Team Faith Podcast: Recent Episodes
Chuck Lemaster
Recorded live from various GNCC races around the country - Team Faith Pit Pastor Chuck Lemaster shares God's Word with racers, mechanics and crew. Over the years, this program has developed into a "church" congregation. Welcome to the Team Faith Podcast!
The devastation across the Southeast is very sobering and our prayers go out to families affected. As we pulled the Team Faith rig into the John Penton GNCC, the remnants of Hurricane Helene were in force, though not nearly to the extent the southern states experienced. Afterwards, there was a calm, still breeze and a beautiful rainbow in the sky! Chapel on Saturday was on the Genesis 6 Flood and the mentions Jesus and Peter gave it regarding the End Times. There is only 1 door, and Jesus is The Way!
Being persecuted for following Jesus doesn’t always look like we think. As far back as the first martyrs, false accusations and made-up stories were the basis for arrest, interrogation, imprisonment and ultimately death. As the old saying goes, “The more things change, the more they stay the same!” How can we recognize the current signs? How do we prepare?
We discuss this (and more) at the Mountaineer GNCC Chapel.
Christ-less Conservatism will not save America. It’s not the Elephant, not the Donkey, it’s the Lamb! How should Christians be viewing the times, the culture (and the election) we’re living in? God judged his Chosen Nation for the sin of child-sacrifice. Will He not judge us? We come into this election with a pro-abortion candidate vs one who no longer fights for the unborn. Does it really matter which of them gets the title? How should we be preparing? Beans and bullets? Lots of questions, but ultimate answers are found in God’s Word.
How do we know it’s all true? Creation, The Flood, Jonah and the Whale.
There’s one KEY in the Bible. If it’s true, then it’s all true! The Resurrection! Paul said “If Christ was not raised from the dead then our preaching is in vain.”
Chapel service from Snowshoe unpacks the debate for Ultimate Truth.
Andy Davis filled in at the Mason-Dixon GNCC with a great message! From Genesis to Revelation: God redeeming his special creation and will culminate with the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. It was a fascinating overview of the Bible - informative, practical and applicable. (Recorded live at a racetrack, so background noises are part of it. Worth the listen though!)
We’ve talked about Samson and Jephthah the last couple rounds. They both made terrible mistakes and seemed to be poor leaders. We used them as “bad examples!”
However, they BOTH are listed in the Hebrews 11 “Hall of Faith” passage!
Why? How? Maybe we should examine “what is faith?” That’s what we did at the Powerline Park GNCC.
This message was pre-recorded as I was not able to attend. Trevor Lemaster and Clayton Kawasaki represented Team Faith, set up the pits and hosted chapel. Give a listen and let’s grow in our faith!
“On Purpose, For a Purpose!” God outlined his plan for Samson’s life, yet Samson never fully stepped into it. God’s purposes prevailed, but Samson’s life was full of drama and disappointment. What lessons can we learn from the strongest man who ever lived? This was our discussion at The Hoosier GNCC 2024.
The Old Gray in Monterey, TN was the hometown GNCC race for Team Faith. Really cool to have Brian O'Rourke come out and share some stories - from botching the opening prayer at a jet ski race to winning gold at X-Games! There were some definite low points in between. We turn to Matthew 16 and look at what it means to “give up your life in order to gain it.” God’s economy is backwards, inverted and so totally worth it!
How did the crowd miss that Jesus was The Messiah? They started out so good: “Hosannah!” But within a few days, “Crucify him!”
Jesus came to fulfill a promise God made way back in Genesis, yet the people assumed he was there simply to defeat Rome.
When we make up a god in our own image, culture will absolutely sway us. Look at the story of Jephthah in Judges 11. This is a most unusual Palm Sunday message! However, it makes the point that we need to stand on Truth found in God’s Word.
4 years ago, the world shut down. Churches too! In hindsight sight, many pastors wished they hadn’t shut down at all. And others, namely those who latched onto the out-of-context “love your neighbor” theme - have gone wholesale into deception/gay-affirmjng.
Does God’s Word have anything to say about how to stand firm in deceptive times? About how to discern truth from error?!
You know it does! Give a listen from The General GNCC…
Last week during the “Not Ashamed” message, I made the statement that “Jesus came to set us free from the penalty of our sin AND the dominion of our sin.” Yet, so many times it seems that even as Christians, we are dominated by sin. How can that be? What do we do? Is there escape?! Of course! We turn to Luke 15 and James 4 for the answer at the Wild Boar GNCC…
Romans 1:16 says “I am not ashamed of the Gospel.” But what does that mean? Die for the Good News? Sure. But Paul also demonstrated in that passage how to stand for truth in a culture that denied Ultimate Truth.
Welcome to Round 1 of the 2024 GNCC Season!
Hamas attacks Israel. Israel responds. Protests erupt. Is this Biblical? Apocalyptic? How should a Christian view Israel? How should we respond? All good questions, but there is one “question behind the question” that must be answered: “Why did Jesus have to die?”
Seems unrelated! Give a listen to the chapel service from the 2023 Ironman GNCC and find the connection!
