why that contrast matters
The deep pain of infertility and the silence of unanswered prayers
The cultural lie women are being sold, and why it's not working
Why "read the rest of the story" is essential Bible wisdom
How casting our cares on God requires humility and practice
What it really means to surrender control

⸻

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. We want what He wants: for heaven to be really crowded. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

1 Samuel 1 | Join us as Scott Nickell unpacks God's intention for womanhood in a sermon on being humble versus powerful.

What do you do when the person standing in the way of spiritual growth is you?

This week on Off Script, our hosts unpack the final week of the men's portion of our Toy Story series with, Servant vs. Selfish, and why dying daily is the only way forward. Scott Hatfield joins Scott Nickell as they talk baptisms, cultural resistance to servant leadership, and the gritty, often unnoticed daily choices that shape a man's character.

The challenge? Die daily. Not once, not occasionally, but every single morning. Lay down your pride, your preferences, your comfort, and pick up a cross instead. Then do it again tomorrow.

Hosts: Scott Hatfield and Scott Nickell

⸻

What We Discuss:

What a Greek word study on "ransom" reveals about Jesus' sacrifice
Why servant leadership is a full-contact sport
The difference between two kinds of tired
What women are noticing and saying about this men's series
How self-worship is being reinforced by 150 years of culture
Scott's warning about pastors who deny substitutionary atonement
What men must do as the women's series begins next week

⸻

About Southland Christian Church Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. We want what He wants: for heaven to be really crowded. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Philippians 2:1-11 | Join us as Scott unpacks God's intention for manhood in a sermon on being a servant versus selfish.

When the battle comes to your doorstep, are you the man in the arena or just another voice from the couch?

In week three of Toy Stories, Scott Nickell sat down on Off Script to unpack what didn't make it into his sermon. From David's courage to Saul's passivity, from critics to shepherds, Scott walks through four pictures of masculinity we all live out and only one of them reflects Jesus.

This week's challenge: Ask yourself, "Who in my life is hurting because I'm not protecting them?" Then do something about it.

Hosts: Neil Gregory & Scott Nickell

What We Discuss:

Four pictures of masculinity: the bully, the critic, the soft king, and the good shepherd
Why Saul's passivity was more dangerous than Goliath's strength
The overlooked influence of David's older brother
What it means to be the "man in between" like Jesus
Warrior-poets and the power of tenderness + toughness
Why initiative is central to biblical manhood
Competence vs. calling: why courage matters more than skill
The power of stepping up, even when you've failed before

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. We want what He wants: for heaven to be really crowded. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

1 Samuel 17 | Join us as Scott unpacks God's intention for manhood in a sermon on being a protector versus tyrant.

When it comes to manhood, are you living as a provider or just performing for the crowd?

In week two of Toy Stories, Jon Weece sat down to unpack what didn't make it into his sermon, Provider vs. Performer. From Joseph's humility to David's restraint, and from his father's influence to his own lessons in leadership, Jon shares why meekness isn't weakness, it's strength under control..

This week's challenge: stop trying to impress, and start serving the people God has placed in your life.

Hosts: Neil Gregory & Jon Weece

What We Discuss: • Joseph & David as models of humility • Lessons from Jon's dad • The difference between pride and humility • Meekness as power under control • What to do if you didn't have a strong father figure • Handling criticism and compliments in leadership • The nine most important words: "I was wrong. I am sorry. Please forgive me." • Why serving is the simplest way to practice humility • Investing in younger men and discipling the next generation

⸻

About Southland Christian Church

Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. We want what He wants: for heaven to be really crowded. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Godly men aren't called to perform for approval but to provide through humility and love. In Philippians 2, Jesus shows that real strength is found in serving others, not seeking applause. This week, we'll learn how to lead like Christ by elevating others, taking risks in faith, and leaving people and places better than we found them.

What does real manhood look like in today's world?

In this episode of Off Script, Neil sits down with Scott Nickell to dig deeper into week one of our Toy Stories series. Together they unpack what didn't make it into Sunday's sermon, everything from John Eldredge's Wild at Heart to the cultural pressure young men face to delay marriage and family. Scott challenges the myths of adventure and success, points us back to faithfulness in the everyday, and names the upstream issues that ripple through families and culture when men step back instead of stepping up.

Where might God be calling you to stop being passive and take on responsibility?

Hosts: Neil Gregory & Scott Nickell

What We Discuss: • Why conferences can't replace week-to-week discipleship • Every man's call to fight battles, live adventures, and rescue beauty, in real life, not just stories • The cultural drift toward delay (marriage, kids, commitment) • Faithfulness in "ordinary" callings • The impact of fatherlessness and passivity in the home • Practical steps for men to engage humbly and intentionally

⸻

About Southland Christian Church Southland is one church meeting in multiple locations across central Kentucky. We believe Jesus came for the lost and the broken, which means there's a place for everyone here. We want what He wants: for heaven to be really crowded. Around here, that means we worship defiantly, speak truth unashamedly, and extend grace generously.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach across Central Kentucky and all around the world, visit: https://southland.church/give

Philippians 2:1-11 | Join us as Scott unpacks God's intention for manhood in a sermon on responsibility versus passivity.

The Impending Return of Jesus (2 Peter 3:1-14): Jesus' return is something we hope and long for, but it should also motivate us toward evangelism and holiness.

The Lies in Our Culture (II Timothy 4:1-5): False teaching and myths aren't hard to find and people seem to buy into them more than ever before. We have to be sober-minded so that we can help point people back to the truth.

The Pain in Our Families (James 5:13-20): Confession, acknowledgement, and repentance are difficult to embrace but necessary if we want healing and restoration to occur in any area of our lives, especially in our families.

The Threat of Sin (James 1:14-15): Sin leads to death. We often forget how destructive sin is and end up trivializing it and feeding it. Instead we can choose to resist it, avoid it, surrender it, and crucify it.

The Bible isn't just ink on paper, it's the very Word of God, and it shows us the world the way it really is. When we open it, mark it up, and let it sink in, it equips us for whatever life throws our way. In this message, we're going back to the basics, bringing our Bibles, and seeing why God's Word is still the clearest lens for how to live and love.

Our world doesn't understand equality because it doesn't understand love. In one of the most unique letters in the Bible, Paul challenges a wealthy man named Philemon to treat his runaway slave Onesimus as an equal. In this message we will see how God's love for everyone changes how we view and treat everyone.

Benaiah was one of David's "Mighty Men"—his toughest military fighting group. The Bible describes him as a fearless warrior who is noted for his heroic exploits. He was a brilliant fighter who famously "went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion." This message will focus on the courage God can give us to conquer our biggest threats.

What you do is simply that, it’s what you do. It is not who you are. Working is a good thing but it’s not an ultimate thing. Our ultimate purpose is to honor and glorify God with who we are and what we do. This means our job doesn’t have to provide us with fulfillment, satisfaction, or joy because God is the source of those good things in life.

We have a purpose far higher than the latest election. We have a mission far bigger than any political platform. We are called and commanded to love God and love people and if we will remain faithful to that mission God promises to strengthen us in the process.

