North Tarrant Church: Recent Episodes
Scott Johnson
Welcome to the weekly audio podcast for North Tarrant Church in Fort Worth, TX where our mission is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Our desire is that this podcast will encourage you in your relationship with God. Visit us at northtarrant.org.
The Unsettling Solution For Just About Everything - Part 2- December 08, 2019
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
The kingdom of God is characterized by unsettling generosity —the kind of generosity that gives the undeserving what they don’t deserve and regardless of how unright we’ve been, makes us right with God. So what do we do when we’re faced with this math that doesn’t add up? And how do we respond to this unfair, unsettling system that Jesus came to invite us into?
The Unsettling Solution For Just About Everything - Part 1 - December 01, 2019
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
There is an unsettling solution for just about everything, and we can sum it up in one word. Grace. It’s the undeserved, unearned, unearnable favor that Jesus came to offer us. So why wouldn’t we want Christianity to be true? And where should you start if it’s a word that was never part of the equation for you?
More Than Ever - October 27, 2019
- Speaker: Scott Johnson
Whether it’s sitting next to a new friend at lunch, going to a birthday party, or watching a game at someone’s house, all of us have benefited from someone inviting us to something. But there’s an invitation we can extend that may change someone’s life forever. And the opportunity to extend that invitation exists now more than ever.
the Bible for Grown-Ups - October 20, 2019
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
Most of us know some Bible stories, but very few of us know the story of the Bible. And it may be surprising to discover it’s a story that doesn’t actually begin in the beginning. It begins with the accounts of a few men who sat down to record the death and resurrection of Jesus. It begins with the words of his followers who were compelled to document the events that had changed everything for them—because they knew it could change everything for us.
the Bible for Grown-Ups - October 20, 2019
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
The Old Testament chronicles God’s redemptive, sequential activity in history. It’s a fabulous, gritty, epic history of the Hebrew people in which, over and over, Israel is reminded that they are a divine means to an end. So, maybe instead of seeing the Old Testament as a spiritual guidebook or a storyline that needs to be tidied up, we should see it as something even better: the history of God preparing the world for a Savior.
the Bible for Grown-Ups - October 06, 2019
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
“In the beginning. . .” can be a loaded phrase—one that forces us into debate and doubt. But maybe we’re missing the point of Genesis 1:1—a point Moses made to a world where the violence and injustice of the gods justified and legitimized the violence and injustice of human rulers. Moses introduced a radically different, unparalleled, and untested worldview.
the Bible for Grown-Ups - September 29, 2019
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
Most of us know some Bible stories, but very few of us know the story of the Bible. And it may be surprising to discover it’s a story that doesn’t actually begin in the beginning. It begins with the accounts of a few men who sat down to record the death and resurrection of Jesus. It begins with the words of his followers who were compelled to document the events that had changed everything for them—because they knew it could change everything for us.
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Adulting Is Hard - September 22, 2019
- Speaker: Scott Johnson
The “virus” of insecurity presents in many ways, making identifying and treating it difficult. Most of us attempt to treat the symptoms, but unless we root out the real cause, we’ll never fully heal. In the Psalms, King David reminds us that we have divine security, and he should know, because he, too, suffered from the virus.
Adulting Is Hard - September 15, 2019
- Speaker: Scott Johnson
Adulting requires relationships—lots and lots of relationships. We know that healthy relationships are built on trust. But trust feels fleeting, and trust issues make adulting hard. How can we choose to trust when trusting doesn’t feel like a safe or valid choice?
Adulting Is Hard - September 8, 2019
- Speaker: Scott Johnson
Who are you? If you’re like most, who you are is defined by what you do. There certainly is a connection between our “doing” and our “being,” but if we get the order wrong, our identities are positioned to crumble.
American in the Mirror - September 1, 2019
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
Only one person can ensure that we end up somewhere on purpose. And that person isn’t in the House of Representatives or the White House. They’re in our house. In fact, we look at that person in the mirror every morning. The reality is that we face our greatest leadership challenge every morning when we face ourselves.
