Next Level Church - Charlotte

Supernatural: Why What You Don’t See Matters - Week 4

Have you ever wondered why certain struggles in your life feel disproportionately difficult? Why some battles seem to drag on far longer than they should? Why prayers that should have simple answers take months or even years to resolve? The answer might be more than circumstantial—it might be supernatural.

In week 4 of our series "Supernatural: Why What You Don't See Matters," Lead Pastor Clay Monkus pulls back the curtain on spiritual warfare and reveals a truth that changes everything: you're not fighting alone. When you pray, heaven responds. God's supernatural help is already at work on your behalf, even when you can't see it yet.

Through the lens of Ephesians 6:10–18 and Daniel 10:12–13, you'll see that spiritual warfare isn't just a metaphor—it's the unseen reality behind many of the battles you face. Daniel's story reveals that from the moment he began to pray, heaven was already fighting for him. But unseen spiritual forces delayed the answer for 21 days. The battle was real, but so was heaven's response.

This message will equip you with practical tools to stand firm in spiritual strength. You'll learn how to put on the full armor of God, recognize when you're in a spiritual battle, and trust God's supernatural help even when you can't see immediate results.

If you're tired of fighting in your own strength, this episode will give you hope and practical guidance. The unseen realm is active, the battle is real—but heaven is fighting for you.

Cutting Room Floor Episode 3 - Divine Council

In this episode, Clay and Christian unpack one of the most fascinating and misunderstood ideas in Scripture—the Divine Council. What is it? Who’s in it? And what does it reveal about God’s rule, evil, and our place in the story?

Drawing from Dr. Michael Heiser’s research in The Unseen Realm and Scripture itself, they explore how the Bible consistently shows God working through a heavenly family—spiritual beings who serve His purposes—and how rebellion in that realm still affects ours.

More importantly, they talk about what it means for us today: how Jesus reclaimed authority, why we don’t have to live afraid, and how understanding the unseen world actually deepens our trust in God’s goodness.

If you’ve ever had questions about angels, demons, or what’s really happening in the supernatural story of the Bible—this one’s for you.

Supernatural: Why What You Don’t See Matters - Week 3

The unseen realm isn't empty, and it's not neutral. It's filled with spiritual beings—some fiercely loyal to God, others in open rebellion against Him. And the cosmic conflict between them has been shaping human history from the beginning.

In week 3 of our series "Supernatural: Why What You Don't See Matters," Christian Nichles explores one of Scripture's most fascinating and misunderstood themes: God's divine council. Through Psalm 82:1–2, we see that God presides over spiritual beings and brings judgment when they fail in their assignments. And in Revelation 12:7–9, we witness a war in heaven where Michael and the angels defeat the dragon and his rebellious forces.

But this isn't ancient mythology or symbolic poetry—it's the biblical reality behind the spiritual battles we face today. Understanding who's loyal to God and who's working against Him isn't just interesting; it's essential for discerning truth, resisting deception, and aligning yourself with God's purposes.

This message will challenge the way you read Scripture and equip you to see the bigger story at work. You'll learn how to recognize the players in the unseen realm and why that awareness changes how you pray, how you fight, and how you live out your faith.

If you've ever wondered about the spiritual forces at work behind the scenes of your life, this episode will give you clarity and confidence to stand on the right side of the battle.

Supernatural: Why What You Don’t See Matters - Week 2

Demons dominate pop culture—from horror films to streaming series to late-night speculation. But somewhere between Hollywood's obsession and the Church's silence, we've lost sight of what's actually true. Are demons real? Should Christians be afraid of them? And what authority do we actually have in the spiritual realm?

In week 2 of our series "Supernatural: Why What You Don't See Matters," Lead Pastor Clay Monkus addresses these questions head-on with biblical clarity and pastoral wisdom. Through Luke 10:17–20 and Colossians 2:15, you'll see that while demonic forces are real, they've already been defeated at the cross. Their power isn't dominion—it's deception.

When Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities, He didn't just win a battle. He won the war. And He's given His followers authority to stand firm in His name, not cowering in fear or living in constant spiritual paranoia.

This message will help you navigate spiritual opposition with confidence and truth. You'll learn how to discern the enemy's tactics without being consumed by fear or fascination. Because the goal of the Christian life isn't to obsess over darkness—it's to walk in the light and victory that's already ours in Christ.

If you've ever wondered how to think biblically about demons, spiritual warfare, or your authority as a believer, this message is for you.

