Teachings

We are devoted to teaching the Bible.

Josh Taylor is the Lead Pastor and primary teacher at Bright City. Other gifted men and women are also part of our teaching team. We hope these messages are hopeful and helpful for you in following Jesus in your everyday life.

Listen to the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

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Formation: Dedicated to God

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!

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Foundation: What Are We Building On?

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!

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2024 Recap / Who God Has Called Us To Be

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!

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Together: Healthy Community

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.

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Do As Jesus Did

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.

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Become Like Jesus

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.

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Being with Jesus

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.

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Helping Others Find Life In Jesus

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.

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Healing Our Stories

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.

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Knowing the Way

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.

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Trusting In Jesus

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: John 6:25-35, 66-69

In John 6, Jesus challenges the crowds after his miraculous feeding of the 5,000. He declares himself the "bread of life," asking them to place their trust in Him, but many turn away instead. This reflects a broader theme: while some embrace faith in Jesus, others struggle with belief. Faith is more than intellectual agreement—it’s acting in confidence that something is true. Yet, faith can feel uncomfortable because it involves trust without all the answers upfront. God’s past faithfulness enables us to live by faith today and tomorrow. It’s not about waiting for endless proofs, but about living with hope and trust in what we know of Jesus' promises. What is God asking you to trust Him with today?

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Experiencing Life In Jesus

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: John 4:4-42

In this week's teaching, we reflect on a transformative encounter from John 4:4-42. We dive into the story of a woman who, despite feeling unworthy and far from God, finds new life through her encounter with Jesus. Her story reveals four common barriers that keep us from experiencing life in Jesus: feeling unworthy, believing we're beyond rescue, thinking we're content with what we already know about God, or delaying a true commitment to Him. Jesus wants to be our source of life—the living water that satisfies our deepest longings. We explore how turning away from temporary "wells" and embracing Jesus as our source leads to life at its best. No matter who you are or where you are at, you can experience the fullness of life in Jesus today.

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Hospitality to Strangers

Big Idea: God’s people offer hospitality to strangers—helping outsiders become insiders.

Passage: Leviticus 19:33-34; Ephesians 2:11-22; Hebrews 13:1-2a

Speaker: Josh Taylor

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Caring for the Poor

Big Idea: God cares for the poor and needy. God’s people are called to join with him in meeting poverty needs and restoring people’s lives.

Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:16-20; Psalm 72:13; 1 John 3:17; 1 Corinthians 8:9

BIG IDEA: Speaker: Josh Taylor

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The Goal Is Love

Big Idea: The goal of pursuing mental health is to better love God and love others

Passage: Romans 12:1-2, 9-21

Speaker: Josh Taylor

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Dead-End Moments

Big Idea: God uses dead end moments for our ultimate good

Passage: Exodus 14

Speaker: Sarah Taylor

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Calling and Fear

Big Idea: God knows who he is calling and goes with those he is calling

Passage: Exodus 3:1–4:13

Speaker: Josh Taylor

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Detours

Big Idea: Jesus brings hope to our sexual brokenness

Passage: Matthew 5:27-30; 2 Cor. 7:9-11; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; John 8:2-11

Speaker: Josh Taylor

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