Life often shakes us to our core, leaving us hurting while trying to maintain appearances. In these moments, we need hope and the assurance that we can hold on when everything tells us to give up. Jesus serves as our great high priest who paid the ultimate price for our sins and stands in the gap before God where we could never stand. He understands our weaknesses because He lived among us for 33 years, experiencing every temptation yet remaining sinless. Through Christ, we have bold access to God's throne where we receive mercy instead of judgment and grace that strengthens us in our weakness. Even when we want to let go and quit, our great high priest holds onto us, never leaving or forsaking us.

Christmas presents us with a king unlike any other - Jesus, the perfect ruler our souls have been searching for. While Americans naturally resist kings due to their corruption and failures, Jesus came as the perfectly just, wise, and loving king prophesied for centuries. The wise men traveled 900 miles to worship him, recognizing his divine authority. Unlike earthly rulers who demand submission through force, Jesus first surrendered his life for us on the cross. He doesn't come to fit into our lives but to reign as the rightful king of our hearts, offering the perfect leadership our broken world desperately needs.

In a world that constantly tells us we're inadequate, believers must understand a fundamental truth: we are complete in Christ. Comparison is the thief of contentment, creating competition and insecurity in the church. According to Colossians 2:10, our completeness in Christ encompasses our salvation, significance, and divine strength. We are chosen, royal, and equipped with grace and favor as our secret weapons. When God places demands on us, He knows the resources He's placed within us. Just as Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed thousands, God can take our small offerings and do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think.

Our culture's obsession with personal happiness has created the most depressed and anxious generation in history, revealing a fundamental flaw in pursuing temporary fulfillment. Jesus offers a different path in John 15:9-11, promising complete joy rather than fleeting happiness. True joy is found in an eternal relationship with God, not in temporary things like money, success, or pleasure. The way to lasting joy comes through remaining in God's love by following His commands, which aren't restrictions but the environment where joy flourishes. Unlike happiness that depends on circumstances, Jesus' joy is unshakeable and eternal, rooted in the truth that we are so loved by God that we were worth the cross to Him.

This message from Philippians confronts one of culture’s most common beliefs: “Put yourself first.” But Scripture calls Christians to something completely different: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition… value others above yourselves.” This mindset isn’t natural—it’s supernatural. And it’s only possible when we adopt the mindset of Christ, who was first in every way yet chose to make Himself last. He became a servant, gave His life for sinners, and brought us—spiritually helpless—into God’s family. The gospel flips the world’s wisdom upside down. Jesus didn’t put Himself first; He put us first. Now believers are called and empowered to do the same, bringing life, unity, and joy wherever we go.

Licensed Professional Counselor Kristen Krauss talks about the importance of addressing mental health and breaking down the barriers that often keep people—especially within Christian communities—from seeking therapy. For many, there’s still a stigma around counseling, rooted in misconceptions that faith and professional help can’t work together. This conversation sheds light on how therapy can be a powerful tool for healing, growth, and living out a healthier walk with God.

Grace Talks is hosted by Pastor Joshua Hurlburt. Pastor Josh is the directional pastor of Grace United Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.

In a world filled with half-truths and partial realities, we desperately need to understand what real truth looks like. Truth isn't merely a concept or philosophy - it's a person, and His name is Jesus Christ. Unlike cultural opinions or trending ideas, God's truth doesn't change with time, culture, or popular opinion. People often reject truth not because it's unclear, but because it makes them uncomfortable and challenges their lifestyle. Truth serves as our compass, determining our direction, guiding our decisions, and shaping our destiny. When we build our lives on the solid foundation of God's truth, we experience stability, growth, and the blessing that God has planned for our lives.

The longer you stay in a multi-ethnic church, the more you'll have to give up. It's not about compromising biblical truth - it's about releasing cultural preferences you never knew you had. Are you willing to be uncomfortable for the sake of unity with believers who are different from you? The journey isn't easy, but it offers a glimpse of heaven's beautiful diversity.

Grace Talks is hosted by Pastor Joshua Hurlburt. Pastor Josh is the directional pastor at Grace United Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.