Welcome to the podcast of Bright City Church, a community of faith in Raleigh-Durham, NC. If you would like to learn more about Bright City, or about how you can get involved, visit us at brightcitychurch.com
In the final message of our Pain Points series, Pastor Ike Miller explores how emotional and spiritual maturity go hand in hand. Through Jesus' vulnerability in John 20, we discover that healing relationships requires compassion, courage, and the willingness to be emotionally honest—with ourselves, with others, and with God.
What if the lies the Enemy tells us aren't even about us at all? This week, Pastor Sharon unpacks how the narratives that negatively affect us aren't lies about us, but lies about God's character - and the ways we can combat them.
What do we do when we find ourselves in a barren season - a time of grief, sorrow, and pain? In our Mother's Day sermon, guest speaker Molly Stillman explores how to plant our sorrows with God - and the way he can give beauty for ashes.
In our second week of the series “Pain Points,” Pastor Ike explores how biblical humility - complete and utter self-reliance on God - can be our path to true freedom.
How do the narratives we tell ourselves influence our current behaviors? This week, Pastor Ike Miller launched our new sermon series, “Pain Points.” This four-week series will explore how pain—past wounds, fears, and false beliefs—can quietly shape our lives and relationships.
What if Jesus' death wasn't the end, but the beginning of something unstoppable? In this powerful Easter message, Pastor Sharon Miller unpacks how the cross became the seed that reshaped the world—launching hospitals, human rights, and a revolution of love. What looked like defeat on the cross was actually the planting of a Kingdom that continues to grow today.
On Palm Sunday, Pastor Ike Miller unpacks how Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem was a bold, subversive confrontation of empire—not through force, but through humility and peace. In this message, we explore how trust in God, not control, leads to true peace and how Jesus models a kingdom power unlike any the world has known.
Prayer is essential to sharing the Gospel—because evangelism isn't about our ability, but God's power. In this message, Pastor Abbie Thomas explores the vital connection between prayer and evangelism and how it shapes our faith, trust, and obedience to God.
Jesus had a way of engaging people that was deeply personal, intentional, and transformative. In this message, Pastor Ike Miller unpacks Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, showing us how He was fully present, spoke to her pain, and created space for her questions. Join us as we learn how to engage others the way Jesus did—with love, truth, and a heart for redemption.
Join Pastor Alex Regalado as he kicks off our new series, Sent, exploring what it truly means to live on mission for God. Through personal stories and the Gospel of John, this message challenges us to embrace our calling as sent individuals, not out of obligation, but out of love for our neighbors and for God's glory. Don't miss this powerful start to the series!
Are we holding on to something that keeps us from fully following Jesus? In Matthew 19:16-23, a rich young ruler walks away sorrowful because he wasn't willing to give up what he treasured most. This message challenges us to examine our hearts, break free from a shallow gospel, and recognize that true life is found in surrendering everything to Christ.
Everything we have—our money, time, education, and opportunities—was given to us by God, not to own, but to steward. In this sermon, Pastor Sharon Miller unpacks the Parable of the Ten Minas, showing how Jesus calls us to be faithful managers of what He has entrusted to us. Discover what it means to live with a stewardship mindset and use what you've been given for God's Kingdom!
Greed keeps us chasing more, but true contentment sets us free. In this message, Pastor Ike Miller unpacks Jesus' warning about the deceitfulness of wealth and the false promises it makes. Discover what it means to be “rich toward God” and find lasting security beyond material possessions.
In this sermon, Pastor Sharon Miller challenges us to rethink the promises of money and possessions. Just like children who believe the next toy will bring lasting joy, we often fall into the same trap—thinking that more will finally satisfy us. As we begin our series on the spiritual discipline of generosity, we'll explore how giving shapes our faith, redirects our souls, and aligns our lives with God's priorities.
Nobody loves being criticized, but what if we could handle it in a healthier way? In this sermon, Pastor Ike Miller unpacks how to handle criticism wisely—shifting our self-worth to God's truth, finding the kernel of wisdom in feedback, and responding relationally rather than reactively. Discover practical, biblical life hacks to navigate tough conversations with confidence and grace!
