In this episode, we wrap up our series titled "Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe" where we explore the often misguided advice of "follow your heart." Join us as we dive into the complexities of trusting our hearts and the potential pitfalls that come with it. Gavin shares personal anecdotes from his upbringing in the 1970s, discussing the music that shaped his youth and how the mantra of following your heart has permeated our culture—from Disney movies to graduation speeches. He challenges the notion that our hearts are always trustworthy, referencing biblical insights from Jeremiah, Paul, and Solomon to illustrate that our hearts can be deceitful. Throughout the episode, we explore four practical steps to help you navigate your feelings and desires while trusting God instead of your heart. Learn how to question your feelings, let Scripture guide you, invite wise counsel, and submit your entire heart to God. If you've ever found yourself in a situation where your heart led you astray, this episode is for you. Discover how to redirect your heart and trust the God who knows you best. Topics Covered: - The cultural mantra of "follow your heart" - Personal stories and music references - Biblical insights on the heart's deceitfulness - Four steps to trust God with your heart --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are an alternative to church as usual. Our Sunday worship service is approximately a 75-minute experience designed to introduce people to the message of Jesus and equip believers to live their lives in response to the Gospel while their kids enjoy one of our safe children's environments. Centerpoint is designed to meet you wherever you are on the journey whether you are just checking out the "church thing" or you are a committed Christ follower. Centerpoint is a casual environment that combines today's music with creative media and relevant teaching. We hope you will visit us at Centerpoint Church regardless of what your past church experience has looked like.

In this thought-provoking episode of our podcast, Bradley Hamilton dives deep into the common belief that "God has a plan for your life." While this sentiment is often well-intentioned, Bradley challenges the notion of a strict blueprint for our lives, arguing that it can lead to unnecessary pressure, decision fatigue, and fear. Instead, he proposes a shift in perspective: rather than focusing on a predetermined plan, we should embrace the idea that "God has a purpose for your life." This purpose centers around loving God and loving others, which can be applied in any situation, job, or relationship. Bradley offers three insightful questions to help guide our decision-making process: 1. Does this decision help me become more like Jesus? 2. Does this demonstrate love for others? 3. What's the wise thing to do? Join us as we explore how to navigate life's choices with intention and clarity, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and meaningful relationships. Whether you're facing a big decision or simply seeking to deepen your faith, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement. The Main Idea: Hard seasons are not always signs of disobedience. God often uses valleys for growth and dependence. Many biblical heroes experienced fear, doubt, loneliness, and depression. Spiritual maturity is often developed through difficulty. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are an alternative to church as usual. Our Sunday worship service is approximately a 75-minute experience designed to introduce people to the message of Jesus and equip believers to live their lives in response to the Gospel while their kids enjoy one of our safe children's environments. Centerpoint is designed to meet you wherever you are on the journey whether you are just checking out the "church thing" or you are a committed Christ follower. Centerpoint is a casual environment that combines today's music with creative media and relevant teaching. We hope you will visit us at Centerpoint Church regardless of what your past church experience has looked like.

In this thought-provoking episode of our series "Dumb Things That Smart Christians Believe," we tackle the common phrase, "Everything happens for a reason." While often said with good intentions, this statement can lead to misunderstandings and emotional turmoil for those facing difficult times. Join us as we explore the story of Job, a man who experienced unimaginable suffering despite living a righteous life. We'll discuss the assumptions that come with the belief that everything happens for a reason, and how these can impact our faith and mental well-being. Discover three key insights about suffering: 1. Suffering does not mean that you caused it. 2. Suffering does not mean that God caused it. 3. Suffering does not mean that you can't grieve. We also reflect on the importance of processing grief and the value of community support during tough times. As we navigate through the complexities of suffering, we find hope in the message of Jesus, who reminds us that suffering is not our final destination. Whether you're currently facing challenges or seeking to support others, this episode offers valuable perspectives on faith, suffering, and the human experience. The Main Idea: Not every event is directly caused by God. The world is broken because of sin. Human choices and evil actions have real consequences. God can bring good from suffering without causing the suffering itself. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are an alternative to church as usual. Our Sunday worship service is approximately a 75-minute experience designed to introduce people to the message of Jesus and equip believers to live their lives in response to the Gospel while their kids enjoy one of our safe children's environments. Centerpoint is designed to meet you wherever you are on the journey whether you are just checking out the "church thing" or you are a committed Christ follower. Centerpoint is a casual environment that combines today's music with creative media and relevant teaching. We hope you will visit us at Centerpoint Church regardless of what your past church experience has looked like.

