The Radiant Church Podcast

People all over the world gather to celebrate a risen Jesus on Easter Sunday, but why? Why do so many people choose to follow Jesus? It isn’t exactly the “trendy” thing to do. Following Jesus does not open up the “riches of heaven” or unlock an elite circle of influencers for you to connect with. So, why? In this Easter message, Pastor Andrew explains why people choose to follow Jesus and it has nothing to do with any of the reasons you may have thought. If you find yourself wondering why so many follow Jesus, perhaps this teaching will help you discover the answer and maybe, it will bring you to a place of decision in your own life.Support & learn more about Radiant Churchhttps://www.radiantchurchsc.comFollow Radiant Church at:Facebook: @radiantchurchofscInstagram: @radiantchurchsc

Does God really give you anything you ask as long as pray “in Jesus’ name?” Why isn’t it enough to accept Jesus as a good teacher; do you have to really accept him as “divine?” Is it enough to pray as much as you can, read Scripture, and do all kinds of good works? As we get into John 14, we learn that Jesus made an absolute claim to be divine; so much so, it cannot be dismissed because it requires a response from us - he either is or isn’t the Son of God. And if Jesus is the Son of God, what does that say about our own way of living? Is our way greater or is His way greater?Support & learn more about Radiant Churchhttps://www.radiantchurchsc.comFollow Radiant Church at:Facebook: @radiantchurchofscInstagram: @radiantchurchsc

There are two ways you can live your life as a follower of Jesus, but only one is really effective. As we conclude John 13, Pastor Andrew teaches us how rules-based Christianity does not lead transformation or even a deeper love for God. Instead, we should grow in our depth of love for God so that we can effectively love others following the command Jesus gives us in John 13:34 to love as he has loved us.Support & learn more about Radiant Churchhttps://www.radiantchurchsc.comFollow Radiant Church at:Facebook: @radiantchurchofscInstagram: @radiantchurchsc

Judas. Just the name evokes all kinds of negative emotion and images. He’s known for committing the ultimate act of betrayal that no one wants to associate themselves with, but what if we all have something in common with Judas? What if there is a Judas in us as well?The man who was closer to Jesus than any human alive today, who witnessed all the action up front for three years, ultimately betrayed Jesus for a bag of silver coins. If Judas could do that, wouldn’t that mean we have the capacity to betray our relationship with Jesus as well? And if we can do that, well, how do we correct it? How do we move forward?This teaching from John 13 takes us back into the Upper Room where we learn that while we have the capacity to betray as Judas did, there is a way to guard against rejecting Jesus and move forward with the life God has for us! Support & learn more about Radiant Churchhttps://www.radiantchurchsc.comFollow Radiant Church at:Facebook: @radiantchurchofscInstagram: @radiantchurchsc

It is one of the most famous scenes in the Bible - Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. It is the perfect picture of what serving others looks like, but while many admire the lesson in serving, they fail to practically carry it out in their own lives.As we begin to break down John 13, Pastor Andrew teaches on the importance of serving as Jesus served: without excuse, without rewriting the rules to fit our preferences, and to be a conduit of blessing and generosity to others. It seems so easy to do, but the challenge is much harder than you may realize to serve like Jesus. Support & learn more about Radiant Churchhttps://www.radiantchurchsc.comFollow Radiant Church at:Facebook: @radiantchurchofscInstagram: @radiantchurchsc

It is often said the gap between expectation and reality is frustration. Jesus had a lot of frustrations, just like we do. Only his frustrations were not with a sports team or traffic, but with lack of a belief. Many have a lack of belief because they are chasing the works of God, rather than seeking after God Himself. Others lack belief because pride has gotten in the way. Still, there are those who are even frustrated with God because they want the benefits of being part of God’s Kingdom without having to surrender fully to Him.As we conclude John 12, Pastor Andrew challenges us to seek the face and presence of God, to pursue the miracle worker and no the miracle; to truly surrender to God and place Jesus at the center of our faith.Support & learn more about Radiant Churchhttps://www.radiantchurchsc.comFollow Radiant Church at:Facebook: @radiantchurchofscInstagram: @radiantchurchsc