Tough As Nails - Part 3
Our Once Upon A Time- April 14
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
Once upon a time, Jesus stood against the injustice of the Roman empire and the hypocrisy of religious leaders. He changed the course of human history. What will our Once upon a time… story be?
Tough As Nails - Part 2
Fix Your Eyes- April 07
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
What if our faith was characterized by fearlessness, humility, confidence in Jesus, and love of others? Imagine how that would change the world around us.
Tough As Nails - Part 1
In The Beginning- March 31
- Speaker: Scott Johnson
We all want more. Even though we’re thankful for what we have, something inside us wants a little more from life. Believe it or not, there is a path that can lead us to the more we are looking for.
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The Last King
- March 24
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
What would God think about that? We all do things from time to time we know displease God. And our disobedience leads to discipline from God. But why does he discipline us at all? Why can’t he just look the other way?
Home - Part 2
A Part To Play
- March 17
- Speaker: Scott Johnson
What happens when someone doesn’t do their job? The team, the company, or the mission all suffer. But what happens when a group of people each do the job they were assigned to do? Together they find success. When we each play our part we become more successful together than we could be separately. If we want everyone who walks through the doors of our church to experience a place that feels like home, how do we work together to make the happen. What part can each of us play in seeing that dream become a reality? Where do we fit in and how do we make a difference?
Home - Part 1
A Place For Everybody
- March 10
- Speaker: Scott Johnson
There’s no place else like it where you can kick back and relax, be yourself, and hang with your people. Unfortunately, for many, this is the furthest thing from what they experience at church.
We want to change that.
How to Get What You Really Want - Part 4
Thinkin’ It Through
- February 03
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
We all have wants. But actually getting what we want can be tricky . . . and even dangerous. It usually leaves us wanting more. If what we want leads to a cycle of wanting more and more, maybe we want the wrong things.
So, what do you want?
How to Get What You Really Want - Part 3
Last Things First
- January 27
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
What do you want? What do you really want? We’ll never get what we really want until we discover what is most valuable. And what we naturally want is often in conflict with what we ultimately value. So, in order to figure out what you really want, you have to figure out what you value.
How to Get What You Really Want - Part 2
Don’t Be Deceived
- January 20
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
We’ll never get what we really want until we discover what is most valuable. But choosing what’s valuable isn’t natural. We’ve all had the experience of getting what we naturally want, only to discover it's not what is most valuable—it’s not what we ultimately want. But how do we avoid being deceived by our short-term desires?
How to Get What You Really Want - Part 1
Careful What You Want For
- January 13
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
We all have wants. But actually getting what we want can be tricky . . . and even dangerous. It usually leaves us wanting more. If what we want leads to a cycle of wanting more and more, maybe we want the wrong things.
So, what do you want?
Who Needs God? - Part 6
I Do.
- October 14
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
The idea of autonomy is attractive. One of the biggest barriers to belief in God is that we don't want to need anyone. But what if the idea of autonomy is really the illusion of autonomy?
Who Needs God? - Part 5
In-Justice for All
- October 07
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
Description: We all want to rid the world of injustice. But we can only recognize injustice if we know what justice is to begin with. We don’t always agree about what is just. So, who gets to define justice?
Who Needs God? - Part 4
The God of Jesus
- September 30
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
Description: If big-G God has lost his appeal because we've mixed him up with a gaggle of little-g gods who don’t exist, then how can we know what the true God is like?
Who Needs God? - Part 3
The Bible Tells Me So
- September 23
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
Jesus loves me, this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Should we really believe something just because the bible tells us so?
Who Needs God? - Part 2
Gods of the No Testament
- September 16
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
Do you have religious doubts? When your prayers go unanswered, do you wonder if God exists? Does science make God seem unnecessary?
Before you abandon your faith, consider this: What if the god you’re walking away from never existed to begin with?
