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Are you living in the true freedom Jesus provides, or are you slipping back into the exhausting cycle of trying to earn your own righteousness through performance?  This week on Off Script, Neil and Scott dive into the second week of the Galatians series to discuss why even the most seasoned believers can fall into the trap of legalism. They explore the intense showdown between the two pillars of the Christian faith, Peter and Paul. They discuss why Paul was willing to be so confrontational, matching his "angriest" letter with a style that pulls no punches, to protect the purity of the Gospel from false teachers who wanted to add the law to the work of Christ.  The Challenge This week, audit your spiritual wiring. If you lean toward strength, ask God where you might be making non-essential rules a barrier to the Gospel. If you lean toward flexibility, ask for the courage to stand firm on truth even when it's uncomfortable. Identify one "former thing" you are tempted to run back to and ask your community to help you walk in freedom instead. Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Nickell What We Discuss Why reading the Book of Acts provides the essential historical "sequel" for understanding Paul's epistles. The strategic reason Paul circumcised Timothy but refused to circumcise Titus. What "spying out our freedom" literally meant in the original Greek context. The "Dental Metaphor": Why a root canal (endodontics) is the only cure for a root problem, not braces (orthodontics). A powerful story about "Sunshine" and the devastating impact of self-righteousness in the church. The critical distinction between welcoming a person and affirming false teaching. Why Peter, despite his great proclamations, acted like a "coward" and a "hypocrite" in Antioch. The importance of authentic community in calling us back to our true Gospel identity. 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: Galatians 2 Because Jesus is for everyone, His followers must welcome anyone. Scott walks us through Galatians 2. Christ came to set us free, and that includes freedom from the Law. We are not justified by works, but through faith in Jesus Christ. Justification by works produces both hypocrisy and cowardice, and both pull us out of line with the Gospel. If we are going to be a resilient church built on Jesus' authority, we have to grow in flexibility and in strength, in grace and in truth. Which do you need to grow in?

Is your definition of "truth" based on the unchanging Word of God, or is it a moving target defined by cultural trends and political convenience?  This week on Off Script, Neil and Scott dive into the "explosive" book of Galatians and why the Apostle Paul was so viciously protective over the purity of the Gospel. They tackle recent public statements from political figures that mirror the "progressive Christianity" Paul originally wrote to combat. The conversation moves from the dangers of virtue signaling to the vital importance of biblical authority, specifically regarding how we view sin, conversion, and the radical transformation that only Jesus can provide.  The Challenge The challenge for this week is to start breaking down the barriers that keep you from fully believing God's freedom is for you. As we move into chapters 2 through 6 of Galatians, take time to identify the "former things" or old patterns you are most tempted to run back to when life gets difficult. Commit to reading ahead in the text and honestly auditing your heart: Are you living out of the radical transformation Jesus provides, or are you slipping back into the exhausting cycle of trying to earn your own righteousness? Hosts: Neil Gregory & Scott Nickell  What We Discuss Why Galatians is one of Scott's favorite letters because of its explosive and confrontational nature The "crazy combination of head and heart" that allowed Paul to be a brilliant scholar and a physical "fistfighter" for the faith Deconstructing the prideful idea that you have sinned too much for God's grace to reach you A breakdown of the Supreme Court decision regarding Christian counseling and free speech The danger of "virtue signaling" and using coded language to redefine biblical concepts like conversion Questions every Christ follower should ask when a public leader makes religious claims Why Paul tells the Galatians (and us) to reject even an "angel from heaven" if they preach a different gospel The historical claims of Islam and Mormonism regarding angelic visitations and how they relate to Paul's warnings in Galatians 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: Galatians 1 Jesus + nothing = everything. Scott kicked off our next series on Freedom with a look into Galatians 1. Only Jesus sets us free from our slavery to sin. He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. You have been set free from your former life to walk in the freedom that comes through Christ alone!

