Wake Up, Look Up

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the idea of “getting rich slow” and how overlooked, steady paths to wealth reflect deep biblical wisdom. Drawing from a Wall Street Journal article on the “stealthy wealthy,” he connects real-life examples to Proverbs and Colossians, showing how diligence, humility, and faithfulness in everyday work glorify God and build lasting success. Wh...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach responds to recent conversations about former President Trump floating the idea of a third term. He unpacks the constitutional, cultural, and spiritual implications of this rhetoric, ultimately pointing to a deeper issue: our country’s craving for self-glorifying leaders. Drawing from Scripture, Pastor Zach reminds us that true leadership reflects t...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the rise of AI in education and what it means for the church. Rather than retreating in fear, Christians are called to engage AI with wisdom, discernment, and moral clarity—leveraging it for good, while guarding what it means to be made in the image of God. 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 uses the controversy around Pete Rose’s Hall of Fame eligibility to highlight a deeper cultural drift: when truth becomes relative, justice and integrity erode. What begins with baseball reflects a world that, without God, is just making it up as we go. 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 challenges the rise of chaplaincy without Christ, urging listeners to recognize that true spiritual care must be rooted in the gospel. Without Jesus, he argues, we’re offering comfort without substance—and that’s not just ineffective, it’s dangerous. 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 explores how strength-based parenting offers a powerful model for discipleship, encouraging us to build on spiritual growth rather than fixating on failure. He reminds us that God is already at work in our lives—and we’re invited to celebrate and join Him there. 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 responds to a recent op-ed defending the Trump administration’s ban on critical race and gender theory in military academies, exploring who truly shapes moral character and why that responsibility belongs to the church and family—not the government. He connects this debate to biblical principles of moral clarity, unity, and staying in our God-given...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the tension between free speech and viewpoint diversity in higher education. Are universities truly open to different perspectives—or only the ones they already agree with? Looking through a biblical lens, Pastor Zach argues that honest debate sharpens us, but without God’s wisdom guiding us, free speech can spiral into chaos. Scripture cal...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks whether the five love languages still help us love others—or if we've turned them into demands to be loved our way. He challenges the cultural drift from selfless to self-centered intimacy and reminds us that real love, as shown in Jesus and taught in Scripture, is about giving—not getting. Tools like the love languages can serve us well, but o...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores a proposal for mandatory national service and asks: does forced service build character, or just compliance? He affirms the biblical value of serving others but warns that heart transformation can’t be mandated by government—it must be formed in the home. Rather than relying on policy to shape our kids, we’re called to raise them with the h...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach addresses the aging leadership in Congress and asks why so many leaders refuse to step aside. He connects this issue to a deeper spiritual problem of pride and self-interest, calling for a return to biblical servant leadership and a vision of legacy that empowers the next generation. For Christians, true freedom comes in letting go—because our purpo...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the phrase “do your own research” in the context of vaccines, trust, and leadership. He unpacks the dangers of conspiracy thinking, the erosion of trust in experts, and the spiritual roots of cynicism—challenging listeners to become truth-tellers themselves. Ultimately, he points to Jesus as the only one who can transform our hearts and res...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the cultural obsession with early morning productivity and asks, “Is God a morning person?” Drawing from both scripture and popular trends like 4AM CEO routines, he highlights how the Bible affirms early rising—not as a badge of hustle, but as a time for spiritual connection, as seen in Jesus' own habits. Yet, he cautions against linking se...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach highlights encouraging data showing that American dads are spending significantly more time with their kids since the pandemic—reflecting a cultural shift toward intentional fatherhood. He connects this trend to the biblical calling for fathers to lead their families spiritually, not just through big moments, but in everyday life. Citing Ephesians 6...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores why young adults are increasingly unhappy, despite living in a culture that promotes self-fulfillment as the key to happiness. Drawing from a global study and biblical wisdom, he argues that the pursuit of self-actualization often leads to isolation and emptiness, while true joy is found in surrendering to Jesus and living for something gre...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach addresses the claim made by historian Darmaid McCulloch in his new book, arguing that the Bible is inconsistent on sexuality and should not be taken as a moral authority. Pastor Zach counters this by emphasizing the Protestant view that scripture, not church tradition, is the ultimate authority, and he points out that the Bible acknowledges the sinf...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach discusses the cultural misconception that boys should suppress their emotions, arguing that this leads to long-term emotional struggles and stress. Drawing on both scientific research and biblical examples, he emphasizes that masculinity doesn't require emotional suppression, highlighting how figures like King David and Jesus model a balance of toug...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores why more Gen Zers are choosing to work for their parents—and why that might be a good thing. He connects this trend to biblical principles of multigenerational living, legacy, and responsibility, urging listeners to move beyond individualism and invest in the flourishing of their families and communities. Have an article you’d like Pastor Z...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores how catchy songs—known as earworms—can shape our minds and souls, suggesting that Christians strategically fill their hearts with music that reinforces biblical truth. He highlights how simple, repeatable, and singable lyrics can help us remember Scripture, instill theology, and transform our thinking in line with God’s Word. Have an articl...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach discusses growing political influence in public school systems, particularly how socialist agendas are shaping education in places like Chicago and New York. He urges Christians to remain vigilant and involved in their local schools, reminding parents and faith communities of their biblical responsibility to guide the next generation with truth and...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores how video game streamers like Asmongold are shaping the worldview of millions of young viewers—often more than pastors or parents. He challenges listeners to consider who is really discipling their kids and calls for greater awareness and intentionality in guiding the next generation toward truth, wisdom, and Jesus. Have an article you’d li...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach unpacks a disturbing report from The Wall Street Journal exposing how Meta’s AI chatbots engage in sexually explicit conversations—even with users who identify as children. He explores the moral, spiritual, and cultural implications of this technology and urges parents, leaders, and believers to stay vigilant, protect the vulnerable, and speak out a...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores recent UK laws around hate speech and non-crime offenses—and how they might impact Christians sharing their faith. He challenges listeners to consider whether they’ll choose to please people or God if preaching the gospel becomes costly. 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 discusses an opinion piece by Ross Douthat on the potential "extinction" of culture due to our increasing reliance on digital, mind-numbing content. Pastor Zach draws a parallel to spiritual stagnation, suggesting that just as culture is retreating from deep, meaningful relationships, so are we retreating from genuine spiritual growth. He encourages...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach discusses the importance of self-knowledge and the biblical call to repentance, sparked by an Atlantic article on critical self-awareness. He explains that real growth comes through honest self-assessment, a willingness to change, and daily dependence on Jesus—echoing a truth the Bible has taught for centuries: transformation begins with truth and t...