 

What About Demons? - Cutting Room Floor

Week 2 of our #Supernatural series goes to the “cutting room floor.” Clay Monkus and Christian Nichles unpack what Scripture says about evil spirits vs. demons, why the New Testament shows a spike in demonic activity, and how influence (not jump scares) is the enemy’s favorite tactic. We talk Genesis 6, Nephilim, Jesus’ arrival as a true invasion, the difference between being demonized and pop-culture “possession,” and why the unseen realm often operates like a legal system—giving footholds when we agree with lies. Most importantly: followers of Jesus fight from victory, not for it. We get practical with prayer, fasting, setting spiritual boundaries at home, and using our God-given authority with calm confidence. If nights are anxious, start with the Nighttime Prayer for Peace and speak Jesus’ name out loud.

Supernatural: Why What You Don't See Matters - Part 1

There's more to reality than what you can see, touch, or measure. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible assumes an unseen spiritual realm—a world filled with God's purposes, loyal spiritual beings, and very real opposition. But in our modern world, most of us live as if only the physical realm matters. We've lost sight of the bigger story.

In this opening message of our new series "Supernatural: Why What You Don't See Matters," Lead Pastor Clay Monkus pulls back the curtain on what Scripture actually teaches about angels and the supernatural world. You'll discover that God's heavenly family has been at work since before humanity was created—and now we're invited into His earthly family mission.

This isn't just abstract theology. The unseen realm actively shapes what happens in your life, your struggles, and your purpose. Ignoring it doesn't make it less real. But seeing it clearly? That changes everything about how you walk out your faith.

Whether you're skeptical, curious, or somewhere in between, this message will challenge the way you view your everyday battles and open your eyes to the cosmic story you're already part of.

Angels - Part 1 of the Supernatural Series Cutting Room Floor Discussions

In this episode, Clay Monkus and Christian Nichles dive deeper into the world behind the world—the unseen realm the Bible talks about but most of us never really explore. Building on Sunday’s message about angels, they unpack what Dr. Michael Heiser called “the divine council worldview”—a picture of God’s creation that’s bigger, stranger, and more alive than we often imagine.

Together, they explore what angels actually are—the different kinds of heavenly beings the Bible describes, what they do, and how there’s order and rank within God’s unseen family. It’s a fascinating, faith-stretching conversation that helps you see the supernatural world the way Scripture does—and why that changes how we live in this one.

Why Do I Keep Doing This? - Week 5

"We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

Welcome to the final episode of "Why Do I Keep Doing This?" In this powerful conclusion, Pastor Christian Nichles brings us a message that will forever change how you see yourself and your struggles: Nothing can separate us from the love of God—and nothing can overpower the Spirit in us.

Through Colossians 1:15-20, we'll lift our eyes to see the cosmic reality of who Christ is—the visible image of the invisible God, the One through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together. This isn't just theology; it's the foundation of your victory. If this Christ lives in you through His Spirit, then no cycle, no habit, no struggle is too powerful to overcome.

Over the past five weeks, we've journeyed from understanding sin's power to discovering the Spirit's greater power. Now we arrive at the triumphant truth: you are more than a conqueror. Not because of your strength, but because of whose you are and who lives in you.

This finale will anchor your soul in the unshakeable love of God and remind you that the Spirit within you is greater than anything working against you.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. May you walk forward in the freedom, power, and victory that are already yours in Christ.

Why Do I Keep Doing This? - Week 4

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

This is the moment we've been building toward. In Week 4 of "Why Do I Keep Doing This," Lead Pastor Clay Monkus unveils the answer to breaking free from the cycles that have held us captive: Life in the Spirit.

Through Romans 8:1-17, we discover that the Spirit empowers us to walk free from sin's grip. After weeks of understanding the problem—sin as a power, our powerlessness through self-effort, and the futility of trying harder—we finally arrive at the solution. The Spirit doesn't just encourage us or give us good advice; He actually empowers us to live in the freedom Christ purchased for us.

This message explores what it practically looks like to live Spirit-empowered lives—free from condemnation, free from defeat, and walking in real victory. No more white-knuckling your way through struggles. No more shame when you fall short. Just the liberating power of God at work in you.

If you've been waiting for hope, here it is. The Spirit is ready to do what you could never do on your own.

Join us for this pivotal message as we discover how to actually live in the freedom Jesus won and the Spirit makes possible.

