The Upper Room Fellowship

Sermon Summary: In this New Year's message, we explored four pivotal scriptures that define the essence and purpose of the church. Beginning in Matthew 16, we journey to Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus declared He would build His church on the foundation of His identity as Messiah. We learned how the original Greek word "ekklesia" described a dynamic movement rather than just a building. The Great...

In this New Year's message, we explore the profound metaphor of spiritual clothing and how our heavenly Father clothes us. Drawing from Ephesians 6's armor of God passage, we examine how spiritual warfare manifests in our daily lives - from marriage struggles to personal faith challenges. The sermon weaves together imagery of animal molting, new wineskins, and the prodigal son's story to illustrat...

In this Christmas message, we explore why our culture's endless search for magic - from Marvel movies to Superman - points to a deeper spiritual longing. The Christmas story introduces us to shepherds, society's outcasts and criminals, who become the first recipients of history's greatest news. Through their story, we discover how God intentionally chooses the unlikely and unworthy to showcase His...

We explored the fascinating story of the Magi – not the three kings of Christmas card fame, but Persian astrologers who practiced a form of wisdom that God's people were actually told to avoid. Yet mysteriously, God invited these pagan scholars to witness something extraordinary. These educated stargazers could get themselves to Jerusalem through their learning, but they needed Scripture's wisdom...

In this exploration of Luke 1, we journey beyond the sanitized Christmas card version to uncover the raw, supernatural drama of the nativity story. We examine how Mary's hurried 100-mile journey to Elizabeth wasn't just a family visit, but possibly a desperate attempt to save her life. The sermon unpacks how John the Baptist, still in Elizabeth's womb, recognized Jesus' presence and leaped for joy...

Sermon Summary: In this advent message, we explore the extraordinary nature of the Christmas story through the lens of what C.S. Lewis called "deep magic" - the reality that our world isn't just a closed system of cause and effect, but rather infused with divine presence and purpose. We journey through the announcement of Jesus's birth to Mary in Nazareth, examining how God consistently chooses un...

Sermon Summary: In this final installment of our Nehemiah series, we explore what happens after the seemingly perfect ending of Jerusalem's wall being rebuilt. After 12 years of successful leadership, Nehemiah returns to his position in Susa, only to discover years later that everything he built is falling apart. The temple is compromised, worship is neglected, and the people have broken their cov...

Nehemiah #2 : The Slave Who Asked for a Fore

Nehemiah #1 : When Distraction Means Destruction

Becoming Childlike

Trading Rules for Relationship

The Connected Life: Lessons from a Branch

In this sermon, we explore the book of Ezekiel, focusing on the prophet's extraordinary vision by the Kebar River in Babylon. We delve into Ezekiel's background as a priest, accustomed to the structured worship in Jerusalem's temple, and how his exile to Babylon shattered his understanding of God's presence. The sermon highlights how God sometimes bypasses our rational mind to speak directly to ou...

In this sermon, we explore the idea that the darkness and challenges we see in the world, and even in our personal lives, do not have the final say. We examine the historical event of Pope John Paul II’s visit to Poland in 1979 and the subsequent fall of communism, highlighting the power of hope and faith in Christ. We are reminded that God's kingdom is not in decline, but rather, it is growing ex...

Better Together #4 - Unified & Focused

Better Together #3 - Digging Through Roofs // Chris Holm

Better Together #2 - Temples on Two Feet

Better Together #1 - The Holy Art of Dinner

God On The Ballot

Reimagining Freedom

Soul Care - Todah Praise // Chris Holm

In this sermon on forgiveness, we explore the challenging yet transformative power of letting go of resentment and embracing grace. Drawing from Luke 17:3-10, we delve into Jesus' teachings on forgiveness and the disciples' startled response, "Increase our faith!" The sermon highlights three key steps to forgiveness: - Identify with the wrongdoer instead of focusing on difference...

In this sermon, we explore the concept of "Soul-Care" and our fundamental need for security. The message begins with a historical anecdote about the Great Fire of London in 1666, which led to the creation of the first insurance companies. This segues into a deeper discussion about our human craving for safety and security. The sermon delves into how our souls are designed to find securit...

Soul Care - The Hunger Within // Chris Holm

Soul Care - The Cure For The Lost Soul // Chris Holm