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Are you placing your daily confidence in temporary approval and accolades, or are you grounded in the unending love of God? This week on Off Script, Scott Nickell is joined by guest pastors Carl Kuhl and Jonathan Moynihan for a raw, insightful conversation about identity, pastoral leadership, and the internal battles we all face. Diving into Ephesians 3:14–21, the guys unpack what it means to suffer from "identity deficit disorder"—jumping from one temporary platform of validation to another. They share candid personal stories about the high cost of craving approval, the painful yet transformative seasons in the wilderness, and why true spiritual health requires learning to "waste time" in quiet intimacy with our Heavenly Father. The Challenge Name your stickers. What "star" have you come to love a little too much? What "dot" still stings? Bring both to God this week, sit quietly with him, and let him remind you who you are: his beloved child. Hosts: Scott Nickell, Carl Kuhl, and Jonathan Moynihan What We Discuss The shared leadership "coaching tree" and ministry history connecting Carl, Jonathan, and Southland How Jonathan's journalism background shapes his objective, text-focused approach to preaching The vital distinction between podcasters detached from local congregations and local church pastors Unpacking Ephesians 3:14–21 as the emotional climax and theological foundation of the series Defining "identity deficit disorder" and how good things can easily become ultimate things Max Lucado's parable of stars and dots in You Are Special: examining the deep human craving for external approval Vulnerable admissions of which "stars" feel too good and which "dots" sting the most How seasons of deep pain and wilderness experiences forge a genuine hunger for God's presence  ⸻  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

SERMON SUMMARY Weekend Scripture: Ephesians 3 True spiritual security and belonging come from the love of God. This week, Jonathan Moynihan walked through Ephesians 3 as we continue our series on Identity. Paul calls the Ephesians to empowerment and depth by describing that this life of power, resilience, and depth comes from being rooted in the breadth, length, height, and depth of God's love. So many people carry stars of approval or gray dots of criticism, building fragile identities around what they think others think of them. But true spiritual security comes from experiencing God's love, freeing us from the need to perform. Wrestle with what God truly thinks of you, and meet with your Maker daily. Set a time and place every day to go meet with Jesus, hear His kindness over you, put down those dots and stars, and live freely and strongly.

What standard identity markers define you, and what happens when they get threatened? In this episode of Off Script, we continue our series on Identity, diving back into Ephesians 2 and what it truly means to establish our identity in Jesus as the unshakeable cornerstone of our lives. Scott peels back the curtain on sermon cuts, addressing how easy it is to let good, bad, or arbitrary cultural markers like racial distinctions, professional performance, or modern therapy take priority in our lives. When we build our lives on secondary things, even good ones, they can quickly turn destructive. Listen in to explore how pursuing our identity in Christ changes the way we see ourselves and others. Challenge: What is the next step you need to take? This week, take some time to identify what your next step is, then actually take it. That might be baptism, joining a group, starting to serve, or any number of ways to continue to pursue living life with Jesus as the chief cornerstone of your life. Need help? Contact us at southland.church/contact Hosts: Neil and Scott What We Discuss: The biblical view on racial distinctions and why human attempts to define identity outside of Christ fall short. Why sermon cuts happen and the nuance behind complex topics like critical race theory and social movements. The spiritual root cause behind why we so quickly forget God's faithfulness and slip back into old habits. What pursuing true, lasting peace looks like in action versus mere cultural tolerance. The key difference between prioritizing good things (like family or work) and making them your life's cornerstone. How unbiblical self-focus in modern therapy can lead to morbid introspection instead of outward service. Navigating the "feedback monster" and avoiding performance-driven metrics as a measure of personal worth. How to identify when your emotions are telling on you regarding where you place your primary identity. Six simple, practical steps every believer can take to continuously build a life centered on Jesus. Recommended book resources for digging deeper into spiritual growth, identity, and modern culture. Resources: Contend by Philip Anthony Mitchell Stand Firm & Act Like Men by Joby Martin Becoming Like Jesus by Matt Chandler The Desecration of Man by Carl R. Trueman Godly Ambition by Ruslan KD Your Story Has a Villain by Jonathan Pokluda ⸻ 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: Ephesians 2 There can be only one cornerstone, and his name is Jesus. Scott leads us through Ephesians 2:11–22 as we continue our series on Identity. We were once far off, and the only way we have been brought near and reconciled into a relationship with God is by the blood of Jesus. What are you building your life on? We may be tempted to build our lives on good things, sinful things, or dumb things, but anything or anyone other than Jesus will always fail. He is the chief cornerstone, so build your life on Him.

