Community Christian Church: Recent Episodes
cccsterling
Welcome to the ministry of Community Christian Church in Sterling Heights, Michigan! We are a family-oriented fellowship of believers, and seek to infuse sincerity, community and faith in Jesus Christ in a warm and caring way. Our podcast features the Sunday morning teaching of Pastor Tony Rea and is updated each Monday. Visit our website at cccsterling.org
As we wrap up our "Reboot" series, we’ll confront the deeper reasons why some habits are so difficult to break. Whether it’s because they’ve been with us for so long, they feel like part of our identity, they offer a temporary payoff, or the enemy’s discouragement is at work, these patterns don’t have to define us. True transformation comes through renewing our thoughts and attitudes in Christ.
Pastor Tony Rea continues our "Reboot" series with a powerful message on the role of reflection in personal transformation. Drawing inspiration from Psalm 139, he shares how we can invite God to examine our hearts, reveal hidden wounds, and bring healing to the areas that hinder our growth.
Choosing to change our mindset in how we truly reboot our lives. Pastor Chris explains the connection between our thoughts, identity, and behaviors, highlighting how our struggles often originate in our minds.
In this week's message, Pastor Chris kicks off the "Reboot" series, challenging us to refresh our spiritual lives for the new year. Using the analogy of a computer reboot, he offers practical steps to identify areas for change and experience God in a new way.
Pastor Tony explains the true meaning of Christmas joy, emphasizing that it's not solely dependent on external circumstances or material possessions., but to find lasting joy in God's promises and the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Chris explores the idea of peace, especially the kind of peace that only God can give. He contrasts the temporary peace the world offers, like feeling calm and relaxed, with the lasting peace that comes from a deep connection with Christ.Pastor Chris explains that true peace isn't just about having no problems. It's about feeling God's presence in your life. By focusing on God, trusting in Him, and being thankful, we can experience this incredible peace,
Pastor Tyler teaches on the biblical concept of two opposing wisdoms: earthly and heavenly. Using the contrasting cities of Paris and London during the French Revolution as a metaphor, he points out how these two wisdoms manifest in our lives, emphasizing the importance of choosing heavenly wisdom, which is characterized by purity, peace, and humility.
As we celebrate all the incredible things CCC has partnered with around the world, Pastor Chris, along with guest speaker and founder of Breakloose Prison Ministry, Tim Frantz, encourages us to invest our time and resources into eternity.
Pastor Tony tackles the topic of "taming the tongue" found in the Book of James. Instead of focusing on the damage our words can cause, he encourages us to "Open your mouth and PRAISE!" Using the analogy of a stumble, he shows how our tongues can trip us up, and then offers practical advice, using the acronym PRAISE, on how to use our words for good. He challenges us to speak life into our circumstances and relationships by praising Jesus, praising others, and even practicing healthy self-affirmation.
Pastor Chris explores the link between faith and actions, highlighting that true faith leads to good works. He connects this message to the upcoming election, urging us to actively participate in the democratic process while ultimately trusting in God's plan, regardless of the outcome. He also addresses the common misconception of salvation through good works, clarifying that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus. However, true faith will be evident through a transformed life and good works.
PT focuses on the "royal law" of love from James 2 and explores how showing favoritism contradicts this fundamental principle. We should be extending love and mercy to all, just as Christ did, so we can experience the transformative power of a servant's heart. Let's embrace this royal law and actively share the Gospel with compassion, leaving judgment to God.
Pastor Chris emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with the Word of God. He uses the analogy of a mirror to illustrate how the Word can reveal areas in our lives that need attention and change. We are encouraged to not only hear the Word, but to humbly accept it and allow it to transform us.
PT kicks off our series on the Book of James, exploring how to live out faith in the midst of trials. He emphasizes the importance of joy and perseverance in navigating challenging times, drawing parallels between our lives and the experiences of the early church. He reminds us that trials can lead to spiritual growth and serve as a powerful testimony to those around us.
Pastor Chris unpacks the powerful theme of moving forward in impact, highlighting that God's intention for us is not just to be saved, but to actively participate in His Kingdom. Fulfillment lies in serving others with our unique gifts, and it's never too late to make a difference.
Pastor Chris unpacks the powerful meaning of the four cups from the Jewish Passover Seder, representing sanctification, deliverance, redemption, and praise, to illustrate God's plan for a life of fulfillment. He encourages us to discover their unique gifts and talents to make an impact for God's Kingdom. True purpose is not just about what you do, but about who you are in Christ.
True freedom—it's more than just a ticket to heaven. Pastor Chris dives deep into what Jesus can set us free from, reminding us that it's an ongoing journey of healing and growth that leads to a life unshackled from the past. The message is clear: embrace community, be vulnerable, and step into the abundant freedom that Christ offers.
Pastor Chris kicks off the "Forward" series by emphasizing the core of Christian faith: accepting the good news of Jesus' sacrifice and becoming fully devoted followers. He unpacks the various components of a Sunday service, like worship music and teaching, and highlights their role in strengthening our connection with God and each other.
We all will face circumstances that can never be erased from our life’s story: The ugly divorce. The betrayal of trust in a relationship. The far-too-early death of a loved one. The life-altering medical diagnosis. The financial collapse. Unrelenting mental and emotional distress.And so, what do we do when adversity, fear, and pain are louder than the voice of the Lord? When they challenge the validity of the covenant promises we read in Scripture?We must learn how to strengthen ourselves in the Lord through every adversity we face. This is the story of David, among others in the Scripture. Theirs are not relics of the past; they are timeless calls to action to develop strength of spirit and maturity of character through adversity.
In this insightful conversation, Pastor Chris Rea is joined by Abdu Murray to discuss the concept of "soul sickness" in our chaotic world. They analyze the division and animosity prevalent in today's society, linking it to a fundamental loss of understanding what it means to be human. Abdu challenges us to re-evaluate our perceptions and actions, emphasizing the need for compassion, truth, and grace in our interactions, especially in the face of challenging issues.
Pastor Tyler confronts the often-overlooked sin of gluttony, expanding its definition beyond food to encompass any excessive indulgence that hinders our relationship with God. He encourages listeners to abandon self-reliance and embrace the guidance of the Holy Spirit, leading to a life of true fulfillment and purpose.
Wisdom isn't merely about accumulating information but cultivating a deep reverence for God. Through engaging stories and insightful biblical references, Pastor Tony highlights the transformative power of the "fear of the Lord," leading us to a profound understanding of our identity, purpose, and the path to becoming more like Christ.
Pastor Chris tells a personal story about a humbling experience in high school baseball, illustrating the importance of humility in the Christian faith. What is the meaning of true humility? Drawing from the Bible and examples of Jesus' life, he challenges us to adopt a Christ-like mindset, prioritizing the interests of others.
Pastor Dave Cummings teaches the lasting impact of words, both positive and negative. Drawing inspiration from Proverbs 18:21, he shows the biblical understanding of the tongue's power, the connection between our words and our hearts, and the transformative potential of speaking life into others. Let's embrace the Lord's calling to use our words as instruments of love, healing, and encouragement!
Joy Gruits explores the theme of unwavering trust in God, drawing parallels with Abraham's journey of faith and the importance of trusting in God's promises, even in the face of adversity and uncertainty. God's ways are higher than our own and His plan for our lives is ultimately for our good.
In this sermon, Pastor Chris Rea and Dave Bauer and have an authentic and insightful conversation about the importance of confessing and forsaking sin to experience spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. They explore the negative consequences of concealing sin and offer practical steps for finding freedom and experiencing God's mercy.
The purpose of the Proverbs, God's timeless wisdom literature designed to guide young princes and princesses away from the pitfalls of sin and toward the path of righteousness, offer practical guidance for navigating life's challenges and making choices that align with God's will.In this message, Sean Terry explains the biblical concept that the "Ways of the Wise" are synonymous with the "Ways of Royalty." He examines the lives of three princes of Israel, each succumbing to the allure of sin and facing devastating consequences. Through their stories, he highlights the universal struggle with the sinful desires of the flesh that plagues all humanity.However, through faith in Jesus, we are not only saved from sin and death but are also granted the gift of eternal life. We are all invited to embrace the wisdom of God's Word and the grace of Christ, ultimately becoming royalty in the kingdom of God.
