Summit Life with J.D. Greear

The promise of a Savior that wouldn’t arrive for 700 years might not have been a great comfort to the army that received the prophecy, but God knew what they needed, and what we need today, is a Messiah who would save us from our sin. Today, Pastor J.D. is unpacking the promise of Isaiah 9 from the series “Hope Has a Name” and showing us how we should approach the Wonderful Counselor, who brings light to our darkness and gives us the gift of himself.

Have you ever been in a place of immense darkness, literal or otherwise? If so, then you know how incredibly powerful it is when you see the first rays of light beginning to break through. In this week’s message from Isaiah 9, the last in our Christmas series, Pastor J.D. shows us how Jesus is the light that the long-ago prophet spoke about. Even when darkness threatens to overwhelm this weary world, we can rejoice in the knowledge that the light of Jesus has come—a light that will never be eclipsed by darkness.

While Christmas has inspired the writing of many songs throughout the centuries, one song that is often overlooked is a biblical one—namely, that of Zechariah, whose words were inspired by the birth of John the Baptist. It talks about three ordinary objects and how they can help us better apprehend the meaning of Christmas. In this message from Luke 1, Pastor J.D. walks through Zechariah’s song to explain the first of these objects, the horn. At first glance, it may seem a curious image to use—but its rich symbolism serves to point us to Jesus, the ultimate horn of salvation.

Though the first few chapters of Acts are filled with baptisms and miracles, the pivotal point of the book—the stoning of Stephen—shows how God uses ordinary believers to display his power and accomplish his mission amidst persecution. In today’s message from Acts 7 and 8, Pastor J.D. encourages us to consider how God might be calling us to advance the mission of the gospel. It won’t look the same for everyone, of course. But the worth of Jesus and the truth of the gospel should compel us to share with a lost and dying world, whether here or overseas.

Explore the journey to Jesus' tomb and the feelings of solitude we all encounter in life. Discover the powerful message that though life leads to the grave, resurrection offers a new beginning. Delve into the dual nature of faith with stories of Peter’s doubts and encouragement to remain steadfast. Learn how obedience can sometimes lead us into difficult storms, yet God's proximity assures us we are never alone. Reflect on the grace over performance and the importance of taking faithful steps forward.

As we continue our “In Step” series through the Gospel of Luke, Pastor J.D. takes us along the road to the cross, where we will meet a handful of different people—each of whom has a different response to Jesus’ sacrifice. Luke doesn’t just record their stories because these people were there; he records their stories because in them, we see ourselves. Their stories are our stories. They prompt the question, “How will you respond to Jesus?”

Explore the timeless parable of the Prodigal Son and its profound implications for humanity. Discover how the story reveals our struggles with independence and the desire for instant gratification. Unpack the father's heart-wrenching love and compassion as he embraces his lost son, illustrating God's relentless pursuit of the broken. Learn about the dangers of pride and spirituality through the older brother's perspective. Ultimately, this discussion challenges us to accept grace and return to the loving arms of the Father.

A deep dive into the radical demands of discipleship reveals that following Jesus calls for supreme loyalty that often eclipses family ties. The conversation explores the cost of commitment through powerful imagery and historical examples of persecution. Insights on total self-surrender and the urgency of obedience highlight personal sacrifice for faith. Listeners are challenged to engage authentically with the Great Commission, prioritize mission over comfort, and demonstrate their faith through care for the poor.

As we continue our “In Step” series through the Gospel of Luke, Pastor J.D. invites us to view Jesus the way his original disciples did: with overwhelming awe at his radical love. Because when we see the radical love of Jesus for us, we will respond with radical surrender to him. Our lives—and the world—will never be the same.

In this thought-provoking discussion, themes of vulnerability and justice take center stage. The speaker emphasizes caring for the weak, particularly focusing on the moral implications of abortion. Drawing on cultural history, they challenge listeners to advocate for unborn lives while addressing personal stories of those affected. The conversation also delves into societal views on disability and the role of Christians in speaking for the marginalized. With a call to action, the message insists on community support and the power of compassion to effect change.