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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Faithful vs Fearful

Speaker: Mark Artrip

Passage: Matthew 25:14-30; 2 Corinthians 9:7-11

In this conclusion to our series The Generous Heart of God, guest speaker Mark Artrip, Lead Pastor of Movement Church and an elder of Bright City, brings a timely and convicting message: Faithful servants invest what God gives them, but fearful servants waste it. Rooted in Jesus’ Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25), this message invites us to take inventory of how we view our time, talents, and treasure. Are we managing God’s resources with a stewardship mindset—or clinging to them out of fear? Mark unpacks three life-shaping truths: God entrusts us with everything we have. Faithfulness with God’s money requires action. Faithfulness leads to joy and reward; fear leads to loss and regret. Whether you’re just starting your generosity journey or ready to take the next bold step, this episode will help you answer the question: Am I being faithful or fearful with what God has entrusted to me?

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What Money Can't Buy

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Acts 20:35; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Hebrews 13:5; Luke 12:13-21

We’ve all heard the phrase: “Money can’t buy happiness.” But maybe we believe it can just a little bit? In this teaching, we look at what Scripture says about money, contentment, and freedom. We discover that it is “more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:35). Paul warns that the love of money leads to temptation, restlessness, and grief (1 Timothy 6). Jesus warns us to “watch out for greed,” because life doesn’t consist in an abundance of possessions (Luke 12).

We explore how comparison and the belief that we don't have enough keep us from living content and free. The answer isn’t getting more—it’s learning the power of gratitude and simplicity. Generosity is God’s way of breaking greed’s grip. When we create margin and live in limits, it allows us to live joyfully and generously in God’s kingdom. The more we give, the more we reject the lie that money is life—and the more we discover the blessing Jesus promised.

Listen in and discover why the more we give, the more content and more free we become.

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The Generous Heart of God

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Matthew 6:19-24

We all have feelings about money—security, freedom, anxiety, fear, even pride. But what if money isn’t really about money at all? In this message, we begin a series on The Generous Heart of God by looking at what Scripture says about God’s generosity and our relationship with money. Through five key truths—God owns everything, God is generous, money affects our hearts, money is a tool, and following Jesus leads to generosity—we discover that our generosity is a response to God’s generosity toward us. Money can be dangerous when it controls us, but in God’s hands, it becomes a tool for worship, blessing, and eternal impact. As we follow Jesus, His generous heart becomes our heart, and we learn that we can’t take our resources with us—but we can send them ahead.

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Peacemakers & Persecuted

Speaker: Sarah Knepper

Passage: Matthew 5:9-12; Ephesians 2:14-18

Peacemaking is not about avoiding conflict—it’s about stepping into it to bring harmony. In the final week of our “Blessed” series, Sarah Knepper unpacks Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:9-12, showing how He modeled a different way than the political, religious, and cultural strategies of His time. Drawing from the Sermon on the Mount, Ephesians 2, and vivid real-life examples, Sarah challenges us to listen well, embrace differences, and bear the costly but beautiful work of reconciliation. Discover why peacemakers reflect the very heart of God—and why they will be called His children.

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Merciful & Pure Hearts

Speaker: Jon Couser

Passage: Matthew 5:7-8, Matthew 5:23-24

Jesus says in Matthew 5:7: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” This statement is a relationship-oriented statement. You can’t be merciful in isolation. The act of being merciful implies interactions. The good life belongs to those who love others with a deep actionable love that stands the test of time and goes beyond the minimum standard. Mercy is living in that way. Saint Catherine of Siena once asked, “How can I be God’s friend if He needs nothing from me?” Her answer? “By giving His mercy away.” When you show mercy, you’re not just doing a good deed—you’re choosing to love Jesus by loving like Jesus. Jesus doesn’t call us to behave normally—He calls us to live radically. Living mercifully will make you an exceptional person in the eyes of those who are accustomed to the rules of this world and will earn you the right to talk about Jesus. Being pure in heart is about why you do what you do. Pure of heart is only possible when you make your actions not about you. It is living motivated, strictly by a desire to know God, to live according to his will, purely because you love God and are grateful for what he has already done for you. When you live with mercy and pursue a pure heart You are showing the world a new kind of treatment (mercy), with a new kind of motive (purity), toward a new kind of reward (God Himself).

