Chris Bates Ministries: Recent Episodes
Chris Bates Ministries
Welcome to the Chris Bates Ministries podcast. We hope these messages leave you encouraged and feed your faith! For more info check out https://chrisbatesministries.com/
Confidence is great, while it lasts, the problem is that it's easy to lose, break, or misplace. What happens when we don't perform our best? How do we bounce back? The Bible talks a lot about where we can find real and lasting confidence and how we can get it back if it's lost. We hope this message inspires and strengthens you as you walk with God.
What is our life producing? Is it good? Is it healthy? Jesus teaches us in Matthew 7:15-20 about how to spot something real, by testing its fruit. As Christ-followers, we are encouraged to live lives worthy of our calling so we can bear good fruit in every season of life. We pray this practical message called, "Grow Something Better", inspires you to live out your best life in Christ.
In this talk, we look at how to live out one of Jesus' most famous commands, "Do unto Others as you would have them do unto you Matt 7:12." What do people really want? It's easy when we think about what we want. We pray this message inspires you and causes your faith to grow strong!
Have you ever felt bad for asking for help? In this talk, we discover that it's okay to ask and God actually wants to help us just like we would help our own kids. We also take a look at prayer and how Jesus told us to pray.
In week one of our series, we look at building a strong foundation for our life with Jesus' teachings out of Matthew chapter 7. In this message we look at what it means to "Judge not" and how as Christians we can implement this in our lives.
Should Christians have fun? How much fun? Are we having any fun? In this talk, we look at how Joy, happiness, kindness, fun, and laughter affect our marriages, families, and churches and witness to the world!
Having fun, what does that have to do with the Bible? Actually quite a bit, the Bible tells us in Eccl 8:15 to "Have Fun" so we will experience "happiness" along with the hard work God gives us. In this talk, we look at how to prioritize fun and what joy and laughter do for our souls!
In the last part of our series, we look at pulling the weeds of anger. The Bible tells us anger gives a "foothold" to the enemy to bring trouble into our lives. God's word gives us clear instructions on how to deal with this destructive weed!
The Bible warns us about allowing destructive roots to "grow up" in our life. In this talk we look at why simple behavior modification often doesn't work, and find out but what it really takes to make and keep a lasting change by killing the root.
We've all experienced wounds, hurts, setback and heart breaking moments in life. In this talk we look at what happens when we let bitterness grow unchecked in our lives and how we can stop it.
In this talk we look at the idea of falling in and out of love. We discuss breaking up with the fairy tales we believe about relationships and look at what the Bible says about dating, marriage, and true beauty!
Can a person play with fire and not get burned? This exact question is asked in Proverbs 6:27. When it come to dating, relationship, and sex, so many people find them selves in fames. In this talk we take a look at what the Bible teaches about sex!
What will quench a thirsty soul? You know, the thirst, we all have for success, meaning, approval, love, for satisfaction? The Bible tells us in John chapter 4 the answer to this age old question. In this message we look at what Jesus told the woman at a well and explore how it applies to us today.
The Bible talks of people who praise God with their lips, but their hearts are far from me (Matthew 5:18). What does a heart close to God look like. In this talk we look at the "heart" and the role it plays in changing our lives.
God did not create us to live burned out, tired, and frustrated lives. This is often caused by junking our lives up with too much stuff, and doing too many things to find real and lasting rest. In this talk we look at Jesus' invitation to follow him and find true rest for a weary soul.
There are a lot of "causes" in the world today, many ways we can spend our lives and try to find purpose and make a difference. How do you know if your cause is the right one? How do you know if your cause will last? In this talk we look at finding a worthy cause.
In the final part of our series, we take a look at one final test, "The Love Test"! The Bible makes it clear that love is our calling as Christians, and that the world around us should be able to tell we follow Jesus based on how well we love. We hope this message inspires you to be everything God called you to be!
