Expounding the Word

Do you ever read these accounts of the disciples and just question whether Jesus really made the best choices when He called them? All kidding aside, these guys just seem dense at times. As Pastor Chris will point out in today’s message, even with all the knowledge we have about who Jesus is and what He accomplished, we can be just as thickheaded when it comes to following Him. Our hardest trial i...

One of the most valuable commodities on Earth is something that is entirely intangible. It’s not gold, it’s not cryptocurrency, or the power of friendship. It’s trust. The amount of trust in any relationship will be a key factor in determining the success of any endeavor. In the military, soldiers must trust their commander to keep them alive.  In football, players must trust their coach to lead t...

Wait a minute, so Jesus went to church? Yes, that’s correct! Even though Jesus was absolutely perfect and didn’t need to learn more about God (since He is God!), He still set an example for us to follow centuries later. Jesus was all about spending time with His Heavenly Father, and what better place to do that than in the places in which God’s Word was taught? In today’s message, Pastor Chris cha...

There are countless stories of parents doing incredible things for their children – lifting cars, fighting off wild animals, standing up against injustice, or working multiple jobs, just to make sure they can buy them Christmas gifts. The love of a parent knows no bounds, and Jairus (juh-eye-rus) was no exception. Today, as Pastor Chris expounds this text, put yourself in Jairus’s shoes; how far w...

During the Civil Rights movement of the 1950’s and 60’s, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made many enemies. He faced rejection, persecution, hardship, and eventually was killed for his work. It must also be noted that the work he did was just, righteous, and honorable, both to God and his fellow man. The Church will also face persecution and hatred – Jesus told Christians to expect as much. As you list...

God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Songs are sung of God’s faithfulness and His follow-through on promises He has made. It’s no different here, where Jesus promises the disciples they will go across the Sea of Galilee, yet the Bible tells how the disciples doubted and feared when trouble arose. In today’s message, Pastor Chris explores how fear of the unknown is often the antithesis o...

Life is full of hardship. I have a friend who is going through a season of intense marital strife, and in the thick of it, the common questions he's had are, “God, do you care? Are you seeing what I’m going through?” These questions are difficult to wrestle with. In today’s message, Pastor Chris presents these moments of darkness in a new light. Just like that boat on the Galilean Sea, God has you...

Growing up, I took piano lessons, and I always hated practicing. I loved playing recitals – the performance was thrilling, and being cheered on felt wonderful. But if I had never practiced, those recitals would’ve been much less rewarding! Now, imagine constantly practicing, but never performing. Sure, you’d never fail, but you’d also never know if you could’ve succeeded. Today, Pastor Chris share...

Farmers know better than anyone that you cannot harvest what you do not plant. Jesus used agricultural parallels many times in his ministry, because it would have been well understood in that time. Perhaps “No pain, no gain” is better for our modern-day fitness programs and sports culture, but nonetheless, it applies to us! In today’s message, Pastor Chris will break down Jesus’ parables in Mark a...

Every parent’s favorite question starts with 1 word: “Why?” Children are so unabashedly inquisitive about the world around them because they truly do not understand how many things work. Some things are simpler than others to understand. “Why do I need to take a bath?” is much easier than “Why did my aunt get cancer?” In today’s message, Pastor Chris addresses how we can understand some of Jesus’...

Do you remember studying for a test in high school? Maybe you passed it on a wing and a prayer, but usually you put in the time. You write your notes, look them over, and prepare for the test. This shows that when you spend time preparing, you retain what you learn. The same applies in your walk with God. When you read His Word, you can’t just glance and hope you understood it. You need to stay in...

If you’ve ever planted anything, you know growth doesn’t happen overnight. Every seed begins its journey deep in the dirt, hidden from view. The amazing thing is that before anything emerges above the surface, the seed is already working its way through the soil. But what fuels this growth besides good soil? Water. Just as a plant needs sustenance to thrive, you need spiritual nourishment found in...

Sometimes, when we look at where we come from or what we’ve done, we ask ourselves, “Can we even change?” But today, Pastor Chris is here to say: yes, you can. But not by yourself. In today’s message, Pastor Chris reminds you that by yourself, there is only pain and destruction. But when you place your faith in Jesus Christ and allow Him to work in your life, you can do all things through His name...

You know what’s the most beautiful thing about the past? It stays there. Many people hold on to their baggage until it weighs them down, but that’s not what it’s like to follow Jesus. He sees what you’re carrying, and instead of brushing you aside or dismissing what you feel, He offers you a hand. That’s why in today’s message, Pastor Chris wants you to know that with Jesus Christ, you can be free...

Have you ever been to a church where the pastor delivers a great message, one that truly resonates with you, yet there isn’t a single scripture in the entire sermon? That reflects the reality in many churches around the world, where charlatans and motivational speakers stand behind the pulpit, preaching from the flesh rather than from the Bible. In today’s message, Pastor Chris urges you to stay b...

Have you ever been to a church that tells you that you need to change before coming to Jesus? That’s religion, and religion tells you that you need to be perfect before you even walk through the door. Some religions might even tell you that you don’t have to change at all. But in today’s message, Pastor Chris wants you to know that there are no prerequisites to enter a relationship with Jesus. Jes...

We all have those days where nothing goes right. Maybe we argue with a loved one, or do something we regret. We’re human, and everyone faces hardships, regardless of whether we're Christian or not. But as Christians, we know we’re never alone. And you don’t have to be alone either. In today’s message, Pastor Chris wants you to know that Jesus loves you. Jesus loves you so much that He died for you...

Have you ever been in a situation where you were placed outside your comfort zone? Maybe you find it daunting to speak to new people, especially when the topic could be seen as controversial. But when you think about what it means to be saved by Jesus Christ, and how He saves, doesn’t that outweigh the fear? Doesn’t that make it worth sharing the Word of God? In today’s message, Pastor Chris encou...

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...