How do we cultivate honesty with ourselves in a world that encourages self-deception? In this message, Pastor Abbie Thomas unpacks biblical wisdom on self-awareness, accountability, and humility before God. Through Proverbs and Genesis 3, we explore how listening to wise counsel, surrounding ourselves with truth, and humbling ourselves before God can lead to a transformed heart and life.
Self-control isn't just about resisting temptation—it's about seeing the full story of our choices. In this message, Pastor Ike Miller unpacks Proverbs 25:28 and Proverbs 7 to reveal how self-control protects us from the deception of short-term thinking. When we pause to consider the long-term impact of our decisions, we gain the wisdom to choose what leads to life instead of destruction.
Did you know that Proverbs is full of practical wisdom for everyday life? Listen as Pastor Sharon Miller unpacks what it means to make better decisions. In this message, you'll learn three key insights about the Book of Proverbs.
Listen to Pastor Sharon Miller as she shares Bright City's vision for 2025. In this message, she outlines three key goals—serving, giving, and inviting—that everyone is encouraged to participate in.
Come and celebrate Christmas at Bright City Church! Listen to this week's message by Pastors Ike and Sharon Miller with some fun Christmas trivia and a message on the story of Christmas.
Come and celebrate Advent at Bright City Church! Each week, we'll observe the different themes of Advent in preparation for Christmas. Listen to this week's sermon with Pastor Sharon Miller as she introduces the third theme of Advent: Joy.
Come and celebrate Advent at Bright City Church! Each week, we'll observe the different themes of Advent in preparation for Christmas. Listen to this week's sermon with Pastor Abbie Thomas as she introduces the second theme of Advent: Peace.
Come and celebrate Advent at Bright City Church! Each week, we'll observe the different themes of Advent in preparation for Christmas. Listen to this week's sermon with Pastor Ike Miller as he introduces the first theme of Advent: Hope.
Solitude isn't just about disconnecting from the noise of our lives. Join Pastor Sharon Miller as she explores Elijah's encounter with God during a great and mighty wind. In this message, she unpacks three essential truths about solitude.
It's not just our beliefs that shape us, but our habits. Join Pastor Sharon as she introduces the spiritual practice of solitude. Discover what solitude is and learn practical steps to integrate it into your daily life.
What does it mean to be a lukewarm Christian? Join Pastor Sharon as she unpacks Jesus' message to the church in Laodicea, revealing why He called them "lukewarm" believers. In this message, you'll discover two spiritual dangers often linked to wealth and success.
What does it mean to trust in God's care during times of suffering? Join Pastor Ike Miller as he explores the church of Philadelphia in the book of Revelation. In this message, you'll discover three powerful promises that God gave to this faithful church—promises that still hold true for believers enduring hardship today.
Does comfort lead to complacency? Join Pastor Ike Miller as he explores the message to the church of Sardis in Revelation 3:1-6. In this powerful sermon, you'll discover two key insights to help you avoid becoming complicit in your complacency.
What's the difference between living by convenience and standing firm in conviction? Join Pastor Ike Miller as he dives into Revelation 2, where the temptation to choose convenience posed a serious threat. In this powerful message, you'll be challenged to examine what it truly means to live with conviction and unwavering faith.
Where is the balance between tolerance and judgment? Join Pastor Sharon Miller as she unpacks the letter to the church of Pergamum in Revelation 2. Discover what it truly means to follow Jesus in a culture defined by tolerance.
Join us for a special message from Pastor Chuck Reed of Rebuild Fellowship. In this message, he will guide us through Acts 2:42-47, exploring its connection to the life of a believer within the family of God.
What does it mean to face persecution? Join Pastor Sharon Miller as she shares the stories of two individuals who have endured intense trials of faith. In this message, you'll discover two practical ways to strengthen your faith in the midst of adversity.
What is the purpose of the book of Revelation? Join Pastor Ike Miller as he explores apocalyptic literature and why believers should engage with it. In this message, you'll discover the historical context behind this letter and the key takeaways for Christians today.