When the world moves towards chaos we can choose to move toward order. When everyone and everything is dividing and isolating we can choose to remain united. This means we have to choose harmony and listen well to each other.

Our culture has taught us that whatever we feel is not only real, but should be expressed. The Bible teaches us to control ourselves and stay calm. We don’t know what is ahead, but we can choose ahead of time to keep our heads.

No one ever plans to be an addict. It happens incrementally as we indulge in unhealthy behaviors and repeatedly make bad choices. “I can handle it” is the lie we perpetually choose to believe. Eventually, we realize that we can’t handle it. Such is the roller coaster ride of addiction. This message will suggest ways to overcome rather than submit to unhealthy behaviors.

Few words elicit more emotion than the word “divorce.” We all evaluate it differently, but when we experience it, there are no words. In this message, we will learn how to help everyone involved in the emotional tug of war get to a place of healing.

There’s a great story in I Kings where Elijah challenges a group of 450 false prophets to a “duel” of sorts and wins a resounding victory. In the very next chapter, we watch Elijah run 100 miles into the wilderness, where he sits under a tree depressed and begs God to take his life. In this message, we’ll learn how God can minister to us in the dregs of depression.

“Fear.” Just the sound of the word brings a variety of emotions. It asks the question, “Fight or Flight?” Fear can unnerve us or empower us. Spur us on or hold us back. Everyone struggles with fear, and there are all kinds of fears to stare down in life. In this message, we’ll look at ways to pray away fear’s slimy grip on our lives.

The level of fear, worry, and anxiety we experience is connected to the amount of time we spend staring at and scrolling through images on screens. What we’re looking for in technology can be found in God’s love for us and the joy it delivers when we surrender to it and train our minds to think about it throughout the day.

In many ways, convenience has replaced common sense when it comes to our eating habits and our physical bodies pay the price. Instead of neglecting physical health, we should do everything we can to respect and strengthen what God has blessed us with.

Our cultural mantra is, “If it feels good, do it.” We’ve compromised purity for the sake of pleasure. God loves us enough to give us sexual boundaries that are meant to protect us from emotional and physical harm. True sexual freedom is experienced in the safe confines of a committed marriage relationship.

The laundry room is where we turn dirty clothes into clean clothes. The same is true in the church. It’s a safe family where we don’t hide our hurts, habits, and hang ups, rather we surrender them to the transformational power of Jesus.

In the construction world, a foundation has to be solid before anything can be built on it. The same is true with the Christian faith. Everything we believe is grounded in the reality that every word in the Bible is true because it’s author is trustworthy.

We often live as if doubt is the opposite of faith. But what if doubt is a gateway to greater faith? Today, we'll ask "What to do with doubt?" And discover, to struggle with one's faith is often the surest sign we actually have one.

If you want to get stronger you only need one thing. Resistance. In Paul’s second letter to Timothy he continues to challenge him to get stronger by giving him three vivid pictures. Soldier. Athlete. Farmer. All three know a lot about facing resistance. Soldiers fight. Athletes compete. Farmers work. If we want to become stronger followers of Jesus we have to embrace the resistance we face on a daily basis as an opportunity to become stronger and more effective.

How vulnerability transforms a broken church into a church for the broken.

In Mark 12:12-17, the religious leaders of Jesus' day tried to trap him saying something he shouldn't say. Jesus refused to fall prey to their polarizing options. Instead, he brilliantly found a middle ground in his response giving us a blueprint for how to navigate difficult conversations. Loving one option doesn't always infer that we hate the other option. Sometimes our choices aren't between right and wrong, but between better and best. In this sermon, we will learn how to find the middle ground with the goal of uniting people in a divided world.

Student Celebration | Connor Hall

Leading hundreds of thousands of people for 40 years in a desolate wasteland was no picnic in the park for Moses. As a leader, he had to improvise, overcome daunting obstacles, deal with difficult personalities, and push past personal insecurities to be effective. In this message, we will learn some simple principles to help us deal with the complex problems we often face in life.

In a fit of rage, Moses let his temper get the better of him and he killed an Egyptian soldier. For the next 40 years, Moses had to live in seclusion to avoid being punished for his crime, but God used that season of his life to prepare him for an important task. In this message, we will see how God can take our worst decisions and use them for good purposes.

“Desperate times call for desperate measures,” is definitely a phrase that applies to the first few years of Moses’ life. He was born into slavery, the government tried to kill him before he could take his first steps, his mom gave him up for adoption, and he was raised by foreign people in a foreign land. In this message, we will see that in spite of his challenging childhood, Moses became a man that God could count on and the same can be true for us.

Jonah’s Anger (Jonah 4)

Ever get angry because God didn’t do what you thought He should do? Unrealistic expectations and unmet needs produce anger in all of us. The root of it all is pride; the need to be in control. In this message we’ll look at how Jonah reacted when people whom he considered to be unworthy were given God’s mercy and grace. In the process we may recognize some things about ourselves that we need to change.

The most likely time to appreciate God’s mercy is when we’ve made a major mess of our lives. Bad choices and foolish decisions usually create horrible circumstances that leave us in a state of desperation. One of the advantages of being desperate is that we’re likely to understand our need to turn back to God and obey Him. In this message we’ll see ourselves in Jonah as he came to his senses and found his way back to God.

I’ve heard it said that we can run faster when we lose our way. Ever been there? Me too. Our tendency toward rebellion is part of the fall of humanity and persists to this day more than any of us care to admit. In this message we’ll look at some of the consequences of stubbornness and disobedience that leave us swimming in a sea of regret.

A transformed heart leads to a transformed life that results in loving people out of our love for Jesus.

Prayer is an act of acknowledgement that God is God and we are not. In prayer we humbly and confidently approach our Father trusting that He wants good for us.

Like the teachers of the law we can “entertain evil thoughts in our hearts.” We can’t control what we think but we can control whether we entertain, feed, and nurture our thoughts.

There may not be a more overwhelming task than raising children. The key to being a parent is to recognize that our children do not belong to us. We have the high calling of aiming them toward Jesus in a dangerous world.

Solomon had everything the world uses to measure success and he had more of it than anyone has ever had and referred to it as “chasing after the wind.” We are not in control of life’s outcomes, but we can control our faithful pursuit of following Jesus each day.

Our culture teaches women that in order to prove their equality with men they must try to outdo men, or often embrace the worst stereotypes of counterfeit masculinity. The Bible paints a very different picture of what being a woman is all about.

Our culture teaches men that they can gain their value and worth through their performance on a field, at work, or in the bedroom. The essence of manhood is a God given mandate to provide for and protect.

By leaving his tomb empty, Jesus made it possible for all of us to live without fear. In this Easter message, we will see that even when the daily circumstances of life are uncertain, we have peace in our hearts because our future destination has been secured.

We often remember the decisions the most, because our sinful choices create a unique form of spiritual slavery and captivity. In this message, we will look at the eternal freedom Jesus died to give us.