Megan Rea shares her personal experiences with unexpected detours and disappointments in life, drawing parallels with the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. She challenges the idea that God's plans always align with our own and encourages us to embrace the roundabout paths that lead to growth, trust, and ultimately, a deeper intimacy with God. This means surrendering our plans, grieving disappointments, and remaining open to God's leading, even when it takes us in unexpected directions.
In this message, Pastor Chris shows the critical role of mentorship and wise counsel in navigating life's challenges and achieving victory in our spiritual, mental, and emotional battles. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with godly advisors urges us to seek out mentors and to become mentors ourselves.
This sermon commemorates a historic day at Community Christian Church as Pastor Tony Rea passes the baton of leadership to Pastor Chris Rea. Witness a heartfelt transition filled with gratitude, reflection on the church's journey, and inspiring words for the future. Join us as we celebrate a legacy of faith and embark on a new chapter under Pastor Chris's guidance.
The book of Proverbs teaches that ABOVE ALL ELSE we are to GUARD OUR HEARTS. In this message, Pastor Tony shares how this single instruction will make an enormous difference in our lives. Whether we realize it or not, there is much darkness in the world seeking to harm our hearts, and Jesus warned that if we do not stay discerning, eventually we can become just as twisted and evil.
Pastor Chris kicks off a summer series on the Book of Proverbs, exploring the timeless wisdom it offers for navigating life's challenges and living in alignment with God's values. He shares the fascinating story of King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, and the pitfalls he encountered despite his extraordinary knowledge.
In this authentic and thought-provoking sermon, Dan Smither uses the biblical story of Esther and his own personal experiences to explore the power of family tradition and the importance of breaking unhealthy cycles. He challenges us to examine the roots of our own family traditions and to embrace the transformative power of God's Word to create a new legacy for generations to come.
In this Graduation Sunday message, Pastor Tyler encourages our young people by sharing three types of biblical habits they should start forming in their life NOW to protect their future and deepen their dependence on God.
For Mother's Day 2024, we here the testimony of one of our precious members. Her story of a painful past that lead to freedom in Jesus is an inspiration to mothers and their children everywhere!
In this message, Pastor Tony does something he has never done before: examine the person of Judas found in the Gospels. Through the scriptures we can see the temptations that led him astray, how easily anyone can be deceived, and the ways that Jesus wants to save us by His grace.
Pastor Chris teaches on the traits of discipleship, drawing a parallel between his experience as a customer service representative and the disciples' journey withJesus. He emphasize this means spending time with Jesus, loving Him and others, serving, and making disciples.
Joy Gruits explores the themes of regret and transformation through the lens of the story of Moses and the Israelites, emphasizing the Holy Spirit as a helper in empowering us to fulfill our purpose and share the message of salvation.
This week, PT focuses on the topic of the Second Coming of Jesus, specifically the concept of the rapture and its significance. He highlights the different interpretations of the timing of the rapture in relation to the tribulation period, and emphasizes the importance of spiritual readiness for this event.
Pastor Chris discusses the effects of regrets and the transformative power of God's grace. Through Peter's encounter with Jesus post-resurrection, discover how we can move beyond our regrets and embrace the abundant grace offered to us. This sermon explores the profound question Jesus posed to Peter, "Do you love me?" and its significance in overcoming past failures. Learn how love and forgiveness can heal even the deepest regrets.
On Easter Sunday, Pastor Tony reflects on the how people react to the Easter story, exploring doubt, deception, and ultimately, the decision to believe in Christ.
In this message, Pastor Chris passionately explores the profound encounter on the Road to Emmaus. Drawing parallels between their journey and our own spiritual walks, he invites us to consider our own walk with Jesus so that we can experience the liberation of God's grace and redemption.
Pastor Tyler revolves around the transformative encounter of the disciples with the resurrected Jesus. Drawing parallels between the disciples' initial fear and doubt after Jesus' crucifixion and moments of doubt in our own lives, he emphasizes the power of Jesus to meet us in our struggles and transform our lives through the Holy Spirit. He highlights the importance of seeing Jesus rightly, being rooted in our identity in Christ, finding hope in God's Word, and living with boldness and purpose. This sermon encourages us to move from a place of fear and doubt to one of faith, empowerment, and purpose in Jesus Christ.
In this brand new series, we focus on the immediate impact of the Resurrection on key biblical figures. They were the first responders to the greatest event in history. In this message, Pastor Chris expounds on the significance of a woman, Mary Magdalene, being the very first person to meet Jesus outside the tomb.
In the message, PT emphasizes God's ongoing work in getting people saved and sanctified, stressing the importance of believers actively participating in these endeavors, aligning their desires with God's will and demonstrating justice, mercy, and humility in their lives.
In this sermon, Pastor Tony explores how embracing financial stewardship can lead to a life of purpose and community impact.
Pastor Chris emphasizes the importance of the human need for expressions of creativity and overcoming challenges in life, yet maintaining a strong connection with God, seeking His guidance, and staying true to His Word even in times of hardship and temptation. He highlights the story of David and Goliath as an example of facing obstacles with creativity and reliance on God's strength.
Everyone is born with a need for purpose and meaning in their life. In this message, Joy Gruits shares how purpose, rooted in a relationship with God, brings fulfillment and direction. Every individual is created with a specific purpose by God and we are encouraged to listen and seek His guidance in discovering and serving in our respective areas of ministry within the church.
Pastor Tony speaks on the human needs of finding safety and security in God. Condemnation will always lead to uncertainty and insecurity. But in Christ there is no condemnation!
In this message Pastor Chris shares the significance of understanding the spirit, soul, and body connection and how it impacts our overall well-being. Get ready for 10 practical ways to invest in your spiritual, emotional, and physical health.
Pastor Tyler explains the value of living out the greatest commandments, moving beyond mere words to embodying love for God and others. The Lord wants us to discover the significance of intentional community, and the lasting effect of surrendered hearts, authentic connection, and shared devotion.
Pastor Tony Rea discusses the concepts of control and surrender in the Christian life, drawing inspiration from the resurrection stories of Lazarus and Jesus. He emphasizes the significance of removing "grave clothes" to experience the victory and freedom offered by Christ.
In the new series titled "Loving the One in the Mirror," we explore the significance of self-love based on Jesus' teachings. Pastor Chris Rea emphasizes the importance of loving oneself to better love and serve others. This series aims to provide a biblical perspective on self-acceptance, encouraging listeners to reflect on their attitudes towards themselves, as well as touching on emotional needs, vulnerability, and the role of attention in human relationships.
Christopher Cook teaches the ways in which Jesus overcame rejection, and the struggles we all experience seeing God in the midst of our painful circumstances and disappointments. The day that you decide that what Jesus did for you is greater than what happened to you is the day you'll throw off your outer garment!
In this Christmas Eve sermon, PT focuses on the intentional choice of a humble manger as the birthplace of Jesus, showing it as a divine sign of God's accessible love.
In this message, Pastor Chris shares on the power act of trust demonstrated by the biblical power couple, Mary and Joseph. They faced challenges and uncertainties, but still authentically trusted God.
Joy Gruits explores the faith of Mary in accepting God's divine plan for her life, drawing parallels with Zechariah's initial doubt. Emphasizing the importance of trust and obedience, she highlights that God's plans for each individual require faith and come with the promise of His constant presence.
In this message from Pastor Tony, we focuses on the miraculous nature of the Christmas story, emphasizing the continuity of God's miracles from biblical times to the present. Drawing parallels between John the Baptist and Old Testament prophecies, PT encourages us to be faithful in the waiting process.