In this thought-provoking episode of our series "Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe," host Bradley Hamilton dives deep into the often misquoted phrase "forgive and forget." Join us as we explore the true meaning of forgiveness through the lens of Jesus' teachings. Bradley discusses how cultural norms around retaliation and justice can cloud our understanding of forgiveness, emphasizing that it is not about ignoring past hurts or blindly trusting those who have wronged us. Instead, he encourages listeners to engage in honest conversations, set healthy boundaries, and recognize that forgiveness is a process that may not erase painful memories. Throughout the episode, we unpack key biblical passages, including Matthew 18, and highlight the revolutionary nature of Jesus' message on forgiveness. Whether you're struggling with resentment, trying to navigate difficult relationships, or seeking to understand what true forgiveness looks like, this episode offers valuable insights and practical guidance. Don't miss this opportunity to rethink forgiveness and learn how to cultivate a heart that reflects the grace and love of Christ. The Main Idea: Forgetting is neither possible nor required for forgiveness. Forgiveness is a decision, not memory loss. Trust and forgiveness are different things. Forgiveness can coexist with boundaries and wisdom. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are an alternative to church as usual. Our Sunday worship service is approximately a 75-minute experience designed to introduce people to the message of Jesus and equip believers to live their lives in response to the Gospel while their kids enjoy one of our safe children's environments. Centerpoint is designed to meet you wherever you are on the journey whether you are just checking out the "church thing" or you are a committed Christ follower. Centerpoint is a casual environment that combines today's music with creative media and relevant teaching. We hope you will visit us at Centerpoint Church regardless of what your past church experience has looked like.

In this heartfelt Mother's Day episode, Nicole Golden shares a powerful message about feeling invisible and the importance of recognizing our worth. She acknowledges the complexities of Mother's Day, honoring those who celebrate while also comforting those who grieve. Nicole dives into the story of Hagar from the Old Testament, exploring her struggles and the profound moment when God sees her in the wilderness. Through Hagar's journey, we learn that even in our most challenging times, God is present, offering purpose and value. Join us as we reflect on the significance of being seen by God and how it can transform our lives. Whether you're a mother, a caregiver, or someone navigating life's difficulties, this episode is a reminder that you are not invisible to the God of the universe. Key Takeaways: - Understanding the complexities of Mother's Day - The story of Hagar and her experience of invisibility - God's promise to see us and give us purpose - Finding worth in our relationship with God --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are an alternative to church as usual. Our Sunday worship service is approximately a 75-minute experience designed to introduce people to the message of Jesus and equip believers to live their lives in response to the Gospel while their kids enjoy one of our safe children's environments. Centerpoint is designed to meet you wherever you are on the journey whether you are just checking out the "church thing" or you are a committed Christ follower. Centerpoint is a casual environment that combines today's music with creative media and relevant teaching. We hope you will visit us at Centerpoint Church regardless of what your past church experience has looked like.

Join us for this enlightening episode where lead pastor Bryant Golden wraps up the series "Investigating God." In this episode, Bryant addresses the doubts and questions many people have about faith, especially in light of personal experiences and cultural shifts. As we celebrate graduates this weekend, we invite those who have left the church or are reconsidering their faith to explore the robust nature of Christianity. Bryant emphasizes that faith is not fragile and can withstand doubts, science, and unanswered prayers. Discover how the resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christianity, and learn why understanding Jesus is essential to knowing God. Bryant also discusses the significance of love in the character of God, as revealed through Jesus, and how this understanding can transform your view of faith. Whether you're a longtime follower of Jesus, new to faith, or simply curious, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement. Don't miss out on this opportunity to deepen your understanding of God and your faith journey! Key Topics: -The importance of the resurrection in Christianity -How Jesus reveals the nature of God -The relationship between faith, doubt, and personal experiences -Understanding God as love and the implications for our lives Read along with our chosen scripture: John 14:7–11; John 4:24; Luke 11:2; 1 John 4:16 The Main Idea: God is love. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are an alternative to church as usual. Our Sunday worship service is approximately a 75-minute experience designed to introduce people to the message of Jesus and equip believers to live their lives in response to the Gospel while their kids enjoy one of our safe children's environments. Centerpoint is designed to meet you wherever you are on the journey whether you are just checking out the "church thing" or you are a committed Christ follower. Centerpoint is a casual environment that combines today's music with creative media and relevant teaching. We hope you will visit us at Centerpoint Church regardless of what your past church experience has looked like.

In this thought-provoking episode, Family Engagement Pastor Bradley Hamilton dives deep into the importance of asking questions and investigating faith, especially for the next generation. He shares his personal journey and the significance of creating a safe space for doubts and inquiries within the church community. Bradley discusses the challenges faced by students today as they grapple with their beliefs and the need for adult answers to adult questions. He emphasizes that Christianity was never meant to be a "check your brain at the door" religion, but rather an invitation to explore and understand the evidence behind faith. Join us as we explore the story of the Bible, starting with the Gospel of Luke, and uncover the extraordinary events that led to the formation of Christianity. Discover how the early followers of Jesus documented their experiences and how their convictions transformed the world, long before the Bible was compiled. Whether you're new to faith or have been on this journey for a while, this episode encourages you to consider what it means to take Jesus seriously and how His message can impact your life today. Don't forget to check out the resources mentioned in the episode to help you navigate your own questions about faith! Read along with our chosen scripture: Luke 3:1–2 The Main Idea: Christianity does not hang by the thread of “The Bible tells me so.” Modern version. The original version is the defensible, endurable, persecute-able, fearless, compassionate, compelling version. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are an alternative to church as usual. Our Sunday worship service is approximately a 75-minute experience designed to introduce people to the message of Jesus and equip believers to live their lives in response to the Gospel while their kids enjoy one of our safe children's environments. Centerpoint is designed to meet you wherever you are on the journey whether you are just checking out the "church thing" or you are a committed Christ follower. Centerpoint is a casual environment that combines today's music with creative media and relevant teaching. We hope you will visit us at Centerpoint Church regardless of what your past church experience has looked like.

