Searchlight Fellowship Podcast

NKJV Theme verses: Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 53:5 - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Ephesians 2:4-10 - 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Romans 10:9-11 - 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."

NKJV Theme verses:  Psalm 145:5 - I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, And on Your wondrous works. Matthew 7:7-8 - 7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Luke 4:18 - "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;

NKJV Theme verses:  1 John 1:3-4 - 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.  Isaiah 40:28-29 - 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Matthew 11:28-30 - 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

NKJV Theme verses:  John 17:3 - And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. Jeremiah 32:17 - 'Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You. Hebrews 12:2 - looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 - For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

Dating Tips: The Roles of Husband and Wife. What Men Like, What Women Like. Dos and Don'ts on Dating.   

To kiss or not to kiss: Petting, Masturbation, and Programming Your View of Sex.

God's design for sex. The cost of having sex before marriage. God can restore what you have lost. Don't I need to try out sex before I get married? If we are engaged, can't we just have sex? 

Grieving past hurts. Not all pain is equal. Why don't people grieve if it's so good? 

Let your "Yes" be "Yes" and your "No" be "No." God has boundaries. Respecting other people's boundaries. Boundaries are not walls. Saying what you desire. 

Boundaries are limits. Learn to speak up for yourself. Emotional and physical boundaries. 

Self Control. Guarding Your Heart. Should you be Exclusive? 

Honesty. Be who you are. Don't avoid conflict 

Negotiables/Non-negotiables. Red Flags. False Hope. Dating Believers vs. Unbelievers  

Two types of dating. Trustworthy People/Untrustworthy People. Trust & Trustworthiness  

Know yourself before you date. How do you find the real you?

Why Date and When to Date. Dating vs. Friendship. 

Benefits of dating: What is in the Bible about dating? Preparation for marriage is so important. Aspects of marriage. Mature love vs. new love euphoria. Dating in the Bible. Communication Skills. 

HE IS RISEN! Pastor Nancy boldly teaches about the power of the resurrection of Christ and how it radically transforms lives, and is worthy of much celebration and joy! She also points out that the crucifixion is by far the most detailed account in scripture. 

In this closing series teaching, Pastor Nancy powerfully shares that working to be good enough will always lead to envy, pride, shame, and feeling like we don't measure up, but God sent Christ to pay the price for us, which leads to grace. 

Pastor Nancy examines the life of the Apostle Paul as a "pattern" of God's long-suffering and grace. From his time as a persecutor of the church to his miraculous transformation and subsequent ministry, Paul's story shows that no past is too dark for God. Pastor Nancy discusses how an encounter with Christ immediately softens the heart and enables a life of miracles and peace.

Pastor Nancy explores the profound simplicity of salvation and the "New Birth," emphasizing that God sent His Son not to condemn the world, but to save it . This teaching clarifies the transition from death to life and the assurance we have when our names are written in the Book of Life .

This episode focuses on the comfort found in our eternal hope, looking forward to a time when God will wipe away every tear and there will be no more pain or death . Pastor Nancy discusses the promise of a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells and our bodies are fully redeemed .

Pastor Susan shares the encouraging truth that there is nothing Jesus cannot heal and no one beyond His reach . From the brokenhearted to the captive, this episode explores how the Gospel brings liberty and breaks the chains of shame, fear, and addiction .

Using the multi-generational story of Joseph, Pastor Nancy examines how to respond to betrayal and hurt without hardening your heart . Discover how letting God's Love in provides the strength to choose forgiveness and see obstacles from His perspective!

In this session, Pastor Nancy teaches on the "metamorphosis" that occurs when we stop conforming to the world and start renewing our minds . Learn how to build new neural pathways based on God's Word to change automatic thoughts of failure into thoughts of victory and peace .

Pastor Nancy continues the series by focusing on the reality that you are already forgiven, with your transgressions removed as far as the East is from the West . This episode breaks down the barriers of religious self-righteousness, illustrating through the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin that God is actively fighting for you!

In this introductory episode of the "BECOME NEW" series, Pastor Nancy explores the powerful promise that if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation where old things have passed away . We dive into the importance of forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to the future God has planned—a future filled with peace, hope, and the end of captivity . Pastor Nancy discusses how moving away from our own "broken cisterns" and instead coming to Christ allows us to find true rest and a peace that surpasses all understanding!