Life can be challenging, but the Bible encourages us to move forward regardless of what life throws our way. In week two of this series we take a look at the 3 important tests we must pass to have the type of life that God intends for us!
Taking a test can be stressful! Not knowing what to study, and not being fully prepared can lead to some pretty terrible results. The Bible tells us that we will all stand before God, that our life now is really a test. In part one of our talk we discuss finding comfort in knowing what’s going to be on this final test, so we can be prepared for eternity.
In Exodus Ch 17 God reveals himself to his people as Yahweh-Nissi , which means “the Lord is my banner”. In this talk we take a look at what flags we fly over our lives and what it means to have the Lord as our banner.
What do we do when we don't know what to do? In this message titled, "Where to Look", we talk about seeking God during times of uncertainty. We pray this message encourages you and causes you to draw closer to Jesus.
Our souls (mind, will, and emotions) and our spirits are linked and connected in such a complex way. Each one affects the other drastically. In week one of our New Normal series, we look at what it takes to reconcile the raging war between the soul and spirit.
Why do we do what we do? That's a great question. When it comes to work and reward it's important to remember the pay off. This message is based on the parable of the vineyard worker in Matthew chapter 20.
A good story captures the imagination, it can inspire, and fill us with hope. God used stories throughout the Bible that transcend time, class, education, language, and cultural barriers. In part one of our talk, we take a look at the parable of the prodigal son and discover that God's message to us is just as relevant as the day it was spoken.
What do you think of when you hear the word father? How does that affect your relationship with God? In this talk we take a look at fatherhood and see what the Bible says about Biblical manhood and the role it plays in all our lives.
How do we make sense of all the hate, racism, injustice, violence, and chaos in the world today? What chance do we have of making a difference? Where do we even start? In this talk we take a look at what the world really needs for lasting hope, healing, and change.
What does it take to have a "full life"? Jesus tells us in John 10:10, that if we follow him we can have an abundant, full, and satisfying life, but what does that look like ? In this talk Pastor Chris discusses whats necessary for a full life.
Life can be exhausting even when things are going great. Life can get completely overwhelming when things get tough! The Bible tells us that Jesus is offering us real and lasting rest if we will learn from him and let him take the lead in our lives. In this talk we talk a look at how to find real and lasting rest for our weary souls.
Are you ready for some good news? The Bible is full of inspiring stories that help us keep our eyes on Jesus during whatever fight, test, storm or trial we find ourself in. In week one of our series, we talk about how God is more than enough to handle anything the world can throw our way.
Social distance, emotional distance, spiritual distance, distancing has been an issue for a long time. What does it look like to get close to God? Are we afraid of what he might find. In this talk we talk at look at why you can never find healing when we hide and maintain distance from the very one who has to power to help us.
Mask play a lot of different roles in society and culture, from super heroes and mowing the lawn, to helping medical professionals keep us safe. In this talk we take a look at what types of mask we wear and how God want us to live mask free in our relationship with him.
What do we do when the storm is over? Will our lives go back to normal? Was normal that great anyway? In this talk we take a look at rebuilding our lives with with God!
Trust is a big deal to God, repeatedly through out scripture we're told to do just that, to trust even in uncertainty. Learning to let God take the lead in our lives during a difficult season leads to peace and protection. In this talk we take a look at the conflict between Trust and Control.
When the storms and wind are raging in your life, what should be our response? In this talk we talk a look at how to have peace even in times of great difficulty.
We're all born with desires, we thirst and hunger for something real, meaningful, something that sustains and satisfies the soul. In this talk on relationships we talk a look at living "thirsty" and what to do about it.
In this talk from our "Thirst Trap", series we tale a look at what happens when we bring fairy tales and unrealistic expectations into our relationships.
In this message we take a look at where our confidence comes from and how we can keep it.
How do we make a name for ourself? This age old question of where our identity and self worth come from has been around forever. In this talk we take a look at where our real value and Identity come from.
Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it's not growing! Seeds, like people, have to grow over time. In this talk we take a look at how small changes in our heart, mind, and mouth produce big results!
The Bible speaks of "changing the way we think” and “renewing our minds” (Rom 12:1-2), in order to become a better version of our self. In week three of our series, Redo, we take a look at the role our mind plays in making a lasting life change.
What does it take really change? Is it will power or something more? In week two of our “Redo” series we discover how what's planted in the heart is shaping our future.
In the final part of our “Thrill of Hope” series we look at the ghost of Christmas past, present, and future and what they are trying to tell us. We pray this message inspires and prepares your heart for the true meaning of Christmas.
"Family and Christmas go hand and hand. Often times our family history and past can also tell us a lot about our future! In this talk we take a look at how God stepped into humanity to save the family he loved so dearly."
We all know that fear, worry, anxiety, and stress play a big part in the “human condition”. The good news is the Bible talks about having a “peace that guards our hearts and minds”, and a peace that “surpasses normal human understanding”. In this talk we take a look at how to let the peace of God rule in our hearts.
To "Hulk Out" is defined on urban dictionary as, “loosing one's temper, clothing or power of coherent speech before embarking on a spree of violence and wanton destruction". Does this sound familiar? In this talk we take a look at how to deal with anger and forgiveness so we can have God's best in our lives and relationships.
The pursuit of happiness is one of today's favorite pastimes. But why is happiness so elusive? What does it take to be happy and find joy? In this talk we take a look at real happiness and how to find it!
Is Hell a real place? If so, why would a place like this exist? In the final part of our "Stranger Stories” series we are going to take a look at one of the most uncomfortable topics in the Bible.
The Bible speaks of a time when Jesus will make “all things new”. In this talk we take a look at the brokenness in our world and discovery how God is going to fix it.
One of the Devils greatest deceptions is simply convincing people he doesn’t exist. The Bible tells us the kingdom of darkness is real and that there will be times in life we need to know how to fight against it. In this talk we take a look at what the Devil wants with us, and what we can do about it.
SuperNatural Week one The Light: You know what’s crazy? Thinking we are alone in the universe. In this talk we look at what the Bible has to say about the Kingdom of Heaven, Angels, and how God’s supernatural power can effect our every day lives.
What does it look like to walk with Jesus? In this message we take a look at the powerful words of Psalm 23. Do you need to find real rest for your soul? Are you in need of guidance and protection? We have a shepherd that’s leads us, restores us, and continually invites us to sit at his table.
What do we do with guilt, shame, condemnation? In this message we look at what the blood of Jesus has done for us!
God wants to take us to new heights, new levels, and have us experience true freedom though him. However, for us to experience God’s best there are times that we have to fight! The old saying, “ the bigger the level the bigger the devil”, is often true! In this message we talk about “leveling up” while winning the “Boss Fights”, in our life.
Ever needed to escape a situation? Many times in life there are choices, paths, hurts, wrongs, or maybe relationships that we need to escape and break free from. Sometimes if we’re are not careful the things we use to escape can become the very thing that enslaves us. In this talk we discuss overcoming temptation and how to truly break free from what's holding us back in life.
God's word is full of promises for every believer. In week one of our talk we look at how to "Fight the good fight of faith". With God in our corner we're unstoppable, but if we "a pretty good option" instead of holding on to what god says we can get in real trouble. Exodus 15:3 "The LORD is a warrior; Yahweh is his name".
or some prayer is just wishful thinking, or something we do to be polite, like saying bless you when someone sneezes. This is not what the Bible teaches at all, Prayer is Powerful! James 5:16 tells us "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." In this talk we discuss developing a discipline of prayer and going to God first, instead of after we’ve exhausted all of our time, energy, and effort.
