Explore every episode of the podcast Relevant Church Podcast

Celebrating 16 years of God’s faithfulness and looking ahead with faith for what’s next!

Join us as we celebrate 16 years of ministry at Relevant Church. In this special anniversary message, Pastor Carl shares eight things he’s proud of in our church and four things he hopes will define us over the next 16 years.

Behind every year are people, stories, and lives changed by Jesus.

Today, we honor what God has done, thank everyone who has been part of the journey, and look ahead to the church He is calling us to become.

Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or are just discovering Relevant, we’re grateful you’re part of the story. The next chapter is one we get to build together!

Share your favorite Relevant Church memory in the comments, and subscribe to stay connected with future messages.

#RelevantChurch #16Years #ChurchAnniversary #PastorCarlNichols

Welcome back to The Good Life Podcast! 🎙️

In this episode, Pastor Carl and Pastor Daniel tackle all things spooky. From Halloween and horror movies to demons, crystals, and horoscopes, they explore how Christians can navigate it all.

Should Christians celebrate Halloween? Where’s the line between harmless entertainment and something spiritually concerning? And how should believers approach practices that promise guidance, healing, or a glimpse into the future?

With honest conversation and a biblical perspective, Pastor Carl and Pastor Daniel explore questions that can be uncomfortable but deserve thoughtful discussion. It’s a conversation about discernment, the influences we allow into our lives, and following Jesus in a culture fascinated by the supernatural.

Join the conversation: Where do you draw the line?

Let us know in the comments, and subscribe for more episodes of The Good Life Podcast!

You believe in Jesus but can you explain why? When someone asks about your faith, are you ready to answer?

In “Ready to Answer,” part of our Truth Under Fire series, Pastor Carl Nichols explores how to understand what you believe and share it with gentleness and respect. From the unfolding story of the Bible to why Jesus had to die, this message helps you grow in conviction, deepen your understanding, and pass your faith on to the next generation.

In this message, discover how to:

• Know the Bible’s story: Creation, Fall, Promise, Jesus, and Restoration.

• Understand how the cross reveals God’s justice and mercy.

• Share your hope in everyday conversations.

• Build a home where questions about faith are welcomed and explored.

The faith you want to pass on must first take root in you.

📖 Key Scriptures: 1 Peter 3:15–16; Luke 24:17–27, 44–48; Romans 3:21–26; Deuteronomy 6:5–9.

Share this message with someone who wants to grow more confident in explaining their faith, and subscribe for more messages from Relevant Church.

#RelevantChurch #TruthUnderFire #ChristianFaith

Are you winning arguments but losing connection with your spouse?

Clayton King joins Pastor Carl Nichols on the Good Life Podcast for an honest conversation about marriage, conflict, and what it takes to build a relationship that lasts.

Drawing from their own marriages, they unpack how individualism threatens unity, why silence can create distance, and how vulnerability builds trust. They also explore one question that can change how you respond to your spouse: “Do you need support or do you need a solution?”

From understanding the weight your spouse carries to creating a home where your children see God and family prioritized, this episode offers practical encouragement for building a stronger marriage—and shaping the next generation.

Act Like You're Married Conference | Friday & Saturday, February 26-27, 2027

Act Like You’re Married is a two-day marriage conference designed to help couples reconnect, laugh together, grow together, and strengthen their marriage with practical, biblical wisdom for real life. Featuring Carl & Julie Nichols and Clayton & Sharie King, this weekend will bring honest conversations, encouragement, and practical tools to help you love your spouse well and build a marriage that lasts.

Register here: https://gorelevant.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3930076

💬 What’s one lesson marriage has taught you? Share it in the comments!

Subscribe for more conversations about faith, family, and living the good life.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Travel Adventures

02:32 Marriage Insights and Reflections

06:20 Individualism vs. Unity in Marriage

09:06 Conflict Resolution Strategies

22:29 Understanding Needs in Marriage

27:42 The Burden of Silence: Men’s Emotional Struggles

30:47 Building Trust Through Vulnerability

34:42 The Power of Encouragement in Marriage

39:38 Creating a Safe Space for Communication

41:52 The Impact of Family Dynamics on Children

47:23 The Next Generation’s Hunger for Truth

52:56 Investing in Marriage for a Stronger Future

#GoodLifePodcast #ClaytonKing #ChristianMarriage #MarriageAdvice #RelevantChurch

What if the world’s promised deliverer is actually its greatest deceiver?

In “The Counterfeit Kingdom,” Pastor Carl Nichols continues our Truth Under Fire series by exploring the warnings in Daniel 7 and Revelation 13 about the Antichrist, the false prophet, and a kingdom that demands the allegiance that belongs to God.

This message examines Islamic end-times expectations surrounding the Mahdi, Isa, and the Dajjal, comparing those beliefs with biblical prophecy and considering whether a future empire using Islam to justify its authority could fit the kingdom described in Scripture.

Discover why religious language, miraculous signs, and even the use of Jesus’ name must be tested against what Scripture teaches about His identity.

While the Antichrist’s identity remains a subject of debate, this message points to our certainty: Jesus Christ will be victorious.

The question isn’t simply whether you can recognize a false deliverer. Have you surrendered to the true One?

📖 Scripture: Daniel 7:15–25; Revelation 13:1–8; Matthew 24:3–8; 2 Thessalonians 2:8–12; Revelation 19:11–20.

Share this message and subscribe for more from Relevant Church.

#TruthUnderFire #BibleProphecy #EndTimes #RelevantChurch #CarlNichols

The Bible and the Quran mention many of the same people—but why do their stories differ so dramatically?

And what do those differences mean for the identity of Jesus and our need for a Savior?

