Real Life Podcast

This Christmas we celebrate Heaven coming to earth, God in the flesh – Jesus, our Savior born to the virgin Mary. God’s light pierced through our darkness and changed our world forever—everything about it is a miracle! The best part? It wasn’t just for the spiritual, it wasn’t just for the elite, or for the religious. It wasn’t just for a certain group of people—Jesus came as a gift for EVERYONE! Join Pastor Justin for this special message as we uncover the gift of Jesus this Christmas.

As we contemplate the meaning of Christmas, we ponder on this: Jesus came to this world to turn off the darkness and turn on the light! Not only did He provide THE light, but He made it possible for us to walk in it—even in the midst of the darkness the world brings. Join our Young Adults pastor, Mike Gonzalez in this enlightening message in our "Oh Light" Christmas series as we recognize what it takes to walk in the light that Jesus came to this earth to provide.

The more we point people to THE LIGHT, the more that the God of the universe, who is so crazy about us will be glorified! Pastor Jeff Wallace continues in our Oh Light series with a message on how we are meant to be light in a dark world. Jesus came so that we might have His light within us, it’s time to use that light for his goodness. Be encouraged to be the light of Christ to those around you!

In this season we remember that our Savior - the Light of the World- came in the form of a baby to bring light and hope to a world in need. The truth is, He is still doing that today. Join us for our Christmas series as we explore what it means for His light to shine brightly IN us and THROUGH us as followers of Jesus!

Worship is more than just music— it is a VITAL part of our faith! While it is a personal journey for each of us, it is something we must learn to understand as Children of God. Why do we worship? How do we engage in worship? Why does it matter to God? All these questions will be answered with this message— and more as we dive into all things worship with pastor Marc Millan in the last message of our FREELY series.

“Until you discover what part of the body you are, you will never live out the fullness of your purpose.” Pastor Mike Gonzalez kicks off our Freely series with a powerful word about our rightful response to our generous God. Words like “sacrifice,” “service” and “submission” aren’t our favorite, but in this message we learn that through submission comes true resurrection. Because Jesus died for you, it’s your turn to live for him!

Giving and tithing always takes faith. Because nobody wants to do it—nobody does it on their own. We have to be commanded, convicted, challenged. But when we do it – our faith proves God’s faithfulness and we get to see firsthand just how faithful He is! Watch this message from Pastor Justin Miller and learn what it means to FREELY give.

What God has given to all of us: His love, his mercy, his grace, his son Jesus, his salvation…it was all given Freely! We didn’t earn it, we don’t deserve it and we could never pay it back— so God’s plan is that we pay it forward. Freely we receive, so freely we shall give! Freely isn’t just a word to remember — it’s a lifestyle that we live! Watch this second message in our Freely series with Pastor Justin Miller and learn what it means to act in response to all that God has so graciously given us.

“As long as you know the promises in the Word you can clap back against the enemy!” In this message, Pastor Reward Sibanda teaches us about the Art of War with Jesus on our side. It’s about trusting God’s word over our lives and living in the victory He’s given us.

“All throughout Joseph’s life, we see him get knocked down and hit with crisis after crisis, but we also see God’s provision and protection.” This week Pastor Andy takes us through Joseph’s crises and how God showed up for him. God works with and for us through our struggles! When life keeps hitting, God keeps working!

“That’s the truth about sin – the price is always higher than the payoff.” In this message, Pastor J leads us through the famous story about Samson. Samson’s strength didn’t keep him from sin, but through God’s renewal he was redeemed! We serve a God who works ALL things together for our good and His glory. Have hope that the broken things are being rebuilt by God!

“It’s not about CONTROLLING our emotions – it’s about bringing our emotions under God’s control.” In this message, Pastor Justin Miller walks us through the all-to-real struggle we call ANGER. There is so much strength in being real about our emotions and submitting them to God. We encourage you to be brave in allowing God to see your hurt and fear as you trust in Him!

“The God of the universe promised that He has a plan and purpose for our lives. When we believe this, we’ll begin to minimize our fears and excuses and maximize our faith and destiny.” In this message, Pastor Jeff Wallace walks us through the promises that Jeremiah discovered by fully trusting God. Today we can lay down our excuses and pick up these promises from God!

"In this story, we will find hope as we see Jesus work with saints in the midst of their struggles.” This week, Pastor Mike Gonzalez takes us through Peter’s journey from denying to declaring Jesus. This is a powerful story about the grace of God. Today, YOU can experience Jesus’ grace just like Peter did!

"Humility is the posture of victory. We rise up when we bow down." When we are on God's side, we are able to be in victory. Pastor Justin's message on Joshua's victory is all about learning to be obedient in the struggle. True worship starts with obedience. Choose to be on God's side today, because the battle is already won!

“There’s glory in your story and if you’re not in it yet, then it’s coming.” Pastor Justin brings a powerful message on surrendering our brokenness to God through the story of Jacob. In brokenness there is blessing, there is a purpose in all the pain. Be encouraged: whatever your struggle, surrender it to Jesus and He will bless you through it.

“If we want God’s will, we have to wait for God's when.” In this message we look at Sarah’s struggle with patience. Like Sarah, we need to trust that God’s timing is perfect! Pastor Matt walks us through Sarah’s journey of waiting for God and how we can wait for God. While we wait we can be worshiping, working, and witnessing. Remember that God is faithful to us, even in our times of struggle.

“God is calling us to get real, so we can get right. To get right with God, you have to get real with God.” In this message, we look at Elijah, a Bible hero, who was known for his triumph yet he struggled, much like us. Pastor Justin walks us through the battle of depression and God’s victory over it. God wants to be within your struggle and He wants to speak to you where you are. Remember that God needs us to reveal our struggles so that He can heal us!

“With God, our failure isn’t final. It’s the first step to a fresh start. If we’re willing to stop suppressing and start confessing. Quit covering up and start coming clean.” This week we take a deeper look at our sin and redemption. Pastor J recalls the story of David, how through his worst sin came the best miracle. In your pain and in your failure look to Him for with God all things are possible. Join us in receiving this message and be redeemed by grace!

With the chaos of this world going on all around us, today more than ever people are questioning life’s fragility. For some, this has even surfaced a fear of dying. What we need to focus on is the eternal life that God offers us through his son, Jesus! Best-selling and award-winning author Lee Stobel joins the Real Life family to share the hope found in God’s Word and teach from his latest book, The Case for Heaven: A Journalist Investigates Evidence of Life After Death.