From classrooms to living rooms to boardrooms, we live in a country that rewards good behavior and punishes bad behavior. In this message, we will see that if we put our faith in Jesus, God will reward us for our good deeds. If we don’t put our faith in Jesus, God will punish us for our bad deeds.

It takes an all-knowing and all-seeing God to judge the world in a way that tips the scales of justice towards a completely unbiased outcome. In this message we will look at God’s plan to judge the earth of all the right and wrong behaviors and the legal standard he will use to do it.

We tend to measure love by a willingness to go the extra mile, sacrifice time, and lay aside personal desires for the good of someone else. God is the most self-sacrificing being in the universe. The ultimate example of that is His willingness to allow His Son to die on the cross for our sin. In this message we’ll talk about the role of self-sacrifice and how no one expresses it better than God.

Nothing brings us more comfort and peace than to be in the presence of someone who loves us. Love heals wounds, gives hope and makes relationships flourish. Being loved unconditionally never gets old. In this message, we’ll talk about God’s irrepressible, always-present love that brings security and strength.

Who’s the wisest person you know? Our answer to that question probably includes education, insight, emotional intelligence, and breadth. God’s knowledge is unlimited and incomprehensible. He learns nothing because He knows everything. The Biblical term is “omniscience.” In this message we’ll look at the limitlessness of God’s knowledge and how understanding that affects our devotion to Him.

What comes to your mind when you think of power? Most people think of status, wealth, education, or influence. When it comes to understanding God’s power we move into an entirely different realm. God can do anything as easily as He can do anything else. In this message, we’ll look at the evidence for God’s amazing, unlimited power.

Instead of looking to our circumstances for hope and confidence, Jesus challenges us to look at who He is and what He has done. Instead of demanding that He do something for us we can see what He’s already done and live with faith moving into the future.

Sometimes Jesus calls us into something that doesn’t make any sense. In those moments we have an opportunity to trust and obey Him. When we do it’s easy to become distracted by the level of adversity that comes our way after we’ve stepped out in faith. Thankfully, we have a Savior who doesn’t condemn us when we lose sight of Him in the midst of the storm.

When a storm hits in life we can seek shelter in a lot of things. Often the things we run to are destructive. Jesus is the only one who is not only able to save us, but is also with us in the middle of the storm.

A well-prepared life must be constructed on a true foundation. There are a lot of ideas, philosophies, and worldviews available to us, but only one will truly hold up when pain, suffering, and adversity comes our way.

How to Be Hated in 3 Simple Steps

Join in as Connor Hall leads us through the 24 hours leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion from the perspective of: what Jesus prioritized in his last day are things we should prioritize today.

The Magi or “Wise Men” were religious outsiders searching for Jesus. While the wise men traveled a long way to find Him, they didn’t travel nearly as far as Jesus did to find them. Jesus came for everyone and that includes you and me. In this message we will see that no matter how far we’ve run, how much we’ve done, or how broken we are, Jesus came to rescue us and restore us.

The shepherds who visited Jesus after his birth were a rough crowd. Shepherds were looked down upon, ostracized and lived in the margins of a “respectable” society. The kind of people that surrounded Jesus when He was born were a foreshadowing of the kind of people He would befriend later in life. In this message, we will learn that Jesus was and still is a friend to sinners like us.

Mary and Joseph had to exercise a tremendous amount of faith to be obedient during Jesus’ birth. The rumors about Mary and Joseph swirled around Jesus for the rest of his life and his critics used those rumors against Him. In this message, we will look at how to overcome a rough childhood and generational behaviors that need to be broken.

Jesus’ family tree was full of sinful, broken people. In this message, we will see that Jesus didn’t come in spite of our broken families. He came for our broken families.

A disabled beggar asked Peter and John for money and they gave him true wealth instead (Acts 3). In this message, we will look at how Southland is serving the overlooked people groups of neighboring countries by meeting their physical needs.

An older couple named Priscilla and Aquila took a bright, young leader named Apollos under their wing and downloaded the wisdom they had into heart and mind (Acts 18). In this message, we will look at how Southland is investing in church leaders from around the world by providing them with a practical theological degree.

Jesus gave a very clear command and very stark warning about harming children (Matthew 18). The most vulnerable people in the world are the children who are being taken advantage of and have no one to provide for them and protect them. In this message, we will look at how Southland is quietly serving an often overlooked demographic of boys who are being trafficked in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Jesus commanded his first followers to “go” (Matthew 28) and to “be his voice” (Acts 1) so every person on the planet would have a chance to hear the good news about God’s love. In this message, we will look at how Southland is targeting densely populated urban areas in Japan, one of the most unreached countries of the world.

One of the oldest and most diverse cities in the world, Corinth was a hub of polytheism due to its port. People from all over the world traveled to and through this trade center, exchanging material goods and philosophical ideas that led to the worship of all kinds of false gods. In this message we will look at the cultural idols in the Commonwealth and a Biblical approach to deconstructing them.

The capitol city of the most powerful empire the world has ever known had a strange fascination and fixation with death. From gladiator fights in the Coliseum, to discarding unwanted babies in the trash, to maiming slaves, to savagery on the battlefield, the citizens of Rome were desensitized to the beauty and value of life. This message we will look at what we can do in the Bluegrass state to elevate the eternal value of every person who lives here.

Home to a gold mine, the citizens of Philippi were materially wealthy but spiritually sad. That’s why Paul challenges them in his letter to find joy in their relationship with Jesus. In this message we will look at how the spiritual poverty of Kentucky can be overcome with an eternal wealth that money cannot buy.

From pornography to prostitution, Ephesus was a deviant place filled with people who were looking for something better than the next one night stand. In this message we will look at how the addictive tendencies in Kentucky offer an opportunity for the church to meet an unmet need and unsatisfied appetite in people with real hope.

God designed the church to be multi-generational. The wisdom of older people is strengthened by the passion of younger people. In this message we will look at a young leader who was given a difficult assignment, but refused to give up.

The mission of God requires a special mixture of obedience and courage and an endurance that refuses to give up no matter how challenging the circumstances become. In this message we will look at a joyful prisoner whose outlook on life was used by God to lead other prisoners to Jesus.

Healthy churches always have healthy volunteer cultures where everyone contributes and serves. Lydia was a successful businesswoman who opened up her home as a place to launch a church. In this sermon we will look at how hospitality is often a key to helping people feel safe and loved in the presence of God.

The grace we’ve received from God is too good to keep to ourselves. Philip looked for opportunities to share the difference that grace had made in his life and God led him to an unlikely person and an unlikely conversation took place as a result. In this message we will look at our responsibility to share our faith with non-believers in a way that is true to our personality.

The first church in Jerusalem had a generous man named Joseph who earned the nickname “Barnabas” (son of encouragement) because of how he blessed others. In this message we will look at how each of us has a spiritual gift that is meant to be used for the good of others and the glory of God.

In order to act differently than those around us we have to first think differently than those around us. Paul tells us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God. What we do and don’t do with our bodies is an act of worship. In this message we will look at what the Bible has to say about our physical bodies and sex. We will learn that conforming to our culture only leads to brokenness and chaos while what Jesus calls us to leads to freedom and joy.

