BEYOND SUNDAY Introduction: The Myth of Absolute Control We are taught to be masters of our own destiny, to fix our problems through sheer willpower. The word "surrender" often feels like weakness—an admission of defeat. In a culture that prizes self-sufficiency, the idea of turning over control to anyone, or anything, can seem irresponsible and a final blow to our pride. But what if this deeply ingrained belief is wrong? In the context of recovery, personal growth, and discipleship,...

We're walking through the 12 steps of AA and other recovery programs right now. These steps have been utilized for coming up on 100 years, and there's tremendous validity to them. But here's what I want you to understand: I'm not just talking to addicts or alcoholics. I'm talking to each one of us who has chosen the path of discipleship. Because at the heart of these 12 steps is the message of the gospel. When Nothing Else Works In Mark chapter 5 we meet a woman who was at her wits' end, at...

BEYOND SUNDAY Introduction: The Loop We All Get Stuck In We’ve all been there: stuck in a destructive pattern, promising ourselves that this time will be different, only to find ourselves right back where we started. Whether it’s a bad habit, a toxic relationship, or a cycle of negative thinking, we eventually face the humbling reality that sheer willpower isn’t always enough to break free. The 12-Step program is famous as a path for addiction recovery, but its wisdom extends far beyond that...