Christ Community Church - Jackson, TN: Recent Episodes
southtownpastor
Join us as we finally reach the top of the mountain of Purgatory and the Garden of Eden.
Text: Cantos 21-27
This week, Pastor Craig begins teaching through Colossians as we continue our journey through Paul's letters.
Text: Colossians 1
Does Jesus expect us to fast? If so, how long and how often? What is fasting for? Listen as we explore the spiritual discipline of fasting this week as we continue our journey through the Sermon on the Mount.
Text: Matt 6:16-18
Join us as we begin our climb of the Mountain of Purgatory with Dante and his guide, Virgil.
Text: Cantos 1-6
What does Jesus mean when he tells us that we must be "perfect" just as God is perfect? This is hard saying. Unpack it with us!
Text: Matt 5:48
This week, Deacon and Minister of Music, Connor Johnson begins the letter of Ephesians as we continue our study through the letters of Paul.
In our text for this week, Jesus turns his attention to our speech and what it tells us about who we are, what we are becoming, and what it says about how we perceive one another.
Text: Matt 5:33-37
Join us as we continue to make our way through the Sermon on the Mount. This week, Jesus speaks to lust, divorce, and the failure of seeing others as merely objects for our use.
Text: Matthew 5:27-32
How do you handle anger, especially anger towards another believer? Jesus has some very practical, and uncomfortable, statements to make when we're angry with a fellow Christian.
Text: Matthew 5:21-26
Welcome to our "Summer Series" - the Sermon (Summer) on the Mount. In this sermon, Pastor Nick revisits many of the points discussed earlier this year in Epiphany from these same verses as we reframe and "set up" this slow walk through the most famous sermon ever delivered.
Text: Matthew 5:1-20
Brian and Cindy Denker, our missionaries to Ethiopia, join us this week and give a report of the work taking place through Indigenous Outreach International.
Pastor Nick is back this week. Join us as we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost!
Text: Numbers 11:24-30
Pastor Chris steps into the preaching role this week. Join us as we celebrate the ascension of our Lord!
This week, we finish our brief look at 1 Peter as we continue our celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus from the dead. Join us!
Text: 1 Peter 2:1-10
Christ is Risen Indeed! Join us as we discuss the empty tomb, the fear that the empty tomb provokes, and how correct interpretation of the Resurrection of Jesus informs how our fear is directed and resolved.
Text: Matthew 28:1-10
Join us as we begin Holy Week and prepare to celebrate the sacrificial death and glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus!
Text: Matthew 21:1-11
Join us as we wrap up our short time in John's Gospel with this final Lenten sermon.
Text: John 11:1-45
Pastor Chris continues our study of Paul's letters in this introductory lesson to 1 & 2 Corinthians.
We continue our look into the John readings this Lent by considering the familiar story of the Samaritan Woman at the Well.
Text: John 4:3-42
This week we consider the familiar story of Jesus' meeting with Nicodemus. Listen as we consider what it means to "listen to Christ" as Nicodemus' expectations and assumptions are challenged.
Text: John 3:1-21
Pastor Chris kicks off Lent for us this year by unpacking the familiar scene of the Lord Jesus' temptation in the wilderness.
Text: Matthew 4:1-11
We continued in the Sermon on the Mount this week, learning what it means to be Salt and Light. Join us!
Text: Matthew 5:13-20
In the Beatitudes, Jesus redefines what it means to live a blessed life now that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Join us as we look at the opening verses of the Sermon on the Mount.
Text: Matthew 5:1-12
This week, we reflect on what it means to follow Jesus as he draws near and calls his first disciples. And what we begin to see is that discipleship doesn’t begin with full understanding, but with movement: walking with Christ, learning his way, and being shaped over time through shared life with him.
Text: Matt 4:12-23
Join us as we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord Jesus and consider what it means that Revelation precedes understanding.
Text: Matt 3:13-17
Join us for this second week of Christmastide as we continue to dwell upon the mystery of the Incarnation of Christ.
Text: John 1:1-18
Continue celebrating the Incarnation of Christ with us as we take a close look at Psalm 148 and what it teaches us about worship now that God has drawn near to us in Immanuel.
Join us as we conclude the season of Advent with the sign of Immanuel.
Text: Isaiah 7:10-16
Join us as we continue journeying toward the celebration of the Incarnation. This week, we turn our attention to Rejoicing. Listen as we consider Isaiah 35 together.
We continue in Isaiah this week as the prophet encourages us to not let our Advent Watching and Waiting to become stagnant. Instead, we are to also be Repenting as we wait for the return of Christ.
Text: Isaiah 11:1-10
Join us as we begin a new liturgical year and consider our work of "waiting, watching, and remaining" in Advent.
Text: Isaiah 2:1-5
Join us as we conclude another Liturgical Year with the celebration of Christ our King!
Text: Luke 23:33-43
This week, David Burke begins our study through the letters of Paul with the letter to the Galatians.
We conclude our study through the letter of Jude with a close look at his doxology. Join us as we learn what it means to contend for the faith in worship.
Text: Jude 24-25
After weeks of warning against rebellion and false teaching, Jude turns his attention back to the faithful. In these verses, he shows what it means to live as the Church between the Advents: a people who remember rightly, keep themselves in God’s love, and extend mercy to others.
Text: Jude 17-23
In this sermon, we reach the climax of Jude’s warnings as he summons the ancient witness of Enoch to remind the Church that God’s judgment is never random but restores divine order. Through Enoch’s prophecy, Jude reveals that the Lord’s coming brings both mercy to the faithful and conviction to the ungodly. Yet even in judgment, the Church is kept in hope — learning that to contend rightly, we must speak rightly, guarding our hearts and our words until the Lord who comes to judge also comes to keep.
Text: Jude 14-16
This week in our Jude sermon series, we turn our attention to three examples from Israel's history as patterns of rebellion.
Text: Jude 11-13
This week in Sunday School, Elder Emeritus, Dr. Walton Padelford steps in to teach on the African Memory of Mark. Listen as we begin this fascinating topic.
This week in our Jude series, we turn our attention to one of the strangest stories that Jude references - Michael the Archangel fighting the devil over the possession of the body of Moses. Listen as we continue to explore this letter and consider what these stories teach us about "contending for the faith once for all delivered to the saints."
Text: Jude 1:8-10
Connor Johnson, Deacon and Worship Leader at Christ Community Church, continues our study of the more unfamiliar extra-biblical works that Jude references in his letter. In this chapter of Footnotes, we begin looking at the Book of Enoch. Join us!
In this week’s message, Pastor Nick explores three ancient stories—Israel in the wilderness, the rebellion of the angels, and the fall of Sodom and Gomorrah—that Jude uses to awaken the church to holy remembrance. These are not strange myths or distant warnings, but living reminders that the same Jesus who saves is also the Jesus who judges and purifies His people. To contend for the faith, we must remember rightly, remain within God’s order, and resist desires that move beyond His boundaries.
Text: Jude 5-7
In an effort to help us understand some of the more unfamiliar texts that Jude references in his letter, Deacon Connor Johnson is leading us through those works to help supplement Pastor Nick's sermon series on Jude. Listen as we consider The Book of Jubilees.
Pastor Nick is back this week as we now begin a slow walk through the little letter of Jude. Join us for this first sermon that lays out Jude's thesis and purpose for the letter.