Reflecting on the stories of Saul and Joseph Stalin, Pastor Tyler unfolds the deep connection between personal healing and the peace that radiates through communities. Learn what it means to embrace vulnerability, the importance of a supportive church family, and the transformative power of God's grace. This sermon is an invitation to find courage in the healing process and discover the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Join us in this empowering sermon by Pastor Chris as we explore the transformative role of the Holy Spirit and discover how to essential He is in your daily life.
Gain a better understanding of the Gaza conflict and how we can make a difference through prayer. In this sermon, PT discusses the complexities of the situation and the importance of interceding for peace.
In this sermon, Pastor Chris explores the profound impact of the Resurrection, a moment of unparalleled hope and redemption. Discover how this event was the moment that changed everything.
Many Christians in the world today have only a shallow understanding of salvation in Jesus Christ. In this message, Pastor Tony teaches that this part of our faith is essential and is meant to become an anchor for our soul. The message of the cross reveals that the more we surrender to God, the more we give up our life to Him, the more we will receive from Him, and the greater the blessing.
Pastor Chris addresses the heavy emotions and concerns about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, focusing on the recent events involving Hamas and Israel. He discusses the biblical background of the conflict, tracing it back to the story of Abraham, and his descendants, and how it has led to tensions between different nations and peoples. Pastor Chris also emphasizes the importance of addressing the issues within our own heart, as it is from the heart that evil thoughts and actions originate. God calls for healing, transformation, and the pursuit of a pure heart as a response to the ongoing conflict.
In this heartfelt message and baptism service, Abdu Murray shares what the powerful experience of being immersed in water as a public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ is like.
In this first message in our new Come And See series, Pastor Tony explains the often misunderstood priority of Jesus' ministry—to turn people away from their sins.
When we bring the shattered pieces of our identity to God, His grace is able to redeem all of it into beauty. The Lord forms our lives back together again, placing the shards into the form He wants.
In this message, Pastor Tony highlights that there is nothing more powerful than the effect of God's grace in and upon our lives, as well as three different measures of grace that God gives us.
Back in high school, Pastor Chris learned a lesson on grace that changed the rest of his life. We are not the sum of our mistakes. We are the sum of God's grace in our lives. And when we fully understand the message of grace, it will change our lives from the inside out.
In this sermon, Dave Bauer teaches the importance of fearing the Lord as a way to find redemption and transformation in life. He shows the need to take responsibility for one's actions, understand God's love, and align with His will because the fear of the Lord has power.
In this message, Pastor Tony explainsthe duty of not neglecting the house of God, both in a physical and spiritual sense. Throughout the Rise & Build series we have discussed the history of Israel's rebuilding of the temple. The people's commitment to not neglecting God's house was emphasized as they brought offerings, tithes, and resources for the temple's upkeep. However in the New Testament, believers are now temples of the Holy Spirit! Just as the Old Testament priests cared for the temple, believers are called to care for their spiritual well-being, focusing on faith, anointing through the Holy Spirit, and personal sacrifice. For the final part in the series, Pastor Tony emphasizes always maintaining a strong connection with God, aligning our life with His will, and avoiding spiritual neglect.
In the message, Joy teaches about the importance of hungry hearts for God's Word, cultivating worshipful and repentant attitudes, and fostering obedient lives. In Nehemiah chapter 8, the joy of the Lord was highlighted as a source of strength, demonstrating how these key principles were instrumental in nurturing a thriving faith.
With Pastor Chris we delve into the journey of Nehemiah as he faced challenges while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Through powerful insights and practical wisdom, explore how to stand strong in the face of opposition, trusting in God's guidance and strength. Discover how to apply these lessons to your own life, finding resilience, faith, and victory even amidst life's toughest trials.
When Nehemiah discovered that the poor were being oppressed and taken advantage off, he immediately demanded reform. Taking care of the needy is not just a human priority, but it is a priority of the Lord. God promises that He will bless us when we show generosity and compassion.
For a city to be safe and well protected, it must have strong walls. But there also must be well guarded gates for provisions to pass through. Pastor Chris shares how these boundaries and barriers are essential in our own spiritual lives. Each of the ten gates in Jerusalem represents different entrances into our own soul.
In this message, Joy Gruits highlights the bold prayers of Nehemiah before his king, and then shares a powerful story from her own family history that demonstrates how effective big prayers to God can be.
Halfway through our summer series, Pastor Tony introduces the story of Nehemiah, the man commissioned to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Facing a people burdened with shame and disgrace, Nehemiah became their compassionate champion. In his many years as a pastor, Tony read has found there is much discouragement, despair, depression, anxiety, and grief, among God's people.
To rebuild the city of Jerusalem, and reform the nation of Israel, would not just require facing physical obstacles, but an entirely new belief system. In this message, Pastor Chris shares how the real battle is won or lost first inside of our minds.
In this message, Pastor Tyler teaches the connections and contrasts between the Israelites festivals while rebuilding their city, and Jesus' communion with his disciples.
In a divisive and polarizing world, Pastor Chris shares that the heart of God is for His church to be a light. Even in post-exile Jerusalem, the people of Israel were called by God to use what He provided and reflect His glory.
Against uncertainty, Ezra and Nehemiah led the people of Jerusalem to rebuild their city. However, their work came to a standstill when discouragement from their enemies arrived. PT teaches that, in many ways, Christians today face the same discouragement from our enemy, the devil.
Upon completion of the second temple, the people of Israel were faced with the humbling reality that mankind cannot ultimately fulfill the Law. But this was God's plan, to point us toward our need for Jesus Messiah. The Spirit of God writes a new law upon our hearts.
Join us for a summer-long series focusing on the restoration and rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, which is the perfect picture of the modern church's need for revival.
Plenty of us have experienced a dark night of the soul, where we wonder whether or not God is loving, or cares about us, or even exists. Abdu Murray shares that these questions are not necessarily asked because of a lack of evidence, but because of the difficulty of our circumstances and pain in our hearts. We don't just want to know God is real, we want to have a greater certainty that He sees us and that our faith is not hopeless.
On this special Graduation Sunday, we celebrate some of our young people going through important transitions in their education. Pastor Tyler uses this moment to teach on the exile in Babylon found in the book of Daniel. Everyone one of us has a choice and a calling to shine the light of God in whatever circumstance we find ourselves.
For a special Mother's Day moment, Pastor Chris Rea is joined by his mom, Pastor Terese Rea, for a fun and hope-filled conversation about how family and faith work together.
At the Transfiguration, the disciples found themselves faced with a choice of which leader to follow: Moses, Elijah, or Jesus. But God made it abundantly clear for us, when He spoke from heaven saying, "This is My Son, listen to Him!"
In this message, Pastor Chris shares that although the world is filled with intimidating and anxiety-inducing messages, we can triumph over fear by focusing on God's gift of peace for all mankind.
God is faithful to forgive our sins, and if we believe that He can do this we must also have faith that He can also remove our guilt and shame.
How can we face the paradoxical truth that while we face trials we can still have joy and rejoice in the Lord? In this message, Joy Gruits shares that the apostles that wrote these teachings were no strangers to suffering, but it was through that adversity they discovered how to find refuge and strength in God.
On Easter Sunday Jesus rose from the dead, proving all of the claims he made about himself. Pastor Tony explains that this truth is what everyone must respond to.
When Jesus of Nazareth made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the people of Israel had specific expectations of what the Messiah would be like. But when God's plans for things are different than ours, we can lose site of the truth: His ways are always better.
In this message, Pastor Tony demonstrates that unity in the Kingdom of God will look like the poor and helpless being taken care of by their local church community.
An effective and helpful church is only possible when its members are in unity with each other and focus on bonds of love and peace. Therefore, the history of the early Christian church is a vital blueprint for Community Christian Church to follow.
The story of Ruth and Naomi reveal that God responds to desperate faith, and His eyes haven't left us even when we are going through devastation and crisis. In this message, Pastor Chris reminds us to bring everything we have to God, because he is our Provider and Redeemer.
In this message, Pastor Chris teaches that God moves when His people gather together with a desperate faith.
Each year we spend time giving a transparent report on the finances of CCC. In this message, Pastor Tony shares that God wants our giving to be filled with compassion for others, and for the sacrifice to be sincere.