All of us endure seasons of struggle, but how we handle these difficult times is very important. A sense of dread, a feeling of gloom can set in if we’re not careful; but, as we learn from John 12, we can choose glory over gloom. We can choose to prioritize God’s glory over own benefit, we can choose to trust in God’s purpose for our lives, and we can choose to walk in the Light.Don’t let the gloom get you down! Follow in Jesus’ own footsteps, and choose God’s glory over the gloom of struggles!Support & learn more about Radiant Churchhttps://www.radiantchurchsc.comFollow Radiant Church at:Facebook: @radiantchurchofscInstagram: @radiantchurchsc

Living for Jesus is a much more difficult task than so many realize. As we move further into John 12, Pastor Andrew teaches how understanding and embracing the humility of Jesus enables us to live an impactful life for him. That humility will challenge us and often become uncomfortable for us to embrace, but we must live our lives with this truth: “Less of me, more of Jesus.”Support & learn more about Radiant Churchhttps://www.radiantchurchsc.comFollow Radiant Church at:Facebook: @radiantchurchofscInstagram: @radiantchurchsc

When you step into a room, does atmosphere shift? Do people notice something different about you? In this teaching in John 12, we learn how important it is to give God our whole lives - every last part - in a beautiful display of devotion. Others may not understand why you show such extravagant devotion towards Jesus, they may even criticize you for it, but don’t let that slow you down! ***Due to a technical error, the reading of John 12:1-11 is not available in the podcast***Support & learn more about Radiant Churchhttps://www.radiantchurchsc.comFollow Radiant Church at:Facebook: @radiantchurchofscInstagram: @radiantchurchsc

People have always been divided over Jesus. Some respond to Jesus’ teachings and signs with faith, others respond with fear. Regardless of how people respond to Jesus, God is still at work carrying out His purpose and His plan.As we close John 11, we learn how God engages with His creation and humanity through a theological concept called “providence.” There are no accidents. There are no coincidences. There is just the divine will of God set into motion to carry out His plan. The providential work of God gives us assurance He is in complete and total control of absolutely everything in this world!Support & learn more about Radiant Churchhttps://www.radiantchurchsc.comFollow Radiant Church at:Facebook: @radiantchurchofscInstagram: @radiantchurchsc

When tragedy strikes, how do you react? Do you get angry at God and wonder why He didn’t answer your prayer sooner, why didn’t God act faster, why didn’t God do more? Often we expect God to handle difficult situations and challenges on our timing. What if God has a bigger purpose? What if the delay isn not a denial? As we pick up with John 11, we learn from the story of Jesus raising Lazarus to life how God can use every tragedy for His glory and purpose.Support & learn more about Radiant Churchhttps://www.radiantchurchsc.comFollow Radiant Church at:Facebook: @radiantchurchofscInstagram: @radiantchurchsc

Joseph has a reputation of being nothing more than a mildly important piece to your Nativity set. But, Joseph is one of the most important, most courageous men in the Bible. Why? What makes Joseph so courageous?In this final Christmas teaching, Pastor Andrew explains why following Joseph’s example of obeying God despite the costs makes him a courageous man of integrity all of us should aspire to be like!Support & learn more about Radiant Church:https://www.radiantchurchsc.comFollow Radiant Church at:Facebook: @radiantchurchofscInstagram: @radiantchurchsc

Sometimes the best gifts turn out to be the most underwhelming and unexpected gifts we receive. God sent the Messiah in underwhelming fashion through a completely unexpected series of events. Pastor Andrew teaches on four of the titles which fulfilled roles this unexpected Messiah brings to our lives.Support & learn more about Radiant Church:https://www.radiantchurchsc.comFollow Radiant Church at:Facebook: @radiantchurchofscInstagram: @radiantchurchsc