Chapel from The Buckwheat 100. We talked about courage and looked at an obscure Old Testament king, Jehoshaphat. He’s actually a model of what NOT to do! But there was a prophet who is part of his story, Micaiaha, who was bold without reservation and did not care what other people thought. That’s who I want to be like!
“The Sound of Freedom” movie was released this past summer - it’s the true story of Tim Ballard who quit his job with Dept of Homeland Security to pursue a sex trafficking ring in S. America. At the end of the movie, statistics were given stating that the USA is a top destination for child sex trafficking.
How did we get here?! We were a nation founded on godly principals, but how far we’ve fallen! The question is, how do we stop it? How do we war against the culture?
We looked to Genesis 4 for the answer. God told Cain, “Sin is crouching outside your door and its desire is for you, but you must master it.”
Let God do his work in our lives and allow that to spill over to our culture.
The earth’s magnetic field is actually not at true north! Depending on where you are on the globe, it’s off by a few degrees. Much like our culture, it also changes! (By about 50km/yr) As Christians, the Word of God is our True North - but there are things pulling at the compass needle that can put us off by a degree or two. In the short term, it’s no big deal. But 1° off-course over 60 miles will put you an entire mile off target!
How do we orient to True North? Give a listen from the Snowshoe GNCC Chapel...
“Purpose in the Pain” was the message for the Mason Dixon GNCC. It’s a tough topic! Life is hard and often unfair. Where is God? Does He know? Does He care?
I can assure that not only does He see our suffering but He USES it to bring us even closer in relationship with Him…if we let it!
Tune in and hear about God’s sovereignty in the life of Job.
I’m a ”mistaker!” I do dumb things all the time! Will that keep me out of Heaven? Or is there something more? A young man asked Jesus a similar question. It’s the story of “The Rich Young Ruler” in Matthew 20. We discussed at the (very muddy) John Penton GNCC.
The difference between Christianity and 40,000 other belief systems (religions) is that only Christianity can claim proof that it IS the way. And that is through a resurrected Savior - something only God could do!
But how do we know the Resurrection happened? Couldn’t it just be a myth, passed down from generations? Or a hoax? Or maybe grief-stricken people made a mistake?
We tackle these questions at The Hoosier GNCC!
There is a God who loves us and went to extreme lengths to prove it!
John 3:16 is probably the most recognized Scripture reference, although many people do not know what it actually says. Nonetheless, many athletes use the number 316 to point the way to Jesus, who gave his life so that none would perish.
But did you know the context of the verse goes all the way back to the time of Moses? There’s a story in the Old Testament about the Israelites being bitten by poisonous snakes! Jesus uses that story as he speaks the words of John 3:16.
Ever since Genesis 3 there has been a Problem and a Promise! The problem is sin. And the promise is that the serpent’s head would be crushed! The way God brought about the promise is fascinating. Detailed to the very day of the Crucifixion, Burial, Resurrection and…Triumphial Entry! This is a Palm Sunday (Monday) message that will make you think as well as appreciate the detail God gave thousands of years in advance!
The General GNCC Chapel: Honoring God in the little things, or “Killing Lions!” 😳
We looked at the parable of the talents (did you know a biblical “talent” of gold would be worth nearly $1.5 MILLION in today’s currency?). And then turned our attention to I Samuel 17 - the shepherd boy who killed a lion and then a giant!
God is good and He has a Plan and a Purpose for each of us. Be faithful in the small things!
I Samuel 2:30 says, “I will honor those who honor me.” In context, there’s a bit more to it. We dig in at the Wild Boar GNCC Chapel and learn about honoring God in the Old Testament and honoring God now. There are some real life examples of people who honored God, refused to compromise…and God honored (and used) them greatly!
A revival started in 1970 at Asbury College and swept across the USA! Ripple effects from that still affect our culture today. Is God doing it again?! How does that work? If we really are living in the End Times, won’t there be a “Falling Away?” Could it be BOTH?! Chuck answers theses questions and more at the Big Buck GNCC.
This is a follow up to a couple weeks ago when we discussed “Situational Awareness: Are you paying attention?” Here, at the Buckwheat 100 GNCC, we took a look at a current event and then discussed Jesus’ teaching on End Times and persecution. “Hated by all nations.” A lot is happening in our world and in our country. We should be paying attention to the signs!
There are so many end times prophecies unfolding before our eyes. One teacher called it “a convergence of the signs!” Although we can’t foretell the future, we should be aware as things happen and it should strengthen our faith! We dug into it at the Burr Oak GNCC.
There are so many end times prophecies unfolding before our eyes. One teacher called it “a convergence of the signs!” Although we can’t foretell the future, we should be aware as things happen and it should strengthen our faith! We dug into it at the Burr Oak GNCC.
“If it’s true, it’s worth dying for.
If it’s worth dying for, it’s worth living for!”
June 29, 2022 was the 1,956th anniversary of the Apostle Paul’s execution by Emperor Nero. We took a closer look at The Mountaineer GNCC.