In this episode of The Good Life Podcast, Pastor Carl Nichols and Shahriq Khan examine Islamic teachings from a Christian perspective, comparing accounts of Adam and Eve, Moses, Passover, Noah, and the crucifixion of Jesus. They also explore claims about the corruption of the Torah and explain why these questions matter when sharing the Gospel.

The conversation moves from theology to practical outreach: knowing what you believe, understanding what your Muslim neighbors believe, and turning that knowledge into meaningful conversations about Jesus.

Watch to the end for practical steps to help you engage with confidence, compassion, and biblical clarity.

Subscribe to The Good Life Podcast for more conversations about faith, culture, and living for Christ.

#TheGoodLifePodcast #ShahriqKhan #Christianity #Islam #Evangelism

The Bible warns of a final Antichrist, but it also says the spirit of antichrist is already at work.

How can we recognize it, and what does Scripture say about the man of lawlessness still to come?

In this message from Truth Under Fire, we look at the deception that distorts the identity of Jesus, replaces the gospel, and prepares the world for the final Antichrist. We also see how his power will end: Jesus Christ will overcome him at His coming.

The focus of biblical prophecy is not the greatness of the Antichrist. It is the absolute supremacy of Jesus Christ.

Scriptures: 1 John 2:18, 22; 1 John 4:3; Galatians 1:8; Daniel 7–8, 11; 2 Thessalonians 2:4–9; Revelation 13:7.

Why is Islam growing, and how should Christians respond?

Shahriq Khan joins Pastor Carl Nichols on The Good Life Podcast to discuss the spread of Islam, the importance of biblical literacy, conversations about faith with young people, and the church’s role in engaging Muslim communities. They also discuss immigration, politics, and why Shahriq believes Christians need to be prepared for thoughtful theological conversations.

This episode is an invitation to know what you believe, listen carefully, and engage others with conviction and love.

#GoodLifePodcast #ShahriqKhan #Christianity #Islam #BiblicalLiteracy

What happens when the teachings of Islam are examined through its own authoritative texts and compared with the teachings of Jesus?

In this message from our Truth Under Fire series, we examine passages from the Qur’an and Hadith concerning women, marriage, children, apostasy, unbelievers, war, and religious authority. We then contrast those teachings with the biblical picture of human dignity, freedom of belief, sacrificial love, and the Kingdom of God.

This message addresses difficult and sensitive subjects. Our purpose is not to promote hatred toward Muslims, but to examine Islamic teachings honestly while clearly presenting the truth and hope of the Gospel.

“The kingdom of God doesn’t advance by making our enemies bleed. It advances because Jesus bled for His enemies.”

Scriptures referenced include Galatians 3:28, Matthew 18:6, 1 Peter 3:7, 2 Timothy 2:24–25, and John 18:36.

Subscribe for more messages from Relevant Church and our Truth Under Fire series.

#TruthUnderFire #Islam #Christianity #Jesus #TheGospel #RelevantChurch

WE ARE BACK!! 🎙️

Welcome back to The Good Life Podcast — Session 3!

We’re excited to kick off this new season with a powerful three-part conversation featuring Evangelist and Founder of Christ Underground, Shahriq Khan.

In Part 1 of this three-part series, Shahriq shares his incredible testimony of how he encountered Jesus Christ while attending college as a Muslim. His life was radically transformed by the Gospel, and he now dedicates his life to bringing the Good News of Jesus to Muslims around the world.

This is a conversation about faith, transformation, truth, and the power of the Gospel to change lives.

You won’t want to miss this one!

The Good Life Podcast — Part 1 of 3 with Shahriq Khan.

Truth Under Fire – The Origins of Islam

Where did Islam come from, and how does its story compare with the biblical story of redemption?

In this message, we go back to Genesis and trace the story of Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac. We examine the covenant God established through Isaac, the promises made to Ishmael, and the historical origins of Islam through the life of Muhammad.

But this message goes deeper than history. It brings us to the central question of Christianity: Who is Jesus, and what does His resurrection mean?

From Abraham to Isaac, from Muhammad to the origins of Islam, and from the cave to the empty tomb, we will examine the differences between the biblical Gospel and the Islamic understanding of faith, revelation, and Jesus Christ.

In This Message

The promises God made to Abraham.

Ishmael and Isaac: blessing versus covenant.

The origins of Islam and the life of Muhammad.

The significance of Mecca, the Kaaba, and the Hijrah.

The biblical storyline from Abraham to Jesus.

The differences between 1 Corinthians 15 and Qur'an 4:157–159.

Why the resurrection of Jesus is central to the Christian faith.

Scripture References

Genesis 12, 15, 16, 17, and 21

1 Corinthians 15:3–8

Qur'an 4:157–159

The Central Question

Muhammad came with a message from a cave. Jesus came out of the grave with victory.

In Islam, they visit a cave because Muhammad was there. In Christianity, we visit the tomb because Jesus isn’t.**

The Christian faith stands on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Watch, listen, and examine the truth.

#TruthUnderFire #OriginsOfIslam #Christianity #Islam #Jesus #Resurrection #BibleTeaching #Apologetics

What happens when God asks you to take a step before you feel ready?

In this message, Pastor Daniel Foster challenges us to move beyond simply hearing God’s Word and actually do what it says. Following Jesus isn’t just about what we believe—it’s about what we do with what we believe.

Using James 1:22, 1 Kings 18, Joshua 1, and Matthew 4, Pastor Daniel shares three powerful lessons God has been teaching him about obedience:

1. JUST DO IT SCARED.

You don’t have to wait for fear to disappear before you obey. Sometimes faith means moving while fear is still talking.

2. JUST DO IT BEFORE YOU’RE READY.

God isn’t waiting on your readiness. He’s looking for your willingness. You don’t have to see ten steps ahead to take the step God has put in front of you.