We are told to “discern” what God’s will is as opposed to seeking the approval of people. Our highest concern should be what God says is best, not what other people think. Living for the approval of people isn’t freedom; it’s slavery.

Our culture values money, possessions, success, and fame as the highest virtues. God doesn’t see them as virtues at all. God determines what’s good, true, and beautiful so when we look to Him for answers He will always point us in the direction of true wealth.

As summer draws to a close and we prepare to return to our school and work routines, it's the perfect time to reflect on the fundamentals. This weekend's message will delve into the core of our mission at Southland, by focusing on what it means to be a Christian and a Church.

When you grapple with a blackbelt you are not on the mat with someone safe. They are capable of doing whatever they want to you whenever they want. So your hope is grounded in their goodness. You have to trust their intentions toward you. This weekend we'll take a look at Jacob and his story of wrestling with God.

God’s intention toward us is freedom. He wants to see us live in the freedom that His Son secured on our behalf.

We are legally and objectively declared to be righteous based on our faith in Jesus.

The law has zero power to save anyone from anything.

The Gospel is the good news that Jesus has done for us what we could never do for ourselves.

We were created to worship. When God becomes the object of our affection, allegiance, and attention, we discover the kind of fulfillment the world cannot supply. In this sermon we will learn why God is worthy of our worship and what happens when we love him with our whole being.

Jesus put the needs of others above his own needs giving us a blueprint for how to live in a joyful and humble way. In this sermon we will explore the pride that threatens our wellbeing and the humility we need to overcome it.

Jesus taught us that the daily crucifixion of our selfish appetites comes with great risk, but even greater reward. In this sermon we will learn that living for the good of others is not easy but it is freeing and life giving.

The act of celebrating someone else’s success helps us slay the dragon of jealousy that can so easily take over our lives. John’s attitude and posture toward Jesus shows us how live a life free of jealousy

What we perceive to be harmless is actually lethal. Jesus commands aggressive and decisive action to slay the dragon of lust in our lives.

When we live our lives being rich toward ourselves instead of being rich toward God we miss out on the best kind of life. Greed can overcome and overwhelm our thinking and living if we don’t aggressively fight against it.

The practice of giving without pomp and circumstance orients our hearts towards God’s approval instead of the applause of other people. Nothing slays the dragon of selfishness like the discipline of serving those in need.

When we believe that everyone will be saved we deny our need for a Savior and the Savior Himself. Jesus is clear that not everyone will be saved which should create an urgency in us to submit to Him and tell others about Him.

The Bible makes clear that people find their place under God’s authority and in authority over the earth. When we reject God’s authority we falsely believe we have ultimate authority which always results in pride. When we embrace God’s authority we receive joy that comes from being under His protection and living out His plan.

How can the statement “there is no truth” be true? It’s self-defeating and contradictory. When we fail to acknowledge truth we can’t make sense of the world and we lose a firm foundation to live on. When Jesus tells us that the truth will set us free He’s making a promise that if we anchor our lives in Him we will experience the freedom we long for.

The Bible claims that based on the beauty and order we find in creation there is no excuse for failing to worship our Creator. Unfortunately people often choose not to acknowledge or worship Him. No other philosophy has created more death and destruction than the belief that there is no God. Acknowledging and worshiping our Creator brings humility and accountability to our lives.

Jesus liked parties and special events. We find him feasting, celebrating, and rejoicing throughout the Bible. One thing’s for sure: He knew how to live. In this message we’ll look at a wedding he attended in Galilee and how it brought life, joy, and hope to everyone else who was there and how it was a shadow of a future feast.

The statistics on death are quite impressive: one out of one people die. It requires wisdom to know how to prepare for death; it requires faith too. In this message we’ll learn how to cope with the reality of death and dying.

Every living thing changes. Even clocks constantly reset themselves. We do one of two things with change: we can either embrace it, or try to ignore it. The healthy approach is adaptation and maturity, which includes accepting the necessity of change. In this message we’ll learn how change makes us stronger and wiser.

All farmers know that without good soil nothing grows to its potential. What’s true in plants is also true in people; there’s no maturity without growth. In this message we’ll talk about steady growth in a world bent toward confusion and chaos.

The Bible says, “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Few things are more helpful than an encouraging word. Solomon said, “There is wisdom in a multitude of counselors.” In this message we will examine how giving and receiving truth spoken in love can bring healing into our lives.

The Bible has a lot to say about eyes. In fact, the things we look at can affect all our thoughts and interactions with God and others. Jesus said, “But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.” This message will consider how to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of all types of media.

Of all the most important things in life, good friends and laughter would be near the top of the list. Neither is complete without the other; they’re “emotional” twins. In this message we’ll look at the blessings of laughter and friendship.

Sometimes the best thing we can do in the midst of our chaotic lives is to just take a nap! Rest, whether brief or prolonged, rejuvenates us mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. In this message we’ll look at the benefits of resting well.

Food involves celebrating, entertaining, nourishment, hospitality, and community. There are dangers to both overeating and under-eating. The key is balance and nutritious food. In this message we’ll look at a healthy approach to healthy eating.

Avoiding the truth can hurt us in countless ways. That’s why we need friends who don’t just tell us what we want to hear, but what we need to hear. In this message we will learn the value of being humble enough to receive correction.

One of the best gifts we can give someone we care about is to pray for them on a daily basis. Inviting God to help the people we care about exposes them to a power source they cannot generate on their own. In this message we will learn how to talk to God in a conversational way.

We never outgrow our need to learn new things. One of the beautiful blessings in being a member of God’s family is we have so many people to tap into when we need help, perspective, counsel, encouragement, and correction. In this message, we will explore who to turn to when we want to grow in a specific area of our lives.

From divorce to cancer to bankruptcy to addiction there are a lot of heavy burdens that can keep us up at night. The emotional weight of life’s challenges are often too much for one heart to bear. In this message we will learn how to carry pain and who to share it with so we can heal.

It’s never easy to forgive someone when they’ve hurt you. We tend to replay the mean things they said and did to the point that it can become a consuming and unwelcome memory. In this message, we will learn how to forgive others and the benefits that come when we walk away from the desire to retaliate.

In this life sometimes we live as if the world revolves around us, and we have to constantly remind ourselves that it’s not about us. It’s about Jesus. But in Heaven, we will see reality as it really is and we will never have to correct our thinking, because we will not see ourselves as the most important thing. God made us to love Him and to love others, and Heaven will be our living these two calls perfectly.

When God does what God has promised to do, His people always celebrate!

Waiting on God is difficult. He doesn’t always do what we want when we want it. The people of God went through generations of waiting and it often challenged their faith. In the middle of the dark night, there is always hope that light will dawn. The challenge is learning how to hold on to that hope.

God’s promises are something we need to know and build our lives on. There has been no greater promise than the one that God would send His own Son to restore and redeem His people. That promise was for everyone, including you.

Young parents learn early on that it’s sometimes difficult to love our kids. We also learn that unconditional love is a choice, not a feeling. The Biblical doctrine of justification is about God’s choice to eternally love us and free us from the punishment we deserve as law-breakers.