Jude 1-4
This week, Pastor Chris fills in the preaching duties and continues our study in the Gospel of Luke
David Burke is back in the saddle this week to continue our study on the Pursuit of Excellence.
This week, we take a one-off deviation from our Luke Study to look at Paul's "trustworthy" saying that is deserving of "full acceptance," that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."
Text: 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Does Jesus really want us to "hate" our families? What does he mean by "bearing our crosses"? Or what about "renounce all that you have"? Listen as we consider these hard sayings of Jesus together.
Text: Luke 14:25-33
David Burke picks up teaching Sunday School this week with a study on Excellence. Join us!
The sin of Pride can be infectious and deadly, infesting our relationships, our minds, our souls, and our communities. Thankfully, Jesus offers the antidotes of Humility and Hospitality as the cure. Listen as we explore these themes in this week's sermon.
Text: Luke 14:1-14
What does the Sabbath mean for Christians and how can we honor it, live it, and observe it? Listen this week as we consider these questions while discussing Jesus' healing of a woman who was bent down for eighteen years.
Text: Luke 13:10-17
This week, we begin our journey into the 8th Circle of Inferno, the Malebolge, with Dante and Virgil. Join us as we continue our decent into the bowels of the earth and deeper into Hell.
Cantos 18-21
In this week’s sermon , we reflect on the story of Mary and Martha and what it means to choose “the good portion.” What if discipleship doesn’t begin with doing, but with sitting, listening, resting at the feet of, and putting our attention on Jesus? In a world of constant busyness, Jesus invites us to a life where worship grounds our work and where service flows out of contemplation.
Text: Luke 10:38-42
Connor and Nick dig into the story of the demoniac in Luke 8 and draw surprising connections to the legend of St. Christopher. A conversation about transformation, identity, and what it means to carry Christ.
This week, we begin our descent into Hell with Dante and Virgil, visiting the vestibule and crossing the river Styx.
As we continue in our Lukan journey and consider our roles as disciples, Jesus instructs us on how to handle rejection for the sake of his name.
Text: Luke 10:1-11; 16-20
This week, Pastor Nick begins a study of the cosmological look at the Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri. In this first lesson, we consider the structure and theology of the Comedy as well as look briefly at Dante's life before reading Cantos 1 & 2.
What is the cost of Discipleship? Listen this week as Jesus discusses this very topic with three would-be disciples.
Text: Luke 9:51-62
This week, we begin a journey through the miracles and parables of the Gospel of Luke. Today we consider the healing of the demoniac. Join us as we consider the symbolism in this story and how it informs our discipleship.
Text: Luke 8:26-39
In this chapter of Footnotes, Connor and Pastor Chris sit down to discuss the intriguing topic of Jesus’ siblings. They discuss the biblical texts and various interpretations surrounding whether Jesus had biological brothers and sisters, highlighting the different ways Christians have understood this over time. Join them for a thoughtful conversation that brings clarity to this often-debated aspect of Christ’s family and its significance for faith today.
In this chapter of Footnotes, Connor and Nick explore the life and ministry of the Apostle Peter, diving into his writings and his transformation from an impulsive, uncertain disciple to a pivotal leader in the early church. Join us for this engaging conversation.
This Ascension Sunday, we reflect on Jesus' departure not as an ending, but as a culmination. Drawing on Old Testament echoes of Moses and Elijah, we see how Christ's ascent is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, and how his blessing prepares the Church for her Spirit-empowered witness.
Text: Luke 24:44-53
How are we to love Jesus and what does it look like? Listen as we consider Jesus' teaching on this topic as we wind down a three week look at the nature of love.
Text: John 14:23-29
In this chapter of "Footnotes", Nick and Connor sit down to discuss the task of Evangelism. How do we do the work of evangelism in our culture today? What does faithful, authentic evangelism look like in everyday life? Join us for this first of many conversations as we explore the tensions, questions, and opportunities that come with sharing the good news.
What are we to do with the "new commandment"? Listen as we unpack Jesus' command to love one another as he has loved us.
Text: John 13:31-35
As we continue our Easter celebration, this week we explore the mysterious and tender scene of Jesus meeting his disciples by the sea, cooking them breakfast, and restoring Peter with the threefold question: "Do you love me?" From darkness to light, confusion to clarity, phileo to agape, this message invites us to know Christ not just in His power, but in how we can love Him by loving one another.
Text: John 21:1-19
Pastor Chris begins teaching this week on the life, work, and influence of Church Father, Isidore Archbishop of Seville.
Dr. Walton Padelford, Elder Emeritus, fills in the preaching duties this week as we continue our Easter celebration. Listen as he unpacks the opening of Revelation.
Text: Revelation 1:1-8
Why does Jesus tell Mary to "not cling" to him after his resurrection? Listen as we explore this scene, found only in John, and what it means to rightly cling to the Resurrected Christ.
Text: John 20:1-18
In this chapter of Footnotes, Connor and Chris (elder at Christ Community) sit down and discuss the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, its importance, and its uses for the church today.
Join us this week as we return to Philippians 3 and consider what Paul means when he says that he wants to "know" the Lord Jesus Christ.
Text: Philippians 3:4b-14
On the latest chapter of Footnotes, Connor sits down with Pastor Chris to discuss the person of Melchizedek.
This week we continue asking our epistle readings this Lent, "what are we to be doing?" Listen as we consider the action of perseverance from 1 Corinthians 10:1-13.
In this chapter of Footnotes, Connor and Nick discuss the person and work of Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus. Who is she? Why is she held in such high regard? Does she, like other Christians, have a particular work that we can pay attention to and learn from?
Listen as Connor and Nick discuss and let us know your thoughts.
Deacon and Minister of Music, Connor Johnson, begins a new study that closely considers the temptation of the Lord Jesus and what it means for us today.
Join us as we begin the Lenten season by considering what it means to believe.
Text: Romans 10:8-13
Pastor Chris fills in again this week as we discuss the Transfiguration of the Lord from the Gospel of Luke.
Text: Luke 9:28-36
Dr. Walton Padelford, Elder Emeritus, fills in this week as we continue our look at Jesus' "Sermon on the Plain."
Text: Luke 6:27-38
Pastor Chris preaches this week as we explore the "Sermon on the Plain."
Text: Luke 6:17-26
What is the cost to be a disciple of Christ? Listen as we consider Peter's response and Jesus' reply.
Text: Luke 5:1-11
In this chapter of Footnotes, Connor and Nick explore the fascinating differences between Hebrews 10:5—"A body you have prepared for me"—and its Old Testament counterpart in Psalm 40:6-8, which reads "An ear you have dug for me" in the Hebrew. They dive into the implications of these translations, their theological significance, and what they reveal about the body, the Incarnation of Christ, and God’s plan of redemption. Join the conversation as they unpack the richness of this text and its profound meaning for our faith.
This week, we complete the 2-part lesson on Jesus' teaching in Nazareth. Listen as we explore this text together.
Text: Luke 4:21-30
This week, we look at the first half of the story of Jesus teaching in his hometown of Nazareth. What is it about the teaching ministry of Jesus that Luke finds so important? Join us as we consider this text.
Text: Luke 4:14-21
In this episode of Footnotes, Connor and Nick dive into the rich and nuanced meanings behind the different Greek words for "love." From agape to philia, storge, and eros, they explore how each term reflects distinct aspects of love found in Scripture and human relationships. Join the conversation as they unpack the depth of these words and their implications for our understanding of love in a biblical and practical context.