3. JUST DO IT FOR THE ONE.

At one point, you were the “one.” Someone prayed for you, invited you, served you, gave for you, and said yes so that you could encounter Jesus. Now you have the opportunity to do the same for someone else.

The question is simple: What does “JUST DO IT” look like for you?

Don’t just listen.

Don’t just agree.

Don’t just wait.

Just do it.

📖 James 1:22

📖 1 Kings 18:21

📖 Joshua 1:9

📖 Matthew 4:18–22

#RelevantChurch #JustDoIt #Obedience #Faith #FollowingJesus #PastorDanielFoster

What does it look like for a church to truly be ALL IN together?

In Acts 11:27–30, the disciples responded to a need in Judea—and Luke tells us something incredibly

important: every disciple responded.

Luke doesn’t tell us who gave the most.

He doesn’t tell us who gave the least.

He doesn’t tell us who sacrificed the most or the least.

He simply tells us that every disciple played a part.

God doesn't ask everyone to give the same. He asks everyone to surrender the same.

In this final message of the All In series, Pastor Carl Nichols challenges us to consider our own response and reminds us that:

• Every Person Has a Part

• Every Gift Tells a Story

• Every Response Builds the Future

For sixteen years, we've been living in somebody else's generosity. Now we have the opportunity to become somebody else's miracle.

The only unfinished part of the All In series... is your answer.

What is God asking of you?

If you would like to go ALL IN and be part of what God is doing through Relevant Church, you can give here:

https://relevantchurch.cc/give/

#AllIn #RelevantChurch #Generosity #Faith #Church #Sermon #Acts11 #PastorCarlNichols

What kind of church do we want to become?

Not just a church that gathers more people but a church that sends more people.

In Acts 13, the church at Antioch gives us a powerful picture of what it looks like to be ALL IN with multiplication. They worshiped before they worked, released their best leaders, and trusted God with the future.

Healthy churches don't just grow. Healthy churches multiply.

For sixteen years, we've asked, “Who's coming with us?” Now, we're asking a different question: “Who are we willing to send?”

The mission is the same, but the map gets bigger.

In this message, Pastor Carl Nichols challenges us to stop measuring success by our seating capacity and start measuring it by our sending capacity.

📖 Acts 13:1–3

#AllIn #RelevantChurch #Multiplication #ChurchGrowth #Send #Acts13

What does it really mean to be ALL IN?

It’s easy to say, “I believe in the vision.” But what happens when believing requires sacrifice?

In this message, Pastor Carl Nichols challenges us to move from believing in the vision to being willing to sacrifice for the vision.

Acts 4 shows us a church that was completely surrendered—not just in words, but in their hearts, their possessions, and their priorities. They understood that everything they had ultimately belonged to God.

Surrender isn’t measured by what you give. It’s measured by what you withhold.

In this message, we discover three marks of a life that is truly ALL IN:

One Heart — Internal Surrender

Open Hands — External Generosity

Kingdom First — Kingdom Impact

The question isn't simply, “What am I willing to give God?”

The question is: “If everything belongs to God, what is He asking me to do with it?”

Are you ready to go ALL IN?

#AllIn #RelevantChurch #Sacrifice #Generosity #Surrender #KingdomImpact

What happens when people stop just attending church and start becoming the Church?

In Acts 2, we see a picture of a community that was completely devoted to Jesus and to one another. They grew together, did life together, helped one another, and lived with a shared purpose.

You can’t go ALL IN with Jesus and stay disconnected from His people.

In this message, Pastor Carl Nichols challenges us to move beyond simply being consumers of church and become people who are fully invested in community.

We are people helping people live out their purpose in Jesus Christ.

In this message, we discover three things the early church was devoted to:

• Growing Together — God develops things in us through relationships with others.

• Doing Life Together — You can be in a crowd and still not be in community.

• Helping Each Other — Instead of asking, “What do I have?” we begin asking, “How can what I have help somebody else?”

Since 2010, God has used Relevant Church to help thousands of people take steps toward Jesus:

• 36,033 people have attended Relevant Church

• 4,726 people have said YES to Jesus

• 3,132 people have been baptized

• 5,773 students have attended

• 1,087 people serve weekly

Every number has a name.

Every name has a story.

Every story matters to God.

“I’m All In for the One who went All In for me.”

Because people helping people changes people.

Jesus didn't just save you from something, He saved you for something.

In this message, "All In With the Mission," Pastor Carl Nichols walks through Acts 1:8 to answer three life changing questions:

• Who are we? – A people on mission together.

• Why are we here? – To help people live out their purpose in Jesus Christ.

• How do we do it? – Through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Gospel was never meant to stop with us. Every believer has been called, empowered, and sent to reach others with the hope of Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

Found people find people.

Helped people help people.

Changed people help change people.

People are the mission. Jesus is the answer. Our response is YES.

No matter where God has placed you—your home, workplace, school, or community—your "Jerusalem" is your starting point, not your destination.

If this message encouraged you, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who needs to be reminded that God has a purpose for their life.

Scripture: 📖 Acts 1:8

#RelevantChurch #AllIn #Mission #Acts1 #Jesus #ChristianMessage #Faith #Purpose #HolySpirit #Church #PastorCarlNichols

Jesus taught one of His most powerful parables in Mark 4—the Parable of the Sower. The seed is the same, but the condition of the soil determines the outcome.

In this message, Pastor Daniel explores four types of soil that represent the condition of our hearts:

• Hard Soil – Rejects what it can't control.

• Shallow Soil – Creates a temporary faith.

• Crowded Soil – Leads to a suffocated soul.

• Good Soil – Produces a fruitful life.

Many of us want the fruit of God's promises without allowing Him to work the ground of our hearts. Are we allowing worry, distractions, wealth, pain, or pride to choke out what God is trying to grow within us?