It is God’s desire to work every day in our lives to purify us from the corruption of sin. The challenging part of that work is that we continue to make sinful choices as he cleans out our hearts. Mature believers recognize their need to partner with God in that process by making holier and healthier decisions.

Baptism provides a clear stopping point and starting point in the life of a Christian; we are buried to sin and raised to a new life, thus beginning a fresh start in a new direction. In that very moment, God begins to regenerate our hearts and minds, washing us clean from the pollution and contamination sin creates.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he left his followers with clear instructions about where to go and what to do. His plan was to plant and multiply healthy churches in every town in every country. At Southland, we want to leave the state of Kentucky in better shape than we found it in and we believe the way to accomplish that goal is by imitating what the first followers of Jesus did.

There should be no difference between someone on staff at a church and the members of the church, because everyone’s baptism was their call to ministry. Every believer has a spiritual gift that was meant to strengthen the church and we need to be reminded of our Kingdom responsibilities no matter what occupation we choose in life.

The Son of God took on the role of a servant at his final meal with his best friends. He washed dirty feet and encouraged his followers to do the same for others. There are over 200 titles given to Jesus and all of them accurate and well deserved, but Jesus repeatedly chose one for himself that wasn’t flattering and it was Son of Man.

Finishing strongly can be a rarity in life, but it doesn’t have to be. Finding the strength to keep going until the very end is the key to leaving this life satisfied.

You will always face challenges and obstacles. How we handle those early setbacks will develop habits and patterns for how you overcome them in the years to come.

You will always face challenges and obstacles. How we handle those early setbacks will develop habits and patterns for how you overcome them in the years to come.

Youth can be a liability or an asset and it all depends on how you maturely handle it.

Few things will make you feel more connected to your Creator than worshipping him on a daily basis. Songs often give us language for how grateful we are for His presence in our lives and how desperate we are for his power to help us.

There is a pervasive sadness that seems to loom over our culture today. David battled the loss of a child, marriage issues, and occupational hazards that caused him to want to give up multiple times. But he didn’t throw in the towel and the big reason for that was God’s faithfulness to him in the midst of life’s low points.

From the birth of a child, to a wedding, to a baptism, to a good meal, to beautiful weather, there are so many things in life worth singing about and dancing about. David never passed up an opportunity to thank God for the good things in his life and we shouldn’t either.

David spent a lot of his life on the battlefield facing one daunting enemy after another. He didn’t rely on his own strength and wisdom to help him succeed, rather he invited God to give him the resolve he was going to need to be victorious.

This week we will learn how to endure suffering by eliminating distractions and remaining focused on the Father.

This week we will learn how to remain disciplined and avoid cutting corners so that we can achieve the goal of finishing the race.

This week we will learn how to endure suffering by eliminating distractions and remaining focused on the Father.

Jesus called John the Baptist the “greatest man ever born.” Ever wonder why? Why would Jesus brag so much about his cousin John? Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that John preached about the need to repent of our sins, and Jesus died to forgive them. Their messages played off each other. We’ll take a look at that in this message.

Imagine a nation, about 200 years old, prosperous, powerful, respected…but a nation that has lost its way; a nation God is displeased with, a nation on the cusp of his judgment. No, it’s not the United States, it’s the nation of Israel, eight centuries before Christ. God raised up a prophet to warn them of judgment to come, because God is a God of justice. Beware.

Hosea had an unfaithful wife named Gomer. Despite her continuously disappointing him, he refused to stop loving her. He wrote the brief book that bears his name to show us that God is still faithful to us, even when, especially when, we continuously disappoint Him. Hosea’s short book screams the word “Grace” to all who have disappointed themselves, and God.

Daniel was a young man who had come from a noble and godly family, but was taken as a prisoner of war to Babylon, a godless, wicked, and immoral land. He could’ve compromised his integrity and morality, but he chose instead to stand out as an example of holiness and trust in God. We can learn much from his uncompromising life.

Suffering finds us everywhere, at all ages and seasons of life. Just thinking about it can take our breath away. Whether one person (or a whole nation), suffering introduces us to ourselves; it also introduces us to God in ways we could never anticipate. Lamentations, was essentially a book of funeral sermons that ultimately speak of survival and hope; essentials we all must learn.

We’re often amazed when predictions come true, especially years after they were made. Hundreds of years before Jesus came to save us, Isaiah predicted that He would do just that. In this message we’ll look at how the God who created us, never gives up on us. In fact, He gave his only Son to win us back.

Join us as we celebrate what God is doing in the hearts of students!

Scott Nickell brings us a special message for fathers on Fathers Day.

Sometimes it seems that all the odds are stacked against us because of where we’ve come from or what we’ve done. In John 4 Jesus engages in conversation with a Samaritan woman whom most people would’ve considered an outcast beyond fixing. In this message we’ll see how God can redeem even the worst about ourselves and give us a new beginning.

Sometimes it seems that all the odds are stacked against us because of where we’ve come from or what we’ve done. In John 4 Jesus engages in conversation with a Samaritan woman whom most people would’ve considered an outcast beyond fixing. In this message we’ll see how God can redeem even the worst about ourselves and give us a new beginning.

We live in an entitlement culture. Most people believe that there’s a long list of things they need to be happy. They also believe they’re entitled to everything on their list. The Bible has a lot to say about that. In this message we’ll look at a list of things we’re not entitled to. You may be surprised!

When we look to the scriptures for examples of dramatic life change, the Apostle Paul ranks first in his class. Born a “Pharisee of the Pharisees,” no one would’ve ever predicted the seismic changes that were to come in his life. Frankly, it was a “God” thing of incredible proportions. This message will examine his story and ask, “If Paul, why not me?”

At one point in his ministry the Apostle Paul considered John Mark a failure; so much so that he dismissed him as a traveling companion. There were a lot of people who surely advised John Mark to “just give up,” but God had other plans. In this message we’ll take a look at John Mark’s restoration and happy outcome.

The church is filled with imperfect people who behave imperfectly. If we’re not careful we can allow that imperfection to sour us towards God and his family, and distract us from his mission. In this message we will examine how to have realistic expectations for the church while doing everything we can to help it become what Jesus intended it to be.

Most people have a surface level relationship with their friends. They aren’t able to be vulnerable because they’re afraid of being betrayed. In this message we will look at what it takes to become the kind of friend we want to have in others.

Some of our best and worst moments in life probably happened in the context of our families. If we’re not careful, we can carry the pain of childhood with us into adulthood and allow it to negatively impact our outlook on life. In this message we will look at how Jesus is the powerful resource we need to tap into to overcome difficult family dynamics.

Our culture wants us to be busy pursuing the wrong goals. Our priority should be our relationship with Jesus because the health of that friendship affects every other area of our lives. In this message we will look at the inventory we need to take in order to prioritize our relationship with Jesus.

