Growing University with Pastor Chris Dortch

In today’s message, Pastor Chris walks us through Joshua 24, where we discover that God’s grace always demands a response. As Joshua gathers the nation for one final challenge, he reminds them of all that God has done on their behalf and calls them to make a decisive choice about whom they will serve. This chapter reminds us that some decisions affect a moment, but others shape a lifetime—and even...

In today’s message, Pastor Chris walks us through Joshua 23, where we discover that the greatest threat to God’s people is often not the battles around them, but the tendency to forget what God has done for them. As Joshua delivers part-one of his final challenge, he reminds Israel that remembering God’s faithfulness is the key to remaining faithful in the future.

In today’s message, Pastor Chris walks us through Joshua 22, where we discover that some of the greatest threats to God’s people do not come from enemies on the outside, but from misunderstandings within. As an altar built at the edge of the Promised Land nearly sparks a civil war, this chapter reminds us that assumptions are dangerous, truth must be pursued, and unity is preserved when worship re...

In today’s message, Pastor Chris walks us through Joshua 21, where we discover that God’s promises are never dependent on circumstances, but on His unchanging character. What may seem like a chapter about cities and land assignments becomes a powerful testimony to the faithfulness of God, reminding us that what He promises, He remembers, fulfills, and guarantees.

In today’s message, Pastor Chris walks us through Joshua 20, where we discover that God’s justice and God’s mercy are not opposites, but work together in His plan of redemption. Through the Cities of Refuge, this passage points us to the urgency of fleeing to Christ—the One who provides refuge, protection, and freedom for all who trust in Him.

In today’s message, Pastor Chris walks us through Joshua 19, where we discover that God never calls His people to compare what they’ve been given, but to faithfully steward whatever He entrusts to them. As the remaining tribes receive their inheritance, this chapter challenges us to avoid comparison, guard against spiritual drift, and use what God has given for His purposes rather than our own.

In today’s message, Pastor Chris walks us through Joshua 18, where we discover that delayed obedience slowly becomes spiritual neglect, and that activity around God is not the same thing as surrender to God. As Israel hesitates to step into what God has already prepared, this passage challenges us to stop delaying what God has already made clear.

In today’s message, Pastor Chris walks us through Joshua 17, where we discover that what God has given is often more than enough—but our perspective can make it feel otherwise. This passage challenges us to shift our focus from what we think is lacking to what God has already provided, and to step forward in faith rather than shrink back in fear.

In today’s message, Pastor Chris walks us through Joshua 16, where we discover that it’s possible to enjoy the blessings God has given while drifting from the relationship that produced them. This passage warns us not to live the Christian life in reverse, but to remain anchored in faithfulness, obedience, and holiness so we can truly experience what God intends.

In today’s message, Pastor Chris walks us through Joshua 15, where we discover that receiving what God has promised is not the same as fully living in it. This passage challenges us to move from knowing what God has given to actually possessing it by faith—removing what doesn’t belong and refusing to settle for less than His best.

In today’s message, Pastor Chris walks us through Joshua 14, where we discover that faith that waits is not passive, but anchored in God’s Word and fully devoted to Him over time. Through Caleb’s example, we’re reminded that even when the waiting feels long, God is faithful to fulfill His promises and reward a life that continues to trust Him.

In today’s message, Pastor Chris walks us through Joshua 13, where we discover that even after great victories, God’s work is not finished—there is still more to possess, more to experience, and more to trust Him for. This passage reminds us not to grow comfortable with past victories, but to keep walking forward in faith, knowing that what God has promised is already secured.

In today’s message, Pastor Chris walks us through Joshua 12, where we discover that remembering what God has done is essential for trusting Him in what lies ahead. What may seem like a simple list of victories is actually a powerful reminder that every battle, every deliverance, and every promise fulfilled points to the faithfulness of God. This passage calls us to pause, reflect, and remember tha...

In today’s message, Pastor Chris walks us through Joshua 11, where we discover that the Christian life is not defined by a single victory, but by a lifetime of trusting God when the battles grow larger and the journey grows longer. As Israel faces an even greater coalition of enemies, this chapter reminds us to trust God’s promises, obey His Word without delay, and remember that the God who begins...

In today’s message, Pastor Chris walks us through Joshua 10, where we discover that following God often places us in the path of opposition; but we are never left to fight those battles alone. This passage reminds us that when God’s people walk in obedience, the Lord Himself fights for them and brings victory over their enemies.

Welcome to Growing University with Pastor Chris Dortch. In today’s message, Pastor Chris walks us through Joshua 9, where we discover that the enemy often works through subtle deception, and that God’s people are most vulnerable when they stop seeking the Lord for guidance. This passage shows how sincere, logical decisions can still become costly when prayer is left out—and why discernment and dep...

Welcome to Growing University with Pastor Chris Dortch. In today’s message, Pastor Chris walks us through Joshua 8, where we discover that failure does not have to be the end of the story when God’s grace restores His people and calls them forward in obedience. This passage shows us how God renews confidence after defeat, reestablishes obedience, and refocuses our lives around His Word. Let’s list...

GU Episode 313: The One About Coming Out of the Water by Dr. Chris Dortch

Welcome to Growing University with Pastor Chris Dortch. In today’s message, Pastor Chris walks us through Joshua 2, where we discover that God goes before His people, draws unlikely outsiders to faith, and always keeps His promises. Through the testimony of Rahab, we’re reminded that faith doesn’t wait for circumstances to change—it walks with God before the victory is visible. Let’s listen togeth...

GU Episode 311: The One About Trusting God's Promises by Dr. Chris Dortch

GU Episode 317: The One About Sin in The Camp by Dr. Chris Dortch

GU Episode 316: The One About Van Halen by Dr. Chris Dortch

GU Episode 315: The One About Victory by Dr. Chris Dortch

GU Episode 314: The One About Stones by Dr. Chris Dortch

Pastor Chris identifies five key aspects to authentic discipleship.