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Justice & Right Relationships

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Matthew 5:6, Micah 6:8

What does it mean to “hunger and thirst for righteousness”? In this message, we discover that Jesus isn’t talking about a checklist of personal morality. He’s describing a deep craving for right relationships with God, with others, and with the world around us. Righteousness in the Bible isn’t just private holiness—it’s about fairness, equity, and justice in every relationship we have. Jesus lived the only truly righteous life, set things right for us through His cross, and now sends us to live out His righteousness in our homes, neighborhoods, and city. We’ll explore: how Jesus embodies justice and right relationships; why we still hunger and thirst for “rightness” in our world; and three practical ways to “do justice” where we live. If you’ve ever felt disillusioned by broken systems, unfair treatment, or strained relationships, this teaching is for you. Jesus promises that those who long for things to be set right will be filled.

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Mourning & Meekness

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Matthew 5:4-5

What if the good life isn’t found in success, strength, or constant happiness—but in grief and gentleness? In this week’s teaching from our "Blessed" series, we look at Jesus’ radical words in Matthew 5:4–5: “Blessed are those who mourn… Blessed are the meek…” Jesus doesn’t dismiss sorrow—He draws near in it. He doesn’t celebrate power—He lifts up the humble. We explore how mourning and meekness are not signs of weakness, but powerful ways to be fully human and experience God’s presence in real life. Whether you’re walking through grief or learning to let go of control, this message reminds us that the Kingdom of God is upside-down… and incredibly good.

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The Good Life

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Matthew 5:1-3

What does “the good life” really look like? Better yet, who can really experience it? Jesus offers a radically different vision to what we typically expect. In this kickoff to our series on the Beatitudes, we explore how Jesus redefines blessing—not for the powerful or polished, but for the poor in spirit, the desperate, and the overlooked. The kingdom of God isn’t for those who have it all together—it’s for those who know they don’t. Jesus redefines the good life for the least likely. Listen and discover how you can flourish right where you are.

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Ready and Hopeful

Speaker: Sarah Taylor

Passage: 1 Peter 3:15-16; Colossians 4:5-6

In this final message of our Be the Light series, we’re wrapping up with a challenge: how do we speak the light of Jesus when the moment comes? We’ve talked about living lives that shine—like salt and light—and building real, trusting relationships with the people around us. But when someone asks about your faith, your story, or your hope—how can you be ready? This episode will help you prepare for those “no-brainer” moments. You don’t need all the answers—you need to know God’s story of hope, how it’s changed your story, and how to share it with gentleness, respect, and love. Let’s break out of our bubbles, listen well, and share the good news in real conversations. Because the world needs light—and Jesus shines through you.

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Relational and Intentional

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13

In week 3 of "Be the Light," we unpack what it means to be an incarnational missionary: someone who shows Jesus in everyday life so others can experience His love. The most valuable resource for being a light is your life and relationships. From Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, we explore how to genuinely care for people, let God use your daily life, earn the right of relationship, and trust God to do the rest. Don’t just bring the message—be the message.

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Salt and Light

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Matthew 5:13-16; Galatians 6:9

In week 2 of "Be the Light," we look at Jesus’ call to be salt and light in Matthew 5:13-16—people who preserve what is good and shine with His love in a way others can see. From kids to adults, we’re reminded that our faith is meant to be visible, not hidden. We confront the fear of standing out and learn how to live boldly and compassionately for Jesus. Whether standing against wrong or doing good for others, every act of faith matters. We make a difference when we live for Jesus in a way others can see.

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Lost and Loved

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: John 3:16-21; Matthew 9:35-38; Luke 15:1-24

In this kickoff to our “Be the Light” series, we explore the radical compassion of a God who doesn’t condemn the world but pursues it in love. Through John 3, Matthew 9, and Luke 15, we see that whether someone has wandered, hidden in shame, or ran in rebellion—God seeks them out to rescue, restore, and rejoice. Discover the beauty of being found—and the invitation to help others experience life in Jesus.

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Witness

Speaker: Jon Couser

Passage: Acts 1:8, James 2:14-26, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 6:12

Being an effective witness requires daily engagement with the Holy Spirit. Our witness matters because through a devoted life, we make the invisible God visible. Through our walk we will face battles and attacks because the forces we are fighting against are not flesh and blood, but powers and principalities of the spiritual realm. That is why it is so important to live a set apart life to display the evidence of the Holy Spirit and give credit to Jesus along the way! If your different way of life is shrouded in mystery about the source, you are falling short of being effective as a witness.