Are you living like you were rescued just to sit back in a gallery, or are you ready to join Jesus on His active rescue mission? This week on Off Script, Neil Gregory sits down with Scott Hatfield to dive deeper into Ephesians 2 and unpack what it means to step into our true identity in Christ. The guys discuss how we aren't just sick in our sins - we were completely dead until grace brought us to life. Scott shares personal stories of people who persistently pursued him through years of hesitation, as well as the heartbreaking urgency of sharing the Gospel with those we love. This conversation is a powerful reminder that every believer is equipped and called to step out of their comfort zone to bring hope into dark places.  The Challenge This week, start each day with a posture of "Yes," asking God to show you who needs His hope and grace. Identify one person in your life you've been hesitant to reach out to, push past the awkwardness, and take a bold step to share your story or invite them into community. Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Hatfield  What We Discuss • Unpacking Ephesians 2 and why Paul's expository flow makes it so compelling to preach • Understanding why we are not merely sick in our sin, but spiritually dead until Christ resurrects us • Why sin thrives in darkness and the freedom that comes from speaking our struggles out loud into the light  • Shifting from a passive mindset to recognizing that believers are part of Jesus' active rescue party • "You are not rescued to hang in a gallery; you are to go into all the world and display what Jesus has done." • Scott's personal experience of Chris Johnstone patiently inviting him to church for years despite repeated rejections • How Rick and Linda Johnson persistently showed up as spiritual parents during chaotic moments in Scott's youth • Scott sharing the emotional memory of apologizing to and sharing the Gospel with his brother shortly before his passing • Overcoming common excuses like "I don't know enough" or "that's for someone else" when called to step into holy conversations • Scott's childhood story of his father choosing healing over punishment and how it mirrors God's heart in John 3:17  ⸻ 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: Ephesians 2 Sin is terminal. Grace is a gift. Scott Hatfield dives into Ephesians 2 to unpack our identity by grace through faith in Jesus. Paul begins with the heavy reality of sin—it is universal, terminal, and separates us from a Holy God. Yet the power of the Gospel is found in two words: "But God." Because of His immense mercy and love, salvation is a free gift given by grace through faith, not earned by works. God created us as His masterpiece, not to sit on a shelf, but to step out into the world as part of His rescue party. Give God your "yes" and step into the good works He has prepared for you. Wherever you are, whatever you've done, God will meet you here.

Are you tired of trying to define your own worth, or are you ready to rest in who God says you actually are? This week on Off Script, Neil and Scott launch a brand new series on identity by diving into Ephesians 1 and the powerful reality of adoption in Christ. The guys break down what it means to be chosen and adopted into God's family, exploring how the absence of a strong earthly father often drives us to search for identity in all the wrong places. From the chaotic background of ancient Ephesus to the creepiness of Pleasure Island in Pinocchio, this conversation challenges us to stop running after temporary idols and step into the full assurance, grace, and inheritance we have in our Heavenly Father.  The Challenge  This week, audit where you are seeking your sense of identity and validation. When you feel tempted to define yourself by your performance, approval, or past mistakes, pause and remind yourself who you are, whose you are, and what you have in Christ. Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Nickell What We Discuss • Scott hosting solo with Aaron and learning how much harder it is when you lose your train of thought in a two-person setup • The historical and spiritual background of Ephesus, described as a mix between Las Vegas and New Orleans • Scott's personal story of his "Papa" calling him a "poor little orphan boy" and how earthly fathers shape our view of God • Addressing "father wounds" and how even a bad earthly father gives us a framework for what a good father should be • Why humans are not self-defining creatures and how we look to outside inputs like Pinocchio's Pleasure Island or gangs for identity • Unpacking Ephesians 1 to answer the three core identity questions: Who am I? Whose am I? and What do I have? • Why "predestination" is a Bible word we shouldn't fear, and why intramural theological debates shouldn't distract from the mission • The sports fandom "liturgy" at Kentucky football games versus our willingness to express awe and worship toward God • Shifting from the "Prodigal Son" to the "Prodigal Father" in Luke 15 and why God's grace is far more lavish than our sin • Reaching people in the Bible Belt who may have attended church their whole lives but have never actually "come home" to Jesus --- 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: Ephesians 1 When you don't know who you are, whose you are, and what you have, you will go searching for all those answers in all the wrong places, from all the wrong people. Scott walks us through Ephesians 1 as we kick off our new series on Identity. We often default to functioning like spiritual orphans, trying to satisfy our souls through temporary pleasure, performance, or self-righteousness. But in Christ, God defines who we are as saints, claims whose we are as His adopted children, and grants us an eternal inheritance. Our Prodigal Father extends lavish grace to welcome us home.