Recorded atop Snowshoe Mountain at 4,848 feet, the question was, “Is God real?” With spectacular views, it seemed the answer was/is obvious! Yet, there are still many objections: “What about evil? Suffering? Atrocities committed in the name of Christ? So many Christians are hypocrites.” We dug into these and many more at the 2022 Snowshoe GNCC.
Leading up to the Mason-Dixon GNCC, there were several shootings in the USA, including the Uvalde, TX tragedy. At the time of recording, gun control debates were raging in Congress, the media and social media. How do we live in this environment? Violence, distrust, opinions, overreach...does God's Word address modern issues? It can always be twisted to fit a narrative, but if it is actually applicable to our lives, how so? The Apostle Paul was in tumultuous times, could see the shipwreck about to happen, and yet remained mission focused.
“Profane Fire” was the title of this weekend’s message at the John Penton GNCC. Leading to baptism, we studied Leviticus chapter 10 – which might be unusual since baptism isn’t mentioned anywhere in the Old Testament! However, Leviticus provides an example of how we don’t get to come to God on our own terms. We don’t get to make it up as we go! Baptism doesn’t save us, but only Christians need baptized. Give a listen…
Palm Sunday message at the Camp Coker Bullet GNCC! During the week leading up to the crucifixion, Jesus was hungry, saw a fig tree, went to it for some figs but there were none. He said, “May no one ever eat of you again” and the tree died! Mark said it wasn’t the season for figs. So what was Jesus doing?! As with everything - he was purposeful and intentional. The implications are as relevant today as they were 2,000 years ago!
Seems the world is in a tailspin! The typical response is “Ain’t got a chance!!” But there are a few people saying, “For such a time as this.” That term comes from the Book of Esther. She was put in a precarious situation that took courage and wisdom - very applicable to our lives today. We indeed are created ON PURPOSE, FOR A PURPOSE and we are here “for such a time as this.”
One of the COLDEST chapel services we’ve done! But people still came out! We discussed “The Armor of God” from Ephesians 6. Admittedly, my view of this passage has been skewed by cliché analogies. However, when digging in and REALLY looking at it - the Apostle Paul was brilliant!
This meassage was delivered March 5, 2022 as Russia was actively invading Ukraine. The news captivated (and continues to captivate, at the time of this posting) the world. As a Christian, a couple questions come to mind: 1) What do we know and 2) What do we DO? We certainly feel helpless, but God is in control, Satan will be defeated and we DO have an active role in expanding the Eternal Kingdom!
Too often, we want to insert our lives into the Bible! Yet, the Word of God is living and active - it can speak for itself and is applicable to us. Therefore, we need to insert the Bible into our lives! We see the chaos and bad decisions around us. How should we live? Jeremiah lived in a time of chaos, confusion, blatant sin, hard hearts and poor leadership. There are several things we can pick up on that help us today in 2022.
The story of the wisemen has been embellished and expanded over the years. That’s okay! The birth of the Savior is a story that should be told, retold and romanticized. But what is fact? What is fiction? And is there anything still to be learned?
We are 1/2 way through the GNCC winter break and this is the Christmas Message!
During the 2021 GNCC Race Season, we have studied a lot of prophecy! But how does it all look when the puzzle is put together? What can we learn? Join Chuck Lemaster at the Ironman GNCC race and find out how Dueteronomy 28 fits with Ezekiel 37, Daniel 9, Matthew 24 and more! Are current events depicted in ancient biblical prophecies?
It's an interesting topic and has been an interesting studyin 2021!
Ezekiel 38 is a little bit like reading a weather report. Imagine getting the bulletin, looking to the horizon and seeing the storm clouds you just read about! We don’t know everything, but there is enough in this passage that we should take heed and pay attention to the coming “Gog Magog War.”
Chuck wasn’t able to make it the Buckwheat 100 GNCC, so this was recorded from home and is one more piece of the Prophecy Puzzle the church at GNCC has been studying all year.
Pre-trib, post-trib, mid-trib…all these weird names for when the rapture MIGHT happen! And what is the rapture, anyway? And “Tribulation?!” Lots to cover! Chuck puts all this in its proper, Biblical context at the Burr Oak GNCC Chapel service. The discussion revolves around what we do know and concludes with some interesting observations.
Christians have been persecuted and killed since the 1st Century. Why? “Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you.” Doesn’t seem too threatening! Yet, at the core, God’s principals are so counter-cultural they are indeed revolutionary! His Word - The Bible, has shaped and changed my perspective, outlook and ultimately my life. We go through a few examples at The Mountaineer GNCC in Beckley, WV.
Jesus warned that in the last days, there would be a falling away. We are certainnly seeing that in modern times. But what makes a person who professes Jesus is Lord to NOT maintain that core belief? That is the question we walked through atop beautiful Snowshoe Mountain in June, 2021.
Sometimes it is the backstory that makes the mainstory so incredible! Samuel was the greatest judge and prophet to ever guide ancient Israel. But he should not have been! His backstory should have ruined him. Yet God...
God had a plan and a purpose! Samuel's mother obediently delivered him into that purpose and the rest is history.