Having faith in Jesus will eventually lead to be moments of disappointment—when God does not answer us the way we want Him to. But there are still choices we can make when our faith is crushed. In this message, Pastor Chris shares powerful truths to focus on when we find ourselves in doubt.
Commendable faith is having confidence in the promises of God and what we are hoping for—even when we don't see or experience the promise ourselves. In this message, Pastor Tony teaches that there are some expressions of faith that impress even Jesus!
While we are worried and upset about a great many details of life, Jesus taught that there is only one thing worth being concerned about: learning the Word of God. The Scriptures reveal God's will to us, they guide us, help us in times of uncertainty or trouble, and serve as a strong defense against the attacks of our enemy.
The apostle Paul probably had a lot of things that he wished he could erase from his past. Considering he was known far and wide as the man that persecuted Christ's church, he would have known more than anyone how important it is to truly let go of the past and its regrets to fully pursue Jesus.
When the rich young ruler met Jesus, he fell at his feet, desperate to understand what he was missing in life. Jesus told him the truth: that his identity was based on what he owned and accomplished, that he believed he was saved by success.To follow Jesus, we must let go of the security of our self-sufficiency. In fact, we must let go of our old identity completely.
In this message, we are visited by the Key of Hope African Children's Choir and their director, Dan Smither, who shares the transformational power of hope in Jesus being done in the nation of South Africa.
In this message, Pastor Tony teaches that although many people have sentiments about the Christian story, there is only one way that God wants us to respond.
In this message, Pastor Chris share the Christmas story from the perspective of Joseph. Despite the miracle of Christ's birth, there were many factors that could have led to doubt and worry for this young soon-to-be father. We must remember that God's promises are true, but still require tremendous amounts of faith and trust in Him.
In this message, Abdu Murray teaches that a bunch of head knowledge about who Jesus is, never replaces being with Him.
In December of 2021, our very own Keli Hillier entered the hospital with COVID, for what she believed to be an overnight stay. After 115 days in the hospital, 55 days on a ventilator, and 1 round trip to heaven, she returned home with her family. Keli and her daughter Amber share their incredible story, and how God's power, love, and provision are seen through community.
Community is everyone together on the same page, with the same purpose and experiencing the same God. The people of God make a maximum impact when they contribute to the Kingdom of God in unity.
In this message, Pastor Tony teaches that Jesus considered generosity a group effort. Providing for the lowly and desperate is what the church is meant to do. We also review several of our missions efforts we are involved in around the nation and around the world.
During times of adversity, while we are in pain and feeling overwhelmed, it is easy to forget that we are never truly alone. First of all, we have a God that is intimately aware of our struggles and hardships. Jesus suffered alongside mankind as the perfect high priest that can relate with us. And second, God has designed His people to rely on and support each other to face battles of many kinds. No matter we go through, we are in it together.
In this message, Joy Gruits teaches that to slay this giant, that permeates our world so heavily, we must follow the example of Christ, humbling ourselves, so that in the proper time God will restore and exalt us according to His will.
Lust is a twisting or a perversion of desire. Lust is attempting to satisfy the temporal rather than the true wholeness of the eternal. In this message, Pastor Tyler teaches that we must practice power over our desires, rather than be overpowered by them.
Our value is determined by God alone. Greed is a sin that tempts us to always want more and more. But the key to slaying this giant is to practice gratefulness, giftedness, and generosity.
When we hold onto anger or an offense, we give the devil a foothold in our life. In this message, Pastor Chris explores Ephesians 4 and its warning to believers that harbor wrath in their hearts.
When recalling the story of David and Goliath, we are often impressed by God's power and faithfulness in the life of the young shepherd boy. However, it is easy to miss that there are other, more personal, giant that we all must face.
In this message, Pastor Tony shows that King Saul failed to face and defeat Envy after David's victory. We must also be wary of how easy it is for envy to invade our hearts.
Most people think they have to be their own source of everything or they rely on another human to be their source for everything. In this message from Pastor Chris, we see that Scripture emphasizes God as our first and final source. He will supply all of our needs according to His power and for His glory.
In this message, Joy Gruits teaches up about the power and strength of God's hand over our lives.
In this message, Pastor Tony reminds us that God is our refuge, our shelter, and the one that walks with us in the midst of our troubles.
The Salvation found in Jesus Christ alone is not just a shortcut to be given eternal life. In this message, Pastor Tyler shows that Jesus has been exalted by God above all things as LORD!
For the conclusion of our series on the greatest sermon every preached, Pastor Tony shares how the message Jesus gave us is meant to become a new and better foundation for our lives. When we build our life upon a kingdom perspective, everything will change.
In this message, Joy Gruits focuses on the importance of knowing the Word of God, so that we may be ready to resist twisted doctrines and deceptive teachers.
According Jesus' own words, only those who pass through the "narrow gate" will have eternal life. In fact, anyone who does not pass through it but rather crosses along the wide path will be brought to destruction. But when we realize that Jesus himself is God's narrow gate, the only way that men can be made righteous and be saved, we must make a choice to surrender our lives to him.
Jesus spoke plainly: we must not judge our neighbor for there is only one Lawgiver and Judge. In this message, Pastor Tyler reminds us that God will expect an account from everyone. But rather than being condemned in our sin, God has poured our grace on us to be redeemed through Christ.
The subject of heaven is not just concerned with eternal life, but also eternal reward! In this message, Joy Gruits reminds us that Jesus emphasized storing up treasures that will last forever, instead of temporarily in this life.
God is way more interested in what’s going on in our hearts than what’s taking place with our outward behavior! When the heart is holy, the hands are holy, and the expression of living is holy. It all begins with the heart.
Jesus humbled himself while on this earth and taught the disciples to do the same. He wanted to inspire and challenge us to live godly lives, to go beyond what is expected, because that's where the grace of God kicks in.
In this message, Pastor Chris shares what Jesus was trying to teach us when he defined the kind of righteousness that God requires.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the key to accessing the Father. We are not called to follow a written code, but Christ himself!
Jesus challenged his disciples to be like salt and light; act as a preservative and an exposure of darkness for our world; to spiritually influence a slowly decaying society.
The first few verses in Matthew 5 are just as relevant today as they were 2,000 years ago. In this message we explore the blessing that comes to us when we follow God's instructions.
To start our brand new series for the summer, Pastor Tony challenges us to renew our passion for Jesus, recommit our lives to him as Lord, and to reaffirm our devotion to follow him as disciples.
Today the culture seems to be trying to move away from God, and is willing to leave behind anyone that doesn't get on the train of secularism. However, Abdu Murray shares that there is a misconception of what mankind is truly seeking. In fact, Jesus has been the world's desire from the very beginning, and it is the duty of His Church to reach the lost wherever they may be found.
In this message, Pastor Tyler shares his story of growing up with a parent that devoted themselves to raising him to know the Lord.
In this message, Pastor Chris reads through the story of the Ethiopian being baptized by the Apostle Philip. Even today this story is crucial to us because we all need to have a divine appointment. One where we believe and accept that Jesus alone is our Savior; only he can cleanse us of our sins and give us eternal life!
In the final part of our 30 series, Pastor Tony challenges us to remember that EVERYTHING belongs to God, and the Lord instructs us to be generous and considerate of the poor.
The story of Noah's Ark is a reminder that God offers salvation when we deserve judgment. But the Ark is also because it points to Jesus as the only way to be saved. In this sixth part of our 30 series, Joy shares that God's nature is love, and He requires that we have compassion for the lost.
The heavy veil that hung in the temple, separating the world from God's presence, was finally torn in two when Jesus died on the cross! When we make him the Lord of our life, our sins are forgiven and we are reconciled back to God.
Community Christian Church is celebrating a tremendous 30 years of ministry and we give God all the glory!
Sometimes we wonder why we go through pain and heartache. Sometimes we try to step in and give opinions about other's pain without knowing what it is like. In this message, Pastor Chris shares how their is a hope to the trials we face in life. Because when God gets us through it, we will be better equipped to lead and help others that need it the most.