This week on Off Script, Scott Nickell sits down with Aaron Brockett, Lead Pastor at Traders Point Christian Church, to discuss what happens when God's purpose truly becomes our mission. They unpack Sunday's sermon, dive into Aaron's spiritual heritage, and take a look at how God has been using and growing Traders Point over the last couple of years. As Christians, we are called to extend grace generously, and the guys unpack what it means to be saved by grace through faith and the critical distinction between being forgiven and being fully healed. Jesus calls us to both grace and truth, but most of us naturally lean more toward one over the other. We must speak truth unashamedly, but we must extend grace generously. For those who lean towards grace, it is important to remember that if you diminish sin, you diminish grace. Today, ask yourself this: Is my identity resolutely grounded in Christ's grace and truth?   The Challenge This week, take an honest look at the areas in your life where you might be forgiven, but not yet healed. Instead of letting unaddressed hurt or anger leak out sideways onto the people you love, invite a trusted friend into your struggle, confess where you are hurting, and take a practical step toward real spiritual healing.   Hosts: Scott Nickell and Aaron Brockett   What We Discuss • Aaron Brockett's roots in Joplin, Missouri, and his early days meeting Jon Weece • Aaron's personal family history of grace, from shattered car windows to dramatic military conversions • The incredible movement of God at Traders Point Christian Church and hitting over 1,000 baptisms before May • Why our good works are not meant for our own justification, but for the benefit of lost and broken people • The critical difference between the forgiveness of Jesus (Romans 10:9) and the healing found through confession (James 5:16) • Dealing with "black mold" behind the walls of our lives and how unaddressed anger eventually leaks out sideways  • How spiritual warfare and darkness have become far more explicit and elevated in recent years • Balancing grace and truth while pastoring people in a culture that has grown increasingly negative toward Christianity

Weekend Scripture: Ephesians 2 Our only hope is in the finished work of Jesus that is only available by grace through faith. Aaron Brockett walks us through Ephesians 2:8-10 as we learn to be a church that extends grace generously. The ground is level at the foot of the cross, regardless of who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. We are not saved by good works, but saved for them. Because we have received God's radical grace, we are called to be conduits who extend that same grace to others.

Are you treating the hope of the world like an urgent life-or-death truth, or are you holding back out of fear that things might get awkward? This week on Off Script, Neil is joined by guest teacher Ben Foote to unpack what it practically looks like to speak truth unashamedly. They walk through the book of Romans to explain the vital difference between cultural lifestyle choices and the capital-G Gospel, emphasizing that sharing your faith isn't about winning online arguments or breaking down complex theology. The conversation offers a refreshing perspective on overcoming the fear of social awkwardness, recognizing everyday openings in relationships, and understanding why every believer has a story worth telling. The Challenge This week, audit how you approach sharing your faith. Instead of waiting for a perfect, cinematic moment, pray for discernment to spot simple, everyday openings in your normal conversations to share how Jesus is actively working in your life. Hosts: Neil Gregory and Ben Foote What We Discuss • Why reading the book of Romans straight through in one sitting builds a deeper awe for the Gospel • The crucial distinction between the capital-G Gospel of salvation and lowercase-g Biblical commands • How to naturally look for relational openings to share how Jesus has impacted your life • Why sharing your experience with Jesus should feel as natural as recommending your favorite restaurant or hobby • The trap of confusing conservative cultural topics with the soul-saving message of Jesus  • Why expecting non-believers to love the commands of the Kingdom before knowing the King puts the cart before the horse • Treating the message of Christ as an indisputable fact of life rather than a mere lifestyle choice • Practical wisdom for parents on creating open, safe dialogue with kids about tough cultural topics • Navigating the personal fear of being labeled "weird" or wanting people to like you when sharing truth • Debunking the myth of the "boring testimony" and realizing that gradual heart transformation is a story worth sharing ⸻ 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: Romans 1 Only the Gospel has the power to save anyone and everyone who ends up believing in it. Ben Foote walks us through Romans 1 as we discuss the Gospel and what it means to speak truth unashamedly. The Gospel is an indisputable fact, but sometimes we treat it like a lifestyle choice. Sin is a terminal disease affecting everyone, and Jesus is the only cure. You are God's Plan A to share the Gospel with the people in your life.

