Connexus Church Audio Podcast

Why does scrolling leave you feeling more angry, reactive, or frustrated — even when you didn't plan to feel that way? Algorithms are designed to amplify outrage. They learn what triggers you, polarize your thinking, and keep feeding you content that escalates emotion. But anger that feels like clarity often leads to blind spots, broken relationships, and spiritual exhaustion. In part two of this series, Jeff Brodie explores why the algorithm feeds your anger — and how Jesus offers a radically different way forward. Not escalation, but formation. Not reaction, but response. Not winning arguments, but finding freedom. Jesus invites us to live unprogrammable lives — shaped by compassion, humility, and thoughtful response instead of constant outrage. If you're tired of feeling angry after you scroll, this message is for you. 👉 The algorithm wants escalation. Jesus wants formation.

What you focus on is forming you — and your phone knows it.. Every time you scroll, click, or pause, algorithms are learning what you love, what you fear, and what keeps you hooked. But distraction isn't just stealing your time — it's shaping your soul. In part one of this series, Jeff Brodie explores why you're not failing spiritually because you're rebellious, but because you're distracted — and how Jesus offers something radically different. Not more information, but real transformation. Not behaviour change, but heart change. If you feel tired, scattered, anxious, or stuck in endless doomscrolling, this message will help you rethink what's forming your habits, your desires, and your life — and how to refocus on what actually leads to peace. What you focus on forms you. The question is: who — or what — has your attention?

When life doesn't turn out the way you hoped, it can leave you feeling stuck — disappointed, bitter, or unsure how to move forward. A new year is supposed to feel fresh, but for a lot of us, the weight of what we didn't choose still comes with us. The loss. The hurt. The things that never went as planned. In this message, we explore an ancient story that feels surprisingly current — and discover how one simple decision can begin to change the direction of your life, even when your circumstances haven't changed yet. Whether you're full of faith, full of questions, or somewhere in between, this message is for anyone who wants more than just another year surviving.

Most of us don't stop asking because we don't care. We stop because we don't want to be that person. The awkward one. The pushy one. The one who misreads the moment. So we assume the answer is no — and move on. In this message, Andy Stanley unpacks why persistence, when it's rooted in genuine care, isn't pressure or manipulation — it's love. Through honest stories and unexpected moments, he explores why we often talk ourselves out of meaningful conversations and what can happen when we choose to ask again instead. This isn't about winning arguments or forcing beliefs. It's about relationships, courage, and not deciding someone's answer for them. If you've ever hesitated to reach out, invite someone, or have a deeper conversation because you didn't want to get it wrong — this one's for you.

When life feels dark, the question isn't if you need light — it's which light you need most right now. This Christmas Eve message invites you to pause and reflect on what you're carrying and where you're searching for hope. It's a reminder that the Christmas story speaks to real life — not perfect lives, but moments of uncertainty, exhaustion, and longing. If you're full of faith, full of questions, or somewhere in between, this is a space to consider where light might meet you — and what could change if it does.

Christmas is supposed to feel peaceful… but what if it doesn't? What if your plans got disrupted, your year didn't turn out how you hoped, or peace feels completely out of reach? In Part 3 of our Christmas series His Name Shall Be Called, Christine Birch looks at the night the angels appeared to the shepherds and announced the birth of Jesus — the Prince of Peace. But the story starts with fear, interruption, and uncertainty, not calm and quiet. This message reframes peace in a powerful way: peace isn't the absence of chaos — it's the presence of God with you. Whether your Christmas feels messy, heavy, lonely, or overwhelming, this message offers a deeper, more lasting peace than perfect circumstances ever could. If you're craving peace but your life feels anything but peaceful, this one's for you.

What if the joy you're desperate for this Christmas isn't found in trying harder, fixing everything, or keeping life under control — but in letting go? In Part 2 of His Name Shall Be Called, Luke Crawford unpacks Mary's response to God and shows why surrender isn't weakness… it's the doorway to joy. Through Luke 1:46–55, we see a God who meets us in exhaustion, loneliness, uncertainty, and pressure — and offers something deeper than temporary happiness. He offers a joy strong enough to carry you through a messy year, broken plans, or a Christmas that doesn't look the way you hoped. If you've been running on empty, gripping tight to expectations, or wondering where God is in the chaos, this message will help you discover the freedom and joy found on the other side of surrender.

What if God's greatest work doesn't start in the spotlight, but in the places we overlook? In Week 1 of our Christmas series His Name Shall Be Called, Deniel Sewell unpacks the story of Mary and shows how the Mighty God steps into the ordinary, the quiet, and even the forgotten parts of our lives. From Nazareth to your everyday routine, God's power isn't limited by your weakness — and His presence is closer than you think. If you've ever wondered whether your life is too small for God to care about, this message will remind you that He sees you, He's with you, and nothing is impossible with Him.

Money stress is real — and most of us feel stuck in the same cycle. Subscriptions we don't track, payments we can't keep up with, lifestyle creep, rising debt, and that constant pressure to have more. But what if the real issue isn't money… but the money traps holding you back? In Part 3 of Finding Your Sweet Spot, Jeff Brodie unpacks the emotional and spiritual side of money that most people never talk about. You'll learn why we fall into the same financial patterns again and again — and how Jesus offers a better way to live with peace, clarity, and margin. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by debt, frustrated by your spending habits, or unsure how to make a plan that actually works, this message will give you practical steps and fresh hope. 👉 Explore resources: connexuschurch.com/sweetspot

Most people feel the pressure of money — the stress, the debt, the hustle, the constant feeling that it's never enough. But what if there was an ancient practice that could actually free you from all of that? In Part 2 of Finding Your Sweet Spot, Jeff Brodie unpacks the surprising power of the tithe — not as a rule or obligation, but as a spiritual discipline that pushes back against greed, builds real trust in God, and creates space for peace and freedom in your life. If you've ever wondered why Jesus talks so much about money, or why generosity seems to change people from the inside out, this message is for you. This teaching is practical, honest, and incredibly hopeful. 👉 Take the 90-Day Tithe Challenge: www.connexuschurch.com/tithechallenge 👉 Explore resources for contentment & generosity: www.connexuschurch.com/sweetspot