This powerful exploration challenges us to examine whether we've walked away from faith unnecessarily by rejecting distorted versions of God rather than God himself. We're invited to consider six common childhood versions of faith that many of us inherited: Safety Net God who promises bad things won't happen to good people, On-Demand God who always answers our prayers exactly as we want, Hype God whose presence depends on our emotional experiences, Guilt God who controls through fear and shame, Anti-Science God who pits faith against reason, and Gap God who only exists in what we can't explain. The message draws from Peter's instruction to always be prepared to give a reason for our hope with gentleness and respect, and Jesus's own words that in this world we will have trouble. We're reminded of John the Baptist's story, a man of extraordinary faith who still doubted in prison, showing us that even the greatest believers struggle when reality doesn't match their expectations. The central invitation is to reconsider whether the God we stopped believing in ever actually existed in the first place, and whether there's room to rediscover a more robust, intellectually honest faith that can withstand adult questions and real-world suffering. The Main Idea: The gods we abandon usually never existed to begin with. The Jesus we left was too fragile to be of much help anyway. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are an alternative to church as usual. Our Sunday worship service is approximately a 75-minute experience designed to introduce people to the message of Jesus and equip believers to live their lives in response to the Gospel while their kids enjoy one of our safe children's environments. Centerpoint is designed to meet you wherever you are on the journey whether you are just checking out the "church thing" or you are a committed Christ follower. Centerpoint is a casual environment that combines today's music with creative media and relevant teaching. We hope you will visit us at Centerpoint Church regardless of what your past church experience has looked like.

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the complexities of faith, doubt, and the challenges many face in their spiritual journeys. The host addresses a common critique of religion: why do we have to believe rather than just know? With insights drawn from the New Testament, particularly the invitation Jesus extended to Thomas, we explore the importance of investigating faith without fear of condemnation. As we navigate the current landscape where more Americans are identifying as religiously unaffiliated, the episode highlights the rise of the "nuns" and the reasons behind this shift. The host discusses the impact of the New Atheist Movement and the unsettling conclusions that arise from atheistic beliefs, emphasizing that leaving one belief system often leads to gravitating toward another. Whether you're a long-time follower of Jesus, someone who has lost faith, or simply curious about the conversation around belief and doubt, this episode invites you to reflect on your own journey. Join us as we challenge misconceptions, explore the foundations of faith, and prepare to give an answer for the hope we have. The Main Idea: For some: Who needs religion? More Americans than ever are backing away from religion. Consequently, God. Not because atheism is all that attractive. Religion is less so. “It’s the problem.” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are an alternative to church as usual. Our Sunday worship service is approximately a 75-minute experience designed to introduce people to the message of Jesus and equip believers to live their lives in response to the Gospel while their kids enjoy one of our safe children's environments. Centerpoint is designed to meet you wherever you are on the journey whether you are just checking out the "church thing" or you are a committed Christ follower. Centerpoint is a casual environment that combines today's music with creative media and relevant teaching. We hope you will visit us at Centerpoint Church regardless of what your past church experience has looked like.

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the significance of the resurrection of Jesus and its implications for our lives today. Join us as we explore the doubts and skepticism surrounding Easter weekend, particularly through the lens of Thomas, one of Jesus' disciples. Discover how the resurrection is not just a theological concept but a pivotal event that changed everything for the early followers of Jesus and continues to resonate with us today. We discuss the historical context, the eyewitness accounts, and the transformative power of believing in a risen Savior. Whether you're a long-time believer, someone on the fence, or even a skeptic, this episode invites you to investigate the claims of Jesus and consider the real-world implications of the resurrection. Tune in to learn how the teachings of Jesus can impact your life, relationships, and future, and find out how you can take the next steps in your faith journey. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! Key Topics: -The significance of the resurrection -Doubts and skepticism in faith -Eyewitness accounts of Jesus' resurrection -Real-world implications of believing in Jesus -The invitation to follow Jesus Read along with our chosen scripture: John 20:24–29; Luke 24:11 The Main Idea: The resurrection isn’t just a story—it’s the moment that launched a movement and reshaped human history. And if Jesus really did rise from the dead, then it means something for your life, your faith, and your future. In this Easter message, we’re taking an honest look at that event, why it matters, and why it sits at the center of everything we believe. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are an alternative to church as usual. Our Sunday worship service is approximately a 75-minute experience designed to introduce people to the message of Jesus and equip believers to live their lives in response to the Gospel while their kids enjoy one of our safe children's environments. Centerpoint is designed to meet you wherever you are on the journey whether you are just checking out the "church thing" or you are a committed Christ follower. Centerpoint is a casual environment that combines today's music with creative media and relevant teaching. We hope you will visit us at Centerpoint Church regardless of what your past church experience has looked like.