Episode 9: The Power of Christ Fear does not have the final word over our lives because God made a way for us to live in power, love, and a sound mind through Jesus Christ. In this final episode of the series, we are reminded that the story of Jesus is woven throughout Scripture and that His coming made something radical possible: real closeness with God. Through Christ, God is not distant or unreachable. He is with us, connected to us, and present in our everyday lives. Pastor Nancy teaches how Jesus became the bridge between humanity and God, not through our goodness, but through grace. This episode centers on the truth that anyone who believes in Christ can be made new, forgiven completely, and brought into deep fellowship with God and with one another. The power of Christ brings transformation, lasting joy, and a fresh start, inviting every listener to say yes to a life filled with hope, peace, and real connection with God.

Episode 8: Perfect Love Casts Out Fear Fear has a way of showing up in our closest relationships, shaping how we protect ourselves, hold back, or try to control outcomes. In this episode, we look at how fear is not removed by effort or self defense, but by receiving something stronger. God's agape love is not weak or passive. It is powerful, intentional, and fearless, and Scripture tells us that this kind of perfect love drives fear out completely. Lead Pastor Nancy teaches how taking in God's love and choosing to give it changes the way we relate to others and to God. Drawing from 1 John and 1 Corinthians, this episode unpacks what agape love really is, why it never fails, and how living from God's love allows us to walk without fear, with confidence, boldness, and freedom in every relationship.

Power, Love, Sound Mind Episode 7: The Power of the Holy Spirit There is a kind of power that does not come from effort or self improvement, but from what God places inside us. In this episode, Lead Pastor Nancy teaches on the gift of holy spirit and why awareness of this gift changes everything. Because of what Christ accomplished, believers no longer have to live in fear or distance from God. The gift of holy spirit brings power, clarity, and a deeper experience of God's love. Nancy walks through Scripture to explain how this gift became available after Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension, and why receiving it is based on believing, not works. This teaching reveals God's plan for Christ to dwell in us, giving us spiritual discernment, confidence, and access to the power of God at work in our lives today.

Power, Love, Sound Mind Episode 6: The Power of Giving Thanks Thankfulness is far more powerful than we often realize, especially in moments when fear, anxiety, or uncertainty feel overwhelming. In this episode, Lead Pastor Nancy teaches that giving thanks is not about pretending circumstances are good, but choosing gratitude in the middle of them. Scripture shows that thanksgiving directly confronts anxiety, quiets fear, and opens the door to supernatural peace that goes beyond understanding. Gratitude is not a feeling we wait for, but a discipline that actively reshapes our hearts and minds. Nancy walks through the story of Daniel, who consistently prayed and gave thanks even when his life was at risk. His gratitude and integrity became a visible witness of God's power, not through force or control, but through faithfulness and trust. This teaching reminds us that when we thank God in every circumstance, we begin to see His love more clearly, think more soundly, and experience peace that does not depend on outcomes. Giving thanks shifts our focus from fear to faith and helps us recognize how present and powerful God truly is.

Power, Love, Sound Mind Episode 5: A Sound Mind Feeling stuck in anxious or spiraling thoughts can start to feel normal, but it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, we explore how a sound mind is something God actually makes available to us, even when our emotions or circumstances feel overwhelming. Worship Pastor Susan Chung leads this teaching, building on last episode's focus on believing God's Word by showing how renewing our minds brings discipline, clarity, and peace. Susan breaks down how God's Word helps interrupt negative thought patterns and replace them with truth that leads to life and stability. Rather than being ruled by fear or feelings, we can learn to guard what we dwell on and consistently choose truth, allowing new, healthier patterns to form over time.