Who Needs God? - Part 1
Atheist 2.0
- September 09
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
Americans are migrating away from religion at an unprecedented rate; Christianity in particular. But not because atheism is more appealing. People are leaving because religion has lost its appeal. Once upon a time Americans believed religion offered solutions. Today, religion is viewed by many as the problem.
Pack Your Bags - Praying Ahead
- August 05
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
Sometimes you know what’s coming next—graduation, wedding, new baby, new job, retirement. But there’s no correlation between knowing what’s next and being prepared for what’s next. So, how do you prepare for the next season when you can't see what’s coming?
Pack Your Bags - Know What Your Don't Know
- July 29
- Speaker: Clay Scroggins
We’re all headed somewhere. We’re all moving toward a new season. And none of us has been where we’re going. Yet it’s up to us to figure out what we need to pack in our bags so that we’re prepared for that coming season. But how can you know what you’ll need when the coming season is a mystery? How can you know what you don’t know?
Pack Your Bags - Motion Sickness
- July 22
- Speaker: Scott Johnson
We’re all headed somewhere. Arriving at our new destinations requires change. For most of us, change creates stress. Just like when we travel on a boat, plane, or in a car, traveling through life can give us motion sickness. We’re knocked off balance. The ground beneath our feet doesn’t feel solid. So how do you prepare for what’s next when the anxiety of transition has you fighting motion sickness?
Pack your Bags - Now And Then
- July 15
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
Life is full of change. Transitions can be both exciting and stressful. That’s because we can’t see into the future. We can’t tell what comes next. But what if there was a way to prepare for the next season? What if you could do something now to influence where you end up then?
Breathing Room - Dollars and Sense
- June 24
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
We live in a culture that continually tells us to pursue a higher standard of living in order to improve our quality of life. But "standard of living" and "quality of life" aren't the same thing. One has to do with the stuff we accumulate. The other is about the peace we experience regardless of our circumstances.
What if your pursuit of a standard of living is undermining your quality of life?
Breathing Room - Time
- June 17
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
We're all busy. Our schedules are packed with career, family, friends, church, and other responsibilities. Sometimes our days are so full that we don't enjoy anything because we're trying to do everything. Our relationship with God and with others benefits when we create breathing room in our schedules. But where do we start?
Breathing Room - Ex-Squeeze Yourself
- June 10
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
Our lives are busy and fast-paced. The lack of margin increases our stress and shortens our tempers. It can distract us from the most important things in our lives . . . and our relationships suffer. It can even affect our relationship with God because there's a connection between our willingness to create margin and our faith.
Life is better with breathing room
Making Room - Scott Johnson
- June 03
- Speaker: Scott Johnson
We all know what it’s like to be told there’s no room for us. ‘I’m sorry. There’s no room for you in the company/fraternity/sorority/team, etc.’ Many people feel the same about religion. That’s because it seems like religion only makes room for the ‘good people.’ Jesus has a different message. His desire is to make room for everyone. Including you.
Helping The Next Gen Win - Show Up
- May 20
- Speaker: Reggie Joiner
Think about the people who have made a difference in your life. Don't you want to do that for the next generation? There’s an easy first step.
Helping The Next Gen Win - Generation iY
- May 13
- Speaker: Clay Scroggins & Tim Elmore
This generation is the first that doesn’t need adults for information. But they do need adults for interpretation. What can we do to help the next generation to see the world in a way that sets them up for success? Join Clay Scroggins and Tim Elmore as they have a conversation about how we can help the next gen win.
Helping The Next Gen Win - A Standard For Living
- May 06
- Speaker: John Woodall
The Greatest Generation. Baby Boomers. Generation X. Millennials. Generation Z. Each generation is distinct from those that came before and those that come after. They have different priorities and different experiences. They see the world differently. It’s easy for the generations to live in conflict and competition. But what is our responsibility to the generations that come after us?
What Happy Couples Know - It's A Choice
- April 29
- Speaker: Scott Johnson
Happy couples decide they owe each other everything but are owed nothing in return. But that requires effort. Every married person makes a choice every day. That choice feels more like a reaction, so most people don’t think they have a choice at all. But they do. Happy couples make the happy choice.