The Early followers of Jesus had an incredible passion that caused the people around them to take notice. These pioneering Christians discovered a “Better Way” to live. The church spread and grew from the contagious love and outpouring of the Holy Spirit at work in their lives. The outsiders simply called them ‘Followers of the Way”. In this talk we look at how we build community to change communities and discuss how the right relationships help us follow “the Way” better
Learn to surf and eat some good turf. Stop getting riled up about every little thing to stop you from continuing to have your best summer ever! Forgive your enemies, nothing annoys them more!
Everyone takes steps, are the steps you're currently taking going to lead you to the places you want to go? Based on who you want to become what direction do you need to go? During this talk we discuss the importance of having the courage to Stop and change course.
What goes along with Summer better than flip flops? Not Much! The Bible surprisingly has a lot to say about feet, sandals, and what we should be doing with them! During this talk we discuss spreading the “good news” to those lives that cross our path in every day life. Romans 10:15 ...How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
Are you tired and wore out? Do you find your self needing a vacation from your vacation? Jesus invites us to find real rest in him. In this talk we discuss how to find real rest and what it looks like. Matthew 11:28-30 NIV 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
What do you do with the insatiable desire to impress, to perform, to get enough likes to finally be happy?? During this talk we take a look at the big ugly E- Word, ENVY. What does the Bible say about living for likes and what can we do to stop envy from taking over our lives!
A Fathers love and approval is desperately needed in our lives! During this message we take a look at how loving and honoring the Men God has placed in our lives causes them to be able to “love well”.
Dreams, we all have them, but what does it take to turn them into reality? God has a wonderful custom designed plan for all our lives. In this message we discuss the actions and posture needed to allow God to work in our lives as we pursue our God given dreams.
God didn't ask for a part of our life, he did'n't ask for us to give him access to what we are comfortable with. God ask for the whole thing! He wants all of us! In this talk we look at why God wants access to every part of our life and why it's a much better idea to let him have everything than for us to try to keep certain parts of our lives off limits. He knows our heart better than we do, because he made it!
Matthew 10: 39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.
In this talk we take a look at what makes a happy and heathy home and how it all starts with our mom's and wives. Women have an incredible God given ability to grow things. What are giving the women in your life to grow? Ephesians 5:25-28 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her
When we understand our responsibilities we become careful with our actions. It's easier to focus now when you know what that will imply tomorrow! Eternity is real and will come to all of us. What we do with Jesus will determine where we spend eternity but what we do with our life's will determine how we live eternity. God will judge is according to what he called us to do! Everyday counts, it's new day, a new chance to love, to forgive, to help and to live the purposes heaves have for you. Make today count forever.
What happens when our time is up? Philosophers have struggled with this question forever! During week one of our series, we talk about what happens during the moments after you die. Is death something followers of Jesus have to fear? During this talk you will discover how the power of the cross conquered sin as well as death. "O death where is your sting, o grave where is your victory".
What's the plan? Do you have one? God has a plan for all of our lives, but is his plan compatible with your own? During this talk we take a look at a much better plan!
In the final week of our "Adulitng" series we talk about getting "caught in the act"! Our lives matter and Jesus is really coming back, what would like like him to catch you doing when he returns?
A fatal flaw! Achilles had one, Samson had one, do you? In this talk we discuss how growing up spiritually requires community. Are the relationships in your life a blessing or a curse? This talk entitled "Fatal Flaw" reveals the truth of God's word concerning healthy relationships.
A better version of you! Who wouldn't like that! During this talk we discuss "living our best life", and what that really looks like.
1 Peter 2:1-3 NLT 1 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation.
Growing up can be challenging. We've all seen the negative side of staying immature. The down side of not growing up spiritually is even worse! During this talk we discuss how to mature into spiritual adulthood and why we would even want to in the first place.
The most important test your ever going to take. In this talk we take a look at the two questions that you will want to answer correctly.
Tired of getting knocked down? The Bible tells us in John 16:33 we are going to have storms and trials in life, but we can be of "good cheer" because Jesus has overcome the world. Many times when we are constantly getting knocked down in life, it's due to a wardrobe malfunction. This Bible tells us to put on the full armor of God so we can stand when tough times come. During this talk we take a look at what putting on Gods armor actually looks like. Upgrade your wardrobe and upgrade your life!