Power, Love, Sound Mind Episode 4: The Power of Believing God's Word God's power is not distant, theoretical, or reserved for a select few. In this episode, Lead Pastor Nancy Berwid teaches that the power of God is actively at work in those who believe His Word. Scripture makes it clear that faith grows, strengthens, and produces results when God's Word is received as truth and applied to real life. Rather than fear, doubt, or human limitation defining what is possible, believing God's Word opens the door to confidence, stability, and spiritual power that does not waver when circumstances change. This teaching highlights how faith is built through daily practices that root believers deeply in truth, including prayer, meditation, fellowship, generosity, and helping others know Jesus. Nancy points to the early church as a model of what happens when a community believes God together, showing that miracles, growth, and transformation followed their shared commitment to God's Word. As we choose God's Word over the world's voices, renew our minds, and live out what we believe, we position ourselves to experience the power, love, and sound mind God has always intended for us.

Power, Love, Sound Mind Episode 3: The Power of Grace Grace is one of the most talked about ideas in Scripture and one of the hardest truths for people to actually live from. In this episode, Lead Pastor Nancy Berwid teaches that grace is not just forgiveness, but the unearned favor of God that meets us in weakness and empowers real change. Many people default to a works based mindset, believing they need to get better before coming to God. This teaching gently but clearly flips that order, showing how religion rooted in performance leads to shame, pride, and distance from God, while grace leads to humility, freedom, and transformation. Nancy unpacks what grace truly is, what it is not, and why receiving it is essential to spiritual growth. Grace is a gift that must be received, not achieved, and when we renew our minds to God's goodness, it becomes the very power that enables change from the inside out. Rather than excusing sin, grace exposes it safely, heals it deeply, and fuels a life of growing freedom. As we take in God's grace, we are also called to give it freely, becoming people who live strong, rooted, and transformed by the power of Christ at work within us.

Power, Love, Sound Mind Episode 2: Believing God Loves You In this episode, Lead Pastor Nancy Berwid centers the conversation on a truth that reshapes everything else in our lives: God's love is not something we earn, prove, or generate from within. It is something we receive. Many people live stuck in fear, shame, or striving because they are unsure whether God is truly for them, especially in their weakest or most broken moments. This teaching invites listeners to step out of a performance based view of faith and into the reality of being deeply and unconditionally loved by God. Nancy unpacks how believing God loves you is foundational to experiencing power, freedom, and a sound mind. God's love is not dependent on our goodness, our consistency, or our past. Through Christ, we are reconciled, rooted, and filled, learning to let love in rather than trying to manufacture it ourselves. When this truth moves from head knowledge to lived belief, it transforms how we see ourselves, how we relate to God, and how we live each day with confidence, peace, and hope.

Power, Love, Sound Mind Episode 1: Introduction Many people are living exhausted, anxious, and overwhelmed, not because they lack ability or effort, but because fear has quietly taken control. In the opening episode of the new series Power, Love, Sound Mind, Lead Pastor Nancy Berwid begins by naming this reality and pointing to a different way of living that God makes possible. She introduces the core truth of the series by exploring how fear can imprison us and how God offers something radically different: power, love, and a sound mind. Pastor Nancy emphasizes that this power does not come from within ourselves, but from trusting in God's strength and wisdom. As we renew our minds and learn to live rooted in God's love, fear begins to lose its grip. This first episode sets the foundation for the entire series, inviting listeners into a journey of transformation and reminding us that real change is possible in our thoughts, relationships, and everyday lives when we lean into who God is.

Episode 9: The Power of Christ In the final episode of Love Life to the Max, Lead Pastor Nancy Berwid brings the series to a meaningful close by focusing on the power of Christ and the freedom God offers in place of fear. She highlights how Jesus came to restore our relationship with God, making it possible for us to live connected to Him in a deep and personal way. This teaching emphasizes that our confidence, peace, and new life do not come from self effort or religious performance, but from what Jesus has already done on our behalf. Pastor Nancy reminds listeners that Christ came for those who feel broken, weary, or unsure, offering forgiveness, renewal, and lasting joy. Through faith in Jesus, we are invited into a transformed life marked by love, hope, and a sound mind. As the series concludes, this episode encourages anyone, no matter where they are in their journey, to receive the freedom and new beginning that comes from saying yes to Christ.