Jesus did not come to the spiritual leadership, the cultural elite, or the powerful. He came into a dark world and specifically began his ministry in the darkest corner of Judea. Just as an oppressed people walking in darkness experienced the dawn of God’s light, we too can experience the Light which shatters the Darkness!Support & learn more about Radiant Church:https://www.radiantchurchsc.comFollow Radiant Church at:Facebook: @radiantchurchofscInstagram: @radiantchurchsc

How often have you heard phrases like, “No one likes a fraud,” “You better back those words up,” “Do as I say, not as I do,” etc? Why do we find those statements to be so repulsive? It is because we want people’s actions to line up with their words. How someone lives is more important than what they say.In this final teaching in Christian-ish, Pastor Andrew walks us through the fruits of the Holy Spirit and the fruits of our sinful nature. We learn why how we live is far more important than what we say and how our actions reveal the condition of our hearts.Support & learn more about Radiant Church:https://www.radiantchurchsc.comFollow Radiant Church at:Facebook: @radiantchurchofscInstagram: @radiantchurchsc

Do you love God for who He is or for what He does? Do you trust Him, even when things do not turn out the way you thought they would? Is your faith built on a premise of “cause and effect” systems or is it built on a relationship?In a challenging teaching, Pastor Andrew explains the difference between having a transactional faith and a faith built on trust and how important it is for us to have faith defined by relationship with God.Support & learn more about Radiant Church:https://www.radiantchurchsc.comFollow Radiant Church at:Facebook: @radiantchurchofscInstagram: @radiantchurchsc

It’s the first commandment given to Israel - “You shall have no other gods before me,” and yet it’s one of the most difficult commands to uphold. What really is idolatry and just how difficult is it for us to overcome idolatry in our lives? When God says, “I am a jealous God,” what does He even mean? Isn’t that petty of Him? Why would God be jealous?This challenging teaching pushes us to fully examine the priorities in our lives. Are we really putting God first above everyone and everyone or are we placing Him second?Support & learn more about Radiant Church:https://www.radiantchurchsc.comFollow Radiant Church at:Facebook: @radiantchurchofscInstagram: @radiantchurchsc

One of the hallmarks of someone who outwardly professes to be a Christian, but is not fully following God is selective obedience. God calls us to fully obey Him whether it seems difficult or not, whether we feel like the timing is not quite right, whether what God’s Word says lines up with our culture or doesn’t. Are you fully and completely obeying God?In this teaching, we learn from the story of King Saul, how selectively obeying God can lead to a detrimental downfall. It may not be the most exciting topic, but God values obedience above all else. So, be careful to fully and completely obey God!Support & learn more about Radiant Church:https://www.radiantchurchsc.comFollow Radiant Church at:Facebook: @radiantchurchofscInstagram: @radiantchurchsc

Many people wear a label stating they’re Christians, but identifying as a Christian and living out your relationship with Jesus are two entirely different things. In this teaching, we learn how Jesus calls out “comfortable Christianity” and challenges us to live our faith in a real, authentic way. What are the signs you are living a comfortable form of Christianity? How do you break out of that kind of life and live the life God is calling you to live?Support & learn more about Radiant Church:https://www.radiantchurchsc.comFollow Radiant Church at:Facebook: @radiantchurchofscInstagram: @radiantchurchsc

Do you feel defeated? Are you in a season of your life which feels hopeless, as if you are completely overwhelmed? Have you reached a point in a trying situation where you feel as if God has abandoned you? In this teaching on Ezekiel 37, we learn that though we may feel despair, we can rest assured of this important truth: where we see defeat, God sees victory!Support & learn more about Radiant Churchhttps://www.radiantchurchsc.comFollow Radiant Church at:Facebook: @radiantchurchofscInstagram: @radiantchurchsc