No matter where you find yourself today, there is hope. God is still in the business of transforming hard ground into good soil.

"Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown." — Mark 4:20

If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

#RelevantChurch #TheSeedAndTheSoil #Mark4 #Sermon #Faith #ChristianYouTube #BibleTeaching #FruitfulLife #Jesus #ChurchOnline

What if the season you're in isn't punishment... but preparation?

In this powerful message from our Summer Series, Dr. Chris Vaught unpacks the hidden years of Moses' life and reveals how God often develops us in the dark before He reveals us in the light.

Before Moses led a nation, he spent years in Midian. Before God used him publicly, He worked on him privately. The darkroom wasn't rejection—it was refinement.

In this message you'll discover:

• Why hidden seasons are often God's greatest work

• The difference between isolation and separation

• How God develops character before influence

• The Gershom Phase: When God builds you while nobody notices

• The Eliezer Phase: Learning that God is your help and strength

• Why your gifting may get you noticed, but your character determines how long you stay

"The darkroom doesn't mean you're forgotten. It means the image God is developing in you is too important to expose too early."

📖 Scripture:

Exodus 2:12-22

Exodus 18:4

#DevelopedInTheDark #SummerSeries #Moses #Faith #ChristianSermon #RelevantChurch #CharacterDevelopment #TrustGod #SpiritualGrowth #ChurchOnline

What is God's calling for my life?

It's one of the most common questions people ask, regardless of age, career, or season of life. In this message, we discover that God's calling isn't something you have to chase—it's something you grow into through a relationship with Him.

Through Ephesians 4, we'll see that before God calls you to DO something, He first calls you to BECOME someone. Your circumstances don't define your calling, your character does.

In this message you'll discover:

• Why your current season doesn't disqualify you from God's purpose.

• The difference between your purpose and your calling.

• Why "Who am I becoming?" is a better question than "What am I supposed to do?"

• How obedience positions you to walk in the unique assignment God has for your life.

• Why your greatest calling is simply belonging to Jesus.

No matter where you are today, God has created you for more. And before He calls you to a mission, He calls you into a relationship with Himself.

📖 Scriptures:

• Ephesians 4:1–4

• Micah 6:8

• Colossians 1:16

If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone searching for God's purpose in their life.

#Calling #Purpose #Jesus #ChristianSermon #Faith #RelevantChurch #Ephesians4 #PurposeInLife #RelationshipWithGod

Psalm 23 begins with a man overwhelmed by life—but it ends with a man completely confident in his Shepherd.

In this final message of the series, we discover why David could boldly declare, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." His confidence didn't come from an easy life—it came from years of experiencing God's faithfulness.

In this message you'll discover:

• Why spiritual maturity produces confidence instead of fear.

• What it really means for goodness and mercy to "follow" you.

• Why heaven is ultimately about the presence of God, not just a place.

• The greatest blessing David discovered after every valley, failure, victory, and season of life.

If you've ever wondered whether God is still with you, this message is a reminder that the Shepherd has been faithful in every season—and He isn't finished yet.

📖 Psalm 23:6

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this message with someone who needs the reminder that God's goodness is still pursuing them.

What if the greatest thing you could give your family isn't more money, more success, or even more time?

In the final message of our Overwhelmed series, Pastor Carl Nichols unpacks one of the most powerful verses in Psalm 23.

"You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." — Psalm 23:5

Before God ever asks you to pour into others, He wants to pour into you.

In this message, you'll discover:

Why identity always comes before responsibility.

How the Shepherd heals the wounds you can't reach.

What it means to live from overflow instead of emptiness.

Why your family experiences whatever is filling your heart.

The legacy every father—and every believer—should strive to leave.

A full cup blesses you.

An overflowing cup blesses everyone around you.

Whether you're a parent, a leader, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this message will encourage you to stop striving and allow the Good Shepherd to fill your life first.

📖 Scripture: Psalm 23:5

👍 If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it today.

What if peace doesn't come when the battle is over, but when God shows up in the middle of it?

In Week 5 of our *Overwhelmed* series, Pastor Carl Nichols unpacks Psalm 23:5a and reveals a powerful truth: God prepares a table for His people while their enemies are still present. The miracle isn't that the struggle disappears—the miracle is that God provides peace, provision, and fellowship right in the middle of it.

In this message, you'll discover:

• How God's providence is always ahead of you

• Why God prepares blessings before He asks anything from you

• The significance of the table as a symbol of covenant and protection

• What it means to experience peace in the presence of your enemies

• Why your circumstances don't determine God's faithfulness

No matter what you're facing today, God is not catching up to your situation—He's already there, preparing the way.

📖 Psalm 23:5a – "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies."

Your enemies may still be present, but they are no longer in charge. God's purposes are never threatened by His enemies, and His peace is available even in the middle of the battle.

#RelevantChurch #Psalm23 #Overwhelmed #PastorCarlNichols #Faith #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #GodsPeace #Providence #ChurchOnline #Hope #Encouragement #Psalm23Series

Have you ever found yourself in a season you never saw coming?

In Part 2 of Overwhelmed, Pastor Daniel Foster walks through Psalm 23 and reminds us that valleys are a reality of life, but they are never our final destination.

When circumstances feel heavy, confusing, or overwhelming, God’s presence remains constant.

In this message, you'll discover:

• Why valleys are temporary

• How to keep moving when faith feels difficult

• What it means to trust God through uncertainty

• Why God's presence matters more than having all the answers

• How courage can exist even when fear is present

Sometimes God gives peace before He gives perspective. Sometimes He gives presence before He gives answers.

The valley may test your faith, but it can also become the place where trust in Jesus grows deeper than ever before.

