Christ Church

The kingdoms of this world jockey for power and influence, and often use deception and corruption to get what they want. Jesus’ kingdom is different — it’s not of this world. That comparison snaps into focus when Jesus, the King who bears witness to the Truth, is tried by two corrupt authorities.   Although it seems like Jesus ‘lost,’ his exchange with Barabbas hints at his victory: Jesus will sta...

Jesus Christ was no victim. The Gospel-writer, John, makes certain we know that. Though Jesus is arrested in John 18 , there’s no doubt who’s in charge: he picks the spot, he initiates the confrontation, and he commands the troops to release his friends. Though he had the power to evade capture (and more), he chose the way of the cross. He chose the way of love. He knew how bad it would be, and he...

Jesus prayed for us, that we might be one — unified in the same way that God the Father and God the Son are unified. That’s a tall order! For that humanly-impossible calling, God provides the power of the gospel through the Holy Spirit, to help us bear witness to the world through our unity and love.

The glory of God is most prominently on display at the cross of Jesus. God’s character — abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, full of grace and truth — are demonstrated most prominently when Jesus died for the sins of undeserving us.

Jesus comforted his disciples by telling them that through their greatest sorrow (his death) will come their greatest joy (his resurrection, and all its implications). If God can produce great joy through great sorrow, then we can trust him with all of our sorrows and pain. He promises that he will work all things for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose.

While Jesus was on earth, he convicted the world of sin, righteous, and judgment — not to condemn them, but so that he might save them. Now that Jesus has returned to his place by the Father’s side in heaven, he has sent his Holy Spirit to continue that same ministry. Convincing the unbelieving world of sin, so that they might seek its cure in Christ; of righteousness, that they might see that the...

Jesus is the true vine, the Father is the vinedresser, and we are the branches. Our Lord uses this illustration to teach us the importance of abiding in his love, so that God may be most glorified through our lives, and that our joy might be full! While coming with a caution to those who do not remain connected to the Vine, it is a passage full of gospel-comfort. Jesus is teaching us to draw on hi...

The search for meaning and purpose in life is universal, and we can think of it as a search for “Home.” We were designed and created to be at home with God, and we’ll be restless until we rest in him. In John 14, Jesus comforts his troubled disciples with the truth that he is preparing the way for them to come home, and for home to come to them. Today, we can take comfort in that same reality — th...

The treasure of Christ is the only treasure that grows and sweetens as we share it. When we tell people the good news of Jesus, we’re enriched, not diminished! But evangelism can be daunting. It is my prayer that from Matthew 13 and 2 Corinthians 4 the Lord will grant us all courage to joyfully share Christ with those in our lives, so that we might see many neighbors adopted into the family of God...

We look at the greatness of King Solomon and the greatness of his failures. We also look at the greatness of Jesus and how he is greater in his kingship than Solomon in his failures.

Advent Week 1

Up Down Up Out by Christ-centered, hope-filled, burden-lifting messages — from the Bible, for God's glory & our joy.

John 12:36b-43 (The Sovereignty of God) by Christ-centered, hope-filled, burden-lifting messages — from the Bible, for God's glory & our joy.

John 12:27-33 (Regime Change) by Christ-centered, hope-filled, burden-lifting messages — from the Bible, for God's glory & our joy.

John 12:20-26 (The King Of The Nations) by Christ-centered, hope-filled, burden-lifting messages — from the Bible, for God's glory & our joy.

John 12:12-19 (The Donkey King) by Christ-centered, hope-filled, burden-lifting messages — from the Bible, for God's glory & our joy.

John 12 (Count The Cost) by Christ-centered, hope-filled, burden-lifting messages — from the Bible, for God's glory & our joy.