Podcasts about pastor brian

Your host, Pastor Brian, sits down with John Gustufson and talks about John's attempted school board run and the things that drove him to throw his hat into the political ring to try and help with our kids' educational processes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Something is happening and we are going!”  Have you felt God call you?  Have you ever felt compelled to do something?  A lot of us have; it's big, it can be scary, it can be confusing, but God will lead the way on the adventure He has for our lives.  Are you ready for the journey?  Pastor Brian shares a message about the “Wise Men” that went to see Jesus after he was born, Merry Christmas everyone! Important reminder!  There will be no service this upcoming weekend (Sunday, December 28th, 2025).  We look forward to seeing you all again Sunday, January 4th, 2026! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

How did God speak to you today?Pastor Brian Swiggart | 12.14.25Support the show

Have you ever felt looked over?  Just strong enough that people think you don't need help?  Just weak enough to stay put and never exceed?  So average it makes like difficult?  Joseph sure could have.  What a good God we have to know that He will always see, always be proud of us when we succeed, always there to pick us back up again when we need that help; praise God.  Pastor Brian shares a message of hope at this year's Christmas Extravaganza! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

While earthly kings issued decrees for power, heaven wrote a decree of love. Into straw and shadow came the King who would bring peace, not by force, but by sacrifice. The manger is God's declaration that love moves first — love crosses the divide, love stoops low, love pays the cost. Here, wrapped in cloth, is the heart of God exposed: not distant affection, but embodied mercy. This is the Treaty of Bethlehem, inviting us to receive the peace that God came to give through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.Now, let's join Pastor Brian as he takes a look at Article 2 in our Advent Miniseries, The Treaty of Bethlehem: The King's Motive, from Luke 2, verses 1 through 7.

This Sunday, Pastor Brian preached a sermon titled "Unity through Sacrifice" from John 17:20-23, Philippians 2:2-3, and Romans 12:1, 4–5.

The service began with powerful worship, heartfelt baptisms, and communion, setting the stage for a moving message from guest speaker Brian Barcelona. Brian shared his testimony of transformation—from a sixteen-year-old atheist to a follower of Christ—after a persistent friend invited him to church. During worship, Brian challenged God to reveal Himself, and in that moment, he was overwhelmed by divine love and surrendered his life to Jesus. He reminded us that in rooms like these, people are set free from addiction, healed from pain, and restored in faith. Brian then spoke about the man in Acts 3 who sat outside the temple gate for forty years—close to the presence of God, yet missing the moments of encounter. Like him, we can attend services and still miss Jesus if we settle for “spare change” instead of true transformation. His message reminded us that God doesn't just want to change our circumstances—He wants to change us.

Brian reflects on our longing, glory, and shalom, and how each points us to Jesus, the One who fulfills the deepest desires of the human soul.

Sometimes it's hard to trust God, especially when we are let down by those who are supposed to love us.  Don't worry, God's got this.  Let's hear about what Pastor Brian has to share with us! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Pastor Brian shares from John John 14:27, 16-18.

Luke chapter 2 presents the opening lines of God's peace treaty with a world that has long lived in opposition to its creator. Into the stillness of the night, God sends His messengers to announce the terms of peace that could never be earned. Drafted by the offended King Himself, this treaty is an offer of peace toward a people in rebellion. In the manger, God places His first signature on that treaty, choosing the weakness of a newborn and the humility of Bethlehem as the pathway by which the hostility would come to an end. The birth of Jesus reveals a God who steps toward His enemies with compassion, establishing peace through grace rather than force, and unveiling the depth of His reconciling love.Now, let's turn our attention to Pastor Brian for Article 1: The Peace Offer in our special 3-part December miniseries entitled “The Treaty of Bethlehem.”

Pastor Brian helps us take an honest look at the frenzy that December so easily becomes—and how often busyness steals the very peace, joy, and presence our souls are craving. What if the life we actually want is on the other side of slowing down? Come explore the invitation Jesus gives us to step off the “busyness crazy train” and rediscover a pace that leads to calm, clarity, and spiritual life this Christmas season.

In this powerful teaching from our Trigger Warning series, Pastor Brian dives into one of the most honest and transformative passages in Scripture — 1 Corinthians 7. We're talking about sex, marriage, temptation, divorce, spiritual warfare, and God's design for intimacy.

In this powerful teaching from our Trigger Warning series, Pastor Brian dives into one of the most honest and transformative passages in Scripture — 1 Corinthians 7. We're talking about sex, marriage, temptation, divorce, spiritual warfare, and God's design for intimacy.

 Pastor Brian teaches on how a person can lose the fire that they have for the things of God.

