Fixed On Jesus by Center Church of Gilbert, AZ

What does God expect us to do with everything He has entrusted to us? In this episode of Fixed On Jesus, Rich Richardson and Mark Johnson Jr. discuss biblical stewardship and how it impacts every area of life. Stewardship is more than managing money—it includes our time, talents, children, resources, relationships, and attention. Together they answer questions such as: • What is biblical stewardsh...

For many people reading the Bible, genealogies can feel confusing, repetitive, and easy to skip. So why are they there? In this episode of Fixed On Jesus, Rich and Mark explore the purpose and significance of genealogies in Scripture. They discuss why God preserved these family records, how they connect to His promises throughout redemptive history, and why they ultimately point us to Jesus Christ...

Rich Richardson and Mark Johnson Jr. continue the Fixed On Jesus Church History Series by exploring the 6th century—a pivotal time when Christianity continued to spread across Europe while church leaders worked to preserve biblical truth and establish lasting Christian communities. In this episode, they discuss: The ongoing impact of the Council of Chalcedon and its defense of the biblical doctrin...

Are you new to Christianity? Curious about Jesus but not sure where to begin? In this episode of the Fixed On Jesus Podcast, Rich and Mark welcome new believers, seekers, and anyone asking questions about the Christian faith. They discuss some of the most common questions people have when exploring Christianity: • What is the Gospel? • What is sin? • Why do I need Jesus? • How does someone become...

Welcome to Fixed On Jesus! A podcast by members of Center Church of Gilbert, Arizona made for the encouragement of the members of Center Church to the glory of God. As members of a local church, Rich Richardson, Mark Johnson Jr. and Heather Corbitt tackle sometimes tough subjects, questions from listeners, interview staff and other members whose stories are representative of the Good News about Je...

In the fourth and final episode of our interview series with Liz Beck, founder of Hope For Addiction, we continue the conversation about what true, Gospel-centered recovery really looks like. Liz explains how Hope For Addiction is helping both men and women move beyond temporary sobriety by building a biblical foundation that points people to lasting hope in Jesus Christ. Rather than simply teachi...

In Part 3 of our interview with Liz Beck, we focus on the beginning of Hope For Addiction and the burden God placed on her heart through years of real-life suffering and experience. After walking through divorce, addiction in her own family, and the near-death battle of her brother’s addiction, Liz became convinced that the current recovery systems were falling short. Even when she couldn’t fully...

In Part 2 of our interview with Liz Beck, founder of Hope For Addiction, we step into one of the most difficult and defining seasons of her life. Liz shares what it was like raising two young children while her husband battled deep addiction—facing the chaos of infidelity, criminal behavior, and the daily uncertainty that comes with loving someone in active addiction. In the middle of it all, she...

In Part 1 of this powerful 4-part interview series, we sit down with Liz Beck, founder of Hope For Addiction, to hear the beginning of her story. Liz opens up about her childhood, a deep dive into her experience with Teen Challenge and how God used that season to transform her life, was working even in the darkest moments. Before Hope For Addiction became a ministry changing lives, there was a sto...

What really matters most in the Christian faith? In this episode, 1st Things First, the guys tackle an important and often overlooked question: Is there a proper order to biblical truths and doctrine? Not every disagreement in the church carries the same weight—but too often, they’re treated like they do. From essential doctrines like salvation through Christ alone, to debated topics like infant b...

What are parachurch ministries—and are they actually biblical? In this episode, the guys respond to a listener question about parachurch organizations—those specialized ministries that operate alongside the local church. From campus ministries to global missions organizations, these groups often do incredible work… but where do they fit in God’s design for the Church? Are parachurch ministries a b...

Are Church Traditions Helping or Hindering Your Faith? This week on the podcast, Rich and Mark dive into the traditions practiced across many churches—like ashes on the forehead for Ash Wednesday, observing Lent, and lighting Advent candles. Are these practices biblical? Are they helpful rhythms that point us to Christ… or empty traditions that can distract from the Gospel? The guys discuss: The p...

Rich Richardson and Mark Johnson Jr. continue the Fixed On Jesus Church History Series by exploring the dramatic and world-shaping 5th century . In this episode, they discuss what was happening both inside the church and across the wider world during a time of major transition and uncertainty. Key topics include: The continued theological influence of Augustine of Hippo The growing role and author...