Relationships matter! One of the greatest tools God uses to soften the human heart is people.
The priesthood of Israel, composed of the Levites, were meant to serve a very special role before the Lord. In this message, Pastor Tony shows how the Levitical priesthood emphasized the importance of making sure God is first in our lives.
One of the most important habits we can develop is to consistently seek God in prayer. In this message, Pastor Chris highlights some of the greatest effects that come from a devoted prayer life.
Our habits, or rituals, will determine our direction in life. Developing ungodly habits will lead us one way, but letting the Spirit lead us in godly habits makes freedom possible! By the power and work of Jesus we can be rescued from the patterns of sin.
Even though it can be an awkward subject in church, how we use our money is something that God has a lot to say about. In this message, Pastor Tony shares the biblical principles behind giving and tithing.
In this message, Pastor Chris shares on the church in Philadelphia, and their promise from Jesus that he has plans for a day of breakthrough for us.
This week, Pastor Tony teaches on the church of Sardis. The church did many things right, and looked alive on the outside. However, according to Jesus, they were inwardly dead.
In this message, Joy Gruits shares on the history of the church of Thyatira, and why the letter in Revelation was written to them.
In this message, Pastor Chris shares on the history of the church of Pergamum, and why the letter in Revelation was written to them.
Smyrna was a persecuted church at the time its letter was written. In this message Pastor Tony shares how Jesus teaches us to faithfully endure persecution, pressure, and conflict from the world.
The church in the city of Ephesus had several characteristics that Jesus commended. However, one critical thing that it lacked was love. In this message, Pastor Tony shares that to be a loveless church is truly a tragedy.
The book of Revelations is a revelation of Jesus Christ. In this message, Pastor Tony emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus, both in Scripture and in our personal lives.
Even when we don't see it, God is working. In the middle of a very difficult series of events for Mary and Joseph, God was still orchestrating everything. We must remember that despite facing difficult circumstances, God is still faithful, and we can treasure all of these things in our hearts as a reminder of His faithfulness.
In the Christmas story, the wise men came from far away to meet and worship the newborn King of the Jews. That same invitation to go on a journey and find our Savior, Jesus Christ, is still being extended by God today.
God is a promise keeper. He is trustworthy and faithful! God always has the final word.
Are miracles still happening today? Why doesn't God always heal when we ask? Questions like these and more are discussed by Pastor Chris and Abdu Murray in this very insightful conversation.
We serve a God of Christmas miracles, making a way when there is no other way! In this new series, we will explore the faithfulness of God through the Christmas story, and share the testimonies of His provision in our lives.
An essential aspect to our faith is to give God praise with thanksgiving and gratitude. In this message, Joy Gruits shows how Scripture commands again and again the need to declare our gratefulness to the Lord.
A church cannot be passionate about Jesus without also being passionate about helping the needy. In this message we focus on the missions efforts we are conducting around the world.
God's grace is the foundation of the kind of church we are dreaming of. In this message, Pastor Tony reminds us that it is only by God's power that we will see revival and fulfillment of his promises. There is a new day approaching, and we need to trust and lean on Him.
Contrary to common belief, many people are familiar with the concept of the devil but are completely unaware of what the Bible truly says! In this message, Pastor Chris gives Scripture-based insights on what we should know about our enemy and how to be prepared.
Why is money such a touchy subject among Christians in the church today? Because the devil wants to keep us from God's abundance and best! In this message Pastor Tony teaches that money is one of the gifts from God that must be stewarded well so that we may be blessed and, more importantly, that we may bless others.
Does God really need our help before He helps us? In this message Joy Gruits shows in the story of Gideon that God's power is shown when we trust in Him, rather than when we do the heavy lifting first.
Will we ever face trials that are more than we can handle? In this message Pastor Chris confronts the myth that we are meant to face our challenges alone. Dependence on the Lord is essential to experiencing His power.
Is it true that all roads lead to heaven? Unfortunately nearly 50% of Christian in America believe this! In this message Pastor Tony shows that Scripture is clear: Jesus Christ is the only name by which men may be saved.
In this message, Pastor Tony teaches on the problems that come from comparing ourselves to others.
Being hurt and wronged is going to happen because people can offend and disappoint us. In this message Pastor Chris shares how important it is to take responsibility for that hurt, and seek healing, rather than repeat that pain towards others.
In this message, Pastor Tony teaches how instead of being focused on what we do not have, we need to fix our eyes on Jesus. To be satisfied in him is all we need!
Have you ever done something that you truly regret? Are there any things from your past that keeps you awake at night? In this message, Pastor Tyler shows that the love of Jesus can redeem the things we have done wrong, and draws us closer to him through our regret.
In this message Pastor Chris shows that even after performing miracles Elijah found himself worried and in fear for his life. Living in fear will not help us or solve our problems, instead we must put our trust in God to watch over us when we are afraid.
On this baptism Sunday, Pastor Tony teaches that trust in the Lord is essential to any Christian life, and that without faith and laying our burdens at the feet of Jesus we won't be able to make it through the upcoming seasons that we will face.
In this heartfelt message, guest speaker Dave Bauer shares the importance of seeking the Lord and His Spirit every day.
This week, Pastor Chris speaks on maintaining faith in times when the future seems all but clear.
This week, Pastor Tony speaks on staying positive in a world that is increasingly growing more negative.
This week, Pastor Chris speaks on change within the church and the need to meditate on and analyze the bible frequently.
This week, Pastor Tony speaks on the most downloaded bible verse in 2020 and the ways that both we and people in the past can react to fear and uncertainty.
This week Pastor Chris speaks on married couples, the importance of communication, and the necessity of romance in marriage relationships.
This week, Pastor Tony speaks about finding strength in the Lord during hard times, and the characteristics of a healthy family.
This week, guest speaker Christopher Cook speaks on being single, and focusing on your own life and what God's doing in it, rather than thinking about and comparing it to the people around you.
This week, Pastor Tony speaks on the Church family and the supportive atmosphere we should all strive for with each other.
When men and the world fails to meet our expectations we must continue to remember that our eyes are meant to be set on Jesus. His qualities are supremely self-evident and incomparable to anyone or anything else. In this week, Abdu Murray shares on why Jesus is the only one worthy of our praise and the only one that will not ever let us down.
This week, Pastor Chris Rea speaks on the disciples, the significance of the two separate times Jesus helped them catch fish, and what we can learn from those today.
This week, Pastor Tyler speaks on what can be learned through the struggles and victories of school and college, and how those lessons can still be relevant today.
This week, Pastor Terese led an interview with Shari Schafer and her daughter Chelsea Galli, exploring the journey, the struggles, and most importantly the blessings of being a mother.
In this message, Pastor Tony shows the significance of gratitude. Recognizing what we have been given by God is what motivates us to become generous with what we have been given to others.
Following the message, we also have a special ordination of two new pastors in Community Christian Church. Pastor Dave Cummings and Pastor Tyler Green!
At the end of our Mark series, Pastor Tony reminds us that the most important thing is that we continue to keep our focus on Jesus. He is still in the business of serving others, and likewise we should as well. Jesus is also still in the business of moving mountains!
Pastor Chris illustrates both the healthy patterns we follow when we love the Lord with all our heart, and the unhealthy patterns when we fail to.
To be a disciple of Jesus means to make more disciples. In this message, Tyler Green shares the importance of sharing the gospel in any area of influence you find yourself in.
When Jesus found Mary Magdalene crying outside of His tomb, He asked her three very important questions. In this message, Pastor Tony shows us that these questions are still incredibly important for all of us today.
In this message, Joy Gruits shows how God desires that we would not compare ourselves to anyone else, but instead to focus on becoming more like Jesus. He gives us His Holy Spirit to empower and transform us into one of His children, able to bear good fruit!
In this message, Pastor Tony shares that Jesus Christ is sympathetic to our struggles and pain. The Messiah came as a servant to help the people of God in their weakness and helplessness!