Why Do I Keep Doing This? - Week 3

"I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." Ever felt like Paul when he wrote those words?

In Week 3 of our series, Lead Pastor Clay Monkus tackles a hard truth: The real problem isn't lack of effort—it's that sin is stronger than self-effort. No matter how hard you try, willpower alone will never be enough.

Through Romans 7:14-25, we'll dive into Paul's honest struggle and discover why "trying harder" keeps leaving us frustrated and defeated. This isn't a message about giving up—it's about recognizing that the battle requires a power greater than our own.

If you've been exhausted by your own efforts to change, if you've wondered why good intentions keep falling short, this message will help you see why self-effort was never meant to be the solution. There's a better way forward, but it requires surrendering our need to be strong enough on our own.

Stop trying to muscle your way to freedom. It's time to discover the power that actually works.

#WhyDoIKeepDoingThis #TryingHarder #Romans7 #SelfEffort #SpiritPower #Surrender #ChurchSeries

Why Do I Keep Doing This? | Week 2: Dead, but Still Dangerous

Feeling defeated by the same cycles? Here's a truth that changes everything: you're not powerless.

In Week 2 of "Why Do I Keep Doing This," Lead Pastor Clay Monkus tackles a crucial reality—at salvation, sin loses its legal claim on us, but it still tries to act like it's in charge. Through Romans 6:1-14, we'll explore what it means to live like you're truly free.

Sin may keep trying to boss you around, making you feel helpless and defeated, but the truth is it has no real authority over you anymore. The struggle isn't about gaining power you don't have—it's about learning to live in the freedom you already possess in Christ.

This message will help you understand your true identity and give you biblical insight into why you're not the powerless victim sin wants you to believe you are. Whether you're battling old habits, wrestling with guilt, or feeling stuck in familiar patterns, this episode offers hope and practical truth.

You have more power than you realize. It's time to start living like it.

Join us as we continue this journey toward understanding our struggles through Scripture and discovering how to walk in the victory Jesus has already secured.

Why Do I Keep Doing This?- Week 1: How Did We Get Here?

"I don't really understand myself. I want to do what's right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate." Sound familiar?

Welcome to our new series, "Why Do I Keep Doing This: How to Stop the Cycle You Can't Seem to Quit." In this opening message, Lead Pastor Clay Monkus tackles the foundational question: How did we get stuck in these cycles in the first place?

Through Romans 5:12-21, we'll explore how sin isn't just about our individual choices—it's a power that invaded the world and now works against us. Understanding this truth changes everything about how we view our struggles and sets the stage for discovering real freedom.

If you've ever wondered why you keep falling into the same patterns despite knowing better, this message offers biblical insight and hope. Join us as we begin this journey toward understanding mental health through the lens of Scripture and discovering the Spirit's power to set us free.

Whether you're listening while commuting, working out, or just need encouragement in your daily walk, this series is designed to meet you where you are and point you toward the freedom Jesus has already won.

Mental Health: Finding God's Hope in the Struggle | Part 4

What do we do with the reality that even Jesus experienced crushing emotional pain? Christian Nichles concludes our series by exploring Matthew 26:36 and Jesus's agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, where the Son of God was "deeply grieved, even to death" and asked His friends to stay with Him in His darkest hour.

Jesus's experience in the garden shows us that emotional struggle isn't a sign of weak faith—it's part of the human experience that even God Himself entered into and understood.

In this final message, you'll discover:

• How Jesus models honest prayer in times of overwhelming distress
• Why community matters when we're struggling mentally and emotionally
• The hope we have because Jesus walked through anguish and emerged victorious

This series is for anyone wrestling with anxiety, depression, or fear—and for those who love someone who is hurting.

About the Series: This seriece explores mental health through Scripture, showing that God doesn't shame us for our weakness—He meets us in it.

If you're struggling, please reach out to a counselor or mental health professional.

Mental Health: Finding God's Hope in the Struggle | Part 3

What happens when God doesn't answer our prayers the way we want? Christian Nichles explores 2 Corinthians 12:9, where Paul begged God three times to remove his "thorn in the flesh," only to receive this response: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Paul's experience teaches us that sometimes God's answer isn't healing—it's sustaining grace. This doesn't mean we stop seeking help or give up hope, but that we can find strength even in our ongoing struggles.