This service was the very first GNCC Church Baby Dedication.
John the Baptizer came on the scene baptising people for "repentance and forgiveness of sins." Then Jesus came along and wanted John to baptize him. Yet, Jesus had never sinned! So why did he need to be baptized?
Afterward, he was led into thee wilderness to be tempted by Satan.
Is there a correlation?
We discuss these very questions in this chapel service; recorded live at the John Penton GNCC. A baptism follows!
Jesus talked about the End Times, Abomination of Desolation, putting oil in the lamp...unusual subjects! Yet, there is meaning and we are seeing "signs of the times" today. We should understand what He was talking about - and so this episode digs into Matthew 24 and Luke 21. Chuck shares his personal thoughts on the subjects and closes out with undisputable, irrefutable Truth.
During this season, we’ve been studying some prophecies in the Old Testament and seeing how they came true. But what about future things yet to happen? When will the end actually come? Jesus’ disciples asked that very question. Although Matthew 24 can be confusing (some signs were related to AD70), there is ONE sign Jesus pointed out that has never happened but is happening now! This was an interesting discussion from the Tiger Run GNCC 2021.
"And he said to me, 'Son of man, can these bones live?' And I answered, "O LORD God, you know.'" ~Ezekiel 37:3
We looked at this passage at the Camp Coker Bullet GNCC. It's a fascinating passage! Even more so when you understand the context, what it means and how it came true! There is only one true God and he proves it time and again...
Chapel service from Washington, GA - The General GNCC. What do King Solomon, Hezekiah, Josiah, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan and the Civil War have in common? Tune in and find out! God has been faithful through the ages and His purposes prevail!
America is not Israel. However, Malachi explains, "I the LORD do not change." We can see how God worked in the past and have a greater understanding for what He is doing now. In Old Testament times, God gave warnings and signs before sending judgement. Likewise, He's given indications in modern times as well. America isn't paying attention, but as Christians, we need to know the signs of the times. And take heart! God's purposes always prevail!
2021 GNCC Chapel Round 1
Times are changing but God isn't! Malachi states, "I the LORD do not change." What God did in history gives us a clue for what he is doing now. This is Part 1 of a two part series: "The demise of Israel/The demise of America."
The Old Testament is HUGELY relevant to modern times. God loves us enough to plainly state the truth! Tune in and take heart.
Speaking live at the Camp Coker GNCC on May 30, 2020, Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster expounds on the topic of "Heaven." There are many questions that the Bible does't directly address, but many answers, as well - especially when placed in the context of WHO God is and WHAT His purpose is. We knnow for certain that heaven is wonderful and that God has a purpose while we are here!
The conclusion of a 13 part series - learning the Story of God as written in the Bible! Special guest, 2x World Grand Prix Champion, Trampas Parker, shares his story at the beginning and offers a powerful conclusion at the end of the service. Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster takes the audience through some prophecy and explains that "What God said He would do, He did! What God says He has yet to do, He will!"
Now that 13 messages have taken the audience through the Bible, the listener now has the framework for how to read the Bible. If anyone needs their own coy of the Word of God, they can reach Chuck at chuck@teamfaith.com.
This is "Church at the Racetrack!" Hence, background noise and distractions - yet the message is clear: God had a plan from the beginning of time! Genesis 1 shows God creating mankind in His own image and the rest of the Bible, The Story of God, is all about Him redeeming and making a way for that unique and special creation to be in right relationship with Him. This is part 12 of a 13 part series - Through the Ages and the Pages. In tonight's message, Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster walks the audience through the beginning of the church and how God had a plan to spread the Good News of the Gospel to all the known world! It includes the most unlikely of all character's...Peter! The Apostle who denied he even knew Jesus. Yet, God's forgiveness covers even that and the game-plan is still on - even today!
"Through the Ages and the Pages" has been a fascinating journey through the Bible! Week 10 left off with Jesus being "The Savior of the World." But how? Nicodemus comes to Jesus with a question on his mind. But before he can even ask, Jesus says, "You must be born again!" Which for Nick, that was the first time that phrase had ever been used and it was rather uncomfortable! Then Jesus brought up an ancient story of when Moses lifted up a snake on a pole. It made no sense at the time, but 2000 years later, we see with exact clarity that God had a plan! Jesus ultimately paid the price for our sin and fulfilled a promise God made at the very beginning of time! Give a listen as Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster ties the Old and New Testaments together and shows how God was and is faithful and how He still loves us today!
Message was presented to the GNCC crowd at the Mason-Dixon race in Mt Morris, PA on September 28, 2019.
"Through the Ages and the Pages" has been a journey through the Bible. It's a story of God's love for His special creation. He made a promise and although ALWAYS in jeopardy, that promise remained steadfast. Week 9 took the audience through 400 years of "silence." Week 10 is the coming of the Messiah! Something new is on the horizon! Something amazing is happening! And it was the Woman at the Well who first learned that Jesus was indeed the Savior of the World. Give a listen as Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster presents the truth of how much God loves us! This message was presented to an FCA audience at WMMX Motocross in Sweetwater, TN. (Was presented first on GNCC at the Black Sky GNCC in Harpursville, NY September 14th - but there were technical difficulties with that recording.)