There are some uncomfortable truths in the Word of God that we aren't always willing to pay attention to, or sometimes just hope that by ignoring them, they will eventually go away. In this message, Pastor Chris shows how Jesus taught us to take our commitment to God seriously and to remember that he is actively working in our life even if we don't see it.
Mark 6 shows that Jesus has the power to provide for us, however we often struggle to trust Him. In this message, Pastor Tony shows how Scriptures reveals God's will for our generosity.
The world is undergoing enormous change. But Jesus taught us that this would happen. In this message, Pastor Chris teaches the church's role in becoming New Wineskins for what God is doing today.
In this message, Pastor Tony begins our new study into the Gospel of Mark. We will spend February, March, and April going through this amazing account of the life of Jesus and his disciples.
At the start of a new year, we begin a new series that takes time to fix our eyes on Jesus. He is our Lord and our God, the author and finisher of our faith! In this message, Pastor Tony highlights that Jesus is the KING OF KINGS.
When life gets uncomfortable we have a choice to make. We can either trust God and stay positive, or we can try to take control of our life, becoming negative and bitter.
In this message, Pastor Chris emphasizes the importance of the Word of God truly changing the way you live your life. Knowledge alone isn't enough, but knowledge plus application leads to transformation.
In this message, Pastor Tony teaches on Solomon and show how the blessing of God does not come just to improve your standard of living. His greatest blessing is fully designed to increase your level of giving.
Scripture warns us to guard our hearts for it is the wellspring of life. Pastor Tony teaches that to guard the heart is like sending a patrol car to watch over it day and night, so that nothing goes in, or out, without our notice.
What is the biblical key to happiness? According to Jesus and to the Apostle Paul, happiness is found in simply putting more value on others than you do for yourself and living to serve them.
The only way to maintain a life of peace, hope, and fulfillment is by creating depth in your relationship with God.
We often can be resistant to messages of hope as a way to guard ourselves from becoming disappointed. In this message, Pastor Tony shares how to remain hopeful despite our fears, even during the 2020 election.
Scripture describe hope as an anchor for our soul. In this message, PT defines five common causes of hopelessness and despair, reminding us that even believers are susceptible to them, while encouraging us to cling to the promises of God to provide us hope for our future.
Pastor Chris reminds us that as believers, we have nothing to fear. Our future is already secured in the hands of God. He has given us a guarantee of His salvation and protection from any plague, political crisis, economic collapse, or any other uncertainty.
Jesus was very clear that he would be returning to the world some day, and there will be many troubles before that day. Pastor Tony encourages us all to "get off the fence" and completely dedicate our lives to Jesus Christ before we no longer have the chance to.
The subject of the END TIMES is sometimes difficult for believers to discuss. However, it is important. And Scripture gives us lots of insight of what to expect when Jesus returns. In this message, Pastor Tony opens up the Word of God and helps navigate us through what it says and why we can have hope for the Second Coming, regardless of when that may be.
Sean Buono illustrates how the Church of Jesus Christ has always needed to prioritize connection and growth. Despite the world going through significant changes, the mission to reach others and develop strong, godly relationships will never change.
In Paul final words in 2 Timothy, he challenges believers to be patient with others, to not be so easily deceived by the charismatic words of deceptive leaders, and to be prepared to endure any hard things for the sake of the Gospel. Pastor Chris reminds us that these words are still important to us even today.
In this message, Pastor Chris shares several insights the Apostle Paul gave to Timothy on pursuing godliness in an increasingly godless world.
In 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul encourages us to not just read the Scriptures, but to think about it and seriously apply it to our lives. God's grace gives us the ability to follow His will. In this message, Pastor Tony shares "Three ways to be strong in God's grace."
The West is slowly changing from an individual/guilt culture to a collective/shame culture. In this message, Abdu Murray highlights how we have gotten to this point in our society, as well as Jesus' response to our shame.
Jesus made it very clear that we are to love our neighbors. But who are our neighbors? Everyone!
The story of Esther reminds us that when appearing before the King of Kings, we should be specific in our requests, and then take action towards His promises!
Esther in Hebrew means "to be hidden, or to conceal, or to hide." But it was only after she was willing to come out of hiding and into her identity that she was able to save her people. The church of Jesus Christ has a great opportunity at this time to acknowledge who we are and share our faith with the people around us. The world is waiting for God's glory to be revealed in us!
In this time of turmoil, it is vital that the Church continue to be the light of the world. Loving our enemies, blessing those that persecute us, showing favor to the least of these. God has called us to be set apart and to demonstrate love to all around us, building our life upon His Word.
Then enemy may have surrounded us, but it is time for the people of God to stop seeing their circumstances with their physical eyes! We need to look with our spiritual eyes and witness that God is on the move for us behind the scenes.
In this message, Pastor Terese challenges us all to remember that we have a responsibility to encourage our family, children, and grandchildren into faith in Jesus.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus calls himself a good shepherd. And doesn't that seem like exactly what we need right now? In this encouraging message, Pastor Tony teaches on the nature of a good shepherd.
We are going to have to begin adjusting to a new normal, and the best way to do that is to focus on the truth. But not just any truth, but The Truth, Jesus Christ.
Many Christians today don't know what they have access to in the Kingdom of God because they are not leaning into the right source: Jesus Christ as the vine for their life.
In the story of Lazarus, Jesus taught us that not only is he the resurrection from death itself, but he is also the giver of life in the first place.
In this time of darkness across the earth, Pastor Tony reminds us that Jesus told us that he is the Light of the World.
In this last message for our series, Pastor Chris compares much of what we are going through right now to the same crisis the people of Israel found themselves in when being chased by the Egyptians. We may find ourselves tempted to worry, panic, or become selfish, but Jesus has promised his peace to us. And because we can stay present and trust in the Lord, we know that we will get through this.
"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." In this difficult time, Pastor Tony encourages us to surrender ourselves beneath God's hand and to fully trust in Him. He will be the one the brings forth a victory.
Pastor Tony reminds us that to be truly satisfied in God, we must replenish our personal intimacy with Jesus. He then shares the 2 ways that we can do that right now.
In this message, Sean Terry shares the key to becoming refreshed is to rethink our possessions and passions in life, to understand a different perspective of what loss means and what intimacy with Jesus means.
Tyler Green begins a new series on becoming refreshed in our souls by gaining a closer intimacy with Jesus Christ. In this message, Tyler explains how there is a powerful secret place with the Lord only accessible when we become silent before the Lord. When we shut off all the noise and commotion around us, God will speak in a still, small voice to our hearts.
The tithe is holy to the Lord. We must adjust our minds that we need need God's blessing on our finances, and remember that ultimately everything belongs to him. In this message Pastor Tony also highlights the 2019 Financial Report.
This is the year to get your house in order! According to the experts, debts is the primary cause of financial ruin. At CCC, we want the people of God to live a debt-free life. Fortunately, the Bible has many lessons to help us to that.
The goal of this series is to know how to attain financial freedom and enjoy God's abundant blessing on our finances. In this first message, Pastor Tony reminds us that everything ultimately belongs to God. We must not have the attitude that this principle doesn't apply to money! We need to give ourselves a "Gut Check" and take an honest assessment of what we believe about our finances.
Guest speaker Stephen Marshall shares with us the "secret algorithm" to life: HONOR! If we want to be in God's will, then we need to practice His ways.
Part of following Jesus means not only recognizing him as your Savior, but also as your Lord. We will all go through difficult times, but that is when we must come to the house of the Lord, lay our burdens at his altar, and trust that he will be there to meet our needs.
To properly have 20/20 Vision, we must keep our eyes and heart set on Jesus. We must never forget to keep constantly in focus.
In order to move forward, we need to let go of our past. In this message, Pastor Tony shares several examples from Scripture of people like us that needed to forget about what their past life looked liked so that they could carry on toward the greater life God had planned for them.
In this final message for 2019, we hear from Dan Smither and Key of Hope, our sponsored missionaries in South Africa, as they share the incredible work that God has been doing!