In this message, you'll discover:

• How to find peace when prayers for healing seem unanswered
• What it means that God's power is perfected in our weakness
• The difference between cure and grace in our mental health journey

This series is for anyone wrestling with anxiety, depression, or fear—and for those who love someone who is hurting.

If you're struggling, please reach out to a counselor or mental health professional.

 

Mental Health: Finding God's Hope in the Struggle - Part 2

What do you do when everything you love is stripped away? Christian Nichles explores Job 1-2, where we encounter a man who lost his children, health, and wealth in a matter of days—yet continued to wrestle with faith in the midst of unthinkable suffering.

Job's story reveals that profound loss and mental anguish aren't signs of spiritual failure. Sometimes faithful people experience devastating circumstances beyond their control.

In this message, you'll discover:

• How to process grief and loss without losing faith
• Why suffering doesn't mean God has abandoned you
• The difference between toxic positivity and genuine hope

This series is for anyone wrestling with anxiety, depression, or fear—and for those who love someone who is hurting.

About the Series: "Life Under the Broom Tree" explores mental health through Scripture, showing that God doesn't shame us for our weakness—He meets us in it.

If you're struggling, please reach out to a counselor or mental health professional.

Mental Health: Finding God's Hope in the Struggle - Part 1

What do you do when you've reached your breaking point? In this inaugural episode of our "Life Under the Broom Tree" series, Christian Nichles opens 1 Kings 19 to reveal a side of the prophet Elijah we don't often talk about—the moment when this giant of faith completely fell apart.

Fresh from his dramatic victory on Mount Carmel, Elijah finds himself running for his life, collapsing under a broom tree, and begging God to let him die. Sound familiar? You're not alone. Mental health struggles have been part of the human story since the beginning, and God's response to Elijah reveals profound truths about how He meets us in our darkest moments.

In this honest and compassionate message, you'll discover:

• Why even spiritual victories can lead to emotional crashes
• How exhaustion affects our perspective and decision-making
• God's gentle, practical approach to caring for those who are struggling
• The difference between God's presence and the quick fixes the world offers

This series is for anyone who has wrestled with anxiety, depression, burnout, or overwhelming fear. It's also for those who love someone who is hurting and want to understand how to help.

Join us as we explore what it means to find hope and healing under life's broom trees, knowing that God doesn't shame us for our weakness—He meets us in it.

About the Series: "Life Under the Broom Tree" is a biblical exploration of mental health, examining how Scripture addresses anxiety, depression, and emotional struggle with honesty and hope. Through the stories of Elijah, Paul's teachings on renewing our minds, and Jesus' own wrestling in the Garden of Gethsemane, we'll discover that our mental health matters deeply to God.

If you're struggling with mental health, please reach out to a trusted friend, counselor, or mental health professional. You don't have to walk this journey alone.

 

Why Church? - Part 4

What did the early church have that made people say "I want to be part of that"? What if we could experience the same kind of community that changed the world?

In this final week of our "Why Church?" series, Pastor Joseph McMurry takes us back to Acts 2 to discover why he loves the church through God's original blueprint. This isn't about nostalgia—it's about understanding what made the early church so compelling and how we can experience that same kind of transformative community today.

Church was never meant to be a service you watch; it's a people we become.

 

Why Church? - Part 3

What if the church offered something you couldn't find anywhere else? The chance to be part of something bigger than yourself and relationships that are ready before the storms of life hit?

In Week 3 of our "Why Church?" series, Pastor Bradley Medford gets personal about why he loves the church. This isn't about obligation—it's about discovering the irreplaceable value of being connected to something greater and building relationships that matter when life gets hard.

Church was never meant to be a service you watch; it's a people we become.

Why Church? - Part 2

If Jesus loves the church, shouldn't we? What if understanding Jesus' heart for the church could change everything about how we see our place in it?

In Week 2 of our "Why Church?" series, Christian Nichles explores why Jesus is so passionate about the church. This isn't about obligation—it's about discovering what Jesus sees in the church that makes it precious to Him.

Church was never meant to be a service you watch; it's a people we become.

Why Church? - Part 1

In a world where everything feels optional, what if church wasn't just good for you—what if it was essential to becoming who God made you to be?

Christian Nichles launches our "Why Church?" series by exploring what the church truly is (and isn't) according to God's design. This isn't about guilt or attendance—it's about discovering why the church is irreplaceable in your spiritual transformation.

Church was never meant to be a service you watch; it's a people we become.