What Happy Couples Know - Sometimes You Have To Throw Things
- April 22
- Speaker: Andy Stanley
We all enter into marriage with hopes, dreams, and desires. They create expectations. But when you put those expectations onto your spouse, it turns your marriage into a debt/debtor relationship. Your relationship becomes marked by the belief that your spouse owes you something. So, how do you keep your hopes, dreams, and desires from becoming expectations?
What Happy Couples Know - It's Mutual
- April 15
- Speakers: Scott & Alden Johnson
We all enter into marriage with hopes, dreams, and desires. They create expectations. But when you put those expectations onto your spouse, it turns your marriage into a debt/debtor relationship. Your relationship becomes marked by the belief that your spouse owes you something. So, how do you keep your hopes, dreams, and desires from becoming expectations?
What Happy Couples Know - Nothing
- April 08
- Speaker Andy Stanley
A great marriage doesn’t happen by accident. It requires care and regular maintenance. But sometimes we don’t want to make the effort. As long as it’s not broken, do we really need to talk about it?
Easter 2018 - Believe Again
- April 01
- Speaker Scott Johnson
Do you sometimes wonder how anyone could believe Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose from the dead, and was seen? It was enough then. Maybe it’s still enough today.
David - When Dreams Can't Come True
- March 25
- Speaker Andy Stanley
Plans are great. Reality is greater. Reality wins. Things don’t always go as planned. Some dreams don’t come true. So what do you do when you discover your dream can’t come true?
David - The Great King
- March 18
- Speaker Scott Johnson
Few things are as repulsive as a leader, parent, boss, or politician who leverages influence for his or her benefit to the neglect of those he or she is responsible for. Few things are as inspiring as a leader who says no to himself or herself in order to say yes to those for whom he or she is responsible. So how can we lead well when authority is placed in our hands?
David - The Abigail Way
- March 11
- Speaker Andy Stanley
The way of God isn't appealing when we have been wronged by someone else. Our natural urge is to try to get even. We want to wrong the people who wrong us as a way of getting payback. That seems just. It seems fair. But does it solve anything? Maybe there’s a better way.
David - Killer Giants
- March 04
- Speaker Scott Johnson
The way of God is most unappealing when we are angry, isolated, or afraid. That’s when we consider things we would never otherwise consider. It's when we feel compelled to do something . . . anything. But maybe there's a better way.
David - The Reluctant Hero
- February 25
- Speaker Andy Stanley
David went from humble shepherd to national hero to great king. But he wasn't great because of his reputation or military prowess. He was great because of where he'd learned to place his hope.
Your Church
- Scott Johnson
- February 18
Each and every Sunday, we put so much energy and effort into creating environments for any one and every one to come in and engage. It has worked because so many people have made it work. It’s worked because we broke every church tradition we knew to embrace the mission of the church: to draw people to Jesus.
Guardrails - Part 5
- February 11
- Speaker Scott Johnson
It’s vital to erect guardrails around our hearts becuase an unguarded heart can overpower our most guarded behavior.
Guardrails - Part 4
- February 04
- Speaker Andy Stanley
When it comes to our finances, it’s easy to cross the line into the danger zone. That’s why it’s essential to establish guardrails against greed.
Guardrails - Part 3
- January 28
- Speaker Andy Stanley
Guardrails keep vehicles from straying into dangerous or off limit areas. We need personal guardrails so we don’t stray into areas of life that can harm us or the people we love. If there’s one area in which personal guardrails are most needed but also most resisted, it’s in our relationships.
Guardrails - Proximity
- January 21
- Speaker Scott Johnson
Have you ever met someone that later you wish you’d never met? Is there a person you wish your husband, wife, son, or daughter had never met? Sometimes people are our greatest regrets because they influence us to ignore our guardrails and step into the danger zone.