📖 Psalm 23

#Psalm23 #Overwhelmed #TheValley #FaithOverFear #TrustGod #Sermon #ChurchOnline #ChristianMessage #HopeInHardTimes #Jesus

Have you ever looked at your life and wondered, "How did I get here?"

In this message, Pastor Carl Nichols continues our Overwhelmed series by unpacking Psalm 23:3 and revealing a powerful truth: everybody ends up somewhere, but very few people end up somewhere on purpose.

Just because you've been restored doesn't mean you no longer need direction. Like sheep, we were never designed to lead ourselves. The Good Shepherd sees what we cannot see, knows where every path leads, and faithfully guides us toward what is best.

In this message you'll discover:

✅ Why your life is moving in the direction of what you're following

✅ How to recognize the Shepherd's voice, pace, and direction

✅ The difference between right paths and destructive paths

✅ Why God sometimes leads you the long way around

✅ How God's faithfulness is connected to His character and promises

If you've been feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or stuck at a crossroads, this message will help you trust the Shepherd who sees the destination even when you can only see the next step.

Psalm 23:3

"He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake."

#RelevantChurch #Psalm23 #ThePath #Overwhelmed #Faith #ChristianLiving #TrustGod #PastorCarlNichols #Sermon #ChurchOnline #GoodShepherd #BibleTeaching #ChristianMessage

Welcome to the final episode of Season 2 of The Good Life Podcast! What a season it has been. We’ve had so many meaningful conversations, powerful moments, and incredible growth along the way, and we’re ending this season with a conversation that so many of us desperately need: REST.

Today, Pastor Carl and Pastor Julie continue our journey through Psalm 23 as they dive into what it really means to rest well. They share honest stories from seasons where they embraced healthy rest and saw the impact it had on their lives, relationships, and ministry. They also open up about times when they ignored the need for rest, pushed too hard, and experienced the toll it took on themselves and the people around them.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, emotionally drained, or like you’re constantly running on empty, this conversation is for you. Rest isn’t weakness — it’s part of God’s design for our lives.

This episode is real, encouraging, practical, and full of wisdom. Stick around to the end — we believe this conversation could genuinely change the way you view rest, rhythm, and your relationship with God.

🎧 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder to slow down and breathe.

Life can feel overwhelming.

The pressure, the noise, the expectations, the constant running — eventually it catches up to all of us. In this message, “The Pasture,” Pastor Carl Nichols walks through Psalm 23:2-3 and reveals how God responds to exhausted people.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.”

So many people are functioning publicly while quietly falling apart privately. We rest physically, but our souls are still anxious, restless, and exhausted. But God’s response to weary sheep is not more pressure — it’s pasture.

In this message, we explore:

• Why rest is often a trust issue

• How unhealthy things can slowly starve your soul

• What true peace actually looks like

• Why God cares more about your condition than your productivity

• How the Shepherd restores exhausted people

No matter how chaotic life feels right now, Jesus still leads people beside quiet waters.

Peace is possible.

Restoration is possible.

Your soul does not have to stay overwhelmed.

Scripture: Psalm 23:2-3

If this message encouraged you, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who’s carrying more than they were meant to.

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, exhausted, or spiritually drained? Psalm 23 isn’t just poetry — it’s a declaration of dependence on the Shepherd who leads, protects, restores, and provides.

In this message, Pastor Carl Nichols breaks down one of the most powerful verses in Scripture: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

This sermon will challenge you to ask one life-changing question: Who is leading you?

Discover why:

• Peace comes from surrender

• Contentment is found in God’s presence

• Sheep get in trouble when they drift

• God’s direction matters more than His protection

• A well-shepherded soul is a peaceful soul

If you’ve been carrying stress, fear, confusion, or the pressure to control everything yourself, this message is for you.

#Psalm23 #Overwhelmed #Jesus #Faith #Sermon #ChurchOnline #ChristianMotivation #Hope #TrustGod

Most people think the book of Ruth is a romance story… but it’s actually one of the clearest pictures of Jesus in the entire Old Testament.

In this episode of The Good Life Podcast, we unpack the powerful biblical concept of the Kinsman-Redeemer and discover why Boaz was never the final hero of the story… Jesus was.

From Naomi’s emptiness to Ruth’s redemption, every moment points forward to Christ:

• Boaz redeemed a family line… Jesus redeems your life.

• Ruth was an outsider… yet God brought her into His story.

• What looked like loss was actually the setup for redemption.

If you’ve ever felt forgotten, empty, disqualified, or stuck in chapter 1 of your story, this episode is for you.

Your Redeemer is already standing in chapter 4.

📖 Scriptures Mentioned:

Ruth 2–4

Leviticus 25

Deuteronomy 25

John 1:14

John 10:18

1 Corinthians 6:20

John 19:30

🔥 Subscribe for more conversations about faith, culture, leadership, and living The Good Life.

#TheGoodLifePodcast #BookOfRuth #JesusInTheOldTestament #Boaz #Redemption #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #Faith

Life can fall apart without warning.

Loss. Waiting. Disappointment. Unanswered prayers.

In this powerful Mother’s Day message, Pastor Carl Nichols walks through the story of Ruth and Naomi to reveal one life-changing truth:

God is faithful — even when you can’t see it.

Maybe you feel stuck in Chapter 1 of your story… but God is already working in Chapter 4.

This sermon will encourage anyone walking through grief, uncertainty, waiting seasons, or moments where God feels silent. Through every chapter of Ruth, we see that God never stopped working behind the scenes.

📖 In this message:

• God is faithful when life falls apart

• God is faithful when you can’t see it

• God is faithful through ordinary faithfulness

• God is faithful in the ending you didn’t expect

No season is wasted. No faithfulness goes unseen. And your story isn’t over.

🕊️ “You may be in chapter 1, but God is already in chapter 4.”

What if the story of the Bible is one big restoration plan?