During week 3 of our "Clapback" series, we discuss "fighting with faithfulness". The strategy of doing more to get more often falls short. God is looking for faithfulness in the things we already have, that's what leads to "more" in our life. We hope this talk inspires and encourages you today!
Our series"Clapback" is all about responding to difficult circumstances. In week one we talk about how we are not fighting in the battle alone, but we are "fighting with family", as sons and daughters of God. Knowing that God is the solution and not our problem ais the first step in being able to overcome what comes our way.
Qualified? Of course we're not, at least not on our own. Jesus is the one for qualifies us. This message discusses how God see us not on our own but "though the filter of Jesus".
God has a plan for your life, but so does the Devil, he simply wants to get you to waste your life in meaningless pursuit. In week 3 of our series, we talk about the ways we "self sabotage", by trying to find happiness and fulfillment is ways that can never sustain us.
Week two of our Appetite for Destruction series. In this message we take a look at the battle everyone will face with pride, and look at what the Bible teaches us about true humility.
The Bible makes it clear we all have an Appetite for Destruction in Romans 7:8-23. So are we doomed, are we destined to be a slave to sin ? In this talk we find out how to fight the battle of sin and destruction in our lives.
Life really can get better, but only when we make the right choices. During this talk we take a look at how the little things can make a big difference in our life.
Who is Jesus? Who is he really? A prophet, rabbi, teacher, a good man, an angel? The way you answer this one question changes everything. In this talk we look at who Jesus claims to be.
Immanuel, the name for Jesus that means, "God With Us". In this talk we look at how comforting it is to have a God who understands our pains, struggles, fears and temptations, a God who gets it!
The Bible tells us in Isaiah 9:6 that Jesus would be our everlasting father. In this weeks talk we break down what it means to have a father forever.
In week one of our Christmas series, we discuss how Jesus can bring peace to our lives.
Where is your treasure? Where is your heart longing to be? In week 4 of our series Bread & Wine, we discuss accumulating treasure in heaven by living a life on purpose.
In this talk on communion, we look at what it means to remember the Lord's body and how we reflect on the fact that God offers us a seat at the table though Jesus!
During week two of our Bread & Wine series, we take a look at the New Covenant. This new agreement between God and man has changed everything. During this message we take a look at why God can love you!
In week one of our Bread & Wine series, we take at look at the Lord's communion and the power and freedom that comes from examining our own lives.
In the conclusion of our series, "This is Us", we take a look at Biblical parenting in today's culture.
Whether your single, divorced, or married, there is something in this talk for you. We take a look at having a relationship "on purpose", instead of just going though life with no game plan or clear direction. Relationships on purpose are the best relationships!
During week two of our This is Us series, Pastor Chris and Kate take questions about dating, sex, marriage, parenting, and relationships.
God created man in his likeness, for fellowship, relationship, and community. Our relationships with God and each other make or break us in life. In this talk we look at Love and discuss how all healthy relationships must start here.
blessed, what more do we need to say? Actually quite a lot. In this message we talk about what happens after you, lose your ship? Does God really want you to have a blessed life? We'd love to hear form you at ftw@victoryfamilychurch.com
Am I too far gone? Did I miss my opportunity? Can God still use me? Has my ship sailed? With Jesus the answer is always no! This message looks at how God can take the messes in our life and make a masterpiece.
Navigating life can be tough, navigating life with unwanted ships anchored to our life can be even tougher. Jesus wants to free us from the weights that slow us down and stop us from living our best life. This message teaches us to how to let Jesus remove the ships! Hebrews 12:1 NLT Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight, (ships) that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Want to find life, then lay your life down, want to be blessed then bless others. Being a Christian is counter cultural. This new series teaches us how to Loose our ship and build a new life on Jesus! Matthew 16:24,25 24 Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.