The Spring Hills Podcast

Unleashed | Week 8

As we wrap up our Unleashed series through the book of Acts, Pastor Bret walks us through Acts 20—Paul’s final words to the Ephesian elders before heading to Jerusalem. In what feels like a farewell speech, Paul reminds us what it looks like to live a life fully surrendered to Christ: humble, honest, bold, and eternal-minded. It’s a sobering but inspiring call to examine where our loyalties lie—are we clinging too tightly to this life, or are we willing to finish the race God has set before us?

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why serving the Lord, not people, is key to enduring trials with purpose.

• How humility, compassion, and boldness shape effective ministry.

• What it means to not “shrink back” from the whole counsel of God.

• Why Paul’s mindset ("I do not account my life of any value") can transform the way we follow Jesus.

Unleashed | Week 7

In this message from Acts 17, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes walks us through Paul’s visit to Athens—a city overflowing with idols, philosophies, and spiritual confusion. Rather than debating or blending in, Paul boldly shares the truth of who God really is: the Creator, the Sustainer, and the One who calls all people to repentance.

Through this encounter, we see how the same spiritual hunger that filled ancient Athens still exists today—and how the Gospel speaks directly to it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why starting with God—not ourselves—is essential to understanding life and faith

• How ancient philosophies like Epicureanism and Stoicism still show up in modern culture

• What true repentance means, and why God’s patience is a gift we shouldn’t ignore

This message is a reminder that the good news of Jesus is timeless—and powerful enough to change any heart.

Unleashed | Week 6

In this episode, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes walks us through Acts 16, where the gospel first crosses into Europe—and nothing goes according to plan. From a detour directed by the Holy Spirit to a divine encounter by the riverbank, we witness how God uses unexpected people and painful trials to build His church in Philippi. Whether it’s Lydia, a successful businesswoman, a demon-possessed slave girl, or a Roman jailer, we see how the gospel changes lives in every class and circumstance.

Even when Paul and Silas end up beaten and in prison, their worship echoes through the jail—and it’s in that moment of darkness that God moves powerfully.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why God sometimes redirects our plans, and how His "no" can lead to a greater "yes."

• How divine appointments—like meeting Lydia and the jailer—can change everything when we're ready to share.

• What it looks like to rejoice and trust God, even in suffering, knowing He’s working through every trial.

Unleashed | Week 5

In this episode, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes continues the Unleashed series through the book of Acts, focusing on Acts 12 and the miraculous story of Peter’s imprisonment and deliverance. As persecution intensifies against the early church, we see how the power of earnest prayer unleashes God’s miraculous work—proving that nothing can stop the gospel. Brett challenges listeners to reexamine the strength of their own prayer life and trust in God’s perfect timing.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why prayer is the church’s most powerful weapon against spiritual opposition, and how God works through earnest, united prayer.

• How God often answers prayers at the last moment—not to discourage us, but to grow our faith, trust, and endurance.

• That the gospel breaks chains—just as Peter was set free, God still delivers people today from spiritual bondage through the power of Jesus.

Unleashed | Week 4

This week, Pastor Bret Avlakeotes walks us through the dramatic conversion of the Apostle Paul in Acts 9—a powerful reminder that no one is too far gone for God’s grace. Once a violent persecutor of Christians, Paul encounters the risen Christ, is filled with the Holy Spirit, and becomes one of the most influential voices in the New Testament.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• What Paul’s transformation teaches us about God’s power to change lives

• How every believer’s story—dramatic or not—is a testimony of grace

• Why God’s calling always comes with purpose and a mission

• How your own spiritual transformation can be a witness to others

The same Spirit that changed Paul now works in us. Are you letting your life reflect the difference Christ has made?

Unleashed | Week 1

This week kicks off our new series in the book of Acts, where Pastor Bret Avlakeotes unpacks the birth of the Church and the power behind its global impact. Acts is not just history—it’s the continuation of what Jesus began, now carried out by His people through the power of the Holy Spirit.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why Jesus told the disciples to wait before going out

• How the promise of the Father—the Holy Spirit—transformed fearful followers into bold witnesses

• What it looks like to stay in step with the Spirit rather than lag behind or rush ahead

• Why the gospel message is not manmade, but the power of God that continues to change lives

Whether you're waiting on God, needing courage, or wondering where you fit in the mission—this message will remind you that the same Spirit who empowered the first believers is alive in you.

David | Week 3

This week, Pastor Bret unpacks David’s years on the run from Saul—a 15-year journey marked by fear, injustice, and exhaustion. Despite being pursued, betrayed, and nearly defeated, David continually placed his trust in God instead of taking vengeance into his own hands. His story is one of endurance, obedience, and deep faith.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How God faithfully provided for David in his most desperate moments

• Why David refused to harm Saul, choosing faith over retaliation

• How David’s ultimate testimony points to Jesus as our rock, refuge, and salvation

David’s long road to the throne wasn’t easy, but through it all, God proved trustworthy. His story invites us to trust Jesus—the true cleft in the rock—who offers safety, strength, and peace in every storm.

David | Week 2

As we continue our new series, David, Pastor Bret unpacks the tension in Saul following David’s victory over Goliath.
While David’s courage brings deliverance to Israel, it also stirs up something dark in King Saul—a heart consumed by jealousy, insecurity, and self-focus. This message takes us inside the contrast between a heart aligned with God and one driven by pride.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why celebrating the success of others reflects a heart aligned with God
• How a self-centered mindset leads to insecurity, bitterness, and spiritual blindness
• Why keeping your eyes on the Lord is the only way to guard your heart and walk in freedom

David may have defeated Goliath, but the real battle was in Saul’s heart—and it’s a battle we still face today.

David | Week 1

This week, Pastor Bret kicks off our new series, David, by diving into David’s anointing in 1 Samuel 16.
After Saul’s failure as Israel’s first king, God sends the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem with a new mission: anoint a new king. But instead of choosing someone impressive by the world’s standards, God picks David—a young shepherd completely overlooked by everyone, even his own family. Why? Because God sees what no one else does: the heart.

In this episode, you’ll be challenged to consider:
• What’s defining you—your past, your pain, or your calling?
• How to move on when God says it’s time.
• Why God values your heart more than your success or image.
• What it means to be empowered by the Holy Spirit for God’s purposes.

David’s story begins in obscurity, but his heart for God sets everything in motion. The same can be true for you.

Lost And Found | Week 8 | Mother's Day

This Mother’s Day, Kiki Anderson shares a powerful message from Luke 15—a story not just about a rebellious son, but about the radical grace of a Father who welcomes him home.
Whether you relate to the younger son who’s wandered far, or the older son who’s been close but hardened, Jesus invites us all back to the heart of God.

In this episode, you’ll be reminded that:
• You can’t out-sin the grace of God.
• The Father sees you, knows you, and still runs toward you.
• Coming home isn’t about fixing yourself first—it’s about receiving what Jesus already paid for.

No matter where you find yourself today, the message is the same: stop striving, stop running, and come back to the Father.