Week 9 of a 13 series "Through the Ages and the Pages" (Through the Bible) brings the audience to the blank page that divides the Old Testament and the New Testament. That page represents 400 years. Often referred to as "The Silent Years" because there is no record of God speaking through prophets, judges, kings, etc. Actually, people gt the impression that God took his hands off the steering wheel during this era! Nothing could be further from the truth!! Give a listen as Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster takes the GNCC audience through that timeline and shows how God was incredibly at work, setting the stage for his coming Son and the wildfire spread of the Gospel in the 1st Century!
Message delivered at the High Voltage GNCC race, July 6, 2019 in Dunkard, PA.
Part 8 of a 13 part series - Through the Bible in 13 messages. God has made a promise and the narrative has arrived at the time of the prophets. And yet, the people don't listen. Captivity awaits but God's hand, his plan and his purpose shine through! Just as the nation reaches it's breaking point, God reveals he will use terrible circumstances to accomplish his will. Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster shares this message at the top of Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia.
This is week 7 of going through the Bible in 13 messages. God has a plan and a purpose to redeem and restore His special creation: you and me! Yet at every turn, that promise is in peril. God raises up judges to turn the people back to Him and keep his promise on track. As soon as the judge dies, the people forget. God raises Samson who really has no interest in God's promise, God's faithfulness or God's plan. And yet God uses Samson to fulfill His Divine destiny! The little known fact is that the nation of Israel was on the brink of extinction when Samson came around. Even though Samson didn't care, God did! And God's purposes prevailed. Give it a listen as Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster explains the narrative at the Tomahawk GNCC in NY.
Part 6 of a 13 parts series: Through the Ages and the Pages. The Bible, the story of God! We were created for relationship. That was broken with the original sin and God has been on a Redemptive Mission ever since! He promised that a descendant of Eve would "crush the serpent's head" and then He made a promise to Abraham that would ultimately bring Gen 3:14 true. In part 6 of the story, we see how individuals get to be part of the greater story. Rahab has a very unique viewpoint on the Abrahamic Covenant!
As we work our way through the Bible, we often get stopped with all those strange and unusual laws in the Old Testament. Some people conclude that God is just a control freak! As Christians, we know better, but not really sure what to do with a commandment prohibiting someone from trimming the edge of their beard! In week 5 of this 13 part series, Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster takes a closer look at the LAW and how it actually fits with God's promise to Abraham...and how it was "fulfilled" with Jesus. Give a listen for some fresh insights on a potentially confusing subject!
Through the Ages and the Pages: Week 4 is the story of the Exodus and how that relates to The Triumphal Entry that we celebrate on Palm Sunday! God made a promise to Abraham to use him to bless the entire world. We know that Jesus was certainly that blessing...but the story of how God moved and set that up is absolutely amazing! Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster is taking the GNCC Racin' Nation through the entire Bible in the 13 weeks of the 2019 Race Season. Round 1 got cancelled and pushed everything back two weeks. Amazingly, this puts the critical story of Passover right on Palm Sunday weekend! God told the Israelites to "Get a lamb" on the 10th day of the month and to sacrifice it on the 14th day. 1,500 years later, Jesus rides into Jerusalem on the 10th day, and is crucified on the 14th day. The parallelism is unmistakable!
If you've ever felt that God has forgotten, overlooked or ignored you - you're not alone! Chuck takes the audience through the story of Joseph at the Steele Creek GNCC. The story is amazing - but even more amazing is how God used Joseph to preserve the covenant He made with Abraham! This is part 3 of a 13 part series: Through the Ages and the Pages - The Story of God!
This is the 2nd message from Through the Ages and the Pages: A 13 week walk through the Bible. Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster describes the promise God made to Abraham all the way back in Genesis and shows how the "Abrahamic Covenant" is central to all the rest of the Bible. God kept his promise, even when Abraham messed up! We know God will continue to keep his word because he already HAS kept his word! The message was delivered at Round 2 of the 2019 GNCC series, Washington, GA.
"Through the Ages and the Pages!" This is part 1 of a 13 part series going through the Bible. It's a fascinating look at the story of God! The Bible has been deemed "unnecessary" and "irrelevant" to modern society. But so much of what we don't understand is because we've never looked at it the way that it actually unfolded. One continuous storyline: Creation, The Fall and the Restoration of it all! Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster kicks off the series at 2019 GNCC Round 1 by looking at God's amazing creation: man and woman, their decision to rule their own lives....and the subsequent ruination of that creation. Tune in for some insights you've perhaps never heard before!
What are you thankful for? Team Faith set a pumpkin in front of their pits and challenged people to write down what they are thankful for! Chuck then read off some of the items at chapel, and related it to Luke 17; the story of Jesus healing 10 lepers...but only one came back. The story is so much more than, "You should say 'thank you!'" That one came back becasue he recognize who Jesus was! The very things in our lives that we should say "thank you" for are meant to drive us to Jesus, just like that ONE!
