Speaker: Casey VanCauwenbergh

Passage: Ephesians 5:1-20

In this episode, we explore Ephesians 5:1-20 and the "New Walk" Christians are called to, focusing on how our identity as God's beloved children shapes our daily lives. We break down three key aspects of this new walk: walking in wisdom, living in the light, and embracing joy. Join us as we unpack how these principles guide us toward a deeper, more fulfilling life with Christ, and challenge us to live intentionally and authentically in Him.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Ephesians 4:17-32

In this episode, we dive into Ephesians 4:17–32 to explore how new life in Jesus begins with a new mind. To step into the new life Jesus offers, we must first clear out the spiritual clutter—old patterns, idols, and ways of thinking that hold us back. God designed our minds with a powerful ability to change (neuroplasticity) and to let the Holy Spirit lead. This message unpacks how to “put off the old self,” be renewed in our thinking, and “put on the new self” shaped by Christ. This gives us the life we actually want. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure how to actually experience change spiritually, we want to give you a clear, Spirit-filled path forward.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Ephesians 4:1-16

What does it mean to walk worthy of your calling in Christ? In this episode, we explore Ephesians 4:1-16 and the shift from understanding our identity in Jesus to actively living it out. Calling is just about knowing who we are, stepping into the assignments God has for us, and growing into spiritual maturity. Join us as we break down how calling, assignments, and growth work together in our journey of faith.

Speaker: Sarah Taylor

Passage: Ephesians 3:14-21

In this episode, we explore Paul’s powerful prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21. He invites us to be rooted in God’s love—a foundation that strengthens us, sustains us in hardship, and transforms our lives. Using the analogy of deep roots, we unpack three key lessons: (1) Roots planted in the right soil will grow – We thrive when grounded in God’s Word, prayer, and community. (2) Deep roots keep us strong in every season – God’s love sustains us through trials. (3) Going deeper leads to true life – Hard times can drive us closer to God, not away. Paul reminds us that God’s love is wider, longer, higher, and deeper than we can imagine—but we can experience it. Where are your roots planted?

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Ephesians 3:1-13

We were all born into a story that was already unfolding. In Ephesians 3:1-13, Paul unveils God’s eternal purpose: to unite heaven and earth through Jesus and make this reality known through the Church.

In this episode, we explore how we have been given a new purpose. God has entrusted His people with the mission of making His kingdom visible—through our relationships, our words, and our actions. How can we make Jesus make sense in our everyday lives? How can we embody heaven on earth? Let’s dive in and discover the role we were made to play in God’s unfolding story.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Ephesians 2:11-22

In this episode, we explore how Jesus doesn’t just give life to us individually—He brings us into something bigger. Because of Jesus, we are no longer outsiders. We are welcomed into a new family where belonging replaces isolation, peace replaces division, and love breaks down every barrier.

Paul reminds the Ephesian church that before Jesus, there was a dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles—between those considered “in” and those considered “out.” But Jesus destroys barriers and makes peace. The same is true today. Too often, we build walls instead of welcoming others. But the Church is meant to be a radically hospitable family, where no one is a stranger, and everyone has a place.

So, what does it actually look like to live as a spiritual family of peacemakers? How do we break down the walls that still divide us? And what if our experience of new life in Jesus is incomplete without His new family?

Join us as we unpack Ephesians 2:11-22 and discover why Jesus didn’t just die to save individuals—He died to create a new people.

Let’s talk about it.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Ephesians 2:1-10

In this episode, we dive into the heart of the Gospel—new life in Jesus. Ephesians 2:1-10 shows us that sin is the deepest problem in our world, but God’s grace is even greater. Salvation isn’t just about securing a future in heaven; it’s about experiencing freedom, healing, and purpose now.

We’ll explore what it means to be made alive in Jesus, why grace is an unearned gift that invites relationship, and how faith is our response to God’s incredible love. Whether you’re searching for meaning, feeling stuck in life, or wondering if Jesus is really for you, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to embrace the new life God offers.

Let’s talk about sin, salvation, grace, and what it means to live for God’s good purposes.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Ephesians 1:15-23

Following Jesus isn’t just about knowing the right things—it’s about experiencing His power in our lives. In Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul prays not that believers would receive something new, but that they would see and experience what is already theirs in Jesus. In this message, we unpack what it means to truly know God—not just intellectually, but experientially. We explore how God's power is both resurrecting power (bringing life where there was death) and ruling power (Jesus reigning over all things). If you've ever felt a gap between what the Bible says about God’s power and what you actually experience, this episode is for you. God reveals His power when we pray to see and start looking. Let’s close the gap and experience more of Jesus today.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Ephesians 1:1-14

We’re kicking off a 12-week journey through Ephesians—a letter that reveals what God is doing behind the scenes in every Jesus-community.

In this episode, we explore the foundation of our identity in Christ. So many of us struggle with knowing who we truly are, often basing our identity on what we do, what we have, or what others think of us. But in Ephesians 1:1-14, Paul reminds us that our identity isn’t something we create—it’s something we receive from God. We're invited to see our identity through the lens of God’s story, not the shifting narratives we often believe about ourselves. We are blessed, chosen, redeemed, and sealed through Jesus—and it changes everything. Let's unpack what it means to live from our new identity in Christ and become fully alive in His story.

Download the "Telling a Better Story" resource – https://bright-city.cls.co/qmyf

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: John 8:12; Matthew 5:14-16; John 4

Welcome to the launch of Bright City! Drawing from John 8:12, Matthew 5:14-16, and John 4, we explore Jesus as the source of real life—and how following Him not only changes us but empowers us to help others experience His love and light. We’ll dive into the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, exploring the barriers that often keep us from believing we can experience the fullness of life in Jesus. Through her encounter with Jesus, we’re reminded that no one is beyond His reach, and no well we draw from will ever satisfy like He can. At Bright City, our mission is to help more people experience life in Jesus. Today, we celebrate what God has already been doing in our community, and we invite you to join us in this exciting journey. The future is bright because God is already at work!