For Giving Tuesday, Jeff Anderson steps in for Pastor Brian to discuss generosity, wisdom, and opportunities to give. Guests include Steve Prensner, President of New Horizons Foundation, Greg Smith, Jeff Gott, cofounder of Waterstone and currently with Integrity Wealth Management. Calling in to the show is call with Laura Blackburn of the The Philanthropy Collective, and Shannon Hawkins of Helping Hands Ministry. -- www.NewHorizonsFoundation.com www.IntegrityWealthGroup.com/Team/Jeff-Gott www.PPCF.org/The-Philanthropy-Collective www.HHMin.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever tried driving on a near-empty tank, watching the fuel light blink, hoping you'll make it just a little farther? That's how many of us live spiritually. We're surviving on “just enough,” when God is calling us to overflow. Psalm 150 reminds us that praise is how we refuel. It shifts your mood, clears your mind, strengthens your spirit, and pulls God close. When you choose praise, on your best days and your hardest ones, things begin to move. God responds. Your heart realigns. The enemy loses power. ----more---- ABOUT UNION CHURCH We exist for one thing: to help unite people with purpose. At Union Church, we believe that heaven can be experienced on earth when people live intentional and purposeful lives, submitted to God's word. We fulfill our mission by helping people know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and make a difference. We are one church in multiple locations through Maryland, Virginia and Charlotte North Carolina. Find a Union location near you: www.theunionchurch.com/findalocation    FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: www.facebook.com/weareunionchurch  Instagram: www.instagram.com/weareunionchurch  Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephenrchandler YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weareunionchurch  Website: https://theunionchurch.com

It's the first week of our new series!  Were you ever caught off guard?  Well, going from the book of Malachi to Matthew, God seemed to be silent for about 400 years; but then he spoke again.  Let's hear about what Pastor Brian has to share with us! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Ezra 10 pulls us into one of the most painful moments in Israel's restoration story. After decades of exile, God brought His people home so they could walk in holiness again — but sin crept right back in. And suddenly Ezra is forced to lead the people through hard, heartbreaking decisions. This chapter reminds us that sometimes desperate times really do call for desperate measures — not because God delights in severity, but because sin left untreated is far more destructive than the cure. Holiness matters, faithfulness matters, and renewal sometimes comes at a cost.Now, let's turn our attention to Pastor Brian for the final sermon from the book of Ezra entitled “Desperate Measures” from Ezra, chapter ten.

In “Chasing Lions,” Pastor Brian Bullock challenges believers to stop playing it safe and start pursuing God-sized dreams that demand courage, faith, and action. We are called to confront seemingly impossible situations with boldness, confidence, and grit. The enemy's roar may be loud, but he's more afraid of us than we are of him. God created us to be lion chasers, not cowards. We weren't made for average; the challenges we face are simply a setup for the future God has planned for us. Thank you for partnering with Social Dallas! To GIVE Online- head to our website: www.socialdallas.com/give Make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! Also follow us on all Social Media: Instagram: www.instagram.com/social_dallas

Pastor Brian Zahnd joins Johnny Ova to unpack what he calls the kaleidoscopic cross, a bold, multi-layered view of the crucifixion that challenges everything you thought you knew.In this episode, we dive into:Why the cross can't be reduced to one meaningThe problem with penal substitution and transactional theologyHow art, poetry, and ancient voices unlock new angles of the crossWhy Christian nationalism distorts the gospelHow the cross shapes the way we live, not just what we believeThis is a powerful conversation that connects theology, justice, beauty, and mystery, all through the lens of the crucifixion.

Pastor Brian speaks from the book of Habukkuk

Transcription [Pastor Brian] Hey, this is Pastor Brian, and I want to thank you for signing up for Bridgeway Christian Church’s Daily Advent Prayer. We are very excited about this project and think it’s going to be a beautiful way for us as a community to celebrate the Advent season. For the last several years, […]

Sermon series wrap up?!  Sweet!  On this episode of the podcast we discuss the sermon series Pastor Brian just finished about family and how it relates to our last sermon series on the Fruits of the Spirit.  Family can be messy, and at time we let find it easiest to be "ourselves" around our family, but we are still there to be fruitful.  Pastor Brian and AP are here to share!

Aaron Ward, worship leader at Springs Lighthouse, joins Pastor Brian in the studio to celebrate Thanksgiving. Their discussion touches on the principle of being thankful in all things and learning to see what God is doing, even in the difficult times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you know that your heart is set on fire by God?

It's the final week of the Family Reset sermon series!  Have you ever heard from your parents, “because I said so”?  It can be a surprisingly loving thing to hear from them, why do they say it?  Because your parents have your best interest at heart.  Pastor Brian shares a great message about these parallels to God. Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Pastor Brian shares from 1 Timothy 6 on Thanksgiving week.

How we handle conflict reveals whether Jesus is truly shaping us—and becomes either our strongest witness or our deepest contradiction. When Christians tolerate sin, escalate conflict, or take their grievances into the world instead of working them out biblically, the whole church loses fullness in Christ and credibility with the community. Because we've been washed, sanctified, and justified, we're called to deal with sin and conflict in a way that reflects who we really are in Jesus.

How we handle conflict reveals whether Jesus is truly shaping us—and becomes either our strongest witness or our deepest contradiction. When Christians tolerate sin, escalate conflict, or take their grievances into the world instead of working them out biblically, the whole church loses fullness in Christ and credibility with the community. Because we've been washed, sanctified, and justified, we're called to deal with sin and conflict in a way that reflects who we really are in Jesus.

Pastor Brian preached a message titled "A Life Shaped by Peace and Joy" from Philippians 4:4-9.

