Christ Community Church

The Backpack

Religion EN ↓ 368 episodes

The Backpack is a podcast from Christ Community Church of Shelbyville, Kentucky. On The Backpack, we want to prepare you for the journey outside, where following Jesus meets real life. In our various segments, you'll find sermons, stories, interviews, and more content that will help strengthen, equip, and encourage you as you walk with Jesus. The journey of faith is full of hills and valleys, twists and turns, and we want to help you navigate them all. So grab your backpack and come join us on the trail.

Author

Christ Community Church

Category

Religion

Podcast website

www.loveshelbyville.com

Latest episode

Jul 6, 2026

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Episodes

The Canteen #174 - Feeling Insignificant 23.06.2025

What does true significance look like in the eyes of God? In this powerful message from Luke 21, Jeff Bracken explores the story of the poor widow who gave all she had—and how her quiet act of sacrifice echoes louder than the grandest temple or the loudest offering. We’re reminded that while the world chases status, beauty, and certainty about the end times, Jesus values a heart fully surrendered...

The Canteen #173 Seeing Insecurity 18.06.2025

When the religious leaders challenged Jesus’ authority, He responded with a parable that exposed their insecurity and pointed to Himself as the true cornerstone. In this powerful sermon, we explore Luke 20 and the question: What are you holding onto for security? Through vivid illustrations—including the story of a geode and the mighty Hibernia oil platform—we're invited to throw ourselves on...

The Canteen #172 Emotions in Focus 09.06.2025

Join Dr. Ron Boyd as he shares a powerful and personal message from Luke 19, exploring the emotional life of Jesus during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This sermon highlights three key emotional responses—joy, sorrow, and righteous anger—and challenges us to think like Jesus thought, feel like Jesus felt, and live as Jesus lived. Whether you're searching for lasting joy, healing from sor...

The Canteen #171 Wanting to See Jesus 06.06.2025

As we continue our journey through the Gospel of Luke, this message from Luke 19 reminds us that while we long to see Jesus, the real transformation begins when we realize He sees us. Through the story of Zacchaeus and the parable that follows, we’re challenged to move from behavior-based faith to heart-level belief. Join us as we refocus on Christ and let Him reshape our lives from the inside out...

Stories From Trail #90 Ashley Murphy 03.06.2025

Ashley Murphy shares her powerful testimony of finding hope in Christ after losing her identity through injury, isolation, and personal trials. From varsity basketball dreams to spiritual awakening, her story is one of resilience, faith, and learning to trust God in every season.

The Canteen #170 The Lord Has Not Left You Without a Redeemer 19.05.2025

In this powerful conclusion to our series in the book of Ruth, we explore what it means to live from redemption, not just toward it. Through personal stories, deep biblical insight, and the climactic moment of Ruth’s redemption, this sermon challenges us to worship not just on Sundays—but in the middle of our Mondays. Kenny reminds us that like Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, we are invited to live redempt...

The Canteen #169 The Lord Has Not Left You Without Blessing 12.05.2025

In this heartfelt Mother's Day sermon, Pastor Blake Lawyer takes us into Ruth chapter 3, exploring how God's blessings often arrive in unexpected ways—through imperfect plans, vulnerable moments, and courageous obedience. With honesty and humor, we see how Ruth and Boaz’s midnight encounter on the threshing floor becomes a powerful reminder that the Lord has not left us without blessing. Whether y...

The Canteen #168 A Worthy Man, a Present Refuge, and a Future Hope 06.05.2025

What happens when someone’s character reflects the redeeming love of God? In this message from Ruth 2, worship leader D.J. Williams unpacks how one encounter with a worthy man—Boaz—begins to transform the lives of Ruth and Naomi. Through his radical generosity, protection, and faithful obedience, Boaz models the heart of God and foreshadows the greater Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Join us as we explore...

The Canteen #167 The Lord Has Not Left You Alone 28.04.2025

In this week's message, Pastor Blake Lawyer opens the story of Ruth 1 and shows us how God's loyal love clings to us even when our hearts are famished and broken. Through Naomi’s deep pain, Ruth’s steadfast commitment, and the hope of a returning harvest, we are reminded that God's love does not let go — even when life feels hopeless. Blake challenges us to embrace God's faithful l...

Stories From Trail #89 Spring Break Missions Stories | Honduras and GAP 28.04.2025

In this weeks story, members of our Christ Community Church family share powerful stories from their spring break mission trips to Honduras and the GAP distribution center in Kentucky. Hear from Katie, Isaiah, Patrick, and Crystal as they talk about why they said "yes" to the trip, how they saw God move, and how their experiences are impacting their everyday lives back home. From worship...

Stories From the Trail #88 Melissa Ballard 25.04.2025

Join us as Melissa Ballard shares how saying "yes" to God has led her on incredible adventures—from being a part of planting Christ Community Church to serving internationally in Chile. In this inspiring conversation, Melissa reflects on what it means to live on mission, why busyness shouldn't stop us from obedience, and how everyday opportunities to serve can become part of God'...

