the Vine with Chris Green

In this Palm Sunday message, Chris Green reflects on the contrast between what people expected from Jesus and who He truly is. Drawing from Zechariah 9:9 and John 8, the sermon explores how Jesus came not to conquer political enemies but to bring salvation and freedom from sin. Chris challenges us to consider our identity in light of Jesus’ identity, and to remain rooted in His word despite cultur...

Sermon based on three-year lectionary series reading for April 6, 2025. On Tuesday of Holy Week, Jesus confronts the Pharisees, elders, and teachers of the law with a parable.

Is your relationship status shaping your identity—or is your identity shaping your relationships? In this message from 1 Corinthians 7, we explore how God’s calling transforms every season of life—whether you’re single, married, divorced, or “it’s complicated.” The Apostle Paul speaks with honesty and wisdom into the messy realities of relationships, reminding us that our primary status isn’t foun...

We often come to God’s Word expecting it to be simple and clear—like a neatly rolled ball of yarn. But more often than not, it feels tangled. Our past experiences, cultural influences, and personal struggles can make the truth of Scripture hard to grasp. Especially when it comes to a word like "holiness". In this message from 1 Corinthians 6, we look at Paul’s passionate call to a church that had...

Today we dive into how tangled things can get when trying to understand certain scriptures and concepts like sin. Just as a mess of yarn can be hard to unravel, our cultural experiences and personal histories can make biblical teachings feel confusing and overwhelming. The gospel's message of grace and the absence of condemnation for believers can help untangle these knots. By exploring Paul's let...

In today's message, we're challenged to embrace the countercultural nature of following Christ. The apostle Paul's words to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 4 remind us that the wisdom of God often appears foolish to the world. We're called to be 'fools for Christ,' rejecting worldly measures of success and status in favor of humility, service, and love. This teaching invites us to examine our own...

In this powerful message, we're challenged to reexamine our identity as followers of Christ. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 4, we're reminded that we are not owners, but servants and stewards of God's gifts. This perspective shift is liberating – freeing us from the judgments of others and even our own self-criticism. The core message is clear: our worth isn't determined by worldly success or personal...

How do we build a life of eternal consequence? This powerful message challenges us to shift our focus from how we'll be remembered after death to how we're building towards eternity. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 3:10-23, we're reminded that Jesus Christ is the only foundation worth building upon. Everything else - success, relationships, worldly ideas of the 'good life' - is ultimately unstable. As...

In this powerful message, we're challenged to reconsider what true spiritual maturity looks like. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, we're reminded that our ultimate goal isn't just biblical knowledge or good behavior, but union with God. Notre Dame's reconstruction is an illustration of how we, too, have a 'blueprint' - not just to be rebuilt, but to be fully realized in Christ. We're encouraged t...

In this powerful exploration of 1 Corinthians 2, we're challenged to reconsider how true spiritual transformation occurs. The apostle Paul reminds us that it's not through eloquent speeches or human wisdom, but through the simple yet profound message of 'Jesus Christ and him crucified.' This passage invites us to reflect on our own faith journey - are we relying on human intellect and charisma, or...

Have you ever felt inferior or out of place because of your faith? This powerful message explores the challenge of living as Christians in a world that often considers our beliefs foolish or antiquated. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, we're reminded that the message of the cross is 'folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.' This scripture highlig...

In this powerful exploration of 1 Corinthians 1:10-17, we're confronted with the timeless challenge of unity within the church. Paul's urgent appeal to the Corinthians resonates deeply with us today. The message is clear: true unity isn't found in aligning ourselves with charismatic leaders or popular teachings, but in our shared devotion to Christ alone. We're challenged to examine our hearts and...

What defines you as a follower of Christ? In this sermon on 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, we’re reminded that being a Christian is not about our programs, activities, or efforts—it’s all about Jesus. Paul passionately reminds the Corinthian church of their true identity: they are sanctified, called as saints, and deeply loved by God. Despite their failures and struggles, God’s faithfulness remains the foun...

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the incredible impact our personal testimonies can have in sharing our faith. The story of Paul's testimony before King Agrippa illustrates that even the most learned theologians rely on their personal experiences with God when sharing the Gospel. We're encouraged to recognize that sharing our faith doesn't require extensive biblical knowledge or perfect...

Today we explore how our thoughts and words shape the way we see ourselves, God, and the future. Drawing from Romans 12:2 and the wisdom of both scripture and neuroscience, we’ll see how God designed our minds as a canvas for His transformative work. Through the renewing power of the Holy Spirit, the lies that limit us are replaced with His truth, and a holy imagination is born—one that envisions...

Do you feel like life is just…ordinary? Like you’re stuck on a road to nowhere, going through the motions without seeing growth or purpose? In this message, we’ll uncover how God works powerfully in the seemingly mundane seasons of our lives, drawing from the quiet years of Jesus’ life as described in Luke 2:52. Discover why the ordinary is often where God does His deepest work, preparing us for e...

What do we do when God asks us to trust Him with the impossible? Discover how Mary’s journey to Elizabeth’s house turned her fear into faith, her questions into worship, and her uncertainty into joy. This sermon explores the profound blessings of believing in God’s promises and how we can experience the fullness of His life, even in the face of doubt.

What If Christmas Was Meant to Offend You? John the Baptist’s opening words in Luke 3:7-14 are anything but cozy: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?” But what if these bold, shocking words are exactly what we need this Advent season? In a world where spiritual complacency can lull us into autopilot, John’s confrontation is a wake-up call, cutting through our routin...

In this Advent sermon, we explore the importance of listening to the right voice as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. We’re reminded how easy it is to follow voices that mislead or distract us. John the Baptist’s call echoes through time: “Prepare the way of the Lord.” This message isn’t just about waiting—it’s about realigning our lives, turning from the wrong paths, and making room for...

This Advent marks the start of a new liturgical year and invites us to look beyond the chaos of the world to notice the signs of God’s life and promise unfolding around us. Instead of being consumed by fear or despair, Jesus calls us to lift our eyes and see the hope of His kingdom breaking through, both in His first coming and His promised return. These signs of life aren’t just in the world—they...

Today we're challenged to reconsider the origin story of everything in our lives. The parable of the minas in Luke 19 serves as a profound reminder that all we have - our talents, possessions, and relationships - are entrusted to us by God. Just as the nobleman in the parable gave his servants resources and a mission, Christ has given us everything we have and calls us to 'engage in business' unti...

In a world of constant change, we find ourselves in need of spiritual recalibration. This message reminds us of our core calling as apprentices of Jesus: to be with Him, become like Him, and crucially, to do as He did. John 14:12 challenges us with Jesus' words: 'Whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do, and greater works than these.' This isn't just about belief, but about action....

In our spiritual journey, we're called to become like Jesus, not just to find our 'true selves.' This countercultural message challenges us to look upward rather than inward. The apostle Paul's words in Galatians 4:19 remind us that our goal is to have 'Christ formed in us.' This isn't about self-improvement, but about a profound transformation where we're reshaped into Jesus' likeness. We're invi...

Chris explores the concept of "Practicing the Way" of Jesus, emphasizing that being a Christian is not just about holding beliefs, but about a way of living and being with Jesus. The focus is on the importance of abiding in Christ, which is made possible through the presence of the Holy Spirit. He discusses the challenges of staying connected to Jesus in a world full of distractions and highlights...

In this powerful message, we're challenged to reconsider our understanding of spiritual guidance and personal growth. The central theme revolves around Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 to take up His yoke and learn from Him. This metaphor of the yoke beautifully illustrates how we're all carrying some form of life philosophy or worldview that shapes our actions and decisions. The key insight...