Why would Jesus need to submit to a baptism of repentance? And what's the deal with him praying as he was being baptized? Listen this week as we discuss these details found in Luke's Gospel.
Text: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
In this episode of Footnotes, we delve into the fascinating world of the Peripheral Canon, often referred to as the Apocrypha. How were these texts viewed in the ancient world, and what role do they play in the New Testament? From Jesus' teachings to Paul's letters, echoes of these writings resonate throughout Scripture. Join us as we explore their theological significance, their historical context, and how they shape our understanding of the biblical narrative. Whether you're new to the Apocrypha or revisiting familiar territory, this episode offers fresh insights into the interconnectedness of Scripture.
Some references made throughout this chapter are:
John 8 / Jubilees 17Forgiveness in Lord's Prayer / Sirach 28.2Narrow Road / 4 Ezra 7.6-14Hell as eternal worm & fire (e.g. Mark 9) / Judith 16Mockers at cross Mt. 27.41-43 / WisSol 2.13-22Golden Rule / Tobit 4.15Armor of God Eph 6.13-17 / WisSol 5.17-20Paul's disease theory of sin / 4 Ezra 3.21-26Mt. 22.28-30 / Opening story of Tobit1 Peter 1.12 / 1 Enoch 1.2Angels chained 2 Peter 2.4, Jude 6, Revelation / 1 Enoch narrativeJude 14-15 / 1 Enoch 1
What does John mean by calling Jesus "the Light" and what does that have to do with us and our Christian walk? Listen as we consider the Apostle John's lofty prologue to his gospel on this final day of Christmas.
Text: John 1:1-18
What does it mean to marvel at Jesus? What is the deal with the scene of him as a boy in the Temple? Listen this morning as we continue the Christmastide celebration!
Text: Luke 2:41-52
"In this episode of Footnotes, Connor and Nick dive into the biblical concept of the Mind, Body, and Spirit. Join them as they explore how Scripture addresses this triune division and its significance for living a holistic, Christ-centered life."
For this final week of Advent, we discuss consider the theme of Laboring. What does it mean to labor? What does Christ's labor consist of and how are we to participate with him in his labor?
Text: Hebrews 10:5-10
Now in our third week of Advent, we consider the active theme of "singing" and it's place within the life of the Christian while we continue to wait and prepare for the return of Christ.
Text: Philippians 4:4-9
In this episode of Footnotes, Connor and Nick delve into the story of Hannah from 1 Samuel, exploring her faith, fasting, and fervent prayers for a child. They discuss the fascinating chiasm structure of Hannah’s narrative and how it highlights key theological themes, including her unwavering trust in God’s provision. The episode also examines the role of fasting in Hannah’s miraculous story and its spiritual significance for believers today. Join the conversation as they unpack this beautiful biblical text and its timeless lessons.
This week, we discuss the theme of Preparation as we make our way through the season of Advent.
Text: Philippians 1:3-11
In this episode of Footnotes, Connor and Nick expand on themes from Psalm 127, focusing on the imagery of arrows and their spiritual significance. They explore how archery appears throughout Scripture, from the "arrows" of children as a legacy to God’s bow in the rainbow—signifying His promises in Genesis and Revelation. Join them for a deep dive into how God uses the imagery of arrows to illustrate His purposes and faithfulness across the biblical narrative.
As we close out another Season after Pentecost, we double back to 1 Samuel to consider the "Song of Hannah." Join us!
Text: 1 Sam 2:1-10
This week, we close our consideration of the Wisdom Literature with another Psalm of Ascent.
Text: Psalm 127
Pastor Chris steps into the preaching role again this week and unpacks to resurrection of Lazarus. Join us!
Text: John 11:32-44
In this episode of Footnotes, Connor and Nick dive into the recent sermon series on the book of Job and explore the fascinating additional verses found in the Septuagint, particularly Job 42:18, which brings a powerful perspective on resurrection. They discuss the significance of the Septuagint in biblical scholarship, the concept of “divine editing” in ancient texts, and how these extra books can enrich the Protestant devotional life. Whether you're new to the Septuagint or a seasoned reader, this episode offers fresh insights into how these ancient writings can deepen our understanding of Scripture.
This week, Connor Johnson (Deacon and Minister of Music) fills in as we discuss the Desert Fathers. Join us!
This week, we conclude our quick look at the story of Job and consider his repentance and restoration.
Text: Job 42
Our study in Job continues this week as we now hear the Lord's response to Job's complaining.
Text: Job 38
In this inaugural episode of our new supplemental series, "Footnotes," Pastor Nick and Connor (worship leader and deacon at Christ Community Church) dive deeper into the sermon from the 20th Sunday after Pentecost, 2024. "Footnotes" is designed to complement our primary teachings, exploring key concepts and ideas that deserve a closer look—just like a footnote in a book.
In this pilot episode, we focus on the role, name, and meaning of Satan, unpacking biblical insights and theological reflections that help us understand his place within the Christian narrative. Whether you're looking to build upon the sermon, or simply want to deepen your understanding, join us for this enriching conversation.
Dr. Padelford continues our walk through Romans as we complete chapter 1 and begin making our way through chapter 2.
As we continue our four-week journey through the book of Job, join us as we consider what it means to complain to God in the right way.
Text: Job 23
Elder Emeritus, Dr. Walton Padelford, continues teaching through Paul's letter to the Romans. Also included is a special report from Pastor Santos Sotero, who is visiting from Honduras!
This week we begin a 4 part look at the story of Job. Today, we consider Satan's attacks against Job and what they teach us about the nature of Spiritual Warfare.
Text: Job 1:1-2:10
Elder Emeritus, Dr. Walton Padelford, begins teaching on the Apostle Paul's "magnum opus" - the Epistle to the Romans.
Text: Romans 1:1-4
Pastor Chris preaches for us this week from the Wisdom of the Psalter. Join us!
Text: Psalm 1
As we continue our journey through the Wisdom literature of the Bible, this week we hear from Wisdom herself. Join us as we are challenged to heed the call of Wisdom.
Text: Proverbs 1:20-33
What's in a name? What does it mean to be human? Is God even concerned with these questions? Listen as we consider Proverbs 22:1 together this week.
Dr. Padelford, Elder Emeritus, fills in the pulpit this morning as we continue our look at the Wisdom Literature of Scripture.
Text: Song of Solomon 2
What is Wisdom? What are we to do with it? What is God's opinion of it? Listen this morning as we consider Solomon's request for wisdom from 1 Kings 3
Pastor Chris continues to fill the preaching role this week by opening to us 1 Kings 19.
Pastor Chris opens the Scriptures for us this week from the Gospel of John and unpacks the teaching of Jesus as the "bread of life."
We are joined this week by our missionaries Ecki and Nadine Breitenmoser who serve as missionaries to commercial seafarers on the North Sea.
Welcome to the season of "Ordinary Time." Join us as we celebrate the Triune nature of the Lord our God! Additionally, for further study on the deeper details of our text today, see Pastor Nick's most recent blog post here.
Text: Psalm 29
Listen in with us this week for our mid-week bible study as Pastor Craig discusses Nehemiah 8. Working in tandem with our current Sunday School series on Revelation, we discuss the importance of the Feasts of Trumpets and Tabernacles.