The Canteen #166 The King is Coming 25.04.2025

He is risen. He is alive. And He is coming. In this powerful Easter message, Pastor Blake Lawyer opens Revelation 1 and invites us to see Jesus—not just as a Savior who lived and died, but as the risen King in all His glory. From the isolated island of Patmos to the crowded streets of Shelbyville, the call remains the same: see the King, trust the King, and follow Him into a life worth living. Whe...

The Canteen #165 Life Without The King (Part 2) 25.04.2025

On this Palm Sunday, Pastor Blake lead us through one of the most sobering sections in Scripture—Judges 19–21. In the second part of the message titled “Life Without The King,” we confront the painful realities of human brokenness, injustice, and denial. These final chapters of Judges challenge us not to look away from darkness, but to recognize our deep need for a righteous King. 🎥 Message Highl...

The Canteen #164 Life Without The King (Part 1) 07.04.2025

In a world defined by brokenness—wars, disasters, and the consequences of sin—how do we respond when there seems to be no king? In this week's episode, Pastor Blake Lawyer opens a two-week journey through the closing chapters of Judges, exploring what happens when people live without godly leadership. Through the story of Micah and the tribe of Dan, we see three key patterns of life without th...

The Canteen #163 The King Frees You 31.03.2025

In this powerful message from Judges 13-16, Pastor Blake explores the life of Samson—his great potential, his moral failures, and how his final act of faith points us to the freedom found in King Jesus. Learn how God's gift of anger, when surrendered to Him, can become a tool for passion and purpose rather than rage and ruin. Discover the hope of resurrection and the freedom from the prisons o...

The Canteen #162 The King Wants to Rescue You 17.03.2025

God isn’t looking to negotiate—He wants to rescue you. In this powerful message from Judges 10-11, Pastor Blake explore show Israel’s cycle of sin and bargaining with God reflects our own struggles. Like Jephthah, we often try to make deals with God instead of trusting in His power to save. But Jesus, our true King, doesn’t need our negotiations—He simply calls us to believe and follow Him. Listen...

The Canteen #161 The Power of The King Humbles You 10.03.2025

In this weeks sermon,  Pastor Blake explores the story of Gideon in Judges 7-8, emphasizing the tension between courage and the temptation for power. He challenges believers to examine whether Jesus truly reigns as King in their lives or if they are living as their own rulers. Through Gideon's journey—from weakness to victory and ultimately to downfall—the sermon highlights how God's power...

The Canteen #160 Clothed by The King 03.03.2025

In a world filled with chaos, fear, and uncertainty, we often hide from the truth—just like Gideon in Judges 6. But God calls us out of hiding, pursues us with His love, and gives us peace in the truth of who He is. This powerful sermon unpacks the story of Gideon and how God's presence transforms our fear into faith. No matter how broken or unworthy we feel, the King pursues us, proves His po...

Stories From the Trail #87 Larry Porter 03.03.2025

Larry Porter’s life began with brokenness, but God was at work even when he didn’t realize it. Growing up in Eastern Kentucky, Larry faced challenges that shaped his resilience and self-reliance. Despite a loving grandmother and success in sports, he always felt something was missing. Everything changed when a friend invited him to church. A powerful sermon led him to surrender his life to Christ,...

Stories From the Trail #86 Tucker Keene 24.02.2025

Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they are taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. This week, Tucker Keene, a lifelong member of Christ Comm...

The Canteen #159 We Need a King Who Brings Us Together 24.02.2025

Join us for a powerful exploration of Judges 4 and 5 in our “We Need a King” series. In this sermon, Pastor Blake uncovers how God transforms our weaknesses into strength and positions us for His purposes—even when freedom seems to enslave us. Through the stories of Deborah, Barak, and Sisera’s defeated chariots, discover five key observations about leadership, limits, and coming together in faith...

Stories From the Trail #85 - Maeghan Adams Story 13.02.2025

Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they are taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. This week, Maeghan Adams shares her journey as a mother n...

The Canteen #158 The Courage to Obey the King 10.02.2025

Are you struggling to fully obey God? In this episode, The Courage to Obey the King , Pastor Blake dives into Judges 3 to explore how the Israelites forgot God, fell into sin, and cried out for deliverance. Through the stories of Othniel and Ehud, we see how God raises up leaders, empowers His people, and calls us to a life of faithfulness. This message challenges us to remember God's promises...

The Canteen #157 All In 03.02.2025

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the idea that faith isn’t just about what God did in the past—it’s about what He is still doing today. Featuring an insightful discussion with Nik Ripken, we challenge the mindset that sees the Bible as a historical record rather than an active, living testimony of God’s ongoing work. Ripken emphasizes that we do not serve a “past-tense” God. Th...

The Canteen #156 Abandoning the Good King 21.01.2025

In this episode, Pastor Blake explore the recurring "sin cycle" as described in Judges 2:6-3:6, reflecting on how it resonates with our own struggles to remain faithful to God. Drawing parallels between the Israelites' journey and modern challenges, Pastor Blake discuss the consequences of abandoning God, the hope found in His mercy, and the ultimate salvation brought through Jesus C...

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