United Church Podcast

Many people believe following Jesus means choosing between grace and truth—between compassion and conviction. But Jesus never made that choice. In “Grace AND Truth: Why Jesus Refuses Our False Choices,” Pastor Léonce Crump Jr. explores how grace and truth are not opposites, but inseparable expressions of the character of God. Drawing from John 1:14 and John 8:1–11, this message shows how Jesus holds truth firmly without cruelty and extends grace generously without compromise. This sermon invites us into a deeper discipleship—one that refuses both harshness and avoidance, and instead learns to love the way Jesus loves. Purple Church is a teaching series from United Church about living faithfully in a divided world—not by choosing sides, but by choosing Christ first. Scriptures: John 1:14; John 8:1–11 _______________ Thank you for listening to United Church's podcast! United Church is a diverse, Spirit-filled community in Atlanta uniting people to Jesus and each other. New here? We’d love to connect with you! Visit https://united.online to learn more about us.  

We are living in a moment where everything is asking for our allegiance—our news feeds, our conversations, our fears, and our hopes. In this message, “Beyond the Ballot Box,” Pastor Léonce Crump Jr. explores what Jesus teaches about loyalty, citizenship, and the Kingdom of God. Drawing from Philippians 3:20 and Matthew 22:21, this sermon reframes political anxiety as a discipleship issue and invites us to place our deepest allegiance not in parties or platforms—but in Christ. This message is not about disengaging from the world. It’s about engaging it differently. Whether you feel exhausted by political division, unsure how faith and public life intersect, or curious about Christianity, this sermon invites you to consider a deeper, steadier way of living—rooted in the unshakable Kingdom of God. _______________ Thank you for listening to United Church's podcast! United Church is a diverse, Spirit-filled community in Atlanta uniting people to Jesus and each other. New here? We’d love to connect with you! Visit https://united.online to learn more about us.

Are you busy, successful, and exhausted—but still spiritually dry? You’re not alone. In this message, we open Psalm 1 to uncover two radically different paths every person must choose: the fast, noisy, shallow way of the world—or the deep, rooted, unwithering life God promises. This sermon launches our 2026 vision: DEEPER – The Year of Unwithering Life. It’s a call to stop surviving on momentum and start flourishing through deep roots in Christ. You’ll discover: Why cultural success can still leave your soul brittle The difference between being busy and being planted How Psalm 1 exposes the lie of shallow wisdom What it actually means to be rooted, resilient, and fruitful Why the unwithering life is not earned through effort—but received through surrender to Jesus Whether you feel burned out, anxious, spiritually dry, or simply hungry for more, this message invites you to stop chasing chaff and start living from the Source that never runs dry. _______________ Thank you for listening to United Church's podcast! United Church is a diverse, Spirit-filled community in Atlanta uniting people to Jesus and each other. New here? We’d love to connect with you! Visit https://united.online to learn more about us. SUBSCRIBE for more messages on purpose, faith, and justice.

Merry Christmas Eve! We often focus on the manger, but tonight, we look at the cosmic legal contract that made Christmas possible. In this powerful climax to The Cast of Christmas series, Pastor Léonce unpacks Galatians 4:4-7 and challenges the core spiritual anxiety of our generation: the feeling of being an heir with vast potential, yet paralyzed by anxiety (the 'Trust Fund' paradox). This message reveals that Christ's birth was not random; it was a sovereign, scheduled release date for humanity. Discover the truth of Redemption and Adoption, and why the most rational decision you can make is to stop trying to earn an inheritance that has already been guaranteed by the Father. In This Message, You Will Learn: • Why humanity was "locked out" of its own potential (The Powerless Heir). • The Legal Transaction Jesus performed to buy your freedom. • The difference between being a temporary servant and an authorized son/daughter. • The Internal Guarantee of the Holy Spirit ("Abba, Father!") that confirms your eternal status. _______________ Thank you for listening to United Church's podcast! United Church is a diverse, Spirit-filled community in Atlanta uniting people to Jesus and each other. New here? We’d love to connect with you! Visit https://united.online to learn more about us. SUBSCRIBE for more messages on purpose, faith, and justice.

Are you constantly worried about your status, title, or platform? Jesus' birth reveals a radical truth: The only people God trusts with the biggest news are the ones the world ignores. In this powerful message from The Cast of Christmas series, Pastor Léonce Crump Jr. unpacks Luke 2:8-20 and challenges the Universal Hierarchy we maintain in Atlanta's professional and social circles. He shows how God bypassed the entire religious establishment and Roman power structure to speak directly to the marginalized—the shepherds. This message is a call to dismantle the walls you've built. Discover why your security comes from belonging to the King, not from excluding others, and learn how United Church can become the anti-chasm church. In This Message, You Will Learn: Why low status was God's selection criteria for receiving the Gospel. The difference between being the excluded and being the priority of God. How the Gospel transforms the shepherds' fear into immediate worship. The challenge to identify and give voice to the "shepherds" at your gate. _______________ Thank you for listening to United Church's podcast! United Church is a diverse, Spirit-filled community in Atlanta uniting people to Jesus and each other. New here? We’d love to connect with you! Visit https://united.online to learn more about us. SUBSCRIBE for more messages on purpose, faith, and justice.