Ezra 9 opens with devastating news: after all God had done to restore His people, many of them — including leaders — had fallen back into the same sins that led their ancestors into exile. The very people God had rescued were already compromising their holiness. And when Ezra hears it, he doesn't shrug, blame, or distance himself. He breaks.His response is one of holy grief. He tears his garments, falls to his knees, and lifts a prayer that is as honest as it is humble. Ezra doesn't defend the people or minimize their sin; he lays it bare before God, confessing not just their guilt, but our guilt. Ezra models the kind of heart God honors — a heart that feels the weight of sin because it treasures the holiness and mercy of God.Let's turn our attention to Pastor Brian for this week's sermon, entitled “Unequally Yoked” from Ezra, chapter 9, verses 1 through 15.

Listen to this powerful and chain-breaking message from Pastor Brian Johnson, that we can have peace in all circumstances!

Pastor Brian sits down with Alex Lovell to talk about coming to Christ from a life of addiction, abuse, and legal struggles. Their conversation includes the journey of learning to live differently as you let Jesus take control and teach new lessons in grace and understanding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you want a Godly family culture, it starts with you in your home.  Last week we learned about the tone of our home, now we learn about the culture of our home.  Pastor Brian shares a great message about how that culture can change the world by letting love abound in our homes.  Let's dive in! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Brian ends our Heart and Soul series with a lot of good news!

WATCH NOW: https://youtu.be/_S_YZGIPX-8This conversation is different.Pastor Brian Carn sat down with Willie Moore Jr for one of the rawest and most honest interviews he's ever done. No edits. No hiding. Just truth, maturity, grace, and years of lessons lived out in front of the world.Inside this episode, you'll hear Pastor Carn open up about:• Growing up without a father• Being “raised publicly” in ministry• The weight of prophetic calling• The shift from law to grace• His battles, flaws, and becoming the message he preaches• Healing church hurt• How God dealt with him in private• What he believes is coming to America• What young prophets MUST understand before they fall• His heart posture today, humble, broken, and wiseIf you've ever questioned faith, calling, pressure, identity, or grace…This is the episode you need to watch from start to finish.

Send Sunday reminded us of our urgent window to reach the world, as Pastor Brian shared from John 9:4–5 about working “while it is day.” God is moving across the nations, and through Faith Promise giving we continue sending the Gospel to the unreached.

Have you ever wondered what unwavering faith looks like in the darkest moments? Through the eyes of three remarkable women named Mary, we witness profound encounters with Jesus that still echo today. Pastor Brian weaves together their powerful stories—from Jesus' mother's humble "yes" to God's impossible plan, to Mary Magdalene's steadfast devotion at the empty tomb, to Mary of Bethany's extravagant worship that spilled expensive perfume and social conventions. These women show us that authentic faith means trusting when we can't see the path, staying devoted when others walk away, and worshipping unashamedly despite what others think. This inspiring message challenges us to examine our own response to Jesus. Watch now to discover how their ancient examples can transform your faith journey today!Thank you for tuning into today's message at Bold City Church! We pray it encourages you in your faith. Share with a friend who could use these words, too! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @boldcitychurchDownload our app on iOS and Android

This Sunday, Pastor Brian gave a sermon titled "Treasures in Jars of Clay" from 2 Corinthians 4:7-16.

Nathan Leasure - The Role of a Pastor - Brian Wilfong Installation Service - Fall Revival 2025

Are you reading the room?  In our homes, we need to set the tone.  A tone of grace, of love, of security, of Godliness.  Pastor Brian shares a wonderful message about making our homes a place of peace, we God's love abounds.  Let's dive in! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Family is such a blessing from God, it isn't always as depicted though.  For some of us, it can be difficult; others, the best thing ever.  One thing that makes is good?  Being present.  Pastor Brian shares a great message about being present in the lives of the ones we love.  Let's dive in! Join us in person: 22811 S. Cedar Rd., Manhattan, IL 60442 Learn More: encounterthrive.com Give Online: encounterthrive.churchcenter.com/giving

Pastor Brian teaches on hearts being touched by the word in the presence of God.

In this sermon, Pastor Brian explores Jesus's declaration "I am the true vine" from John 15, delivered during His final hours with the disciples before the crucifixion. Pastor Brian explains that in ancient Jewish culture, the grapevine symbolized Israel, but Jesus now claims to be the "true vine," indicating that what Israel failed to accomplish as God's chosen people is fulfilled in Him. The Father serves as the vinedresser who both removes unfruitful branches and prunes fruitful ones for greater productivity. Pastor Brian emphasizes that the key to spiritual life and fruitfulness is abiding in Christ, comparing it to his own 25-year marriage where "not getting divorced" is fundamental but insufficient for a thriving relationship. Similarly, believers must actively abide in Jesus through Bible reading, prayer, obedience, and sharing their faith. The fruit of this abiding includes transformed character (the fruit of the Spirit), worship, and spiritual reproduction—making new disciples. Pastor Brian concludes with an invitation for non-believers to be grafted into the vine, for wayward believers to return to abiding, and for faithful believers to express gratitude for Christ's sacrifice.