How many people in your life are one invitation away from a completely different future?  This week on Off Script, Neil and Scott celebrate the miracles of Easter and discuss why the "flood" of new life is only the beginning of the journey toward true freedom. They share behind-the-scenes stories of the logistics and emotions involved in Easter services. The conversation then shifts to the future as they preview an upcoming teaching series on the book of Galatians, exploring the messy, vital distinction between religious performance and the authentic freedom found only in Christ. The Challenge As we move out of the Easter season, don't let the momentum stop. This week, pick up your Bible and start reading through the first few chapters of Galatians to prepare your heart for our next series. Ask yourself: Am I living like a "religious" person trying to earn points, or am I living as a child of God who is already loved? Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Nickell What We Discuss Reflecting on the "Easter edition" of the podcast and the energy of five weekend services  The "flood" of baptisms across campuses and the excitement of seeing lights come back on in the baptistry for more people  The behind-the-scenes effort from staff and volunteers to make Easter weekend happen  The significance of "moving the line" and making last-minute decisions for Christ  Previewing the upcoming series on the book of Galatians Defining the "Good News" versus the "Religious News" that often traps believers  The struggle of even "Bible Belt" Christians to actually experience the freedom Jesus promised  A challenge to read ahead in the first six chapters of Galatians to prepare for the new series  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 20:31

When life throws you a total curveball, do your prayers stay polite or do you take off the mask and get real with God?  This week on Off Script, Neil sits down with guest teacher Carl Kuhl to discuss the raw honesty required for a true relationship with Jesus. They dive into the story of Lazarus to explore how we can trust a God who is often unexplainable and seemingly out of our control. From the emotions of a morning check-in to the risks required by true faith, this conversation is a call to stop performing for God and start abiding in Him. The Challenge This week, move beyond your typical prayer list and try a "morning check-in." Take a few deep breaths and be honest with God about where you are emotionally and whether you're sad, angry, scared, or excited. Once you've met Jesus in the morning, look for one "risk" you can take today that proves your belief is more than just a statement, but an action. Hosts: Neil Gregory and Carl Kuhl  What We Discuss Why the "Bible Belt" culture in Kentucky makes it easy to say you have a church without actually following Jesus Funny college stories about Scott and how Jesus "sanctifies people over time" Why pain is the only universal language that doesn't need to be contextualized for a sermon The comfort of an "unexplainable" God: Why God's mind is so much bigger than our logic How realizing we were never actually in control is the first step toward true freedom  Why "faith is spelled R-I-S-K" and what it looks like to take those steps in daily life  Overcoming the embarrassment of Jesus to invite others without "being weird" about it Distinguishing between inviting people out of a checklist of performance versus a fresh encounter with God  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 11 Come and see. This week, Carl Kuhl joined us to talk about Salvation. Through no actions of our own, through nothing we've deserved, God offers us each an inheritance: salvation by grace, through faith. It doesn't come from ourselves, but is a gift from God. We worship the one who defeated death, who calls us out of the grave, and who makes all things new. Who can you invite to come and see?

Is your confidence in your eternity based on what you do, or who you belong to?  This week on Off Script, Neil and Scott dive into the distinction between religious activity and a genuine relationship with Jesus, exploring how our true identity must always precede our activity. They address the "progressive lie" and the "prosperity lie", including its shadow version, the "poverty gospel", and explain why your bank account is never a measure of your righteousness. The heart of the discussion centers on the doctrine of adoption, the power of fostering and adoption stories, and why so many people struggle with a lack of confidence in their salvation.  The Challenge This week, audit your confidence. If you were asked why you're sure about your eternity, notice if your answer starts with "I" or with "Jesus". Spend time this week "abiding" in the Word, letting your identity as an adopted child of God be the foundation that all your actions flow from. Hosts: Neil Gregory and Scott Nickell What We Discuss The powerful impact of the recent testimony video on the fostering and adopting community  How the doctrine of adoption mirrors God's heart for us as His children  Deconstructing the "poverty gospel" and why intentionally pursuing poverty doesn't make you more spiritual  Why wealth can often mask our desperation for Jesus and lead to a false sense of security  The "Monopoly board" analogy: why all our earthly effort eventually goes back in the box  Warning signs of "progressive" theology in seminaries and universities that have left the Bible behind  Why many people have a "moderate level of confidence" in their salvation due to works-based theology  Why identity must always precede activity: you can't nail fruit to a fencepost  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 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