Southland Christian Church

Southland Christian Church

Weekend teachings and more from Southland Christian Church

  1. Off Script | John 3:16

    2D AGO

    Off Script | John 3:16

    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

    33 min
  2. Off Script | John 1:1-18

    MAR 4

    Off Script | John 1:1-18

    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

    36 min
  3. Off Script | The Good Shepherd

    FEB 25

    Off Script | The Good Shepherd

    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

    34 min
  4. Off Script | Man Born Blind

    FEB 18

    Off Script | Man Born Blind

    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

    37 min
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Weekend teachings and more from Southland Christian Church

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