Are you paralyzed by the data? Joseph, the carpenter, had the perfect, legally righteous plan for his life—until God interrupted him with an illogical dream. In this powerful message from The Cast of Christmas series, Pastor Léonce unpacks Matthew 1:18-25 and challenges the Conflict of Righteousness—the internal panic leaders feel when their perfect strategy contradicts God's messy, miraculous plan. This message reveals that the most rational decision you can make is to obey the voice of God. Discover how to move from a cautious planner to a Silent Protector of God's purpose, choosing invisible guidance over visible evidence.   In This Message, You Will Learn: The internal and external costs of the Conflict of Righteousness. Why Joseph's "legally sound" plan was spiritually deficient. The role of the Holy Spirit (the Pentecostal Gospel) in providing non-rational guidance. The three steps to surrender Control and protect Immanuel (God with us). _______________ Thank you for listening to United Church's podcast! United Church is a diverse, Spirit-filled community in Atlanta uniting people to Jesus and each other. New here? We’d love to connect with you! Visit https://united.online to learn more about us. Subscribe to our podcast for more messages of hope!

Are you prioritizing your perfect plan over God's disruptive purpose? Mary, the mother of Jesus, was faced with a catastrophic choice: protect her reputation or accept God's favor (which guaranteed social ruin). In this powerful message from The Cast of Christmas series, Pastor Léonce Crump Jr. unpacks Luke 1:26-38 and challenges the Burden of Respectability that paralyzes successful leaders. He reveals that the only thing stopping your breakthrough is the calculated risk you refuse to take. Discover the three steps of radical surrender that empower you to give your improbable "Yes," proving that your eternal destiny is worth more than your temporary public image. In This Message, You Will Learn: • Why God’s highest favor often leads to the greatest risk. • The difference between social shame and divine favor. • The ultimate source of power for impossible assignments (The Holy Spirit's overshadowing). • The three active choices Mary made to unlock her destiny. _______________ Thank you for listening to United Church's podcast! United Church is a diverse, Spirit-filled community in Atlanta uniting people to Jesus and each other. New here? We’d love to connect with you! Visit https://united.online to learn more about us. Subscribe to our podcast for more messages of hope!

Are you dedicated to your routine but feel spiritually numb? You are Zechariah. In this series-kickoff message from The Cast of Christmas, Pastor Léonce Crump Jr. unpacks Luke 1:5-20 and challenges the Paralysis of the Predictable—the spiritual disease that makes us stop believing God will move. Zechariah, a righteous man, was doing his job when God broke in with a terrifying surprise. This message reveals that God specializes in disrupting your schedule to unlock your destiny. Discover the three active choices that transform low expectation into powerful, purposeful obedience. In This Message, You Will Learn: • Why functional numbness (spiritual routine) is the real enemy of faith. • The story of Zechariah's doubt and the cost of his low expectation. • The three steps to overcome spiritual paralysis (Embrace the Silence, Meditate on the Promise, Speak the Purpose). • How your obedience prepares the way for the King’s ultimate purpose (Prophetic Fulfillment). _______________ Thank you for listening to United Church's podcast! United Church is a diverse, Spirit-filled community in Atlanta uniting people to Jesus and each other. New here? We’d love to connect with you! Visit https://united.online to learn more about us. Subscribe to our podcast for more messages of hope!

Are you tired of compromising your faith to keep up with earthly pressures?   In this vital message based on Colossians 3:1-10, Pastor Leonce shows us how to escape the exhausting cycle of compromise by changing our spiritual focus. We often undermine the new life Christ gave us by allowing old habits—like seeking status, explosive anger, or covetousness—to rule our minds. Paul's blueprint for the Christian life moves from Identity to Action to Purpose. In this sermon, you will learn: The Foundation: Why true security isn't found in a job, a title, or a bank account, but in realizing your life is hidden with Christ in God (v. 3-4). The Conflict: The radical action required to "put to death" the earthly self (v. 5), including the sin of covetousness, which is idolatry. The Purpose: How the Holy Spirit continuously renews your mind through knowledge, restoring you to the glorious image of your Creator (v. 10). Holiness is not a burden; it is the freedom to live out your true, secure identity in Christ. Listen in to find out how to stop wearing the "old uniform" and start setting your mind on things above!   Sermon Scriptures Referenced: Colossians 3:1-10 Romans 10:9 _______________ Thank you for listening to United Church's podcast! United Church is a diverse, Spirit-filled community in Atlanta uniting people to Jesus and each other. New here? We’d love to connect with you! Visit https://united.online to learn more about us. Subscribe to our podcast for more messages of hope!

Many Christians believe in Jesus but struggle to live like Him. In this powerful message, Breanna calls the church to pursue true holiness — not perfection, but full surrender. This is not a word of condemnation, but of invitation — an invitation to ascend the hill of the Lord and see God’s glory poured out in our lives, our families, and our city. We live in a culture that says, “Do what feels right to you.” But God is calling His people to say, “Do what’s right before Me.” If you’re tired of surface-level Christianity and ready to live a life of purity, power, and purpose, this message is for you. _______________ Thank you for listening to United Church's podcast! United Church is a diverse, Spirit-filled community in Atlanta uniting people to Jesus and each other. New here? We’d love to connect with you! Visit https://united.online to learn more about us. Subscribe to our podcast for more messages of hope!