Expounding the Word

Are you a night owl or an early bird? I’m not going to say one is better than the other, but it’s obvious that Jesus was definitely a bit of both! Now perhaps it’s not fair to compare to Him, seeing He’s perfect and we’re not, but that said, there’s a lot to learn from His example! Today, Pastor Chris teaches through Mark chapter 1 about the importance of setting aside quiet time with the Lord. Pe...

Whether it’s work, sports, or a school decathlon, there’s a catchphrase I’m sure you’ve heard - “Teamwork makes the dream work!” Today in Mark chapter 1, Pastor Chris gives us an up-close look at the team Jesus is building around him. While others may have doubted His picks thus far – mostly a bunch of fishermen from Galilee – no one could argue the results! Come along on this journey and see how...

I despise my alarm clock. I frequently find myself hitting snooze, waiting an extra five minutes, and trying to wring the last bit of warmth from my bed before rising for the day. I’m reluctant to leave the comfort of the place I am in. However, the book of Mark shows us that Jesus' disciples did not hesitate to follow Him. They were not reluctant. They didn’t hit the snooze button and ask Jesus f...

Disney’s 1993 movie, “Cool Runnings,” is a loose retelling of the 1988 Olympic Jamaican bobsled team. It’s a wonderful film about a coach who assembles an unlikely team, despite numerous doubts and difficulties. Similarly, Jesus takes an unlikely group of men and builds them into a highly effective team. Jesus looks, not at who they were, but who they could be; he doesn’t see their position, but r...

How often do you let your car stay all dirty and covered in mud? I love taking my messy car to the car wash for a thorough scrub, making it shine like it just rolled off the lot! In a similar vein, you were seen as perfect in God's eyes, but then sin entered the world, leaving you all drenched in filth. But here’s the thing—God didn’t just leave you hanging. Today, Pastor Chris tells you God's inc...

John the Baptist had a special mission when he came into the world: to spread the word and get everyone ready for the arrival of the Messiah, who we know as Jesus! Hey, do you notice any similarities between you and John? Today, Pastor Chris is inviting you to spread the good news to everyone in your circle! Just like John the Baptist, you've been handpicked by God to spread the wonderful news of...

Have you checked out how the president's concierge makes their grand entrance? The roads are shut down, with all the police on duty out there. It conveys that the most significant person in the country is about to arrive. In today’s message, Pastor Chris talks about the message that John the Baptist shared with the people of Israel. When John arrived in the world, he was on a mission to get the mi...

When you slip up or make an error, it’s only natural that the world expects you to take responsibility for it. But there's always a possibility for a fresh start. Similarly, there might be moments when you stumble and find yourself giving in to those tempting urges. So, does that mean God won't find a way to use you for His purpose again? Today, Pastor Chris is spreading some good news: your Creat...

When you slip up or make an error, it’s only natural that the world expects you to take responsibility for it. But there's always a possibility for a fresh start. Similarly, there might be moments when you stumble and find yourself giving in to those tempting urges. So, does that mean God won't find a way to use you for His purpose again? Today, Pastor Chris is spreading some good news: your Creat...

If you turn on the news, what do you see? Armies fighting in the Middle East? Famines affecting people around the world? Information spreading at an astonishing rate? These are not mere coincidences; they are prophecies from the Bible that were written over 2,000 years ago and are now unfolding before your eyes. In today’s message, Pastor Chris encourages you to seek understanding of the events ha...

In the midst of life's hardships and struggles, isn’t it comforting to know that we have a home to return to? As followers of Jesus, we look forward to being with Him for eternity, knowing that there will come a day when we will no longer feel the pain of sin. In today's message, Pastor Chris reminds us that this world is not our true home; rather, our real home is with God in heaven. If you truly...

Did you know that over 56 percent of Americans use AI? Among people under thirty, that number rises to 76 percent. The world is evolving rapidly, and in today's society, it's common to rely on these tools. However, what happens when you place your trust in man-made resources instead of God? In today’s message, Pastor Chris reminds you that as Christians and followers of God, your trust should be r...