How should Christians think about Israel today? 🤔 After receiving an email from a listener wrestling with the confusion surrounding modern Israel and biblical promises, the guys dive into one of the most debated passages in Scripture — God’s covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12. What does it really mean that God will “bless those who bless you”? And who exactly are Abraham’s true offspring? In thi...

If God is completely sovereign, why do we pray? And can our prayers actually change anything? In this episode of Fixed On Jesus, Rich and Mark respond to a listener email questioning the relationship between God’s sovereignty and the power of prayer. If God already knows and ordains all things, does prayer really matter? And what do we do with passages where it seems like God responds to human pra...

What is the difference between the Law and the Gospel—and why does it matter so much for your Christian life? In this episode of Fixed On Jesus, the guys clearly define the Law and the Gospel, unpack how Scripture presents both, and explain why confusing the two can lead to legalism, guilt, pride, or even a distorted view of God. They also address common misunderstandings and misuses of the Law an...

Rich Richardson and Mark Johnson Jr. continue the Fixed On Jesus Church History Series by stepping into the transformative 4th century—a century that changed the trajectory of Christianity forever. In this episode, they discuss: A brief look at church history and Protestantism The Council of Nicaea and the formation of the Nicene Creed The influence of Constantine the Great The bold defense of Chr...

In Part 3 of our conversation with Dale Furnish, longtime member of Center Church in Gilbert, Arizona, we turn to “the blessing of being a servant.” After seasons of success, struggle, and redemption, Dale reflects on the deep joy he has found in serving the local church. From teaching Biblical Doctrine and leading small group, to investing in children through AWANA and serving at Rancho 3M, Dale...

In Part 2 of our three-part conversation with Dale Furnish, longtime member of Center Church in Gilbert, Arizona, Dale opens up about one of the most difficult seasons of his life. In his own words, he describes himself as a “train wreck on the way to redemption.” With humility and clarity, Dale shares the mistakes he made in marriage, the consequences that followed, and the painful lessons he lea...

In Part 1 of this three-part interview, Rich and Mark sit down with Dale Furnish , a much loved member of Center Church in Gilbert, Arizona , to hear the beginnings of a life shaped by history, culture, and God’s unexpected leading. Dale shares what it was like growing up in Iowa as the son of a petroleum engineer during WWII—a childhood that took him from Texas to Venezuela to Saudi Arabia . With...

In Part 3 of our three-part interview with Godfrey Ebright, we conclude this rich and encouraging conversation by reflecting on a lifetime lived in faithfulness to Jesus. Godfrey shares the wisdom gained through decades of walking with Christ, lessons learned in ministry and family life, and what it means to finish well. He speaks candidly about legacy—not in terms of achievements, but in a life s...

In Part 2 of our three-part interview with Godfrey Ebright, we continue tracing the story of a life faithfully lived for Christ. Godfrey reflects on his call into pastoral ministry, beginning with seminary training in California, followed by years of ministry that eventually led him and his family to Arizona. He shares the joys and challenges of shepherding God’s people, the lessons learned throug...

In Part 1 of this special three-part interview, we sit down with Godfrey Ebright, one of the most loved and respected members of Center Church in Gilbert, Arizona. Godfrey shares his rich family history in the Methodist pastorate, his conversion to Christ as a child at Vacation Bible School, and how the Lord faithfully guided him through his college years. He also reflects on meeting his beautiful...

Rich Richardson and Mark Johnson Jr. continue the Fixed On Jesus Church History Series by stepping into the 3rd century—a defining era marked by intense Roman persecution, faithful Christian leaders, and the growing fight to clearly articulate the truth about the divinity of Jesus Christ. As the church faced external pressure and internal challenges, pastors and scholars stood firm, defending the...

In this episode of Fixed On Jesus, Rich and Mark talk specifically about how Center Church in Gilbert, AZ is structured, shepherded, and safeguarded to protect against false teaching. From biblical qualifications for leaders to accountability, discipleship, and our commitment to Scripture, we discuss what it means for a local church to stay rooted in the truth of the gospel. New episodes every Wed...