Episode 7: God Wants You to Have an Awesome Sex Life Sex is God's idea. Surprised? Pastor Nancy Berwid reminds us that the One who made love itself also designed intimacy to be something sacred, life-giving, and worth talking about. Pastor Nancy Berwid tackles the topic head-on, reminding us that God designed sex, called it good, and intended it to bring joy, intimacy, and commitment. The world often distorts that picture, turning it into something casual or shame-filled, but Scripture shows us sex as a gift that bonds two people together for life. Through her own story, Nancy shares how God can restore brokenness, heal past hurts, and help couples build real connection. Whether you are single or married, she encourages us to see sex as part of a healthy, God-centered relationship that takes intention, communication, and care. God's vision for sex is not about guilt or rules but about freedom, closeness, and love that lasts.

Episode 6: The Power of the Tongue Have you ever noticed how a single word can either heal a heart or break it? Lead Pastor Nancy Berwid explores the incredible power of our words, teaching how they carry life and death, shaping relationships, faith, and even the direction of our lives. What comes out of our mouths begins in the heart, so renewing our minds with God's truth is essential. Scripture reminds us that tone, honesty, and speaking life-giving words matter deeply, because words can either build up or tear down, bring peace or stir up anger. Nancy encourages us to train our words with prayer, humility, and Scripture so that what we say brings healing, encouragement, and faith. A soft answer can turn away anger, and boldly confessing God's promises out loud strengthens our faith and transforms our thinking. By choosing words that align with God's truth, we can speak life into our homes, workplaces, and communities, becoming people who heal and inspire rather than harm or discourage.

Episode 5: Never a Loss Brings Freedom In this episode, Worship Pastor Susan Chung shares how true freedom comes from receiving and giving God's love, even in relationships that feel unsafe or one-sided. She explains that when we let God's love fill us first, we can love others without fear, obligation, or burnout because our source is Him, not people's responses. Susan points to Jesus' example of loving outcasts and enemies to show that no act of love rooted in God's heart is ever wasted. Trusting God keeps us safe while loving boldly and wisely, and this love renews rather than drains us. Giving as Christ did leads to freedom, peace, and a life that never runs out of compassion.

Episode 4: Speaking Up and Boundaries Have you ever held something in because you were afraid of how the other person might react? In this episode, Lead Pastor Nancy Berwid unpacks how speaking up honestly and lovingly can transform our relationships. She shows that truth in love is not about nitpicking or keeping score, but about creating closeness and building trust. Nancy explains why it matters to make requests openly instead of expecting others to guess what we need, and how boundaries protect what belongs to us (our time, values, choices, and emotions) without trying to control anyone else. She also highlights the importance of gentleness, humility, and affirming relationships even during difficult conversations. Speaking up is not about pushing people away but about being for the relationship. Done with love, it creates safety, reduces distance, and allows us to experience the deeper connection God designed for us.

Episode 3: Trust and Trustworthiness How do you know when someone is truly safe to trust? In this episode, Pastor Nancy walks us through the difference between extending forgiveness and extending trust. Trust isn't something to give away lightly. It is something earned over time through patterns of honesty, humility, and responsibility. We explore what trustworthy behavior looks like, how to recognize red flags in relationships, and how guarding your heart isn't about building walls but building wisdom. Whether you're rebuilding trust or learning how to offer it wisely, this episode invites us to do both with clarity and courage.

Episode 2: Doing Your Part in Relationships What if the biggest breakthrough in your relationship came not from waiting on someone else to change but from changing yourself? In this episode of Love Life to the Max, Pastor Nancy challenges us to focus on what we can control: our own thoughts, actions, and responses. Instead of blame or withdrawal, we are invited to grow in humility, self-awareness, and emotional responsibility. Whether you are navigating dating, marriage, or friendships, doing your part means showing up with courage, grace, and boundaries. Let's get into it!

Pastor Nancy powerfully kicks off the Love Life to the Max series by sharing that with God, it's possible to have amazing relationships no matter your history! God can heal and redeem any part of your life. 