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Healing & Miracles

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Luke 4:18-19; Matthew 9:35; James 5:14-16

Healing isn’t just something Jesus did—it’s a sign and substance of God’s Kingdom breaking into our lives today. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus still heals, restores, and moves in power. In this teaching, we explore: why healing was central to Jesus’ ministry and his disciples, and how we engage healing today with faith, persistence, and obedience. God still heals—but it’s not a formula. Healing is a gift that points us to the greater hope: full restoration in Christ.

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Prophecy & Words

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Acts 2:17-18; 1 Corinthians 14:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

What if God wants to speak through you? In this teaching, we explore how the Holy Spirit gives us words to strengthen, encourage, and comfort others—what the Bible calls prophecy. It’s not about predicting the future but revealing God personally through Spirit-led words. Discover how to hear from God, share what you receive, and build others up with love and humility.

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Prayer & Discernment

Speaker: Sarah Taylor

Passage: John 10:1-5; 1 Kings 19:11-13; Psalm 37:23; Romans 12:2

In this week’s teaching, we explore the gift of spiritual discernment—the Spirit-empowered ability to recognize God’s voice, quiet the noise of the world, and take faithful steps in response. Drawing from passages like John 10 and 1 Kings 19, we see how God speaks both powerfully and gently, calling us into a life of daily listening and obedience. Whether through Scripture, subtle “God-nudges,” or a quiet whisper, the Spirit is always drawing us closer. This teaching invites you into a posture of listening prayer and reminds us: spiritual discernment begins when we tune our hearts to hear—and follow—God’s voice.

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Scripture & Truth

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Hebrews 1:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; John 16:7-15

In Week 2 of our “You Are Spiritual” series, we explore how engaging the Holy Spirit begins with grounding ourselves in God’s Word. The Bible isn’t just an ancient book—it’s God-breathed truth, alive and active, and the Holy Spirit is our guide to understanding and applying it in everyday life.

In this episode, we’ll walk through how we got the Bible, why we can trust it, and how the Spirit leads us into truth and wise-living. You’ll discover how the Spirit and the Word always work together to reveal Jesus, and why the Bible remains our trustworthy guide in every area of life.

You’ll also learn a practical tool for engaging Scripture daily called "Lectio Divina," an ancient practice to slow down and hear God speak through His Word.

Let’s become people formed by the Word and led by the Spirit.

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Invitation to a Spiritual Life

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Genesis 1:1-2; 2:7; John 20:21-22; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4; Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:22-26

Today we’re kicking off a brand-new series called "You Are Spiritual." Many of us long for more than just religious habits or church activity — we long to actually encounter with God. In this message, we’re unpacking what it truly means to be a spiritual person: not just someone with good vibes or mindfulness, but someone filled with the Holy Spirit, walking daily with God in surrender, obedience, and love.

We’ll explore how the Holy Spirit is not just a force, but a Person — the very breath and presence of God animating our lives from the beginning of creation until now. Being spiritual isn’t reserved for a few superior Christians; it’s the normal, beautiful invitation for everyone who follows Jesus.

Whether you feel uninformed, suspicious, self-reliant, or thirsty — there’s an invitation for you to experience the Spirit’s filling, forming, guiding, and empowering work in your everyday life.

This message sets the foundation for our six-week journey into engaging the Holy Spirit more deeply through Scripture, prayer, prophecy, healing, love, and witness.

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Resurrection Starts Here

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Mark 10:17-22; Mark 8:34-37; Philippians 3:7-8, Ephesians 1:19-20

What if resurrection wasn’t just something that happened to Jesus—but something He’s inviting you into today?

In this Easter message, we explore the powerful truth that resurrection is available now for those who surrender to Jesus. Drawing from stories of the first eyewitnesses and the teachings of Jesus, we uncover how the resurrection isn’t just the foundation of our faith—it’s the pattern for our lives.

Pastor Josh talks about a man who asked Jesus how to gain eternal life, only to find out it wasn’t about adding something new—but surrendering something old. You’ll be challenged to consider: What if the thing you won’t let go of is the very thing keeping you from the life God has for you?

Whether you’re exploring faith or have followed Jesus for years, this message will inspire you to lay down what’s holding you back and step into the new life Jesus offers.

Resurrection isn’t just for someday. Resurrection starts here.

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New Victory

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Ephesians 6:10-20

We close out our 11-week journey through Ephesians with talking about the Christian life is a battleground and a powerful call to stand. In a world where evil is often dismissed or redefined, Paul reminds us that there is a real enemy—and a real victory already won. In this teaching, we explore the armor of God, the unseen battle we’re all part of, and how we’re called to stand strong not in our own strength, but in God’s power. We're not fighting for victory—we’re fighting from it.

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