Some things are worth changing for the sake of reaching others. Paul had a unique ability to adapt to the contexts God put him in. If he was with religious people he learned how to connect with them. If he was with irreligious people he learned how to connect with them as well. If our goal truly is to bring as many people to heaven with us as possible, we must have the ability to adapt.

Keeping a close watch on your life is a team effort. Paul had the courage and the commitment to truth to challenge Peter when he was wrong. Proverbs teaches that “as iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another.” Paul and Peter did that for each other. Trusted friends have the ability to keep account of one another’s lives.

Some things are worth changing for the sake of reaching others. Paul had a unique ability to adapt to the contexts God put him in. If he was with religious people he learned how to connect with them. If he was with irreligious people he learned how to connect with them as well. If our goal truly is to bring as many people to heaven with us as possible, we must have the ability to adapt.

Sometimes we have to stand and fight when the enemy attacks. When we do, it’s important that we have on the full armor of God and know how to use it.

If we aren’t paying attention to what’s going on around us we will be blindsided by the enemy.

Our thoughts shape our actions. We need to focus our thoughts on things that honor God and will help us help others.

Jesus gave his disciples marching orders over 2,000 years ago and those orders have remained the same. We are commanded to go everywhere in the name of Jesus to introduce people to Jesus.

The Church is a family and a family shares life together in all circumstances. The early church lived with a generous spirit and it was attractive to outsiders. As God’s children, we should continue that legacy today.

John was known as the “disciple Jesus loved.” It’s no wonder that in I John he uses the word “beloved” to describe all of us who are in relationship with Jesus. This revolutionary love transforms our entire lives.

The world changed the day the Holy Spirit was unleashed on the world. As the followers of Jesus we have access to a source of power that exceeds anything this world can generate on its own. In this message we will look at how the Holy Spirit still wants to empower us to accomplish God’s mission on earth.

In spite of its flaws and imperfections, the church is still God’s redemptive tool on earth. Meant to be a safe place for all people to discover hope, the church is a picture of God’s global family. In this message will examine the promise Jesus made to Peter that we can find comfort in.

In increasing numbers, people are putting ultimate faith in science, government, education, and a variety of other entities that cannot do what Jesus is capable of doing. Jesus has the power to rescue us from everything on earth that troubles us. In this message we will look at the plan of salvation that Jesus fulfilled and what it means for our present and our future.

No book has stood the test of time like the Bible. It transcends time and culture and is helpful when we choose to put it into practice in our lives. In this message we will look at why the Bible is authoritative, why it doesn’t need to be changed, and why we can trust it in the midst of cultural uncertainty.

God is still in control, still seated on the throne, and his plan will still be executed no matter what we think or feel. He knows what is best for us and wants what is best for us, so we can trust his plan. In this message we will look at the power of God and the peace we receive when we remember who is in charge of the universe.

Jesus gives us incredible insight on how we can live lives full of faith in the midst of our most difficult storms.

Christmas is a feast for a reason. We have something and someone to celebrate! The Old Testament was full of feasts, but all of them were simply the appetizer leading up to the arrival of Jesus, the centerpiece of God’s eternal party.

When we serve others we are simply following the example of Jesus, our Savior. God has always commanded his people to be servants.

When we give generously, we are only doing what has been done for us. God has always commanded His people to give generously to those who don’t have much.

Hospitality is something we can practice all year. God has always commanded His people to welcome those who need a home into their homes.

In the middle of life’s challenges, it’s easy to lose sight of all the things (big and small) that we should be grateful for. In this message, we will learn how to create a lifestyle of gratitude where we thank God for all of the good things he’s blessed us with.

When we talk to God, it brings life’s circumstances into focus and helps us see what matters and what doesn’t. In the message, we will learn to see prayer as a first response instead of a last resort when life doesn’t turn out the way we wanted.

There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is often dictated by life’s circumstances, whereas joy is a gift from God that resides in the human heart in spite of our circumstances. In this message, we will learn how to harness joy in the midst of life’s disappointing moments.

We’ve all said things and done things without thinking. Whether it’s buying something we don’t need, eating something we know isn’t good for us, dating someone who isn’t healthy, or speaking up when we should probably stay quiet, impulsive behavior is a threat to our spiritual growth. In this message, we will learn how to replace impulsive appetites with self-control.

Worry can drain the human heart of stability and cause us to live in a constant state of fear. From political instability to economic downturns to global pandemics, the news offers a steady stream of nail-biting topics. In this message, we will learn how to filter what we hear through the promises of God.

All of us struggle with sadness from time to time in life. But not all of us wake up everyday thinking the sun will never shine again. Depression is exhausting and it’s leading millions of people to believe there is no hope for them and that ending their lives would be better than facing another day. In this message, we will talk about the reality of suicide and how God wants to help the hopeless.

Addiction seems like a losing battle in our society. From food to heroin to pornography, everywhere we turn we are dangerously led towards appetites that threaten to destroy us. In this message, we will learn how to take the first step towards freedom from the captivity of addiction.

Jeremiah, the “weeping” prophet, once cried, “Peace, peace, when there is no peace.” He was like a doctor telling a patient, “You may feel okay, but you’re not.” When a physician delivers that kind of message it usually means that drastic measures are necessary; a band-aid won’t fix it. Inner peace is the same way. It calls for a diligent response to Jehovah Shalom, our God of Peace. This message will explore how trusting God can bring more peace into our lives.

One thing we all need in our lives is healing: emotional healing, physical healing, relational healing, spiritual healing. The good news is that God specializes in healing. Jesus is called “The Great Physician.” And God Himself is called, “Jehovah Rapha: God our Healer.” In this message, we’ll learn why understanding this name for God brings such strength to our lives.

Have you ever been completely out of something: money, food, strength? How about hope? Where can we go when there’s no one or no place to turn? The answer for a believer is to trust in the provision of our Father, to believe that He cares and will provide. Ever been there? Ever learned that? This message will focus on God’s provision in our lives and how to trust it.

This name for God comes from the Hebrew word, “El” which means “God,” and the Hebrew word, “Shaddai” which means “Almighty.” To a Jew, El-Shaddai spoke of God’s unlimited power. Consider a question: “How would your life change if you totally embraced God’s almighty power in your life? In this message, we’ll look at some reasonable answers to that question.

The literal meaning of “Yahweh” is “I am.” That means that if we ask, “Were you present at those difficult times in my life?” His answer would be “I am.” If we ask, “Will you be there in the future events of my life?” His answer is the same: “I am.” He always presents Himself in the present tense because He’s always there, always faithful, always near all the time. In this message we will learn what that means and why it matters.

Life can be really hard and unfair at times and it’s especially difficult to have joy in the midst of those challenging seasons. From miscarriages, to being laid off at work, to not getting the grade you think you deserve, how we respond will determine the quality of our lives and our relationships. In this message, we will look at how Paul and Silas demonstrated for all of us the value of having an eternal perspective in the face of earthly difficulties.

When we begin to believe that we deserve something, our tendency is to not be grateful for it. Complaining about poor service in a restaurant or slow internet service has become an acceptable norm in our society. In this message, we will look at the important role gratitude can play in helping us see just how good we really have it.