Guardrails - Direct and Protect
- January 14
- Speaker Andy Stanley
Guardrails are designed to keep vehicles from straying into dangerous or off-limit areas. They minimize damage by keeping us in the safety zone. But the highway isn’t the only place we need guardrails.
This Is My Year... I Promise
- January 07
- Speaker Scott Johnson
The New Year is full of possibilities that fuel potential for a better future. That's why we make resolutions . . . even though those resolutions usually fall by the wayside. Here's something simple you can do to make the most of 2018.
The Perfect Christmas
- December 24
- Speaker Scott Johnson
We all have a picture in our mind of what the perfect Christmas should look like. So, what do we do when the circumstances of Christmas don’t line up with our picture of Christmas?
Who Needs Christmas - We Do
- December 17
- Speaker Andy Stanley
Who needs Christmas? Well, as it turns out, we all do. But it might not be for the reasons you think.
Who Needs Christmas - God Did
- December 10
- Speaker Scott Johnson
As you know, love must be shown to be known. Right? If you don't show it, nobody knows it. And that is the message of Christmas.
Who Needs Christmas - The World Does
- December 03
- Speaker Andy Stanley
You may find the events surrounding the birth of Jesus a bit unbelievable. If so, you're not alone. But when you hear the entire story – the backstory – well . . . the whole thing is really quite remarkable.
Invitation of a Lifetime
- November 26
- Speaker Andy Stanley
You have the power to change the trajectory of someone’s entire life. All it takes is an invitation.
Be Rich: Serve
- November 19
- Speaker Andy Stanley
We all assume that we can behave and confess our way into a barrier-free relationship with God. If we sin against someone, we can just pray for God’s forgiveness and we’ll be back in his good graces. But what if God wants more from us than vertical morality? What if he cares about our horizontal relationships?
Be Rich: Serve
- November 12
- Speaker Scott Johnson
It's in all of us to want to be great. According to Jesus, there's nothing wrong with that. He defines it differently than you might think and makes it more possible than most would imagine.
Church for Everyone
- October 22
- Speaker Gavin Adams
People who weren't like Jesus like Jesus. So, why isn't that true of the church?
What Makes You Happy - Part 6
- October 15
- Speaker Scott Johnson
Check out this secret ingredient to happiness. It's so counterintuitive that only people who have experienced it believe it.
What Makes You Happy - Part 5
- October 08
- Speaker Andy Stanley
Why are we tempted to make decisions that hurt us in the long run? This message will help you understand the difference between pleasure and happiness.
What Makes You Happy - Part 4
- October 01
- Speaker Andy Stanley
If your goal is to find happiness, no amount of money will ever be enough. But this one principle can change the way you view money and help you find peace.
What Makes You Happy - Part 3
- September 17
- Speaker Andy Stanley
Peace with God paves the way to peace with ourselves and equips us to make peace with others. Find out the one thing it takes to find peace with God.
What Makes You Happy - Part 2
- September 17
- Speaker Andy Stanley
We think we have to choose between being happy and pleasing God. Check out what Jesus had to say about that.
What Makes You Happy - Part 1
- September 10
- Speaker Scott Johnson
We all daydream about a trouble-free life made possible by something: a dream job, house, car, spouse, child, family, or pile of money. But what if no thing can make us happy?
Fully Alive
- September 03
- Speaker Gavin Adams
Discovering the path to living life fully alive is the first step, but learning to remain fully alive is equally important. How can we ensure our experience remains full?
If you are interested in catching up with the series as a whole, be sure to check out Woodstock City Church's Fully Alive Message Page
Circles Are Better Than Rows
- August 27
- Speaker Scott Johnson
Stop worrying about being known for something, and allow yourself to be known by a group of someones.
Address The Mess - Part 5
- August 20
- Speaker Andy Stanley
When you have a mess to address, first options aren’t usually the best options. First options often make messes messier. In this message, Andy explores an approach that can take the -er out of your messy situations.
Address The Mess - Part 4
- August 13
- Speaker Andy Stanley & John Hambrick
Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves. But that’s easier said than done. What are the limits of our responsibility to others? The answer may surprise you.