Celebrate the pouring out of the Holy Spirit with us as we consider Ezekiel's vision of the Valley of Dry Bones.
Text: Ezekiel 37:1-14
Why was it necessary for Jesus to ascend back to the Father? Listen this morning as we consider Jesus' own answer to this question.
Text: Luke 24:44-53
Why does water and blood matter for correct belief in Jesus? Shouldn't we be more focused on a spiritual encounter with Christ than worrying about seemingly minor things like water or blood? Listen with us this week as we consider John the Beloved's answer to these questions.
Text: 1 John 5:1-8
Join us for a new Sunday School series on the book of Revelation led by deacon and worship leader, Connor Johnson.
Text: Revelation 11:15-12
Join us on this Good Shepherd Sunday as we consider how we are to love one another as Christ has loved us and what it means for our assurance before God.
Text: 1 John 3:10-24
How might we determine if we are a child of God or a child of the Devil? John helps us with very straightforward teaching. Listen as we continue to make our way through 1 John this Eastertide.
Text: 1 John 2:28-3:10
We will be spending our Eastertide with 1 John this year. Join us as we take a look at this very helpful and practical letter for the church.
Text: 1 John 1:1-2:2
Christ is RISEN! Christ is RISEN Indeed! Join us as we celebrate the physical and bodily Resurrection of our Lord Jesus by considering the Apostle John's use of symbolism and imagery in order to connect us to the "meta-narrative" of the Bible.
Text: John 20:1-18
After a long season of fasting, praying, and an intense focus on the Spiritual Disciplines, how do we prepare ourselves for both the celebration and the sadness of Holy Week? How do we shift our minds and hearts towards the joy of Easter? Our Psalm of this Palm Sunday helps us with this difficult task.
Text: Psalm 118
Welcome to the half-way point of Lent! Listen with us as we are encouraged to contemplate and meditate upon God's work as we continue to persevere through the Lenten Season.
Text: Psalm 19
What are we to make of Jesus's cries from the Cross that God had "forsaken" Him? Listen this morning as we consider Psalm 22 together.
Text: Psalm 22
Join us as we turn our attention once again to the Psalms for the Season of Lent. This week, we consider Psalm 25, a psalm of lament and repentance, and note how it points us to three primary postures of the Lenten Season.
Text: Psalm 25:1-10
What are we to make of Jesus's metamorphosis on the mountain before his passion? How should we understand Peter's words and reaction to this event? What about the Father's audible reply? Listen as we consider these things and celebrate the Transfiguration of our Lord.
Text: Mark 9:2-9
Why does Jesus' authority matter? Why does he heal and cast out demons? Listen this week as we continue to contemplate the manifestation of Jesus as the long-awaited Christ.
Text: Mark 1:29-42
The season of Epiphany is about being reminded that Jesus has been revealed as the Christ, the Son of God. This week, listen as we consider how Jesus was revealed as the Christ by his authority, particularly his authoritative teaching and his authority over the demonic powers.
Text: Mark 1:21-28
Listen as we are invited by Christ to "come and see."
Text: John 1:43-51 (cf. Gen 28:10-17)
Happy New Year and welcome to the season of Epiphany! Join us this week as Elder Emeritus, Dr. Walton Padelford, opens the Scriptures for us.
Text: Mark 1:1-13
Merry Christmas! Join us as we celebrate and worship at the Incarnation of Christ Jesus our Lord! Listen as we contemplate the implications of the Incarnation of Christ for those who call upon his name.
Text: Isaiah 61:10-62:5
We have a dual theme for this final week of Advent: Love and Peace. Join us as we close the season of Advent by considering these themes though an unusual passage for the preparation of the celebration of the Incarnation of Christ.
Text: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Join us this week as we continue our Advent waiting in a spirit of Joy.
Text: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Our theme this week is Faith. Listen as we explore the depths of Isaiah 40 and hear from 4 separate voices that proclaim the coming and the return of salvation found in Christ Jesus alone.
Text: Isaiah 40:1-11
“The Advent season is a season of waiting. But, our whole life is an Advent season, that is, a season of waiting for the last Advent, for the time when there will be a new heaven and a new earth.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer Welcome to the Season of Advent, the season of "arrival," where we prepare to celebrate the first arrival of Christ while eagerly anticipating the second. Listen with us as we explore the prayer of Isaiah 64 and contemplate the New Exodus found in Christ Jesus our Lord. Text: Isaiah 64:1-9
Does Jesus really expect us to actively work and use our gifts for the good of the church, the Kingdom of Heaven, and to the glory of his name? Listen this morning as we consider the "Parable of the Talents" together.
Text: Matthew 25:14-30
As we begin to wind down the season of "Ordinary Time" (or the season of counting), the Lord Jesus now begins to shift our focus towards the "Not Yet" qualities of the Kingdom of Heaven starting first by reminding us to be prepared, for the Bridegroom will arrive at an hour we will not expect. Therefore, we must be wise and keep our lamps well oiled and prepared.
Text: Matthew 25:1-13
What is the greatest of all of the commandments of God? Jesus uses this question, asked by the Pharisees, to draw upon the authority of all of Scripture to point to himself as he asks them an important follow-up question: Who's son is the Christ?
Text: Matthew 22:34-46
This week, Pastor Chris invites us to consider the role of "image" as we read of Jesus' response to paying taxes to Caesar.
Text: Matthew 22:15-22
Join us as we discuss the Lord's teaching on forgiveness that immediately follows Church Discipline.
Text: Matthew 18:21-35
Join us as Pastor Nick unpacks the hard and necessary passage on Church Discipline.
Text: Matthew 18:15-20
Elder Emeritus, Dr. Walton Padelford, delivers the sermon this week from Matthew 16:21-28.
What did Jesus mean when he told Simon, "you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church"? Did he mean Peter directly or Peter's confession? Or, could there be something more happening in this statement? This has been a minefield for the Christian faith for centuries. Listen as Pastor Nick unpacks this section of Scripture as we continue to make our way through Matthew's Gospel.
Text: Matthew 16:13-20
What does it mean to be truly defiled? Similarly, what does it mean to be pure? The Lord Jesus tells us that proof of defilement comes from the heart. Listen as Pastor Nick explains.
Text: Matthew 15:10-28
What is the story of Jesus walking on the water really about? Is it about Peter's failure? Is it about us stepping out in faith? Is it about keeping our eyes on Jesus? Or could it be about something greater ... something more profound? Listen as Pastor Nick exposits Matthew 14:22-33 and considers this all familiar passage and scene from the life of our Lord Jesus.
Text: Matthew 14:22-33
Today we finish a series of seven parables from our Lord by considering the influence and value of the Kingdom of Heaven. Join us!
Text: Matthew 13:31-33; 44-52
What exactly did Jesus mean when he stated, "I desire mercy and not sacrifice"? Listen this morning as we consider this statement, its context, and its application for the Christian today.
Text: Matthew 9:9-13; 18-26
Listen as we discuss the significance of the Great Commission as we begin the season of Ordinary Time.
The Lord is here and the Holy Spirit is with us! Pentecost has arrived! Listen as we hear the word of the Lord spoken in 8 different languages this morning (Bahasa, Korean, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Spanish, Portuguese, and English). Also listen as Pastor Nick walks us through 1 Cor 12:3-13 to consider the purpose of the Spiritual Gifts.