Episode 9: Free from Fear What would your life look like if fear didn't hold you back? In this final episode of Set Free, Lead Pastor Nancy Berwid shares how fear—whether it's anxiety about the future, fear of rejection, financial pressure, or just the sense of not being "enough"—can quietly shape our decisions and steal our peace. She opens up about a personal moment in her marriage to illustrate how fear can surface even in our closest relationships, and how trusting God shifts everything. Through scripture and real-life examples, Nancy shows how fear loses its grip when we choose to believe God's promises and build our lives on His truth. This episode unpacks the difference between just hoping things will work out and having real faith. It's about choosing what you feed your thoughts with and surrounding yourself with the kind of fellowship that keeps your spirit strong. If fear's been whispering lies into any part of your life, this teaching will remind you that you have a choice—and that freedom is already yours. Let's finish the series by stepping boldly into the peace God offers.

Episode 8: Set Free Financially What if the path to financial peace wasn't about how much you earn, but how much you trust? In this episode, Lead Pastor Nancy Berwid explores what true financial freedom looks like through a biblical lens. From navigating debt and spending habits to embracing generosity and the practice of tithing, this teaching reminds us that money is not just a practical issue—it's deeply spiritual. Nancy shares practical tools alongside powerful scripture to help shift our mindset from fear to faith. Whether it's building discipline, learning contentment, or honoring God with your first fruits, each step becomes an opportunity to invite God into your finances. This episode offers hope and clarity for anyone feeling the pressure of money struggles and reminds us that putting God first brings peace, provision, and freedom.

Episode 7: Free from Anger and the Freedom in Forgiving Can anger ever be a good thing? This episode unpacks the difference between righteous anger, the kind that fuels justice, and the destructive kind that traps us in bitterness and resentment. Pastor Nancy shares how unchecked anger can mask deeper emotions like fear and insecurity, keeping us from experiencing the peace and freedom God wants for us. She explores how forgiveness isn't about minimizing hurt or blindly trusting again, but rather about releasing the weight of past wrongs and stepping into the grace we've already received. And as she shares a personal moment from her own marriage, when a heated phone call left her husband fearful she'd walk away, she reminds us that even in our messiest moments, grace and reconciliation are always possible. Through biblical truth and practical steps, this teaching invites us to let go, trust God's justice, and find true strength—not in holding onto anger, but in choosing to forgive.

Episode 6: From Shame to Grace! Shame has a way of keeping us stuck, believing we are defined by our past or our shortcomings. But what if we could be set free? In this episode, Host Mentor Patty Vazquez explores the power of God's grace to heal even the deepest shame—the kind that lingers from our mistakes, our fears, or even the circumstances we had no control over. She shares how stepping into God's presence brings freedom, reminding us that His love is not based on what we do but on who He is. Through scripture and personal reflection, Patty unpacks how shame is never from God, but grace is always His answer. Whether it's past failures, insecurities, or hidden struggles, we don't have to carry them alone. Freedom comes when we stop hiding, boldly approach God, and let His truth restore us. Because no matter where we've been or what we've believed about ourselves, His grace covers it all.

Episode 5: Never a Loss! Brings Freedom What if loving others, even those who aren't safe, didn't have to cost you peace? Worship Pastor Susan Chung Beaudry unpacks how agape love, God's supernatural, unwavering love, allows us to give without depletion and care without compromise. She shares how true freedom isn't found in avoiding difficult people but in trusting that God's love is enough to sustain and protect us. We see this in Jesus, who loved without fear even when faced with rejection, betrayal, and opposition. Susan reminds us that loving others isn't about people-pleasing or enduring toxic relationships but about staying connected to the limitless love of Christ. When we rely on His love rather than our own, we gain a peace that the world can't take away no matter the circumstances.

Episode 4: Freedom to Love – Part 1 What does it really mean to love wisely? Too often, we find ourselves trapped in toxic relationships—giving trust too soon, staying in unhealthy dynamics, or allowing others to shape our self-worth. In this episode, Pastor Nancy explores what it means to set healthy boundaries, guard our hearts, and build trust where it's truly earned. She challenges the idea that trust should be given automatically, highlighting the importance of discernment in our relationships. Through scripture and real-life examples, we break down the traits of safe and unsafe people, the power of humility over self-righteousness, and how owning our flaws leads to true connection. Nancy also touches on the ways we deceive ourselves—like justifying dishonesty, even when the truth would have led to the same outcome. As we walk in God's love, we're called not only to recognize who is trustworthy, but to become trustworthy ourselves.