Wake Up, Look Up

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach discusses the Israel and Gaza conflict and asks if we have to pick a side. He challenges the tribalism in today’s culture and offers a biblical perspective that rejects partiality and calls for loving enemies while seeking justice for all. Pastor Zach encourages a nuanced approach that holds truth on both sides without compromising compassion or con...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach tackles the controversial topic of Christian nationalism. He examines the beliefs of a pastor advocating for a Christian-influenced government. Pastor Zach encourages believers to let their faith shape how they live and engage with the world, while warning against using power to coerce others. Have an article you’d like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores whether we’re making our kids screen addicts — not because children want screens, but because anxious, safety-driven parenting keeps them indoors. He challenges parents to trust God’s sovereignty, embrace the balance of risk and responsibility, and let kids experience the freedom and growth that come from unstructured play and real-world ad...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores why Gen Z teens are rejecting traditional dating in favor of “situationships” driven by anxiety and fear of rejection. He highlights the spiritual importance of vulnerability and covenantal relationships, urging the church and parents to model and teach deep, committed love that reflects God’s perfect, fearless love. Have an article you’d l...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks, “Are Christians cheering for cheating?” Using the example of gerrymandering in Texas—and noting that both parties do it—he compares the practice to putting a thumb on the scale, a direct violation of biblical justice in Proverbs 11:1. Pastor Zach warns that unchecked political power breeds corruption and reminds listeners that politicians are...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores whether Gen Z is “accidentally Christian,” noting their embrace of values like moderation, craftsmanship, and tradition. While these moral choices can point toward God, he warns that morality alone doesn’t save—only surrendering to Jesus does. Pastor Zach urges the church to meet Gen Z’s hunger for meaning with the gospel, praying it could...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks whether ChatGPT could be harming vulnerable people, sharing the story of a man whose interaction with AI deepened his mental health struggles. He challenges Christians to think carefully about how technology impacts the weak and to safeguard truth, human connection, and shepherding in a digital world. Ultimately, Pastor Zach reminds us that wis...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks, Can you glorify God by skipping college? Reflecting on the rise of trade careers and a new reality show highlighting them, he explores what the Bible really says about work, calling, and value. Whether you’re behind a desk or under a truck, your work matters to God. Have an article you’d like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach unpacks how TikTok is becoming a dominant news source for young adults—and why that should concern us. He challenges listeners to think critically about where they get their information and reminds us that truth, not popularity, leads to freedom. Have an article you’d like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com !

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach raises the alarm on kratom—an addictive drug sold over the counter and increasingly destroying lives. While it promises relief, it leads to dependency, dulls our connection to God, and masks the real issues we face. Scripture calls us to freedom, not bondage—and that includes being alert, sober-minded, and fully dependent on the Holy Spirit. Have an...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach dives into the plummeting value of diamonds and asks the deeper question: are you done chasing status? He shows how Scripture calls us to anchor our identity not in wealth or possessions, but in the unshakable worth found in Jesus. True value never fades—and it was secured by the precious blood of Christ. Have an article you’d like Pastor Zach to di...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach dives into the controversy surrounding the Epstein files and the conflicting narratives emerging from political leaders. He unpacks the dangers of conspiracy theories, reminding us that truth is not a political weapon but a freeing reality rooted in Christ. Through Scripture, he calls Christians to avoid the fog of speculation and place their hope i...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores how younger Americans are redefining success by prioritizing health and well-being over wealth and career. He reflects on how this shift aligns with biblical wisdom, emphasizing that the true “good life” comes from surrendering to Jesus rather than chasing money or even personal balance alone. Have an article you’d like Pastor Zach to discu...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the tension between restorative and traditional school discipline, asking whether classrooms have become too forgiving. Drawing on biblical principles, he argues that discipline is an act of love, necessary for protecting the innocent, upholding authority, and cultivating peace. Rather than avoiding conflict, Pastor Zach encourages a correc...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on the cultural decline of literary fiction and why it matters for our spiritual and intellectual growth. He argues that thoughtful reading deepens our understanding of truth, encourages slow, reflective thinking, and helps shape our moral and theological imagination. Literature, like Scripture, invites us into deeper stories that challenge...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores how modern parenting and cultural fear have led to less physical activity and more screen time for kids. Using Scripture and wisdom from Proverbs, he challenges parents—and all of us—to embrace healthy, purposeful risk rather than sheltering in fear, reminding us that movement, adventure, and trust in God are key parts of a thriving life. H...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores how Christians should respond to tragedy, specifically natural disasters like the recent deadly flood in Texas. Instead of joining the cultural “blame game,” Pastor Zach challenges us to reject finger-pointing and lead with compassion, care, and truth—reminding listeners that our first priority should always be helping the hurting, not find...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach discusses the high rate of unsolved murders in America and explores the hope found in the Christian doctrine of hell. It emphasizes that human justice is imperfect, but God’s ultimate judgment ensures that no wrongdoing goes unaccounted for. Pastor Zach encourages listeners to find comfort in the certainty of divine justice and to consider the signi...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the growing distrust in public health officials and doctors, highlighting how political ideology and double standards have undermined confidence in medical guidance. Pastor Zach calls for a return to truth and wisdom—both personally and culturally—as the foundation for restoring trust and integrity in leadership. Have an article you’d like...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach responds to the bizarre rise of American Christians relocating to Russia in search of “traditional values” and spiritual refuge. Using the lens of the gospel, Pastor Zach challenges the mindset behind this trend, reminding us that no nation—America or Russia—is truly righteous. Instead of retreating from cultural brokenness, Jesus calls us to enter...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach tackles the spiritual consequences of doomscrolling and asks a bold question: could Satan be using your Instagram feed more than you think? With insight and urgency, Pastor Zach explains how the digital rabbit hole is training our brains for instant gratification—and slowly stalling our spiritual growth. From replacing stillness with noise to distra...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach responds to the heartbreaking Texas flood and asks a hard question many are wrestling with: where is God’s love in the face of such tragedy? With compassion and biblical clarity, he explores why even strong faith leads us to ask “why?”—and how the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus remain our fixed point when answers don’t come. Pastor Zach remi...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach revisits a controversial discussion on homeless camps and how Christians should respond to both the crisis and the policies surrounding it. Prompted by California’s efforts to disband encampments, Pastor Zach explores the tension between compassion for the homeless and personal responsibility—highlighting that biblical love doesn't ignore accountabi...

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Pastor Zach welcomes guest host Jamie Hewitt to explore the question: Are our best days behind us? Prompted by an article reflecting on post-college disillusionment, Jamie unpacks how the gospel gives purpose, even in seasons of uncertainty or transition. Whether we’re chasing big dreams or just navigating the ordinary, our lives find lasting meaning only when t...

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Pastor Zach revisits a deeply sobering topic: the response to school shootings and the Christian tendency to default to blame. Instead of asking, “Who’s at fault?”, Pastor Zach challenges listeners to lean into lament, love for neighbor, and gospel-sharing as tools that actually move us toward healing. In a world that keeps breaking, the church is called to be a...