Deacon and Minister of Music, Connor Johnson, takes over this month for Dr. Padelford as we continue our look at the Prophet Isaiah.
Text: Isaiah 22
It's "Good Shepherd" Sunday! Listen and worship with us as we consider the Lord's words that He is the "door" to Yahweh's sheepfold.
Text: John 10:1-10
Dr. Padelford continues our exploration of the Prophet Isaiah. Listen and learn with us.
Text: Isaiah 18 & 19
The Gospel of Luke provides us with many unique fascinating scenes from the life and ministry of our Lord. One of the most recognizable is the "Road to Emmaus" account after the Lord's bodily resurrection from the grave. Listen as we explore this "Emmaus Theophany" and the centrality of Christ being revealed in the breaking of the bread.
Text: Luke 24:13-35
We give "Doubting" Thomas too hard a time in the church. But could John the Beloved be telling us something more within these stories of Jesus' sudden appearance in a locked room to the disciples? Listen this morning as Pastor Nick explores the theme of Theophany as it relates to the bodily resurrection of Christ Jesus.
Text: John 20:19-31
He is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Join us this morning as we celebrate the resurrection of Christ Jesus our Lord from the grave!
Text: Psalm 118:14-18
Tenebrae, our annual "service of darkness," is a reflection upon the death of Christ and his 7 last "words" from the cross. This service makes use of intentional prolonged silence. So, as you listen, meditate during the silent periods of the recording. As the service reaches its conclusion, listen for the bells and the tearing of the alter vestments, signaling the death of our Lord and the tearing of Veil in the Temple.
We continue our study of the Prophet Isaiah with a look at chapters 15 & 16. Study and Learn with us!
"Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Save us, oh Lord, we pray!"
Join us as we worship and celebrate the Triumphal Entry of our Lord Jesus on the eve of his passion, death, and resurrection.
Text: Psalm 118:1-2; 19-29
Continuing our meditations upon the Psalms, today we consider Psalm 130 and its influence upon both the individual believer and the entire covenant community.
Text: Psalm 130
Beginning this week and continuing through the rest of our Lenten journey in the wilderness with the Lord Jesus, we will be attempting to put "Lectio Divina" or "Divine Reading" into practice as we seek to meditate and "live in" the Psalms.
Text: Psalm 121
Pastor Chris steps in to preach this week on the Transfiguration of Christ. Join us as we close out the season of Epiphany with a look "behind the veil" at the glory of Christ.
Text: Matthew 17:1-9
This week, Connor Johnson (Deacon and Minister of Music) continues leading us through Isaiah 6 and the first half of Isaiah 7.
How are disciples to conform to the image of Christ? How are we identified in Him? The Sermon on the Mount aids us in this seemingly impossible task. Listen as we hear how Christ more appropriately interprets the Law, considers the motives of our hearts, and commands us in Kingdom of Heaven righteousness.
Text: Matthew 5:21-37
Connor Johnson (Deacon and Worship Leader at CCC) takes the reins of our Isaiah study for a few weeks. This week, we consider meaning of Isaiah's vision of the Heavenly Holy of Holies in Isaiah 6.
As we continue to discuss our Identity in Christ, we consider Christ's use of "Salt & Light" as well as the call to an "exceeding righteousness" as we are conformed more into His image.
Text: Matthew 5:13-20
As we continue to celebrate the Manifestation (or the Revealing) of our Lord Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, we now transition into the Sermon on the Mount. Join us this week as we see how Jesus exemplifies the character traits laid out for us in The Beatitudes and calls us to follow his example.
Text: Matthew 5:1-12
Dr. Padelford continues our close study of Isaiah the Prophet. Our text for this week is Isaiah 3.
New year, new study! This week we begin a long look at the Prophet Isaiah, led by Elder Emeritus, Dr. Walton Padelford. Join us on what is sure to be a helpful and fascinating study and discussion as Dr. Padelford begins with an introduction to Isaiah and a look at half of chapter 1.
Why was Jesus baptized? Was it merely because everyone else was being baptized or was there a purpose? Listen with us as we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord and grasp how we are identified with Christ in His baptism as he also is identifying with us.
Text: Matthew 3:13-17
This week, Pastor Craig completes our thematic study of the Gospel of John. Listen and learn with us as we finish this beloved Gospel!
Text: John 20-21
Merry Christmas once again! We continue to celebrate the Incarnation of the Lord Jesus this week as we make our way towards the Feast and Season of Epiphany! Join with us as Pastor Nick walks us through Isaiah 63:7-9 this week.
Text: Isaiah 63:7-9 (cf. Isaiah 62:10-12)
Merry Christmas! Celebrate the miracle that is the Incarnation of the Lord Jesus with us!
Text: Isaiah 62:6-12
This week, Pastor Craig takes us through John's "Sermon on the Mount," better known as the "Upper Room Discourse."
What does Isaiah mean by a "shoot from the stump of Jesse," or that the "lion will eat straw like the ox?" Listen this morning as we continue to prepare for the celebration of the incarnation in this Advent Season by making our way through key texts in from the Prophet Isaiah.
Text: Isaiah 11:1-10
This week, we continue to look at chapter 11 of John's gospel and then move into chapter 12. Listen in on our discussion of this fun thematic look at John's Gospel.
Join us in this new Christian Year as we prepare to celebrate the First Advent of our Lord at Christmas while we also eagerly anticipate His Second Advent. Over the course of the next four weeks we will journey through the season of Advent, reflecting upon its themes (and some interesting "sub-themes"), as we make our way closer and closer to Christmas Day.
First Sunday Theme: Hope
Text: Matthew 24:36-44 & Isaiah 2:1-5
Pastor Craig continues our thematic look at the Gospel of John. Listen with us as we consider chapter 9 together.
How are we to handle those within the church who simply refuse to work? Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy offer a strong command to the Thessalonians: Shun them. Keep away from them. Listen as we explore and discuss this harsh exhortation.
Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15
This week, we continue to make our way through a thematic look at John's Gospel by considering chapters 7 & 8.
Can we be too focused on the "end times"? Paul certainly thought so, particularly as it related to the troubles facing the Thessalonian church. Listen this morning as the Apostle Paul adjusts our priorities when we being to be anxious about the end.
Text: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5;13-17
As Pastor Craig continues to lead us through a thematic look at the Gospel of John, we move into Chapter 6 and see how John begins to show how Jesus is greater than Moses. Listen and learn with us this week.
This week, we complete our look at Paul's letters to Timothy and continue to consider what it means to pass on a Legacy of Faith. Here, Paul tells Timothy that his life is a "drink offering." What does Paul mean by this? Listen as Pastor Nick takes us on a journey through the Torah, the five books of Moses, as we investigate what may be informing Paul's thinking and how it relates to both our lives and a Legacy of Faith.
Text: 2 Timothy 4:6-8; 16-18
We move into chapter 5 this week as we continue our thematic approach to John's Gospel. Listen as Pastor Craig continues to lead us.
This week, we are joined by Negash Gemeda from Ethiopia. Listen as Negash challenges us from 1 Thessalonians and 1 Peter.
Pastor Craig continues to lead us through a study of a thematic look at the Gospel of John. Listen this week as we make our way into Chapter 4.