In the midst of a long, tiring, and difficult season of life, it’s easy and even understandable as to why we want to throw in the towel. From marriage, to parenting, to the daily grind of work, it’s important to develop endurance, because the race of life is long and demanding at times. In this message, we will look at how Nehemiah refused to quit even in the face of incredible odds and opposition.

It’s rarely easy, but always beneficial to exercise discipline in the face of great temptation. Whether it’s setting goals at work, exercising daily, or saving for the future, God wants to help us have the resolve we need to say “no” to good things so we can say “yes” to great things. In this message, we will examine how Daniel and his three closest friends decided to honor God with every aspect of their lives and God honored them in return.

When we trust in ourselves instead of Jesus it not only gives us false confidence, it also leads to accusing others for our problems. Jesus calls us to trust in His righteousness and take ownership of our sinful behavior.

When we live our lives trying to gain everything the world says is most important, we miss out on the one thing Jesus says is most important. Jesus calls us to surrender our lives to Him.

When we surrender to lust, we are literally risking our very lives. Jesus calls us to recognize where lust begins and where it leads so we can actively fight against it.

When we get honest about the condition of our hearts, we realize very quickly we need help. Jesus gives us the gift of repentance to alleviate the burden our sin creates and to protect intimacy in our relationship with him. Saying, “I’m sorry,” isn’t easy for any of us, but it is so good for all of us.

When we live our lives purely for ourselves at the expense of those around us, we forget that there is a God and we aren’t Him. Jesus calls us to be “rich toward God.”

When King Herod interviewed Jesus before his crucifixion, Jesus didn’t respond, didn’t utter a single word. In that tense exchange, Jesus modeled for us how to deal with mean and difficult people who do not have our best interest in mind. In this message, we will unpack the need for restraint, self-control, and even silence when people attack us.

In one of the most powerful and often overlooked encounters in the Bible, Jesus includes and adds value to a woman who would’ve been considered an outsider and even an enemy to anyone in the religious community. In this message, we will talk about the value of people in the eyes of God and our need to restore dignity to people who have been alienated from God’s family.

A desperate woman took desperate measures to get help for a physical issue that had plagued her for years and Jesus rewarded her audacity with healing. In this message, we will talk about the drastic measures we sometimes need to take to get healthy and past a physical challenge that has held us back.

Nicodemus had the equivalent of an Ivy League education and was essentially a justice on Israel’s Supreme Court. Jesus knew the questions he posed would be intellectual in nature, but he also knew that what Nicodemus really needed was spiritual in nature. In this message, we will focus our attention on how Jesus always steers us towards a better future than we can see for ourselves or tend to believe is even possible.

As an outsider to the religious community, Zacchaeus was curious to meet Jesus and surprised when Jesus wanted to spend time with him. Over a meal, Jesus helped Zacchaeus get his priorities in order and steered him towards a generous lifestyle that would benefit him and others. In this message, we will examine how we spend our time and the changes we need to make to prioritize what really matters.

The success of others can bring out an insecurity in even the most accomplished people. When jealousy takes root in the human heart we struggle to be happy for anyone and see them as a threat to our own happiness. Learning to celebrate the victories of others will defeat the jealousy we feel.

When someone hurts us, there is a temptation in our hearts to want to pay them back. Revenge is a common, but an unhealthy and potentially destructive response to pain. Learning to trust God to be our defenders is an important skill to develop in the process of forgiving those who have wronged us.

Little issues in daily life have a way of irritating us over time. From the traffic in our daily commute to the bad habits of a loved one to the inability of a co-worker to understand your point of view, if our frustrations aren’t dealt with in a mature way, we’ll eventually explode in an outburst of anger. The effects of that outburst are often devastating and can have lasting repercussions. Learning to cool off when our blood begins to boil can spare us from a lot of humiliating consequences.

When our pride is injured, the embarrassment we feel can birth a dangerous desire in our hearts to retaliate. Learning to respond instead of react to the anger we feel will keep us from a long list of decisions we will later regret.

Jesus goal for his followers is the comprehensive freedom that only he can provide. He sets people free from the bondage of shame, the prison of insecurity, the dungeon of regret, the handcuffs of fear, and so many other forms of captivity.

Jesus not only healed a leper but he touched him in the process. No one ever touched a leper. Jesus’ love and concern for the sick was more important than complying to social norms, laws, or customs. The followers of Jesus have an incredible legacy of caring for the sick that we must continue.

When Jesus turned over the tables in the temple he specifically targeted those who were selling pigeons. Pigeons were the sacrifice of the poor. The same sacrifice Mary and Joseph had to make when Jesus was dedicated at the temple. Jesus was for those who were being taken advantage of.

When Jesus went to Zacchaeus’ house he was criticized for it but Jesus was driven by his clear mission to seek and save the lost. Jesus was for Zacchaeus.

The greatest miracle Jesus ever performed was freeing the world from the power of sin. Changing and cleaning out the human heart is a monumental task and Jesus proved he is up for the challenge.

One of the many attributes of a sin-saturated world is physical illness. Hospitals and nursing homes are full of people who are emotionally and physically worn out because of the ups and downs of battling chronic diseases. Jesus has the ability to heal us and wants us to trust him to do so.

Every day we battle an unseen enemy who wants to hold us hostage and steer us in the constant direction of death and destruction. Fortunately for us, Jesus not only knows who our enemy is, but he also knows how to defeat him.

Jesus was capable of getting the forces of nature to listen to him and obey him. If he was able to get a storm to calm down, it seems likely that he’d be able to help us confront many of the challenges we face in life. From fear to worry to anger and all of the behavioral by-products that flow out of these powerful forces at work in us, Jesus wants to help us overcome them.

The difference between a boring road trip and an enjoyable one is often having someone in the passenger seat next to you whose presence you cherish. God intends that we do life in community. We are better together, and life’s more fun too!

It’s impossible to drive a car without a steering wheel. Even self-driving cars have them. God sent the Holy Spirit to be the “steering wheel” of our lives. With his presence and leadership in our lives we can do what God wants us to do and go where he wants us to go.

A car needs two things in order to stop and go: gas and brakes. Take away either and it becomes essentially useless. Following God means “going” when He says “go,” and stopping when He says “stop.” Prayer is how we learn to do both most effectively.

A car without a good engine will never reach its potential; it may be shiny and new but its dependability is always limited. God intends the Bible to be the engine for the Christian life. It’s absolutely essential for living as we were created to live.

When a culture embraces darkness, it always provides an opportunity for the church to help the people who are hurt by it. At Southland we want to provide hope and compassion to anyone who has tried what the world is offering only to find out it’s empty and unsatisfying.

There is a war being waged for the hearts and minds of students today. From pornography to drug use to mental health issues, an entire generation of people needs the wisdom of God and the love of a community of adults committed to setting them up for a lifetime of spiritual success. As a church, our investment in students has never been more critical. We need your help!

Often times the greatest rewards in life come when we take great risks in life and that is definitely true when we decide to become parents. Children are God’s gift to the world and a constant reminder of the purity he wants to restore in our lives. It’s imperative that we protect that innocence in children, because their view of God will be shaped by how well we love them.

