Ecclesia: Church at the Chip Podcast (New)

As Jesus “spreads the word" about his kingdom, his message is met with varied responses. Some (the villagers in Nazareth) reject his teaching outright. Others (Simon the Pharisee) are interested but unconvinced. But there are many (a tax collector, a centurion, a “woman of the city” and the Twelve) whose lives are forever changed. To illustrate this, Jesus tells a story to challenge his heare...

Jesus was invited to the home of a respected religious leader when a “woman of the city” walked in. Overcome with emotion, she let down her hair and washed his feet with her tears. What happened next, and what does this story teach us about following Jesus? We’ll talk about that today. Sunday, July 27th

It is our pleasure to welcome Sandy Mason as our guest teacher today. Sandy was the founding pastor of nearby Desert View Bible Church, and currently serves on the leadership team of The Bonhoeffer Project. Sunday, July 20th

Where is your hope placed? My hope, of course, is that we will find our hope in the Lord Jesus and His promises. We’ll talk about that today.

“Are you the one?” This was the question John the Baptist asked about Jesus. It was a good question -- in fact, it might be the most important question in all of life. Today we’ll explore John’s question, Jesus’ answer, and why it is so important for us today.

As Jesus continued his public ministry, he had an amazing encounter with a grieving mother. Afterward, people said, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” What caused such a strong reaction, and why does Luke include this story? We’ll talk about that today.

Jesus has just concluded his compelling kingdom manifesto. How will we respond to Jesus’ challenging message? Luke describes various responses in the events which occur following Jesus’ famous sermon. They involve a Gentile soldier, a grieving mother, a confused cousin, a religious leader, and a disreputable woman. Today we consider the first of these: a Gentile soldier and his astonishing faith.

Ever the Master Teacher, Jesus closed his Kingdom Sermon with a flourish of four unforgettable images: The blind leading the blind; the log in the eye; the tree and its fruit; and the house and its foundation. Why did he choose these word pictures, and how can they guide us as we seek to leave a lasting legacy with our lives? We’ll talk about that today.

Forgiveness is at the heart of the Kingdom of Jesus. He spoke of it in his sermon, he included it in his prayer, he told stories about it in his parables, and he offered it from his cross. Why is forgiveness so vital -- and so difficult? We’ll talk about that today. May 6th, 2025

The Kingdom of Jesus: A Study in Luke’s Gospel (#24) Luke 6:27-38 How are we to live in the kingdom of Jesus? Jesus tells us in the sermon we are studying this month. He has already astounded us by turning the values of the world upside down. He continues to challenge us by teaching that his kingdom is characterized by a love so lavish that it extends even -- and especially -- to our enemies.

Jesus begins his sermon on the nature of his kingdom ministry with some counterintuitive blessings and curses. What’s this all about, and how does this apply to us today? We’ll talk about that as we continue our study of Luke’s gospel during this Easter season. May 11, 2025

Jesus begins his sermon on the nature of his kingdom ministry with some counterintuitive blessings and curses. What’s this all about, and how does this apply to us today? We’ll talk about that as we continue our study of Luke’s gospel during this Easter season.

The Kingdom of Jesus was inaugurated when Jesus broke out of the grave on Easter morning. As we resume our study of Luke during Eastertide, let's take a look at the team Jesus called and the teaching Jesus gave about how he expected them to behave as his kingdom representatives. Who did he call, what did he say, and what does this have to do with us? We’ll talk about that in the next few weeks...

Ephesians 1:13-23 Did you know that Jesus offers us an incredible inheritance? It’s true, and it’s ours because of his resurrection from the dead. On this Easter Sunday, let’s explore this inheritance, and how we can be sure to receive it.

The Kingdom of Jesus: A Study in Luke’s Gospel (#20) Luke 6:1-11 Controversy continues to percolate as religious leaders become increasingly suspicious of Jesus’ kingdom ministry. Last week Jesus confounded them by feasting with sinners, to which he replied, in effect, “A new day is dawning.” This week he stokes the fires again by plucking grain and healing hands on the Sabbath. Who does Jesus thi...

Jesus is having way too much fun. He prefers feasting over fasting, sinners over saints, and new wine to old. What’s going on here? What’s going on is this: A wedding celebration! The Bridegroom has come for his Bride. The Kingdom of God is arriving, and everyone is invited to the party. March 30, 2025

As Jesus begins his kingdom campaign, he recruits disciples to follow him. We’ve already met the first four, who were fishermen (5:1-11). Today he will call a fifth person to follow him: a tax collector named Levi. As we shall see, both the invitation and what happened next reveal the scandalous nature of Jesus’ kingdom. March 23rd, 2025

As Jesus’ kingdom of God campaign gathers momentum, Pharisees from as far away as Jerusalem arrive to check out the miracle-working prophet in Galilee. What happened next shocked and angered them -- but the people “were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen extraordinary things today.’” March 16th, 2025

Luke will tell us many stories about Jesus’ healing power, but the one we will examine today is especially poignant, for it is especially personal and intimate. In a time when leprosy led to what amounted to a living death of disfigurement and isolation, Jesus broke every social and religious convention by touching a man “full of leprosy.” What are we to learn from the healing touch of Jesus in th...

Having burst on the scene with power and authority, Jesus begins to select those who will accompany him on his kingdom-building mission. In today’s text Jesus calls his first few disciples, beginning with Simon Peter. What do we learn about Jesus, about Simon Peter, and about what it means to follow Jesus? We’ll talk about that today. March 2nd, 2025

Following the rejection of his kingdom manifesto in Nazareth, Luke describes a day in the life of King Jesus. What do we learn about Jesus’ kingdom, and what does that have to do with us? We’ll talk about that today.

Having described his infancy and preparation for ministry, Luke is now ready to describe Jesus’ public ministry, and the kind of kingdom he has come to establish. Returning to his hometown, Jesus makes an astonishing announcement: “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." Let’s take a close look at Jesus' “kingdom manifesto” --  what it meant for his first hearers, and for us a...

Having just been baptized as Israel’s representative, and declared to be the Son of God and the son of Adam (Luke 3:21-38), Jesus is led by the Spirit into the desert to be tested by the devil. Why does Jesus’ public ministry begin this way? What does this have to do with the kingdom he will establish? And what does this have to do with us? February 9th, 2025

2024 was a phenomenal year in our church family. We are so very grateful and thankful to God for “your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” As we embark on a new year, let’s take a moment to reflect and thank God for his tremendous blessings during the past year. February 2, 2025

This week's message was brought by guest speaker, Doug Price! We often are examined to determine the well being of our physical health. Today I want to encourage each of us to look at our spiritual health. Are we living the life Jesus has intended for us? January 26th, 2025