As we continue to consider Paul's theme of passing on a legacy of faith, we see how the apostle draws upon the authority of Scripture and the authority of other godly influences in our lives.
Text: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
This week we move into John 3 as we continue a thematic look at the Gospel of John lead by Pastor Craig.
As Pastor Craig continues to walk us through a thematic approach to John's Gospel, we move into the second "leg" or theme that John uses, particularly that of sacrament. Join in on our discussion this week as we make our way through this beloved Gospel.
What does it mean to pass on a Legacy of Faith? Is this even something we should concern ourselves with? Does it have a lasting impact on our families and the next generation? Listen this week as we read how a Legacy of Faith impacted both Paul and Timothy's lives and ministries in Christ.
Text: 2 Timothy 1:1-14
Now that we have our foundational understanding of the "Logos," we begin to dig into John's unfolding of who Jesus is. Listen this week as Pastor Craig begins to lead us through the first chapter of John in this thematic approach to the Gospel.
What does it mean to be content in God and in Christ? How do we find satisfaction in the Lord? What do I do when God and Christ seem distant? Paul simply encourages us: Remember your "good confession" by remembering your baptism.
Text: 1 Timothy 6:6-19
This week we are joined by Stephen Kennedy, Minister of Pastoral Care for Indigenous Outreach International. Stephen and his family are CCC "old timers" who have lived both in the US and in Ethiopia for the purpose of ministry and taking the Gospel around the globe.
As we continue in 1 Timothy, this week we read how Paul describes the Common Ministry of "Saved Servant Sinners" while grounding all ministry in the Gospel of Christ Jesus.
Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-7
Pastor Craig continues our discussion of the Logos and the philosophical worldview behind "Logos" that the Apostle John used to help point his readers to Christ.
This week, we transition back to the New Testament, specifically to the Pastoral Epistles of the Apostle Paul to Timothy. Worship with us this week as we take note of how Paul holds himself up as an example of the patience, mercy, and grace of God, even to the "chief" of sinners.
Text: 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Pastor Craig begins a look at the thematic events in the Gospel of John. This week we begin with the layout and format of the whole study and hear how John thematically organized his Gospel in order to point us to the reality of Christ Jesus.
This week, we finish our time in the Prophet Habakkuk and consider how his example can lead us to a posture of "righteousness by faith."
Text: Habakkuk 3
In his final lesson, Pastor Chris continues to take us through the Revelation of John. Join us this week as John describes what he saw concerning the end of all things and how it is not unlike what we have already seen throughout this entire study.
In our penultimate message in this key Minor Prophet, the Lord now directly responds to Habakkuk's complaints and concerns surrounding the wickedness of Judah and of Babylon, with a string of 5 Woes and Judgments ... all rooted in idolatry.
Text: Habakkuk 2:6-20
Pastor Chris returns this week and concludes our look at the Prophet Daniel and begins to help us see the comparisons in the Revelation to John.
Text: Daniel 12 & Revelation 1
Does God have something to say to us as we see constant wickedness and evil in the world? How are Christians and the church to react? Today we consider Habakkuk's Second Complaint to the Lord and how God responds when exile is at hand.
Text: Habakkuk 1:12-2:5
Could there be more to The Lord's Prayer than what we have been taught or consider as we pray it? What does it mean to "hallow" the name of God? Is this a request or is this an assertion? Could Jesus have meant more when he told us to pray for our daily bread?
Listen this morning as Pastor Craig takes us through this well known and beloved prayer of the church and the Christian faith.
Text: Matthew 6:9-13
This week, we begin our deep dive into the Minor Prophet of Habakkuk and look closely at his first of two complaints to the Lord as well as how the Lord responds. In this complaint, we can feel the tension of unanswered prayer and the frustration of Habakkuk as he sees nothing but sin, violence, and destruction around him.
Text: Habakkuk 1:2-11
Today, we conclude the prophet Daniel by considering yet another vision that he saw of the Lord. Join us as Pastor Chris continues to lead us through these interesting and important visions.
This week, we begin a look at the prophet Habakkuk. For the next 5 Sundays we will make our way through this conversation between the prophet and the Lord as we attempt to grapple with the idea of bringing our questions, and even our complaints, to the Lord.
Text: Habakkuk 1:1
This week, Pastor Chris takes us to the Prophet Daniel where we see the vision he received that, not coincidentally, is quite similar to the same vision given to John the Beloved in Revelation. Join us this week as we see the throne room of heaven, the Ancient of Days, and the Son of Man!
Teacher: Pastor Chris Johnson
In our final look at Paul's letter to the Colossians, Pastor Nick draws out Paul's exhortation to us to pursue an Orthodox Orthopraxy by unfolding a mysticism grounded in Orthodoxy and an asceticism grounded in Orthodoxy.
Text: Colossians 3:1-11 (cf.12-17)
Pastor Chris continues in Ezekiel this week by walking us through the final 8 chapters of this prophet's book and the vision that Ezekiel records there.
Text: Ezekiel 40-48
Now in week three of Paul's letter to the Colossians, we begin to see how the Orthodoxy that Paul has laid out thus far in this letter must now begin to be applied in our Orthopraxy.
Text: Colossians 2:6-19
Pastor Chris continues this week with the Prophet Ezekiel, particularly his vision of the "Valley of Dry Bones" from chapter 37. Join us as we consider this interesting vision from this prophet who is now commanded to prophesy even to the dead.
As we continue to make our way through Paul's letter to the Colossian church, this week we are confronted with an orthodox argument for the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Text: Colossians 1:15-23
Now in our 4th week, Pastor Chris takes us to the Prophet Ezekiel to consider his many visions of God. Join us this week as we look at Ezekiel 1.
This week, we transition back to the New Testament and begin looking at the letter to the Colossian church. Join us as we spend the next few weeks considering the church's Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy found within this letter from the Apostle Paul.
This week, our worship and study is heavily focused on the prophet Isaiah. As Pastor Chris continues our study into the visions of God from Scripture, we turn our attention to Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6. Join in on our fruitful and helpful discussion as we continue this great and interesting study!
Today we finish our short time with the Prophet Isaiah as we consider the Lord's pre-exilic restoration promises for the Church.
Text: Isaiah 66:10-14
Building upon last week, Pastor Chris now take us into the Scriptures this week as we begin to look at visions of God, starting with one or two often overlooked passages.
This week we continue in the Prophet Isaiah. What exactly is God telling us when he proclaims that Heaven is his throne and the Earth is his footstool? Why would he want us to "tremble" at his word? Listen and worship with us as we continue to consider the message of Yahweh through this Major Prophet.
Text: Isaiah 66:1-2, 5-6
Today we begin a new Sunday School series led by Pastor Chris called "Windows into Heaven: A study of the visions of God in Scripture." Join in on our discussion as we being today with an overview of visions, dreams, and even other ways in which the Lord God speaks to his people.
Listen this morning as Pastor Nick expounds upon the prophet Isaiah and God's promise to restore in us His image that has been broken, distorted, and marred by the Fall of mankind into sin.
Text: Isaiah 65:1-9
Join us today as we hear about the work that the Lord is doing through Indigenous Outreach International from missionaries Brian and Cindy Denker, who recently returned from a two-month stay in Ethiopia.
To learn more about the work that IOI is doing, check out www.ioiusa.org.
