Wake Up, Look Up

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on the events in Venezuela to ask a sobering biblical question: does judgment come for everyone? Using Scripture and current events, he reminds us that while judgment may seem delayed, God sees all—and today is the day to seek repentance and mercy.  Have an article you’d like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com

Merry Christmas, WULU family! We’re taking a short two-week break to recharge, beginning Dec 22, but don’t worry…we’ll be back Jan 5 with all-new episodes designed to help you think about what’s happening in the world through a gospel perspective. Enjoy the holidays, and get ready to start 2026 thinking deeper!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach examines the rise of abortions in the U.S. since the overturning of Roe v. Wade and highlights how telehealth is changing access to abortion. He challenges Christians to engage—through prayer, support, and action—in protecting life and supporting vulnerable mothers, reminding listeners that the fight for life is ongoing and personal. Have an article...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores a new poll showing declining interest in marriage among America’s youth and asks: are we failing the next generation? He dives into how young men and women are being shaped by culture, the media, and lack of guidance, and challenges the church to cast a compelling biblical vision for both young men and women to help lead families, communiti...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks: are colleges done with brainwashing? He breaks down a new curriculum flowchart at Texas Tech University designed to keep classes focused on their subjects, not professors’ personal ideologies. Pastor Zach explores why colleges should teach students how to think—not what to think—and why parents, churches, and students all have a role in guidin...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks: do we need government to raise our kids? Using Australia’s new law restricting social media for children under 16, he highlights the dangers of screens on kids’ mental health and development—and challenges parents to step up with intentional guidance and discipline. Ultimately, Pastor Zach reminds us that protecting the next generation starts...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach dives into the question: is your news a false prophet? Using the story of Dan Bongino as an example, he explores how media can spread lies to cater to what people want to hear, and how we must discern truth in a culture full of echo chambers. Ultimately, Pastor Zach reminds us that the standard for truth is found in God, not in the headlines. Have a...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on a recent Wall Street Journal article about elite colleges requiring students to engage with opposing viewpoints and challenges the church to do the same. He emphasizes Matthew 5:9, calling Christians to be peacemakers who prioritize understanding people over “winning” arguments. Pastor Zach encourages listeners to practice listening, val...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on the story of Ohio State coach Ryan Day and the power of second chances, urging listeners not to be quick to write people off. He connects this to James 1:19, emphasizing patience, listening, and the possibility of redemption, both in personal relationships and in culture. Pastor Zach challenges us to reconsider who we may have prematurel...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the hidden dangers of social media and how foreign actors and divisive content can manipulate and divide us. He reminds listeners, drawing on 1 Peter 5:8, that the true enemy is spiritual, and urges discernment, prayer, and reflection before engaging online. Pastor Zach encourages turning our focus toward God and restoration in our relation...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the pressure of perfection in our culture and how it stifles growth, creativity, and personal progress. Drawing on Matthew 11:28, he reminds listeners that Jesus offers rest from cultural expectations and the need for validation, freeing us to embrace the messiness of life. Pastor Zach encourages us to lean into God’s voice, take risks, and...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach unpacks how our constant phone-checking is draining our focus and reshaping our brains in ways similar to addiction. He connects this cultural habit to the biblical practice of fasting, arguing that smartphones—not food—are the modern master we need to step away from. Pastor Zach challenges listeners to build a rhythm of “digital fasting” so we can...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks: can we stop murder before it happens? Using Baltimore’s Safe Streets program as an example, he explores how “credible messengers” intervene in communities to prevent violence and break cycles of harm. Pastor Zach connects this to Jesus’ call for Christians to be salt and light, showing that through neighborly love and action, we can actively p...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks: did we discover a cure for loneliness? Drawing on a Stanford study, he explains that loneliness often stems from cynicism about others, not a lack of people, and that highlighting kindness and empathy can help people connect. Pastor Zach challenges listeners to speak well of others and share stories of goodness, showing how Christians can be r...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks the question: do we ever leave high school? Using the recent trend of cigarette smoking among Gen Z as a starting point, he explores how we’re all influenced by culture, celebrities, and social media, often in ways that are spiritually harmful. He encourages listeners to stop chasing “cool” and instead anchor their lives in Jesus Christ, the ul...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks the question: who is forming our kids? He explores how our performance-obsessed culture–focused on grades, athletics, and achievement–is fueling anxiety, depression, and pressure among children, and he urges parents to instead ground their kids in God’s love and inherent value. When children know their worth comes from being made in God’s image...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Za ch tackles the question: is gender dysphoria a fad? Using research and cultural trends, he explores how rapid shifts in identity, especially among teens, often reflect cultural influence rather than biology, and he challenges Christians to anchor themselves in Christ so they aren’t swept up by every new cultural wave. This episode reminds us that true...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach unpacks the growing tension between parents and grandparents over modern parenting styles. Using Scripture as a guide, he challenges both sides to honor parental roles, speak with restraint, and pursue encouragement and peace in the family. Pastor Zach reminds listeners that while grandparents can be an incredible source of love and wisdom, healthy...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on Charles Murray’s surprising conversion to Christianity and asks whether there’s anyone we think God can’t reach. Murray—an Ivy League–trained intellectual—came to faith through studying the claims of Christianity and observing the steady witness of his wife. Pastor Zach reminds us that God often reaches people through both reason and fai...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach breaks down the rapid rise of AI “companions” and the growing trend of people forming romantic or sexual relationships with chatbots. He explains why these synthetic relationships are spiritually and socially dangerous, distancing us from real human connection and fueling “lust without limits.” Pastor Zach urges Christians to resist this new wave of...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach tackles the rise of tablets in schools and asks whether screens are quietly becoming our kids’ real teachers. He explains that despite declining test scores and research showing digital learning is less effective, schools continue to rely on devices—even though parents and teachers don’t want them. Pastor Zach challenges parents to take responsibili...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach responds to the news about Larry Summers to explore the difference between shame and true repentance. He explains that while Summers expresses remorse, biblical repentance requires action and making things right, as seen in the story of Zacchaeus. Pastor Zach challenges listeners to pursue real change and transparency rather than settling for surfac...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up , Pastor Zach asks a question that hits deeper than sports headlines: Has gambling ruined sports? After reading a recent feature in The Atlantic about the growing gambling crisis in Major League Baseball, Pastor Zach reflects on the shocking federal indictment involving Cleveland Guardians pitchers accused of manipulating pitches for prop bets — despite already...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up , Pastor Zach tackles a question many of us have been silently asking: Where has decency gone? After reading a Washington Post op-ed by former Indiana governor Mitch Daniels, he reflects on the sad reality that civility has become almost nonexistent in public life. Profanity, personal attacks, and humiliation have become political strategy — and most of us are e...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up , Pastor Zach asks a powerful question: Is your phone making you less human? Drawing from a New York Times opinion piece by psychoanalyst Stephen Barry Anthony, he explores how technology is reshaping the way we feel, connect, and relate — and not for the better. Have an article you’d like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com !