In this episode of The Good Life Podcast, we uncover a powerful connection most people miss—from Genesis to Acts to the return of Christ.

At the Tower of Babel, humanity was scattered, languages were confused, and division took over.

But in Acts 2 at Pentecost… something incredible happened.

🔥 Languages were understood

🔥 Nations were gathered

🔥 The Holy Spirit empowered the Church

This wasn’t random—it was a reversal.

And it doesn’t stop there.

➡️ Babel scattered the nations

➡️ Pentecost began gathering them

➡️ Jesus’ return will fully unite them

This episode breaks down how the entire Bible points to one mission: God restoring what was broken—and using us to be part of it right now. If you’ve ever wondered how the Old Testament and New Testament connect… this will change how you see everything.

👇 In this episode:

The connection between Genesis 11 and Acts 2

Why Pentecost is only the beginning

The real meaning of the “blessing of Abraham”

How YOU play a role in God’s plan today

Everyone wants to know when Jesus is coming back… but what if we’ve been asking the wrong question?

In this message, Pastor Carl Nichols breaks down Acts 1 and reveals a powerful truth: Jesus didn’t call us to sit and speculate—He called us to GO.

Before His ascension, Jesus made it clear: “It is not for you to know the times or seasons…”

Instead, He gave a mission. 🔥 In this message, you’ll discover:

Why Jesus hasn’t returned yet

The real meaning behind “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth”

How comfort is killing your calling

Why your faith has to work outside of church

What actually matters when Christ returns

This isn’t about decoding headlines or predicting dates… It’s about living on mission right now.

We’re not just waiting on the return of Christ—we’re working until the return of Christ.

👇 Be honest:

Where are you stuck?

Avoiding your Jerusalem?

Settling in Judea?

Resisting Samaria?

Forgetting the ends of the earth?

Because when Jesus returns… it won’t matter how much you knew.

It will matter what you did.

In this episode of The Good Life Podcast, we continue the conversation on the end times and the return of Christ—and yeah… this one went a little off the rails (in the best way).

We got real, we got unfiltered, and we tackled some things most people avoid: deception, false messiahs, viral theology, and why so many predictions keep missing the mark.

This isn’t just another end-times talk. It’s a wake-up call.

Trust me—you don’t want to miss this one.

What did Jesus actually teach about His return… and why are there so many views on the end times?

Today, Pastor Carl Nichols dives into Matthew 24, the meaning of Parousia, the debate around the rapture, and where some modern end-times beliefs came from. Was Christ’s return meant to be understood as a secret disappearance… or the public arrival of a King?

We explore:

What Christians historically agree on about the return of Christ

Why end-times confusion exists

Dispensational vs Early Church views explained

The meaning of Parousia, Harpazō, and Apantēsis

The origins of modern rapture theology

Why readiness matters more than date-setting

This conversation may challenge what you’ve heard—and deepen your hope in the return of Jesus.

“We’re not caught up to disappear… we’re caught up to welcome a returning King.”

👇 Drop a comment: What were you taught about the end times?

What if the biggest threat in the end times isn’t chaos… but deception?

In this episode, we break down one of Jesus’ most overlooked warnings from Matthew 24 — “Watch out that no one deceives you.” Before He ever talked about signs, wars, or disasters, He pointed to something far more dangerous: false truth.

From failed predictions by figures like Harold Camping and past movements that got it wrong, to today’s “platform prophets” driven by algorithms and viral influence — deception hasn’t disappeared… it’s evolved.

We also explore something most people avoid: how Islam’s end-times narrative compares to Christianity. With figures like the Mahdi, Isa (Jesus), and the Dajjal, the similarities are striking — but the differences are eternal.

Same names. Completely different truth.

⚠️ This conversation matters more than you think:

– Why people fall for end-times predictions

– How fear fuels false belief

– The rise of viral theology and curated truth

– How to actually stay grounded in a world full of noise

If you’re chasing signs, you’ll miss it. If you follow Jesus, you’ll be ready.

👉 Don’t build your faith on predictions.

👉 Don’t build your faith on personalities.

👉 Build your faith on the One who has never been wrong.

#EndTimes #BibleTruth #Discernment #JesusIsKing #FaithOverFear

What if the signs everyone is watching… aren’t actually meant to predict the end?

In this message, we break down what Jesus really said about the end times—and it’s not what most people think. From the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 to the chaos we’re seeing in the world today, Jesus didn’t give us a date… He gave us a warning.

⚠️ The signs don’t tell us when—they tell us to be ready.

In this sermon, you’ll discover:

What Jesus already predicted (and how it came true)

Why wars, chaos, and deception are NOT the end

The biggest danger most people overlook

What will actually happen when Christ returns

Why this should give you hope—not fear

This isn’t about guessing timelines.

It’s about being ready for the King.

📖 Key Scriptures:

Luke 21 : Matthew 24

If Jesus got the first part right… He’s going to get the final part right.

What if everything you thought about the end times was wrong? In this episode, we uncover truths that most people ignore—and it might challenge everything you believe.

We dive deep into:

The real meaning behind everything going in our world today.

What most people are missing

Personal stories + unexpected moments

Watch until the end… the last part will hit different.

👇 Let us know in the comments: Do you agree or disagree?

👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations like this

What if everything you thought about the end times was missing the main point?

Instead of confusion, fear, and endless debates… the Bible gives us something much clearer: Jesus is coming back—and when He does, it won’t be close.

In this message, we break down what believers have agreed on for generations and what actually happens when Jesus returns. No speculation. No guesswork. Just truth straight from Scripture.

🔥 Here’s what you’ll discover:

Why the end is not a mystery… but a guaranteed victory

What really happens the moment Jesus appears

The 4 beliefs the early church all agreed on

Why the timeline matters less than your readiness

The defining moment every person will face

This isn’t about predicting dates. This is about being ready.