What does it mean to worship a Triune God? How does the Trinity work in relation to the Church and the life of the Believer? Listen this morning as we consider just a few ways in which the relationship of our God, Three-in-One and One-in-Three, works within Himself and within the life of His people.
Text: John 16:12-15
In the last installment of our first look at the books known as the Apocrypha, Deacon and worship leader, Connor Johnson, walks us through the additions to the book of Esther. Listen and enjoy our fruitful discussion as we consider these extra passages to a beloved book of Scripture!
The Lord is here ... His Spirit is with us!
Join us this week as we celebrate the pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon the Church and consider a few ways in which the Spirit empowers the work of the bride of Christ.
Text: John 14:15-17, 25-27
This week, Pastor Craig steps in to teach Sunday School as we take a quick break from our regular series led by Deacon Connor. Join us as we discuss the different "Pentecost's" as they occurred throughout the book of Acts.
As we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord Jesus back into Heaven, where he sits down at the right hand of the Father, listen and celebrate with us as we finish looking at the Revelation to John the Beloved. This week we complete this book, considering the promise of Jesus's return.
Text: Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21
This week, we continue with an introductory overview of our new study "Finding Christ in the Peripheral Canon" led by our deacon and Minister of Music, Connor Johnson. Listen with us as we continue to debate this topic, with a Spirit of Reverent Discernment, and ask if there is any benefit to those books not included within the Protestant Bible, but are considered inspired scripture by other Christian Traditions.
Join us in our continued celebration of the Resurrection of Christ as we press on through the Revelation to John the Beloved. This week, we resume our discussion that Revelation is framed as a doxology, a song of praise to God and the worthiness of Jesus to be worshiped. Listen and worship with us!
Text: Revelation 5:11-14
Greetings and welcome to a new Sunday School teaching series of Christ Community Church! This week Connor Johnson, deacon and minister of music at CCC, begins a new study on finding Christ in the Peripheral Canon, also known as the Apocrypha or Deuterocanon.
Join us as we begin this important study, with a Spirit of Reverent Discernment, of those books that are not included in the Protestant Bible, but are considered to be inspired Scripture by other Christian traditions.
Hallelujah! Christ is Risen indeed! We continue our celebration of the bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus by moving into John the Beloved's apocalypse, better known as the Book of Revelation. Join us as Pastor Nick makes note of how the entire book can be framed as a doxology, a hymn of praise to the Triune God.
Text: Revelation 1:4-8
He is risen! Christ is Risen Indeed! Join us in our celebration of the bodily resurrection of Christ the Lord. Hallelujah! Christ is Risen!
Text: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26
Tenebrae is a word that simply means "darkness." In this service of darkness candles are progressively extinguished, representing the death of Christ, and the attendees are left in complete darkness. Sit with us this night as we meditate on the Seven final "words" of our Lord as he was on the cross. There are periods of silence between each homily to allow a moment of meditation upon each word. Afterwards, listeners will hear a bell ringing, signifying the moment of Christ's death as well as the ripping of the vestments from the alter, signifying the tearing of the veil in the Temple before Christ yielded up his spirit.
Join us as Pastor Craig completes our study through A.W. Pink's Life of Elijah. In this last study, we will look at Elijah's final moment's, Elisha's request to receive a double portion of Elijah's spirit, and Elijah being taken to heaven.
"Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" Luke 19:28
Welcome to Holy Week! Join us this week as we follow Jesus from his "Triumphal" Entry into Jerusalem to his substitutionary death and victorious resurrection! This year, we consider Luke's account of Jesus's entry into Jerusalem prior to his death and resurrection, and we find different and interesting details in his account. Listen with us as Pastor Nick points out these important distinctions.
Text: Luke 19:28-40
In our penultimate lesson from A.W. Pink's Life of Elijah, Pastor Craig takes us into 2 Kings 1 where we see Elijah's confrontation with three groups of fifty soldiers sent by King Ahaziah. Join us as we draw nearer to the close of this edifying study.
How are we to respond to the person of the Lord Jesus Christ? What are the purposes of our Lenten practices of Fasting, Prayer, Repentance, Confession and Service? Can we learn anything from Mary's anointing of the feet of Jesus? Listen this week as we continue to journey with Jesus toward the Cross and the Resurrection.
Text: John 12:1-8
We pick back up this week with our study of A.W. Pink's Life of Elijah led by Pastor Craig. Listen as we consider Elijah's confrontation of Ahab after the murder of Naboth.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the most famous of Jesus' parables. But, who is it directed to? Do we still have something to learn from such a familiar story each time we hear it? Listen this week as we consider this parable in light of our Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Text: Luke 15:1-3a, 11-32
This week we are joined by Pastor Hector Siselema from Quito, Ecuador. Pastor Hector shares of his work of training pastors in his country, but he also shares with us the way in which the Love of Christ compels us to ministry and evangelism. Listen and be edified with us through the teaching of this beloved brother in Christ!
Are some worse sinners than others? Are some more likely to be condemned compared to others? What does Jesus mean when he says, "unless you repent you will all likewise perish"? Listen as Pastor Nick unpacks this heavy statement from Christ and explores its meaning through the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree.
Text: Luke 13:1-9
This week, we read of God's command to Elijah to appoint Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha to their respective roles. We also read of the seven thousand in Israel who did not bow to Baal and of Naboth's vineyard. Listen as Pastor Craig continues to lead us through A.W. Pink's Life of Elijah
Text: 1 Kings 19:13-21:16
In week 2 of the Season of Lent we see the Lord Jesus respond to a "threat" from Herod and the Pharisees as well as lament over the city of Jerusalem. Join us as we continue to fast and pray with Christ as he makes his way toward his Passion.
Text: Luke 13:31-35
Now in our ninth week in A.W. Pink's Life of Elijah, we see the prophet's visit to Mt. Horeb and the Lord God speaking to him in a "still small voice."
Could Jesus's temptation in the wilderness by Satan mean more than the Lord simply being able to identify with us in our weaknesses and aid us when tempted (Hebrews 2:18 & 4:15)? Listen during this first Sunday of Lent as Pastor Nick suggests that Jesus's temptation was also a reversal of the Fall in the Garden as well as a reversal of Israel's failure in the wilderness.
Text: Luke 4:1-13
We begin the season of Lent by contemplating our mortality, our sin and need for a Savior, and the fact that we are mortal and will die. Ash Wednesday is a solemn service (as is all of the season of Lent) and is marked by periods of silence for reflection and contemplation. These periods of silence are preserved in this audio recording and have not been edited out. Join us in our reflection as we being this important season in the life of Christ and the life of his bride.
Liturgy: Pastor Craig Davis
Homily: Pastor Nick Brown
This week, we consider the Lord's careful provision for Elijah as he flees for his life from Jezebel. Listen as we continue to learn from Pastor Craig's teaching and A.W. Pink's Life of Elijah.
Pastor Chris once again steps into the preaching role to exhort us as we celebrate the Transfiguration of the Lord Jesus! Listen as Pastor Chris faithfully exposits Luke's account of this manifestation of Christ's glory.
Text: Luke 9:28-36
Join us this week as Pastor Craig continues to walk us through A.W. Pink's Life of Elijah. This week, we see Elijah's fear as he flees the wrath of Jezebel and how the Lord God responds in a "still small voice."
This week, we continue making our way through Jesus's "Sermon on the Plain" and consider his very bold and very practical command to "love our enemies."