Are you sitting on the sidelines shouting a war cry, or are you actually ready to step onto the battlefield and fight for what matters? This week on Off Script, Neil and Scott dive into the story of David and Goliath to kick off a new series on Southland's core values, starting with what it truly means to "worship defiantly." The guys discuss why true worship is so much more than just singing songs on Sunday - it is a bold, defiant response in the middle of life's brutal battles . From calling out the dangerous misuse of "nuance" as an excuse for disobedience to exploring how David's wilderness preparation positioned him to take action , this conversation challenges us to align with God's authority and stop playing nice with culture . The Challenge: This week, audit the battles you are facing and ask yourself: Am I asking if God is on my side, or am I actively aligning myself with His side? Identify one area in your life - whether in your family, career, or personal faith - where you have been shouting a war cry from the sidelines, and take one bold, tangible step of action to stand up for God's truth . Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Nickell What We Discuss Why the story of David and Goliath is the ultimate illustration of defiant worship Moving beyond "cafeteria Christianity" and the necessity of aligning with God's authority Why the word "nuance" is often used as a modern excuse to justify clear disobedience How King Saul went "soft" by protecting his comfort instead of fighting what needed to be fought Unpacking the myth of atheism and why every human heart is designed to worship something The vital distinction between worldly "niceness" and biblical kindness as a fruit of the Spirit Why talking a big game about leadership, parenting, or faith doesn't replace taking real initiative Malcolm Gladwell's perspective on David's tactical advantage and why David's true distinction was stepping out in faith How living in a "negative world" requires us to speak truth unashamedly while extending grace generously Finding defiant hope in Jesus as our ultimate champion who makes us more than conquerors in dark seasons ⸻ 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: 1 Samuel 17 Defiance without discernment is dangerous. Scott guides us through 1 Samuel 17 as we look at the story of David and Goliath. In a world that often calls evil good and good evil, we are called to discern the times and boldly stand in opposition to the enemy. Goliath claimed defiance against men, but David discerned that he was defying the living God. God has already secured the victory. Through Jesus, our champion, we are more than conquerors. No matter the brutality of the battle, we have a bigger and better king who will see us through it.

Are you treating your material wealth as something to be buried for safety, or are you ready to risk it all to build the kingdom of God? This week on Off Script, Scott and the team celebrate reaching their 50th episode milestone while diving deep into the Parable of the Talents and what it truly means to manage God's resources . The guys break down why biblical stewardship is about far more than just money, yet never about less than money . From unpacking why the Bible mentions financial possessions over 2,000 times to celebrating over 1,000 baptisms this year, this conversation challenges us to stop playing religious games with God, stop waiting for "fairness," and start bringing our first and best right now - from this moment on . The Challenge: This week, take a hard look at what God has entrusted into your hands . Choose one specific area of your resources - whether it is your finances, time, or talents - where you have been hedging your bets out of fear, and commit to bringing your "first and best" in faithful obedience . Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Nickell What We Discuss Celebrating roughly 50 episodes and nearly a year of the Off Script podcast Why the Parable of the Talents is about way more than money, but certainly not less than money Scripture stats: Why there are over 2,300 verses addressing material possessions compared to prayer, faith, and love The responsibility of teaching healthy biblical views on money to our kids instead of outsourcing leadership Lessons from Gospel Patrons: How monetary partnership between William Tyndale and Monmouth brought English Bibles to light Why criticism against church spending on facilities and technology is often a bad-faith argument Acknowledging the unsung "two-talent people" who make ministry happen behind the scenes, from UK basketball player Anthony Epps to Southland's lead team Why demanding "fairness" from God is dangerous and why we should focus on faithful stewardship over outcome comparisons How to handle waiting seasons when you feel ready for bigger responsibilities before God expands your platform Differentiating between playing religious games with God out of fear and moving in terrifying, costly obedience ⸻ 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