Because when Jesus comes back:

Everyone will see it

Evil will be defeated instantly

Judgment will happen

And His Kingdom will last forever

👉 The question isn’t when it happens…

👉 The question is: Will you be ready when it does?

What comes to mind when you hear “end times”?

Is it fear… confusion… or scenes straight out of movies and books?

In this episode, we’re breaking down the truth behind the end times—and why so many people (including us) have misunderstood it.

We talk about:

How modern culture shaped our view of the end times

Why the early church saw things differently

The real story behind teachings like the rapture

Where ideas like Left Behind actually came from

And what we can actually be certain about—Jesus will return

This isn’t about fear—it’s about clarity.

Over the next few weeks, we’re diving deep into Scripture, unpacking different perspectives, and challenging assumptions you may not even realize you have.

👉 Whether you’re confused, curious, or just want the truth… this series is for you.

What if Easter wasn’t about becoming a better version of yourself…

but becoming a completely NEW person?

In this powerful message, “Free Indeed,” we unpack the truth behind John 8:36 — that real freedom isn’t something you earn… it’s something Jesus already finished.

Too many people are still living:

stuck in sin

weighed down by shame

unsure how to actually live free

But the resurrection changed everything.

This message walks through:

✔ Freedom from sin (you’re not a slave anymore)

✔ Freedom from shame (your past doesn’t get a voice)

✔ Freedom to live (the life you were actually created for)

Based on powerful truths from Ephesians, Romans, and Hebrews, this message will challenge what you thought Easter was all about.

👉 Jesus didn’t come to make bad people better.

👉 He came to bring dead people to life.

Some of you don’t need another Easter… you need a resurrection.

Most people jump straight to Good Friday and Easter Sunday… but skip everything in between. And that might be the mistake.

In this episode, we walk through each day of Jesus’ final week—from the celebration of Palm Sunday to the betrayal, the temple confrontation, the garden surrender, and ultimately the cross.

The shocking truth? The same crowd that shouted “Hosanna” was rejecting Him just days later. Why?

Because they wanted a Savior… just not the one Jesus came to be.

👉 They wanted freedom from Rome

👉 Jesus came to free them from sin

👉 They wanted a crown

👉 Jesus brought a cross

And honestly… we still do the same thing today.

This conversation will challenge the version of Jesus you may be following—and reveal what it actually means to surrender, not just celebrate.

🔑 In This Episode:

Why Palm Sunday is more dangerous than you think

The real reason Jesus flipped tables in the temple

The difference between celebrating Jesus and submitting to Him

How Judas drifted long before he betrayed Jesus

Why the cross wasn’t Plan B—it was perfectly timed

What it actually looks like to be spiritually ready

If you’ve ever wanted Jesus to fix your situation… but resisted letting Him change your heart—this one’s for you.

👉 Don’t just skip to the ending. Walk the week.

What if the problem in your marriage isn’t your feelings… but your patterns?

In this message, we break down 3 powerful, biblical decisions that can completely transform your intimacy, connection, and sex life in marriage. Most couples are waiting to feel something different—but God’s design shows us a better way.

If your marriage feels stuck, distant, or just “off”… this conversation might be exactly what you need.

👉 Here’s what you’ll discover:

Why patterns—not feelings—are shaping your marriage

The dangerous lie culture teaches about intimacy

How intentional pursuit can reignite connection

What the Bible really says about sex, marriage, and priority

📖 Key Truth: You can’t bring cultural patterns into a covenant relationship and expect kingdom results.

This message dives into powerful passages like Romans 12, Ephesians 5, 1 Corinthians 7, and Proverbs 5 to reveal God’s design for marriage and intimacy.

💡 If your thinking doesn’t change, your intimacy won’t either.

🔥 3 Decisions That Will Transform Your Marriage:

Replace unhealthy patterns

Make pursuit non-optional

Prioritize what actually matters

Whether you’re struggling in your marriage or just want to strengthen it, this message will challenge the way you think—and give you practical steps to move forward.

👍 Like, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs it.

#Marriage #Relationships #Faith #ChristianMarriage #Intimacy #BiblicalTruth

Welcome back to The Good Life Podcast — and today, we’re going LIVE.

This is Part 2 of “The Conversation Couples Need to Have” — and we’re going even deeper into the real, honest, and sometimes uncomfortable conversations that every marriage needs.

Nothing is off the table.

Join us LIVE as Pastor Carl and Pastor Julie talk through practical truth, biblical perspective, and real-life wisdom to help you build a stronger, healthier relationship.

💬 And this time, you’re part of the conversation.

Whether it’s about communication, intimacy, conflict, or anything in between… ask it.

This is the conversation couples can’t afford to avoid.

#Marriage #Relationships #ChristianMarriage #TheGoodLifePodcast #LivePodcast

Most people think they’re Christians… but what if they’re wrong?

In this message, Clayton King tackles one of the most important questions you could ever ask: How do you know you’re truly saved?

So many people build their faith on misconceptions:

“I’m a good person”

“I was raised in a Christian family”

“I love everyone”

“I go to church”

But none of those guarantee eternal life.

The Bible gives a clear answer:

“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9

In this sermon, you’ll discover:

✔ What real salvation actually looks like

✔ The difference between religion and true faith

✔ How to know with confidence that you have eternal life

This isn’t about guessing.

This is about KNOWING.

👉 Watch until the end and ask yourself the question that matters most:

Do I really know Jesus… or have I just been around Him?

#Christian #Faith #Salvation #Jesus #Church #Bible #ClaytonKing

The Conversation Couples Need to Have

This might be the most important—and most uncomfortable—conversation we’ve had on the podcast.