We live in a very political age. Yet, 1st century Israel was even MORE political than this! Chuck provides some interesting background for the world that Jesus was born into - and then reviews how Jesus lived into it. There are practical applications for us, whether we are "Democrat" or "Republican." Jesus always had an eye on the Big "K" Kingdom and not the little "k" kingdom of this earth. That perspective should mold and shape us as we strive to be hands and feet of Jesus today.
Probably one of the most recognizable parables ever: The Sower and the Seeds! Preached like you've probably never heard before, though! Not only is it delivered at a prestigous motocross track (High Point, PA), but Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster makes the connection for what Jesus was really driving at! It's how you listen that determines the soil of your heart.
Dug from the archives, this is a never-before-published recording from the Mountaineer GNCC in 2016. It was close to election time 2016 and references are made to the fear Americans were experiencing at the time. Obviously now we know that the election turned out very different than anticipated! This is a timely reminder that God in charge of our individual lives and that prayers do get answered. Chuck references the movie, "Facing the Giants" and draws paralles to the lives of Joshua and the miraculous life, death and resurrection of Jesus! It's an inspiring message that is relevant to all generations.
One of our Team Faith chaplains said at X-Games 2010, "We don't know who will still be serving Jesus in 10 years." Sad but true - not all in attendance that day are still faithful. King Asa is an Old Testament king who started out so good, so faithful! But by the end of his life he forgot all about God. How can we avoid the same pitfall? Chuck discusses this topic at the Tomahawk GNCC in NY.
I think I think like God thinks when God thinks about me! (Read that twice!!!) We think we have God figured out. We do good; He's happy. We do bad; He's mad. But when Jesus was on this earth, He was radical because He told people what God was really like! And according to Jesus, He isn't really like what we think! Jesus told a story of a wayward son who was welcomed home by the father. The real important part of the story is the most overlooked part: the other son! The one who thought he had the father figured out! But the father said, "No - it's not about doing for me. It's about being with me. Your brother is home. Let's rejoice!" Chuck delivers this message at the Snowshoe GNCC in June, 2018.
At Round 1 of the 2018 GNCC season, Chuck opened by explaining who he is, who Team Faith is, and why we do what we do! He shares his own story and the story of Team Faith as he walks the audience through II Timothy 3:16-4:5. These are Paul's last words to his protege, he knows he is going to die and charges Timothy with, "Preach the Word." A tradition that continues to this day at churches and even racetracks around the world!
The shooting in Las Vegas dominates our news feed. There is unimaginable evil in this world. Moments before the shooting, Americans were arguing over the flag and National Anthem. Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster presents Truth from God's Word that helps put these issues in perspective for the Christian listener. The challenge many people face is to stand up for what's right while "turning the other cheek" as Jesus taught. It's an interesting listen and will help sift through the many messages we hear as we try to put God first in our lives and in our culture.
Have you ever felt that your prayers bounced off the ceiling? That God wasn't paying attention? Or maybe He forgot about you? Chuck tackles this question by looking at the 400 years of silence in between the writing of the Old Testament and the New. Chuck originally preached this message at the Snowshoe GNCC, 2017. This recording is from Chuck preaching the same message at this home church, Calvary Chapel in Hixson, TN just a few weeks later.
This is a recording of the Tribute Service done at Steele Creek GNCC for Chris and Cody Gragg. Although sound quality is rough, listeners can still hear what was said that evening. Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster spoke about the peace Jesus gives and how we can have hope even in tragedy. Chris and Cody left be3hind a great legacy and one of Cody's friends said it best; "It comes back to Jesus y'all!"
Moments before chapel started at the Sparta GA GNCC, Team Faith Pit Pastor Chuck Lemaster received official word that Chris and Cody Gragg (father and son) were killed in an auto accident on the way to race. This message spontaneously wrestles with the question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" It's a broken world, but there is hope in Jesus Christ.
What does it mean to be blessed? We think of fame and fortune, that God is smiling down on us. But Mary was "blessed" and yet had none of that! Instead of a room at the Hilton Suites, she was in a barn, surrounded by...you-know-what! And what of our own idea of "blessed?" Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster relates to being covered in poo and yet being blessed at the same time! Interesting story - take a listen from the Florida GNCC 2017!
Chuck finished the 2016 GNCC season by talking about prophecy and apologetics. The message starts off talking about Joel Rosenberg's book, "The Last Days" which was written about 9/11 BEFORE 9/11 actually happened! How did the author know?! Chuck moves from prophecy and into Creation and evolution and then discusses "manuscript preservation" - relating how the Bible has been passed down over the centuries. It all comes together at the end to beg the question, "If God is this real, then what's stopping you from believing?!"
Claude Lemaster was a decorated WWII vet, loyal husband, loving father...and my grandfather! He passed on August 24, 2016. This message is a tribute to him. He showed the love of Jesus in real, practical ways and is a living example for many of us in this day of unrest. ~Chuck Lemaster
Jesus said some difficult things! Many try to say he was "just a good teacher," but some of the things he said were very strange and completely the opposite of what it takes to get people to follow him! One thing was, "Eat my flesh and drink my blood!" Chuck Lemaster explored the statement while at the Camp Coker Bullet GNCC in South Carolina.
Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster challenges his listeners to not take something at face-value. Instead, know why you believe what you believe. Our culture has made compelling arguments for "There is no God" and "This is all by chance and evolution." If you believe that - why? If you believe there is a God - what do these scientific arguments mean to you? Are they reliable? Should they shake your faith? Or are there things that we haven't been told?
The GNCC Racing Community lost a racer at Round 2 of the 2016 Season. At Round 3, the GNCC Chapel Service was a memorial and dedication to Ty Kesten. The audio track opens with Team Faith Chaplain, Chuck Lemaster, being interviewed at the track. Tim Cotter, Race Director/MX Sports, speaks to the group and Chuck closes out with a message, "What do you do with tragedy? Is there hope?" The message is taken directly from John 11 - the story of Jesus raising Lazarus to life. Of course, Lazarus later died. So where is our REAL hope?
This is a continuation of "Is God asleep?" It's also quite personal because as I related in the last message, "I will not fear if the electricity gets shut off." In between that message and this one...the electricity got shut off! But God is so faithful, and this is a message of praise and hope for anyone else who is struggling! The audio is a bit scratchy because I'm not a very good tech geek! But it's worth a listen! Thanks so much! -Chuck Lemaster, Team Faith Chaplain on the GNCC Series
This was a personal one for me - I'm Chuck Lemaster with Team Faith and I get to deliver the chapel messages on the GNCC series. For over 5 years, I've been "full-time" in the ministry; using dirt bikes to share the love of Jesus Christ. However, at the time I delivered this message, I was in a crisis. Funding had run out and I was no longer keeping my head above water. This message is a direct result of what God taught me during those trying times.
Seems there are so many distractions in life - and worse yet, God seems to do things in other people's lives that he DOESN'T do in yours. Or maybe He just doesn't seem to care about the pain and suffering that is all around us. Sometimes it seems SIN is the way to go. How do you handle that? How does a Supreme Court decision affect me as an individual? Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster digs into these questions at the Unadilla GNCC in 2015.
"The Christian faith is not based on the Bible." Say what?! Take a listen as Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster expands on that statement at the Snowshoe GNCC in 2015. People abandon the faith because of 2 things: Crazy Christians and they can't make sense of some things in the Bible. Yet - early Believers didn't even HAVE a Bible - what we know as the "New Testament" wasn't even written yet! So what is the basis of our faith?
This is a follow up to the 5/24/2015 message, "Why is it BAD to be a Christian?" Being a Follower of Jesus is ILLEGAL in approximately 50 countries around the globe. Why? And if that is true, then wouldn't it be easier to just not be a Christian? Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster talks about this at the John Penton GNCC in 2015. There must be a compelling reason...
Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster explores the question, "Why is it bad to be a Christian?" It is illegal in certain countries. ISIS is killing people for being a follower of Christ. Even in America on Memorial Day when we celebrate those who died to give us freedom, we see Christians being put under pressure to change their ideology. If being a "Christian" is to follow Jesus Christ who taught, "love your neighbors and your enemies," then WHY is it such a bad thing? Chuck takes most of the message to build the case and then provides a not-so-comfortable answer toward the end.
Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster shares a personal story of coming back from the brink of bankruptcy and being able to enter ministry full-time. The message challenges listeners to go all-in for Jesus Christ and to put God first. Chuck admits it is a message he did not want to speak since it deals with finances...which is always personal! But, by sharing his own story, he connects with the audience as he explains current financial stresses.
Fox declined to run a commercial on Superbowl XLV deeming it as "too controversial." The premise was to drive people to www.lookup316.com. Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster takes his listeners to John 3:16 and explores the full conversation Jesus had with Nicodemus. It's much more than a verse! It goes all the way back to when people were being bitten and killed by snakes out in the wilderness...
Does God answer prayer? If so, why do some prayers get answers and not others? Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster explores these relevant questions at the Big Buck GNCC.
Through chattering teeth, Chuck Lemaster (with Team Faith Racing Ministries) looks at the final days of Jesus' life at the Steele Creek GNCC...one of the coldest on record! He combines the 4 Gospel stories to give a thorough review of the days and times...and focuses in on Judas's betrayal. Having been with Jesus, seen signs and miracles, how could Judas do such a thing? The answer actually isn't far from what each of us experience!
That's probably a personal interpretation, but Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster relates a story that answers the question, "What is faith?" We know God can...but will he? Follow along as Chuck shares from The General GNCC in Aonia Pass, GA.
Seems a simple question...but there are so many answers! Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster explores a simple sentence in the book of Acts, "And they were first called Christians in Antioch." What does this have to do with modern day Christianity? Spoken at the GNCC Season opener in Florida, March 2015.