The Gospel message is found in the story of Christmas. They cannot be separated. The wonder of Christmas should change us from the inside out, causing us to surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. In this message, Pastor Tony shows how the arrival of Immanuel is still relevant to us right now, and how we should respond in our hearts to Him.
Pastor Adam teaches that this classic carol represents and invitation to experience the most significant event that has occurred on this earth - the birth of the Savior.
This holiday season, Pastor Tony invites us to reflect on the profound lyrics of tradition Christmas carols. The implication that the birth of Jesus Christ is a "joy for all the world" ought to bring us comfort and hope in the Lord. He keeps His promises, and he redeems His people.
Hannah Blakley opens up about the difficult trials she has faced as a mother, while experiencing the goodness and grace of God in this powerful Thanksgiving testimony.
The human soul is made to know the Lord God. In this message, Pastor Chris reminds us that our relationship with God is BETTER than anything else this world can possibly offer.
Your emotional health matters. Sometimes it is more important what kind of emotional environment you find yourself in, whether positive or negative, than just your physical health or environment.
Sometimes we need to accept that God's ways are not our ways, and God's principles always yield better results. Each week we will explore the Scriptures to see and learn how God's ways are so much better.
In this message, Pastor Chris reminds us that although nobody likes pain, God will not fail to use it in the end as a part of His goodness.
In this message, Pastor Tony relates the people of Israel's dramatic escape from the Egyptians through the Red Sea to our own promise from God to protect and deliver us
In this powerful conversation, Pastor Chris Rea and Abdu Murray tackle some of the most difficult questions about going through dark times and the nature of God's goodness in the face of evil.
The first step to developing a tangible hope that we can hold onto is to believe and conclude that God is good.
Everything belongs to God! In this message PT teaches the importance of being a church of generous people that know what it looks like to honor God in our finances.
At CCC we believe that every member should be equipped to do acts of service for God and others. Everyone has something special and unique about them that is needed for the church to thrive and spread the Gospel message. True fulfillment occurs when you discover your gifts and passions and use them to make a difference in the Kingdom of God.
In this message, Pastor Tony teaches us what it means to have a genuine and godly compassion for other people. Especially the lost. The Church must be willing to humble ourselves so that we can receive the heart of the Father for the world around us.
One of the core values of CCC is that we believe God deserves to be first in our life. This isn't just one of the Bible's commandments, it is the most important. Pastor Tony shares four practical ways we can put God first in our lives.
Part of how we connect our community to each other at CCC is through Life Groups. In this message, Sean Buono gives us a picture of how successful life groups have been so far, and why Jesus gave us the command to make our relationships a priority.
In this message, Pastor Tony teaches from the final chapters of the Book of James. Lessons from this passage include seeking God's will instead of our own, remembering the poor, and keeping our word to others.
James warns us about the tongue's power to build up or destroy. Many believers struggle with agitation and judgment of others. But in this message Pastor Tony challenges us to be peacemakers, not entertaining the useless debate and arguments of this world.
We have been saved by grace, not works. But James says that faith without works is dead. In this message Pastor Tony challenged the church to continually pursue the sanctification that comes from the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.
In this series we will go through the book of James. In the first chapter, James reminds us that trials are able to build in us patience and perseverance. Pastor Tony uses this as an opportunity to remind us that God always knows exactly what we are going through.
As a follower of Christ, you have the ability to change the atmosphere around you. Listen in as Dave encourages you to get out of the boat and press in to the calling God has placed on your life.
We often have thing in our life that are slowly pulling us further from the Lord. Pastor Rick gives a warning against the different types of "yeast" that can work its way into your life and change the way you relate to the Lord and to others around you.
What is true freedom? Is it getting to do whatever you want, whenever you want? Or is it the power to say yes to what is right, and no to what is wrong. In this message, Sean Buono shows us the freedom that the God of Old Testament and New desires for us to experience.
We’re all constantly faced with opportunities to compare, or shame, or judge, or be jealous. But living that small isn’t our only option. Freedom offers us the constant choice to stop comparing and start celebrating each other and each other’s wins!
Weekly challenges from our Family Matters Series!
https://cccsterling.org/family-challenges
In this message Pastor Tony gives us five very practical ways for parents to show their children that the greatest thing is love.
Weekly challenges from our Family Matters Series!
https://cccsterling.org/family-challenges
Dad's have a God-given ability to influence their families towards the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In this message Pastor Tony shares how one man's encounter with Jesus led to an entire city having an encounter with Jesus.
Weekly challenges from our Family Matters Series!
https://cccsterling.org/family-challenges
"You should never get married until you're single." In this message, Chris Cook shares his own story of finding home and contentment in Christ alone, and not somebody else.
Weekly challenges from our Family Matters Series!
https://cccsterling.org/family-challenges
Your family matters . . . because it is God's idea! In this special message, Pastor Tony reminds us that we have a family in the Church of Jesus Christ. He then invites our extended family of missionaries from Thailand to share with us all that God is doing.
Weekly challenges from our Family Matters Series!
https://cccsterling.org/family-challenges
Is it possible that there are some important things we can remember while there are more important things we can't? Honoring your nation takes more than just remembering what happened to it. In this message Sean Terry shares how Jesus showed us what honor really looks like.
On Promotion Sunday, a day where we honor all of our graduating students, Tyler Green teaches on the need for honor in our relationships with one another. Each new generation is meant to stand on the shoulders and be empowered by the previous.
In this message, Pastor Terese reminds us that we are blessed when we are doers of the Word, and not just hearers.
At CCC, we’re not only passionate about church on Sundays, we also have a heart and a plan to reach the world with the gospel while meeting practical needs. And on Sunday, May 5 we united as a church under that singular focus.
On this Baptism Sunday, Pastor Chris shares how you cannot have a promise without a process. Sometimes we must go through hard things for God to develop us and to become ready for His will for our lives. But we are not meant to be crushed forever. We are meant to rise!
"Who is this man?" This is the most important question about Jesus Christ we must ask discover for ourselves. He died for our sins, he was raised back to life again by God his Father, and he is alive! Sometimes it isn't enough to simply know "what" happened in the Easter story, but the "who". And the "who" is Jesus.
Many people around the world experience the Easter season as merely a traditional religious event. But we cannot truly come alive unless we have a genuine, personal encounter with Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
God wants us all to experience coming alive, even in areas where there is death and darkness. Part of that process is leaning into God through our grief. Jesus Christ knows what loss feels like, and he can identify with all of the pain that we will face in this world.
We all have questions. That is why in this series we will tackle all of the specific things that our congregation said that they want to hear more about. Because . . . you asked for it!
We all have questions. That is why in this series we will tackle all of the specific things that our congregation said that they want to hear more about. Because . . . you asked for it!
We all have questions. That is why in this series we will tackle all of the specific things that our congregation said that they want to hear more about. Because . . . you asked for it!
We all have questions. That is why in this series we will tackle all of the specific things that our congregation said that they want to hear more about. Because . . . you asked for it!
We all have questions. That is why in this series we will tackle all of the specific things that our congregation said that they want to hear more about. Because . . . you asked for it!
In this message Pastor Tony reminds us that God is able to multiply everything that we give to him. God's desire is that we would give both to steer us away from selfishness, and to yield a much greater return of heavenly blessing.
To create anything with longevity requires taking a look at the foundation. In light of the incredible generosity of God towards us, PT encourages us to live out that same lifestyle of generosity towards others.
In this message Chris and Megan teach us that if we want to have a marriage that lasts, we need to combine some salt, fat, acid, and heat!
Nothing that endures forever is accidental. In this message, Pastor Tony begins this new series by teaching us how to have a faith that is built to last.
As disciples of Christ we are called to love on another, and the world around us. In this message, Pastor Chris explores 3 different ways we can live out our callings as disciples of Jesus.
Forgiveness is essential in the life of every believer. We must frequently reflect on the enormous mercy God has shown us, and then turn around and share that same kind of mercy toward those who have hurt us.