After this week’s message, we realized something: A lot of couples aren’t struggling with love… they’re struggling with intimacy.

In this episode, Carl and Julie open up about the real challenges couples face, the lessons they’ve learned over the years, and practical ways to rebuild connection in marriage.

We’re talking about the things most couples avoid:

• Why intimacy can feel frustrating or painful

• The real reason many couples feel disconnected

• How men and women approach intimacy differently

• The silent killers of intimacy (that no one talks about)

• And simple, practical ways to start reconnecting

God designed intimacy to strengthen your marriage—not strain it.

But without communication, intention, and pursuit… it can quickly become a source of distance instead of connection.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why you might not actually have an intimacy problem

How emotional connection impacts physical connection

The role communication plays in a healthy marriage

Practical steps to rebuild closeness starting today

📖 Key Scripture:

Genesis 2:24 – “The two shall become one flesh”

❤️ Whether your marriage is thriving or struggling, this conversation is for you.

What if the biggest threat to your marriage isn’t an affair… money… or even conflict?

What if it’s unlimited access to you.

In today’s world, everything demands your attention — work, phones, social media, coworkers, family expectations, and constant distractions. And when everyone has access to you, your spouse often gets whatever is left.

Most marriages don’t collapse in one dramatic moment. They slowly erode through a thousand small permissions.

A little more access here.

A little less protection there.

Late nights at work.

Private conversations.

Phones that become more guarded than the relationship.

And before anyone realizes it, the boundaries that once protected the marriage are gone. In this episode of The Good Life Podcast, we talk about how to build healthy boundaries that protect your marriage and family so they don’t just survive — they thrive.

We cover:

• Why boundaries are protection, not rejection

• The vineyard principle that explains how marriages slowly deteriorate

• The 6 areas where every marriage needs boundaries

• Why busyness is quietly starving relationships

• How social media and phones are impacting marriages

• Emotional boundaries that protect against affairs

• Financial transparency that builds trust

• Practical boundaries every couple should implement today

We also walk through biblical wisdom from Romans 12:1–2 on living differently than the patterns of the world — including in our marriages.

If you want a stronger marriage, healthier relationships, and a thriving family, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.

👇 Let us know in the comments:

What boundary has helped your marriage the most?

Subscribe for more conversations about faith, family, and living The Good Life.

We’ve Got Issues | Boundary Issues | Carl Nichols

In this message from our We’ve Got Issues series, Pastor Carl Nichols talks about one of the biggest challenges in modern marriages: boundaries. Culture constantly tries to shape how relationships work, but God’s Word calls us to something better. When boundaries are unclear or ignored, marriages often drift toward what culture says is normal instead of what God designed. In this message, we explore six areas where marriages commonly struggle with boundaries and how Scripture helps us protect what matters most.

Looking for the homework? Head here: https://www.myrelevant.cc/boundaries

Romans 12:1–2 reminds us not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

Topics covered in this message:

In-law boundaries

Work & time boundaries

Digital & electronic boundaries

Emotional & opposite-sex boundaries

Financial boundaries

Sexual boundaries

Healthy boundaries are not about rejection—they are about protection.

When we intentionally establish them, we create space for trust, intimacy, and a marriage that honors God.

Boundaries don’t limit love—they protect it.

Why do healthy couples still fight?

It’s not always a love problem. Most of the time… it’s a wiring problem. in this episode of The Good Life Podcast, we break down The Five Temperaments (Simplified) and how understanding your internal processing style can completely transform communication in your marriage. Conflict isn’t optional. Avoidance is.

And avoidance always leads to distance, assumptions, and resentment. Using biblical wisdom like Ephesians 4:26 and James 1:19, we explore why unresolved anger becomes poison — and how emotionally healthy engagement builds peace instead of tension.

You’ll learn:

• Why communication breaks down over time

• The 5 temperaments and how each processes conflict

• Why your spouse isn’t wrong — just different

• A practical communication model that actually works

• How to take a healthy “time out” without creating distance

• How to repair quickly and build lasting connection

The Five Temperaments:

• Choleric – The Driver

• Sanguine – The Expressor

• Phlegmatic – The Peacekeeper

• Melancholic – The Analyzer

• Supine – The Servant

Two imperfect people doing life together daily is a recipe for conflict — especially with kids, stress, and unmet expectations.

But peace isn’t built through silence. It’s built through effort. If this helps you, share it with someone who needs it.

Let’s build marriages that engage — not avoid.

Nobody talks about this part of relationships. The real issue isn’t compatibility. It isn’t communication. It’s selfishness.

In this message, we unpack how culture has shaped marriage around advantage, legacy, and control — and how the Gospel completely flips that mindset upside down. Walking through Romans 12:9–10, we’ll look at what it actually means to love sincerely, honor one another, and dismantle selfishness in our relationships.

If you’ve ever felt tension, pride, or power struggles in your marriage or dating relationship… this one’s for you.

Watch until the end — this might challenge you.

When does Julie feel most loved?

When does Carl feel most respected?

And what does it actually mean to “submit” in marriage?

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood passages in the Bible; Ephesians 5 — and unpacking what love, respect, headship, and submission really mean in context.

We explore:

• How marriage worked in the Roman world

• The five modern patterns of marriage we fall into

• Why the Gospel dismantles selfishness

• What “submit to one another” actually means

• The difference between domination and devotion

• The real meaning of agape love and biblical respect

The world’s pattern of marriage asks: What do I get? The Gospel’s pattern asks: What can I give?

And at the end… we ask each other questions we didn’t prepare for. No rehearsed answers. No editing the emotion. Just real conversation. If you’re married, engaged, dating, or just trying to understand what biblical marriage really looks like, this conversation is for you.

Love isn’t chemistry.

Respect isn’t fear.

Marriage isn’t negotiation.

It’s covenant.