Daniel 12:4 says that at the end of time, people will be busier than ever, and knowledge will increase. Does that mean this is the end?! People have been saying that for thousands of years! How could today be any different from when the Pope said the world would end in 1000AD? Listen in as Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster discusses this subject at the St. Clairesville, OH GNCC. His main point is to not speculate with prophecy, but rather test it to see if there is context. You may be surprised!
It's evolution vs creation. Seems like an old debate! That's why this message isn't about an argument, but rather an encouragement! There is purpose to life. There's a way to know it. Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster tackled this subject at the Somerset PA GNCC race. You are invited to listen along!
Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster spoke at the Unadilla GNCC race. He shared a message God placed on his heart about Hell and our eternal destiny. Admittedly, it wasn't a comfortable subject - but God instructed his prophet Ezekiel to warn people...and if he didn't, God would hold HIM accountable! Chuck took no chances and pointedly shared the truth with the GNCC community.
Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster spoke at a church in Wellsville, NY. Subscribers may recognize it as part of a message preached in 2013 on the GNCC series. The title, "A Chunk of Pavement" references Chuck holding up a piece of asphalt and talking about the streets in heaven being paved with gold! Chuck also relates experiences in Egypt when Team Faith traveled there for a freestyle show.
Bad things - "shiznitty things" happen in life! Not everything "happens for a reason." Take Joseph for example. BAD things happened to him and the root cause was sin...James tells us in the New Testament that God doesn't sin, nor does he cause us to sin. However, God is big enough to redeem sinful things. Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster walks through the life of Joseph as he discusses this subject at the John Penton GNCC 2014.
God gave a promise, and then Jacob manipulated life in order to obtain that promise. Is that how it works? Do we get God's best by forcing God to give it? We know better than that...so what was going on? Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster discusses this at the Mountaineer Run GNCC chapel service.
John the Baptizer preached repentance and forgiveness of sins and then baptized people. Jesus never sinned! So why did he need to be baptized? Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster explores this question at the Loretta Lynn's GNCC 2014. It's an unusual baptism service because most of the message is about the temptation of Christ. How is that relevant to baptism?
"The Holy Spirit" is a strange subject for many...but Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster show's how God interacts with us...how an extraordinary life is something only He can provide and it is His power...not ours!
Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster was invited to speak at Beaver Local Middle School in Lisbon, Ohio. This was for a mandatory assembly and the purpose was to motivate the students to do their best in their tests the following week. Because it was mandatory and not optional, Chuck had to be very careful about laws protecting the separation between church and state. As such, he could not preach the Gospel! However, students were welcomed to pick up Team Faith brochures that have the Gospel message printed on them. Nearly 500 brochures were given out after the presentation! This recorded podcast is from the 5th and 6th grader speech given 4/22/2014.
Team Faith pit pastor, Chuck Lemaster, discusses "How can we know for certain that what we believe is actually The Truth?" There are thousands of religions in the world and each one claims to be the only legitimate one...so how can you know for sure? This message was delivered at the Big Buck GNCC race April 13, 2014.
Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster talks about calling down fire from heaven onto one of his competitors! He relates this to Elijah calling down fire from heaven for real and how the prophet's of Baal were sincere in what they believed...but it didn't matter since what they believed was false. This message starts the "I Believe" series on the GNCC Racing Circuit and the premise is, "It doesn't matter how sincere you are in what you believe. It matters what you believe."
Part 3 in a series, "I Believe" Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster discusses a passage from the Gospel of Mark that talks about handling snakes with safety. Unfortunately, that passage showed up in 8th century manuscripts and not in the earlier 4th century copies. So...is there a mistake in the Bible? How old was Jehoiachin when he became king of Israel? 2 Kings says he was 18, but the parallel passage in 2 Chronicles says he was 8. What do we do with inaccuracies and possible mistakes? The premise is that God has always used imperfect human beings to accomplish his perfect purposes.
This is 2nd in a series titled "I Believe." Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster preaches on the GNCC Race Series and this message is from Round Two at Aonia Pass, GA. Chuck talks about core beliefs and how the early Christians were willing to die for what they believed...including being fed to lions! His conclusion was, "If they can die by it then surely I can live by it!"
Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster speaks on all 12 messages from the 2013 GNCC season...rolled into one! "What do they all add up to?" "Did we explore a common theme?" The answer is, "Yes! Go all-in! No regrets."
Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster looks into the question, "Can I screw up God's Plan for my life?" This was recorded live at the chapel service at St. Clairsville GNCC on Sunday, October 13, 2013.
Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster uses Miley Cyrus as a lead-in to, "Judge not lest ye be judged." This chapel was recorded live at the Gusher GNCC and Chuck takes an honest look at judging vs. discerning right from wrong and what should our approach be?
Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster holds up a chunk of pavement at the beginning of this chapel service and relates that to Jesus' message regarding laying up treasure in heaven. Chuck also shares about going to Egypt and doing freestyle motocross in October 2012. This was recorded live at the Unadilla GNCC.
Team Faith's Chuck Lemaster talks about world record long distance jumps on dirt bikes and relates that to how we often view heaven! This was recorded live at the 2013 Snowshoe GNCC chapel service in June 2013.