It makes sense that Satan would assault and break up our marriages, because of the generational fallout that flows from that pain. Knowing the purpose of marriage and our individual roles will help us strengthen the bond with our spouse and will help our children see what is possible when we surrender our wills to God’s plan.

Every problem we see in the world today can be traced back to a garden known as Eden. Unfortunately, all of us have Adam and Eve in our family tree and we’ve inherited their selfish tendencies. In order to get on the solution side of the problems in our society, we have to paddle upstream to the source and be honest about where those problems begin.

Choosing Jesus is so much greater than what we think we’re giving up or missing out on by choosing to follow Him!

Three wealthy and wise men traveled a great distance to celebrate the birth of a new king born to poor parents. Wise people make wise decisions. And the best decision anyone can ever make is to worship Jesus.

Historically, countless countries and their citizens have been plunged into war and ruin at the hands of a political leader who abused their power and didn’t know when to step down. Herod’s insecurity and immaturity didn’t match his age and the people of Israel paid the price when he felt threatened by the birth of a new king.

It’s a heavy burden to carry when you feel like you’ve disappointed your parents. Joseph never wanted to bring confusion and chaos to his family, but that’s exactly what he hands them when he decides to marry his pregnant fiancé.

There is an old saying that says, “If you’re not dead, God’s not done with you yet!” That was definitely true for an older priest named Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth who learned that age is not a factor when an ageless God gets involved in your life.

Standing up for what you believe in can be a scary thing in a culture that is hostile. The key is remembering the faithful and powerful God who promises to stand with you.

Social media has given everyone a platform to argue about anything and everything. As the followers of Jesus, we are challenged to be kind to people, especially the people we disagree with

When we don’t get what we feel like we deserve, we have a tendency to complain. But when we realize that God has given us more than we deserve, we have a tendency to be grateful. Living a life of gratitude stands out in a world that complains about everything from restaurant service to rush hour traffic.

God is the supreme ruler with ultimate power. We can trust his intentions and decisions because He uses his power for our benefit.

We praise what we value. God is of ultimate value and worthy of our praise.

God is always right and never wrong. We are made righteous by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ.

God is distinct, pure, and set apart. Our only hope in His presence is to have our sins exchanged for his holiness.

God is a God of substance and weight beyond our ability to comprehend or imagine. As His image bearers we are created to reflect His glory to the world.

Media, especially social media, is an extension of our tongue, which reveals what’s in our heart.

Tools make it possible for us to be more fruitful in the way we serve God and people.

Wealth of any kind is a good gift from God that comes with a responsibility.

We need to recover a distinctively Christian work ethic as an important part of the process of sanctification.

Loving people is not easy, especially when it involves the difficult people in our lives and those who are different from us. In this sermon we will explore the source of love and learn some practical techniques from Jesus on how to love everyone, including the people we’d rather ignore.

There is a daily pressure that all of us feel to compromise our beliefs and do what is acceptable by our culture’s standards. When we decide to do what is right in the eyes of God, he promises to honor us and protect us.

Trust is earned over time, but it can be lost overnight. Becoming a person that other people can trust is a worthwhile pursuit and it starts by not compromising our values in the little decisions we make every day.

Everyone needs a friend that isn’t afraid to tell us what we need to hear. Inviting accountability into our lives can be a scary thing, but in the long run, it’ll prove to be one of the best things we ever do.

When we make a mistake or do something foolish, the best thing we can do is be honest about it. The longer we conceal the truth about a situation, the worse the situation will become. It’s never easy to take ownership of the bad things we’ve done, but it is the best thing to do.

Social media gives everyone a platform to present themselves in a polished and perfect way. God wants to set us free from that pressure by loving us as we are.

We are bombarded every day with advertisements that convince us we need more stuff to be happy. Often times, happiness is found on the opposite side of that lie; the less stuff we have, the better we’ll sleep at night.

A quick glance at the evening news can leave us riddled with fear and worry. Learning what to do with our anxious thoughts can be one of the healthiest things we do for short-term and long-term peace of mind.

Food often becomes a source for comfort when life becomes too stressful. Demonstrating self-control in those moments is something God wants to help us with.

Anger can be one of the most destructive forces in our lives if we allow it control our thinking. Jesus gives us practical ways to steer it in the right direction for the right purposes.

Join us as Guest Speaker Tyler McKenzie brings us a great message.

Join us as Guest Speaker Cody Walker brings us a great message.

We love to be rewarded when we do our jobs, but God’s economy isn’t based on who works the hardest or the longest. He has promised to reward everyone equally for their work in the kingdom, because the wage is based on the work Jesus did on the cross.

Wealth has its benefits, but it also creates a lot of blind spots for the people who put their trust in it. The great thing for rich and poor people alike is that Jesus paid the high price for all of us to become part of the most exclusive kingdom the world has ever known.

God’s grace doesn’t make a lot of sense mathematically, but it does help us understand his love for people. He’s always focused on the one person who isn’t a part of his family yet and he invites us to pay attention to them and pursue them as well.

Forgiving people who have hurt us might be the most difficult thing God invites us to do. He does it with ease and demonstrates the value in doing it sooner rather than later.

In God’s Kingdom, the first will be last and the last will be first, the least will become the greatest, and the meek will inherit the earth. In a culture that values fame and fortune above most things, being humble isn’t always an easy pursuit, but it is a wise one.

We weren’t meant to sit on the sidelines. As Jesus is addressing our wounds he doesn’t take long to send us back in to the game. We are never disqualified from carrying out our purpose. Where is Jesus sending you?

In order for a wound to heal, it must be addressed. Jesus came to uproot sin at its deepest level and bring healing to each of our lives. How can you boldly face your biggest mistakes and failures?

What we intend to do and what we do are not always the same thing. Romans 7 gives us a vivid description of that tension. Sin is always at the root of our most painful experiences in life. Why do you keep doing what you don’t want to do?

We all have things we do that cause us and the people we love pain. The first step toward healing the pain is identifying where its originating. Our signature sins are often closely related to our greatest strengths. What is it that you want to stop doing?

Unfortunately, we are hardwired with an incredible capacity to remember the sinful things we’ve done in the past. The incredible thing about God is that his love allows him to forget what we’ve done and focus on what Jesus has done for us.

Jesus had a way of making everyone feel comfortable in his presence, including people caught up in some of the most humiliating circumstances. His ability to deliver a message of grace and truth was unmatched.

Jesus came to expose humanity to the reality that God loves people more than rules. The goal is for everyone to experience an intimate relationship with God and Jesus was willing to shatter religious rules to prove that point.

When Insiders Get in the Way: Throwing Tables (Mark 11:15-18)—Religious people have a tendency to make outsiders feel unwelcomed in the presence of God and it aggravates Jesus to no end. And that explains why he removed every obstacle and cleared every spiritual path that leads to God.

Learning how to manage money is one of life’s most important lessons. From saving to spending, the book of Proverbs has a lot of wise and practical things to say about how to make healthy financial decisions.