In this sermon, Brian G. Hedges explores the spiritual discipline of contemplation, defined as the soul’s deep “gaze on the beauty and glory of God,” as illustrated in Psalms 27 and 63. He argues that contemplation reorients the believer’s heart toward communion with God beyond mere activity or duty. He explains why this practice is essential: for inner transformation into Christlikeness, for deep spiritual satisfaction, and as preparation for the vision of God for eternity. Finally, he offers practical guidance on how to cultivate contemplation through desire, intention, focused attention, adoration, perseverance, and dependence on the Spirit — inviting listeners to incorporate this practice into their daily walk with God. Outline:

(9:05) 1. What Is Contemplation?

(22:00) 2. Why Do We Need It?

(29:28) 3. How Do We Practice It? Six ways:

• (29:56) Desire
• (33:12) Intention
• (35:05) Focus
• (37:03) Adoration
• (38:12) Perseverance
• (42:13) Dependence

(43:47) Conclusion

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Psalm 86 calls believers to practice spiritual “recollection” — a disciplined, honest self-examination before God that gathers the fragments of our hearts and souls into wholeness. Brian Hedges shows how, through honesty about our needs and trust in God’s mercy, we can reorient from distraction, disorientation, and fragmentation toward clarity, unity, and intimacy with God. This message encourages regular reflection and soul-reconciling prayer so that our inner lives become grounded, integrated, and alive in God. Brian explores three main points:

(6:18) 1. The Need: To Know God and the Self

(12:45) 2. The Problem: Obstacles to this Knowing

(27:44) 3. The Solution: The Practice of Recollection

Read the transcript of this sermon here.

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Watch the video of this sermon here.

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In this episode, Brian Hedges invites listeners to choose between two paths of life: one flourishing and rooted by streams of water, the other fragile and blown away like chaff—drawing on the vivid imagery of Psalm 1. He then focuses on the spiritual practice of Christian meditation—delighting in God’s instruction and engaging deeply with Scripture day and night. His sermon challenges believers to move beyond mere activity and busyness toward a disciplined, joy-filled way of life grounded in the Word of God. He breaks down the psalm into these components:

(8:12) 1. The Path

(15:46) 2. The Picture

(24:54) 3. The Practice

Read the transcript of this sermon here.

Download the sermon notes here.

Watch the video of this sermon here.

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This message calls listeners to respond in faith to the incredible gift of God’s love and to live in humble service and generous devotion. Pastor Brian guides us through four ways of understanding the incarnation of Christ:

(4:14) 1. The Word Became Flesh

(10:35) 2. The Son Became a Servant

(16:31) 3. The Rich Became Poor

(20:36) 4. The Sinless Became the Sin Bearer

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Season 9 — Dressing for Battle: Gospel Armor for the Fight of Faith

Episode 10 — The Weapon of “All-Prayer”

In this episode, Brian Hedges explores how prayer functions as the ultimate weapon in spiritual battle, drawing deeply from Ephesians 6:10-20 in the concluding message of the series “Dressing for Battle.” Discover how prayer isn’t just an optional discipline but a vital response to spiritual warfare. Whether you’ve struggled in your prayer life or simply want fresh motivation to draw near to God, this message offers real-world hope and encouragement. Brian covers:

(5:39) 1. The Need for Prayer

(16:33) 2. The Scope of Prayer

(28:18) 3. The Way of Prayer

Read the transcript of this sermon here.

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Podcast Description: Season 9 — Dressing for Battle: Gospel Armor for the Fight of Faith

Episode 9 — Take the Sword of the Spirit

In “Take the Sword of the Spirit,” Brian Hedges examines the image of Scripture as both an offensive and defensive weapon in spiritual warfare, grounded in Ephesians 6:10–20. He teaches how the word of God is uniquely “the sword of the Spirit” — forged by the Holy Spirit and empowered to pierce, defend, and advance the Christian’s life. He then gives ten practical ways believers can “take up” this sword in daily living—reading, memorizing, applying, praying, and sharing God’s word in the moment. Outline:

(3:33) 1. The Word Is a Sword

(9:58) 2. The Word Is the Spirit’s Sword

(14:59) 3. How Do We Take This Sword?

Read the transcript of this sermon here.

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Season 9 — Dressing for Battle: Gospel Armor for the Fight of Faith

Episode 8 — "Take Up the Helmet of Salvation" In this sermon, Pastor Brian Hedges unpacks the metaphor of the helmet of salvation — what it is, why we need it, and how it shapes our mindset and hope as believers. He emphasizes salvation in its past, present, and future tenses, showing how the hope of future salvation guards our minds, sustains us in hardship, and orients our lives toward eternity.

(4:35) 1. What Is This Helmet?

(14:06) 2. Why Do We Need This Hope?

(28:29) 3. What Difference Does It Make?

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Season 9 — Dressing for Battle: Gospel Armor for the Fight of Faith

Episode 7 — Take Up the Shield of Faith

In this sermon, Brian G. Hedges emphasizes how faith both protects Christians from spiritual attack and identifies them in battle. He outlines what faith is (involving mind, heart, and will), how it defends against things like fear, doubt, and despair, and he gives practical ways believers can take up this shield through spiritual disciplines and looking to Jesus. He answers three main questions:

(4:32) 1. What is the shield of faith?

(10:15) 2. How does this shield protect us?

(25:46) 3. How do we take it up?

Read the transcript of this sermon here.

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