In this message, Pastor Tony reminds us that Christ-like love requires that we earnestly listen to others. We must take an honest and critical look at our communication skills if we want to grow in our love for others.
The Scriptures have a very different perspective on love than the world. In this new series, PT guides us through the extraordinary love of Jesus Christ, and how he did not reject sinners, but embraced them.
In this final message for 2018, we hear from our sponsored missionaries to Uganda and South Africa as they share the incredible work that God has been doing!
Christmas does not just revolve around the birth of Jesus Christ, it is the fulfillment of the promises of God that have spanned across thousands of years. Although we are all so familiar with it, we must not forget this story for it is the hope for all mankind.
Sin gets in the way of the command to love one another because we live we so much shame and regret. In this message, Pastor Chris encourages us to receive the grace that Christ offers and start a new beginning in our lives. Nunc Coepi!
It is a lie that your best days are behind you. The truth is your best days are ahead of you! In this message, Pastor Chris shares how it is all about your perspective.
Sometimes life throws difficulties and disappointments at us, and it is easy to become nostalgic and focus on the past as the best part of our lives. But God is promising good things in our future! We should gather around the Christmas story and realize that the birth of Jesus is our one true hope for all time.
In the final part of our series, PT introduces us to the CCC elders, and they take time to share why they love their church. We then take time to hear the miraculously testimony of our very own Deb Wassmann.
Relationships matter, and we grow closer as a community when we experience God together.
In this message, PT explains the importance grace has within our church. He then takes time to highlight the significant transformation that is occurring throughout the world through our mission endeavors.
Join Pastor Tony as he launches us into a brand new series about how important the local church is for every believer!
In the final installment of our series PT shares about what it is like to go through a spiritual storm, a definite and undeniable spiritual attack of the enemy.
A relational storm can feel like a TORNADO! Emotions spiral out of control, and we find ourselves getting struck by controversy we never saw coming. Pastor Chris takes the opportunity to address the divide in the United States and how we as followers of Jesus Christ are called to respond.
A financial storm can feel like a TSUNAMI! Wave after wave of unexpected trouble can crash against us and we can feel like we are drowning. In this message, PT encourages us to go up to the high ground that is Jesus Christ.
A health scare can feel like an EARTHQUAKE! The foundations of our life are shaken and we feel like we are caught in a storm. In this message, Pastor Tony opens up about his own medical trials, and the lessons the Lord has given him through it all.
The Holy Spirit is needed for each believer to live out an effective life and to complete the ministry that God has called His church to. Pastor Tony reminds us that our God is living and active to work besides us when we get in the game!
The Word of God is a playbook for our life. Those who know the Word and do the Word are like those that put their uniform on, get their hands dirty, and get in the game.
With God on our side, we are called to claim victory on the battlefield, or the game field, in our life. In this message, PC highlights the need for all of us to get involved and do our part in reaching the world for Christ.
It is time for the church of Jesus Christ to stop sitting on the sidelines and to get in the game! In this message, PT challenges us to get to work by encouraging others into their destiny and potential.
In this very special communion message, Pastor Tony invites us to gather around the table of the Lord and gives us an opportunity to surrender everything to Him.
We all have two natures in us; light and dark. In this message, Pastor Chris explains the importance of living as representatives of the light in all we do.
Everyone needs Jesus. In this message, PT makes an evangelistic challenge and appeal to continually share the gospel. We will continue to make getting people saved a top priority — even more so today than ever.
In the local church there are often pitfalls of tradition and legalism. Often what we think is the perfect way to follow God is really just the way that we are familiar with and used to. But above all else, our shared love for Christ, a pure devotion to God, should unite us despite our differences.
Is Jesus truly the Lord of your life and Lord over all the earth? In this message, Pastor Tony opens up the book of Colossians and helps us see that Jesus is able to work in every area of our lives and that putting him first and above everything else is the right way to face our struggles.
The parable of the wicked tenants. For more from Abdu Murray check out his latest book, "Saving Truth"
Although we are all going to die, because of Jesus Christ we do not have to fear death! In this powerful communion service, Pastor Tony shows that throughout the Scriptures we are meant to look forward to our heavenly home with hope and joy.
Relationships matter! In this message our Children's Ministry Director, Tyler Green, shares how God would rather use our differences, rather than just our similarities, to fully reveal the Kingdom in our lives.
For the final part of our series, Pastor Tony takes our church through the Five Love Languages and shows how Scripture teaches us to show love intentionally and practically to each other.
In this inspiring Father's Day message, PT teaches us the importance of running well and never abandoning the race that we find ourselves in.
In this teaching from our very special and hilarious guests, we are taught that a healthy and happy marriage involves working hard to stay above the "line of trust."
At the start of our new June series about families, Pastor Tony shares with us the characteristics of a healthy church family.
Special guest speaker, and retired major general, Robert Dees shares with us the value of Memorial Day, and encourages us with the need for resilience in any and all trials we may face.
Though the world has always been filled with injustice, God has called us to fight against it. In this message PT challenges all of us to get involved and give to the needy and helpless among us.
The mission of CCC is, and always will be, to get people saved and lead them to be fully devoted to Christ. PT shares the five prerequisites to revival and inspires us to anticipate a move of God that will bring transformation to our city!
In this fun and heartfelt message, Pastor Tony interviews his longtime friend, Pete Pappas. Pete shares his experience living on top of the world, and then losing it all in bankruptcy. Peter also encourages about the power of our God to stay with and sustain us no matter what we are going through.
If you knew you were made with a special purpose, would you start living differently today? In this message, Pastor Chris encourages us in the power of taking even the smallest steps toward our destiny so that God can use us to impact and influence the world around us.
Jesus said that if we did not praise him, the very rocks would cry out. Have you ever wondered, if stones could speak, what stories would they tell? In this special Easter message PT shares three more stories in the Bible when the rocks would have been witnesses to Jesus Christ.
Jesus said that if we did not praise him, the very rocks would cry out. Have you ever wondered, if stones could speak, what stories would they tell? In this message PT shares three stories in the Bible when the rocks would have been witnesses to the power of God.
Our environments can have a major influence on how we feel, think, and live. Different experiences shape us for better or worse. But the Word of God teaches us that when we are planted and rooted in God, we will grow and prosper in all things.
Fear and anxiety are dangerous spiders to keep in our hearts. They can enter in when we avoid pain in our lives from past hurts, disappointments, and failures. In this message Pastor Chris shares his personal journey facing tremendous anxiety and pain.
Everybody hates spiders. But many of us spend most of our time trying to clear out the "cobwebs" instead of just getting rid of the "spider." In this message, Pastor Chris shares the need to dig deeper into our underlying issues and the lies we agree with that lead to bondage, instead of just focusing on the negative behaviors.
In this message Pastor Tony shares 5 practical ways to leave a lasting legacy. 1. Make your family a top priority 2. Find a cause to wholeheartedly support 3. Don't be afraid to share your blessings 4. Mentor someone 5. Have integrity. We also conclude the Overflow series by presenting the CCC 2017 Financial Report.
Tithing functions a lot like sowing seed in the Kingdom of God. In this message PT teaches about the amazing process and multiplying power of sowing and reaping.
God deserves to be first, and the first fruits of all we have belongs to Him! In this message PT challenges us to honor the tithe, which redeems the rest of our finances, just like God gave His firstborn, Jesus, to redeem us.
In the first part of this new series, Pastor Tony teaches on the difference between Judas and Mary, and how they each viewed giving an offering to Jesus. God wants us to live in so much abundance and blessing that it overflows!
As we conclude our Recharge series, PT takes us through a church-wide survey of our level of contentment in life. True satisfaction and contentment can only be found in engaging with God in the things that count.
In this special message, Pastor Tony uses Matthew 17 to emphasize how significant Prayer and Fasting is in spiritual warfare.
For this new year we need to have our tired souls restored and recharged back to full capacity! In the first part of this new series, Pastor Tony emphasizes the significance of a healthy soul and how it correlates with a healthy church. Let's plug in and get ready to have a great year in 2018!