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Weekend Scripture: John 8 It is possible to have Jesus right in front of you and miss Him because of lies. This week, Scott jumped back into John 8 as we finished up our series on Truth. Jesus has made it clear that we have a big problem: our slavery to sin. But the good news is that He has come to set us free. Who do you know that needs to know Jesus?

What does it actually mean to "abide" in the truth, and how can familiarizing ourselves with God's Word help us spot the counterfeits in our culture? In this episode of Off Script, Scott and Neil reflect on the incredible success of the recent Meal Pack, where Southland packed one million meals across five campuses. They dive into the importance of men stepping up for mission trips. The heart of the conversation focuses on "Week 3" of the Reset Challenge, exploring how replacing digital noise with Bible teaching and daily reading in the Book of John is changing lives. Scott also unpacks what it means to "make yourself at home" in the Bible so that we can develop the discernment needed to navigate a world where truth is often seen as relative. The Challenge Don't let go of the discipline you've put in place. As we move into the final week of the Reset Challenge, continue your daily reading in the Book of John and look for ways to move from being a bystander to pouring your life out as an offering for something bigger than yourself. Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Nickell What We Discuss The "breaking news" that Scott is officially attempting to take over the DJ playlist for next year's Meal Pack Why it's vital for men to prioritize mission trips despite busy schedules and work responsibilities Feedback from the Reset Challenge and the impact of listening to solid Bible preachers The "non-negotiable" habit of daily scripture reading to keep from falling back into old patterns Why 83% of teenagers believe truth is relative and where that cultural shift is coming from The definition of "abide" as making yourself at home in the Word of God How Jesus illustrated his "I Am" statements through miraculous actions in the Gospel of John Learning to recognize the "whiff of a lie" by becoming intimately acquainted with the real truth Understanding what we are saved from: the penalty, the practice, and the power of sin The significance of physical movement in worship and why Scott called people to the front of the stage this week 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

Weekend Scripture: John 8 Because of Jesus, you can be set free from the penalty of sin. Because of Jesus, you can be set free from the practice of sin. Because of Jesus, you can be set free from the power of sin. This Sunday, Scott dove into John 8 as we seek to discover the truth about who Jesus is and the mission that He's on. He sets us free from the penalty, practice, and power of sin!

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

Weekend Scripture: John 3: 1-17 The number one reason we struggle with God's love for us is that we overlook it. This week, Rusty George led us through John 3 as we finished our series on Grace. No matter what you have done or how far you have run from God, verse 16 tells us that "whoever" believes in Jesus will have eternal life. Whoever means just that, whoever. No qualifications, no precursors. Just grace and an open door.

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

Weekend Scripture: John 1:14, 16-17 The most disorienting thing you will find on your journey with Jesus is grace. This week, Scott took us back to John 1 as we started exploring the concept of God's grace. We are sinners in desperate need of a Savior. Sinners in need of grace. But here's the good news: No matter how far we've run, God's grace is sufficient.

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

Weekend Scripture: John 10 Whose voice do you listen to the most? This week, Scott walked us through John 10 and gave us a challenge: to replace the many voices we listen to with the only one that matters, the voice of Jesus. He is the good shepherd. Do you know His voice? Join the challenge today.

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