In today’s message, Pastor Chris urges you to share your faith, as people now more than ever are under a false sense of security. They may believe they have a lifetime to reconcile with God or think they don’t need a relationship with Him at all. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The Word of God teaches that the birth pains the world will experience won’t ease up; instead, they wil...

Have you ever heard someone on social media or in your church claim that the Old Testament no longer applies to Christians? In today’s message, Pastor Chris emphasizes that this belief is far from the truth. While Christians are not saved by the Law but through the grace of Jesus Christ, it does not mean that the Old Testament is irrelevant. The Old Testament contains rich history, beautiful poetr...

Have you ever had one of those days when you wondered when your suffering would end? It’s difficult to navigate life, especially when you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. But that’s where Jesus comes in. Jesus reminds you that you’re never alone; even in the darkest times, He is the light in the emptiness and a beacon of hope when the storm feels unending. Today, Pastor Chris encourag...

If we take a look at the world around us, what would we see? Pain, suffering, and confusion—these are all byproducts of sin. However, by the grace of God, He paid the price for everyone who accepts Him as their Lord and Savior. Sometimes, in our walk with God, we may forget that we were once in the same situation: living life without Christ. That’s why, in this message, Pastor Chris reminds us tha...

When the days are long and the seasons of hardship seem never-ending, it's comforting to know that you are not alone. God hears your prayers and your cries, and He sees you. That’s why, in today's message, Pastor Chris wants you to understand that no matter what season of life you are in, God will always be there to hear and be with you. When you face spiritual warfare and feel like your back is a...

It's a surreal moment in life when you realize that everyone is on one of two paths. One path is wide and leads to eternal separation from God; it is the road that most people follow. The other path is narrow and leads to everlasting life- a road that few ever find. In today’s message, Pastor Chris encourages you to share the Word of God with the world, to let them know that they’re on the wide ro...

We live in a world that claims to embrace diverse ideas, yet there's a strong opposition to Jesus Christ. Why is it that when it comes to Jesus Christ, the world draws a line in the sand? Is there a truth that the world knows, yet denies because it goes against their way of living? In today’s message, Pastor Chris emphasizes that, as Christians, there may come a day when we face persecution just a...

In our walk with God, we can let our expectations get in the way of bigger things. We say, “I’ll pray about it,” yet when God opens a door, we hesitate because the opportunity isn’t exactly what we pictured. This mindset was evident among the people of Israel when Jesus entered Jerusalem; they had expectations of what He would do instead of recognizing His true purpose. Today, Pastor Chris encoura...

There are some people who love to give functional gifts. They’ll see a need in their friend’s life, and hand-pick something that will help them overcome that need. Well, Pastor Chris teaches you today that Jesus is the ultimate functional gift-giver, because He has given you the Holy Spirit! In this time you have on Earth, while you’re not face-to-face with Him, you have the Holy Spirit in your he...

As human beings, you and I are unable to resist the temptation of sin in this life. There are so many obstacles that the enemy has put in our way that we will inevitably mess up at some point or another. But Pastor Chris reminds us that we have hope in the Holy Spirit! While we are on this Earth, we will still have to deal with the presence of sinful behavior all around us, but the Holy Spirit giv...

If you spend a significant amount of time living in a different culture, you will start to lose some elements of the culture you grew up with. Just ask any foreign missionary, or anyone who emigrated from a different culture! Your new culture becomes a blend of where you are and where you came from. But Pastor Chris reminds us that spending time in the presence of God is something that transcends...

What kind of price tag can you put on salvation? How much money does it cost to erase the debt of a lifetime of sin? The fact is that not even the combined riches of the entire human race could buy one person’s freedom from the penalty of sin. But Pastor Chris reminds you today that God sent His Son, Jesus, to give Himself on the cross. His gift of salvation is free to all those who humble themsel...

The best things in life take time! In today’s world, people want things to be quick and easy, and so they’ll take shortcuts to get that instant gratification. But when we try to apply that mentality to Scripture, we tend to let the meaning of the words wash over us, just to check off a spiritual box for the day. Pastor Chris reminds us today to spend real time in God’s Word, not to just consume it...