Address The Mess - Part 3
- August 06
- Speaker Scott Johnson
A common misperception is that the Christian life is all about avoiding messes and staying out of trouble. But following Jesus isn’t about avoiding something; it’s about becoming something.
Address The Mess - Part 2
- July 30
- Speaker Andy Stanley
I know a mess when I see one because I am a mess. When we acknowledge our messes, we're a baby step away from acknowledging God. Your mess has the potential to bring God near you.
Address The Mess - Part 1
- July 23
- Speaker Andy Stanley
Whether we’re religious or not, we’ve all been in, are in, or are only one decision away from a mess. But there’s a powerful connection between your messes and your relationship with God.
The Not-So United States
- July 16
- Speaker Andy Stanley
Can the church bridge the divide when compassion and national security collide? We say yes.
Let the Games Begin - Part 2
- July 09
- Speaker Clay Scroggins
Too often, we play mind games in relationships. We assume the worst of others, and try to manipulate them in order to get the upper hand. Check out this simple approach to ending The Mind Game in your relationships.
Let the Games Begin - Part 1
- July 02
- Speaker Scott Johnson
There’s nothing more toxic to a relationship than secretly trying to change the other person. It feels awful. It doesn’t work. And it will eventually destroy the relationship. The good news is you can quit The Change Game and find a better way.
Bottom of the Ninth - Part 4
- June 25
- Speaker Scott Johnson
How should you respond when others face a bottom-of-the-9th moment? It's not about saying something or doing something. It's about being someone.
Bottom of the Ninth - Part 3
- June 18
- Speaker Gavin Adams
What happens when there is no bottom-of-the-ninth comeback? What happens when you lose? Where can you find hope when hope disappears?
Bottom of the Ninth - Part 2
- June 11
- Speaker Clay Scroggins
When you're facing a bottom-of-the-ninth moment, doing this one thing can bring light to the darkness.
Bottom of the Ninth - Part 1
- June 04
- Speaker Jeff Henderson
Have you ever felt behind financially, relationally, or emotionally? What do you do when you feel like your life is trailing in the bottom of the ninth?
The N Commandments - Part 5
- May 21
- Speaker Scott Johnson
Wouldn't it be great to have a faith without doubts? This one question posed by Jesus has the power to help you move past your doubt.
The N Commandments - Part 4
- May 14
- Speaker - Andy Stanley
The future is uncertain and sometimes scary. This one truth can help you to live free of worry.
The N Commandments - Part 3
- May 07
- Speaker Andy Stanley
We assume that our sin makes God angry. But Jesus gave us a new reason not to sin, and it's better than fear or guilt.
The N Commandments - Part 2
- April 30
- Speaker Scott Johnson
Life can be scary. Believe it or not, there's a way to live without fear . . . even when there's something to be afraid of.
The N Commandments - Part 1
- April 23
- Speaker Andy Stanley
Jesus commanded his followers not to do a few things. But his "not" commandments were so extreme his followers were tempted not to even try. And then, Jesus rose from the dead and everything changed.
Beginning Again - Easter Sunday
- April 16
- Speaker Scott Johnson
On Easter, we don’t celebrate a collection of teachings. We don’t celebrate an idea. We celebrate an event . . . an event in history that changed history
Brand: New - Part 5
- April 09
- Speaker Andy Stanley
Don't like the church? Is that your fault or the church's? In this episode of Brand:New, Andy exposes how the church veered off course.
Brand: New - Part 4
- April 02
- Speaker Andy Stanley
Want to know the one thing Jesus said you can’t avoid with loopholes, shortcuts, or workarounds?
Brand: New - Part 3
- March 26
- Speaker Andy Stanley
Religion is powerful—so powerful it can shape the way we view ourselves and treat others.
Brand: New - Part 2
- March 19
- Speaker Andy Stanley
The arrival of Jesus signaled the end of the Temple Model and the beginning of something entirely new!