Bryan Loritts Podcast

Why do we often struggle to show mercy to others? Perhaps, we think, the other person doesn't really deserve to be shown mercy—after all, they have offended us deeply. How could we possibly be expected to forgive them? As we begin our series through the book of Jonah, this week's message from Pastor Bryan shows us from Jonah 1 how it is impossible to become people who extend God's mercy without first comprehending the depths of our own sin. Only when we understand how much God has forgiven us can we offer that same forgiveness to others. Message originally given at the Summit Church in Raleigh, NC on October 1, 2023.

The podcast discusses the value of patience and enduring trials with examples from the prophets and Job. It explores the concept of patience learned in difficult situations such as illness, unemployment, and infertility. The impact of complaining on prolonging journeys is highlighted with the Israelites' journey from Egypt to Canaan. The speaker reflects on finding beauty and order in life and encourages prayer and encouragement for those going through difficult circumstances.

A sermon on James 4:13-5:6 addresses idols of comfort, wealth, and riches. The importance of financial teachings in college and the mistreatment of others by the wealthy are discussed. The alarming rates of depression and anxiety among elite college students are explored. Boasting, wealth, and identity are linked, emphasizing finding value in Christ. Rising anxiety levels are examined, and the illusion of control is debunked using the example of the Titanic.

Topics discussed include equipping kids with a biblical worldview, dealing with anger in relationships, embracing the boundaries of the Word of God, advocating for the marginalized, and living in the tension of striving and relying on the gospel.

+ We Should Take Pride Seriously Because God Takes Pride Seriously + We Should Take Pride Seriously Because it Seriously Hinders our Relationship with God + We Should Take Pride Seriously Because it Impacts Our Relationship With Others Message originally given at Church at the Cross, in Grapevine, Tx. on July 2, 2023.

When it comes to parenting, we can learn a lot from the way God relates to his own children. In this message from Luke 15 Pastor Bryan encourages us with the remarkable truth that God views us not as hired servants, but as sons and daughters. In the way that he relentlessly pursues a relationship with us, God demonstrates compassion and grace beyond measure. What benefits might we reap from the commitment to pursue a similar relationship with our children? Message originally given at the Summit Church in Raleigh, NC on June 25, 2023.

In celebration of Father's Day, Pastors J.D. and Bryan host their own fathers for a panel discussion. As men who have experienced the ups and downs of fatherhood, Lynn Greear and Crawford Loritts offer practical, biblical wisdom to encourage men—whether they are fathers or not. Originally recorded on Sunday, June 18th, 2023 at Summit Church in Raleigh, NC.

Our homes matter, even more than we may realize. In this message from Deuteronomy 6, Pastor Bryan walks us through some of Moses' final instructions for the Israelites. These words, intended to prepare the Israelites to enter the Promised Land, still carry important implications for us today as we consider how to engage in gospel-based parenting in our current culture. If we want to have a greater chance of preparing our children to become adults who make a difference for God in their moment in history, we ought to be diligent to equip them to love and fear God. Message originally preached at the Summit Church in Raleigh, NC on 6/11/23

This podcast explores the theme of disappointment in relation to one's faith in God. It discusses the feeling of disappointment when our expectations are not aligned with our real-time experiences, the danger of idolatry when we are let down by God, and the concept of finding strength and joy in seasons of disappointment.

This week's message from Pastor J.D. and Pastor Bryan will help us cultivate a deeper understanding from John 4 of the concept of reconciliation—something that our world desperately needs. As the body of Christ, what we have in common is profound and beautiful, and ought to propel us toward unity. When we recognize this and take time to honor the humanity of those around us, we will be in a much better position to achieve ethnic unity. Preached at Summit Church in Raleigh, NC on 5/21/23