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: 1 Peter 2:1-9; Exodus 19-20; Hebrews 4:14-16

In this teaching, we explore the proces of formation—how we are being changed by Jesus and dedicated to God’s purposes. Drawing from 1 Peter 2 and Exodus 19-20, we’ll discuss how God’s holiness invites us into transformation, not distance, and how we’re called to be a “royal priesthood” partnering with Him to bless the world. Most often through gradual change, spiritual formation starts when we draw near to God. Jesus, our High Priest, removes the barriers that keep us from God and makes the way for us to approach Him with confidence. Let’s lean into who God is forming us to be as His partners in this exciting new season—dedicating ourselves and Bright City for God’s work. See you for our Launch Sunday on January 26th at 9AM!

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Matthew 7:24-29

In this teaching, we explore what it take to build a life—and a church—that can withstand life's storms. We dive into Jesus’ words from Matthew 7:24-29, exploring what it means to hear and do what Jesus says. With Bright City nearing its public launch, we’re asking the critical question: What kind of foundation are we building on? We’ll unpack three foundational pillars: identity of self, integrity of heart, and intimacy with God. Whether you're building a personal foundation or helping shape Bright City’s future, we hope this helps you follow Jesus faithfully and build something that lasts. See you for our Launch Sunday on January 26th at 9AM!

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Psalm 145:3-6; Ephesians 2:10

Welcome to The Launch Series! In this episode, we’re celebrating God’s faithfulness in 2024—from community milestones to miraculous provision—and looking ahead to our mission in 2025.

We reflect on the question: Who has God called us to be in this community? We also explore the priorities that have defined our mission: local impact, missional communities, and Sunday gatherings. Don't miss celebrating what God has done, dreaming of what’s to come, and stepping into our shared mission of helping more people experience life in Jesus.

See you for our Launch Sunday on January 26th at 9AM!

Speaker: Sarah Taylor

Passage: Acts 2; Romans 12

In this teaching of our series "Following Jesus", we explore the vital role of community in the life of a disciple.

Following Jesus is not meant to be a solo journey, but one that is lived out in the context of a healthy, supportive, and serving spiritual community. We dive into Biblical teachings about how the church should function like a family—where everyone belongs, contributes, and helps each other through both the highs and lows of life. Whether you're in a season of healing or ready to jump in and contribute, this sermon reminds us that the church is a place where we support, strengthen, and care for one another as we follow Jesus together.

Discover how to actively engage in the community that God has called us to—and why it’s essential for living out our faith in Christ.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: 2 Corinthians 3:4-6; 5:14-21

In this teaching of our series "Following Jesus," we explore the final part of apprenticeship: doing as Jesus did.

How can we live out today the example Jesus gave us? Drawing from 2 Corinthians 3:4-6, we’re reminded that our qualification doesn’t come from ourselves but from God. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, a new identity as God’s ministers, and a purpose rooted in God's desire to reconcile the world—we are empowered to continue Jesus' work of bringing hope, healing, and restoration. There are practical ways to do as Jesus did—through making room in hospitality, sharing about Jesus, and demonstrating his love through good deeds.

Whether you're feeling unqualified or unsure where to start, we hope this will encourage and help you to trust God’s power working through you.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Philippians 1:9-11; 2 Peter 1:3-8

In this teaching of our series "Following Jesus," we explore the next step of apprenticeship: becoming like Jesus.

We explore the goal and the process of becoming like Jesus—a journey of becoming a person of love. Drawing from Philippians 1:9-11 and 2 Peter 1:3-8, we unpack what it means to grow in love through partnership with God, intentional habits, and Jesus-centered community. Discover how God’s love reshapes our attitudes, actions, and relationships, and learn practical steps to align your life with Jesus' example.

Whether you're curious about following Jesus or committed to apprenticing with him, we hope this is hopeful and practical for you.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: John 14:16-17, 15:4-8, Luke 10:38-42

In this teaching of our series "Following Jesus," we explore the first step of apprenticeship: being with Jesus.

Drawing from John 14:16-17 and 15:4-8 and Luke 10:38-42, we unpack the promise of the Holy Spirit and the call to abide in Christ. We reflect on what it truly means to make Jesus our home in a busy world. Through the story of Mary and Martha, we discover how to prioritize being present with God over the distractions of life. We lastly discuss practical ways to cultivate this connection with God through Scripture, silence, and solitude.

Experience the power of being with Jesus, and learn how a relationship with God empowers us to live as His disciples in everyday life.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Acts 1:8; Acts 4:13

A "witness" is someone who has seen or experienced something important. "Living as a witness" means telling others about something you’ve seen or experienced. Just like the disciples, we don’t need a perfect plan to tell others about Jesus. We only need the Holy Spirit’s promise and courage to share what we've experienced in Jesus.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: John 16-21

Peter’s story is one of deep commitment, but also failures and wounds. Nobody gets through this life without wounds. We discuss how these wounds impact our lives, often leading us to believe harmful lies about ourselves and God. Just as Peter felt unworthy after his denial, we too grapple with feelings of inadequacy and shame.

After his resurrection, Jesus meets with Peter, asking him three times, “Do you love me?” This moment is pivotal, illustrating Jesus’ grace and the restoration of Peter’s identity and purpose. In the same way, Jesus redeems our stories, heals our wounds, and replaces shame with love.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: John 14:1-7

In John 14:1-7, Jesus comforts His disciples before His trial and exectution. He claims that he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Even in our most confusing times, Jesus provides direction, defines reality, and gives good things.