Listen to this message from Pastor Ike Miller as he discusses what it takes to rebuild trust and affection in your marriage. In this message, you'll receive two key tips on repairing the foundation of your relationship.
Join Pastors Ike and Sharon Miller as they dive into the often challenging yet deeply meaningful topic of sexual intimacy in marriage. In this sermon, they explore the biblical foundation for why God created sex, how it reflects His love, and how couples can navigate this intimate aspect of their relationship in a way that honors God's design. In this message, you'll find practical insights and resources to strengthen and repair this crucial part of marriage.
A healthy marriage is one that navigates conflict well. Join Pastor Sharon Miller as she explores how to engage in healthy conflict. In this message, you'll gain two practical tips for managing conflict with your spouse.
The foundations of our marriages are often shaped by what we bring into them. Join Pastor Sharon Miller as she explores three factors that can make or break a marriage when storms arise. In this message, you'll receive two practical tips for building a strong, healthy foundation in your marriage.
Nowadays, exhaustion is a common trait among believers. Jess found it easy to believe her exhaustion was inevitable. Listen to Jess Connolly preach on the three core lies Christians believe about rest. In this special message, you'll learn the importance of receiving rest.
Have you ever wondered why Christians aren't immediately sent to heaven when they believe in Jesus? Join Pastor Alex as he dives into this intriguing question, exploring its connection to Justification and Sanctification. Discover practical steps for embracing sanctification and understand why it's crucial for every believer. Don't miss this important message!
How much faith is required for a believer to be truly saved? Join Pastor Alex Regalado in a discussion on the idea of "saving" faith and what it is. In this message, we'll look at Abraham and why Paul tells Christians to believe like him.
What does it mean for believers to be justified by faith? Join Pastor Alex Regalado as he explores the theological concept of justification through the analogy of jumping into a pool. In this message, you'll discover how the concept of justification is woven throughout Scripture and what it means for us today.
Your belief about the purpose of prayer will determine how you interpret James 5. Listen to Pastor Sharon Miller discuss the real purpose of prayer. In this message, you'll learn two ways that prayer effectively draws us closer to God and others.
What does it mean to use our resources for the kingdom? Listen to Pastor Ike Miller explore this topic in the book of James. In this message, you'll learn about the four stages of generosity and how to identify which stage you're in.
Happy Father's Day! While this day can be celebratory, it is also a challenging time for many believers. Join Pastor Ike Miller as he discusses the difficulties of this day and the significance of rebuilding trust in strained relationships. In this message, you will gain insights on how to navigate broken relationships and journey towards reconciliation.
Join us as we delve into the book of James to understand the risks of making plans without God. Pastor Sharon Miller discusses practical steps for including God in your life's plans. In this message, you'll learn how to shift your perspective and make God the core of your planning process.
Envy is the grounds that cause many believers to become the villain of their story. Join Pastor Sharon Miller as she discusses James 4 and the dangers of letting envy rule our motives. In this message, she'll provide two ways to guard against envy.
There are two types of wisdom a person can have. Which kind of "wise" are you? Listen to this message from Pastor Ike Miller as he discusses the end of James 3 and the call to heavenly wisdom. In this message you'll learn the difference between the two wisdoms and how to identify the better.
While the tongue is a small part of the body, it has the potential to direct the entire self. Join pastor Sharon Miller as she discusses a passage from James about the dangers of not taming our tongues. In this message, you will learn three practices intended to help the believer tame their tongue and avoid destruction.
How do we celebrate the gift of mothers while also honoring the complicated circumstances surrounding Mother's day? Join Pastor Sharon Miller as she speaks into the hardships many people experience on this special day. In this message, you'll hear about the curse of Genesis 3, the effects on family dynamics, and the hope we have in Jesus.
What good is it if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Join Pastor Ike Miller in a discussion on works and how they relate to our faith. Throughout this message, you will receive four indicators that serve as the vital signs of faith.
What happens when we try to hold onto Jesus + (something else)? Join Pastor Ike Miller as he discusses James 2:1-13 and the dangers of showing partiality with our neighbors. In this message, we take away three reasons to avoid partiality and why it's important to serve the needs our community.