Text: Luke 6:27-38
Now within our 6th week in A.W. Pink's Life of Elijah, we move on to see how the Lord responds to Elijah's prayer, the response of the people to the Lord's power, and the execution of the prophets of Ba'al. Join in with our fruitful conversation this week as we continue to look at the life of this great prophet of the Lord God.
Leader: Pastor Craig
This week, we begin the first of a two-part look at Jesus's "Sermon on the Plain" by making our way through his series of "Blessings and Woes." Listen this week as we are encouraged in being blessed but also warned within the woes.
Text: Luke 6:17-26
This week in our walk through A.W. Pink's Life of Elijah, Pastor Craig has us pause on Elijah's prayer on Mt. Carmel in 1 Kings 18:36-37. Listen and learn with us as we discuss prayer, legalism, and even the use of "experiment" vs. "experience" when it comes to our lives of faith.
"...For my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples..." So proclaims Simeon, a man filled with the Holy Spirit and who was waiting on the consolation of Israel, when his eyes fell upon the Messiah in the person of Jesus. Join us as we celebrate the Presentation of the Lord and consider the evidence given by two pairs of witnesses to the truth of Jesus's credentials as the Christ.
Text: Luke 2:21-40
As we continue to make our way through A.W. Pink's Life of Elijah, this week we continue to look at Elijah's encounter with the prophets of Ba'al on Mount Carmel and God's glorious manifestation of his power over Ba'al. Join us as Pastor Craig leads us in this great study!
How does Jesus's rejection by his hometown fit within the season of Epiphany? What does he mean when he says that Isaiah 61 has been fulfilled in him? What about when he says that "no prophet is acceptable in his hometown"? Listen as Pastor Nick takes up this text as a continuation of Pastor Chris's sermon from last week and guides us through the reaction to and rejection of Jesus by his hometown of Nazareth.
Text: Luke 4:17-30
In week 3 of our study through A.W. Pink's Life of Elijah, we find Elijah confronting Ahab and the prophets of Ba'al on Mount Carmel (see also 1 Kings 18:1-40). Listen as Pastor Craig walks us through this profound event of Elijah's ministry as well as God's awesome manifestation of his power.
Pastor Chris opens the Scriptures for us this week as we continue to make our way through the season of Epiphany, the season where we celebrate the Lord Jesus being manifested as God in the Flesh. Looking at Jesus's sermon in the synagogue in Nazareth, Pastor Chris helps us to reflect on the simplicity of simply "going home" as well as how Christ the Lord is the fulfillment of the year of Jubilee.
Text: Luke 4:14-21
This week, we find ourselves in chapters 6-10 of Arthur W. Pink's Life of Elijah as Pastor Craig takes us through Pink's notes on Elijah's encounter with the Widow of Zarephath and his raising her son from the dead found in 1 Kings 17:8-24.
As we continue to marvel at the manifestation of the Lord Jesus as God made man, this week we look at the Wedding at Cana. Does John want us to see more here than a simple changing of water to wine? Listen as Pastor Nick directs our attention towards the symbolism that John intends for us to see within the first of our Lord's signs.
Text: John 2:1-11
This week, Pastor Craig begins to walk us through the life of the prophet Elijah. Using Arthur W. Pink's Life of Elijahas a resource, we will be considering the connections between Elijah and John the Baptist, the ministry of Elijah, and the Christological themes contained within the biblical text surrounding Elijah. Join us!
Why would Christ Jesus, very God of very God, need to be baptized? What does his baptism have to do with us? Does it even matter? Listen this week while we consider these questions as we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord Jesus!
Text: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
In his final week of sharing on the Inerrancy conference, David Burke continues his discussion of Francis Shaeffer.
Merry Christmas and Happy 2022 from Christ Community Church!
What does John mean when he tells us that Christ Jesus was the "Word"? What does he mean when he tells us that Christ Jesus is the "light and life of men"? Join us this week for the Second (and final) Sunday of the season of Christmas as we take a look at the beautiful prologue to John's Gospel.
Text: Gospel of John 1:1-18
This week, we discuss some of the history of the English translation of Scripture and how God has moved and worked to preserve the Bible in such a way for it to be translated into multiple languages for His glory.
Merry Christmas from Christ Community Church!
What does Luke's recording of the 12-year-old Jesus in the Temple have to do with the season of Christmas? Pastor Nick suggests that it could have something to do with the way in which Luke uses "bookends" to frame the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus. Listen and join us as we ponder the mystery of the Incarnation of Christ.
Text: Luke 2:41-52
This week, David Burke continues ours discussion on the Priesthood of the Believer and then moves our discussion into Frances Schaffer's comments on biblical inerrancy.
What is it about the mother of the Lord Jesus that always seems to make us Protestants uneasy? We rightly ask questions such as: Should we honor Mary? Should we consider her blessed? How do we biblically discuss her?
In our final Advent message for the year, Pastor Nick attempts to answer these questions as well as connect us to the themes of Advent that we have considered over these past four weeks.
Text: Luke 1:39-45 (also see Luke 1:26-38 & Luke 1:46-55)
Each year as we make our way through the season of Advent we are always faced with John the Baptist's call to repentance. This week we have John not only call us to repentance, but to exhort us to bear fruit in keeping with the repentance that we proclaim. Join us as we continue to make our way closer to the Advent of the Lord Jesus!
Text: Luke 3:7-18
Now in our seventh week, David continues our discussion of Christians in Babylon as well as begins to take a look at the Priesthood of the Believer. Each of these topics are important and pertinent to this important topic of the inerrancy of Scripture.
What does John the Baptist have to do with Advent? Listen with us this week as John the Baptizer, "the voice of one crying in the wilderness," calls us to repentance in preparation for the "great and awesome day of the Lord."
Text: Luke 3:1-6
This week, our discussion with David Burke moves through a few final thoughts from Carl F.H. Henry and into the book of Daniel as we consider the church in Babylon.
During this fifth lesson on the Inerrancy of Scripture, David Burke shares a few insights from Carl F.H. Henry.
With the Celebratory Season finally upon us, we turn our attention to the season of Advent. The word "Advent" simply means "arrival" or "coming," particularly the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Incarnation. And while Advent prepares us for the celebration of Christmas, the First Sunday of Advent is always reserved to remind the church that there is a Second Advent, a Second arrival, a Second coming of Christ in great power and glory. Listen this week as we kick off the celebratory season by considering the signs of Christ Jesus's second coming, as well as the response and posture of those who trust in Him.
Text: Luke 21:25-36
Now in our fourth week, we continue to hear more from David on James Boice's contribution to the debate on the Inerrancy of Scripture. Listen in as we discuss and understand this very essential topic for the health of the church and the Christian.
In our final sermon on Hebrews, we are reminded again of the superiority of Christ Jesus above all else. However, the author of this letter also lays out very specific ways in which every Christian and every local church can respond to the superiority of the Lord Jesus.
Text: Hebrews 10:11-14; 19-25
This week we hear some thoughts from James Boice on the inerrancy of Scripture. Listen as David Burke continues to share his experience at a conference on Inerrancy that he attended during the height of this important debate.
In this penultimate message in our walk through Hebrews, we consider the Superiority of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. Listen as we work through the themes of Purification and a once-for-all Death that leads us into a better understanding of Jesus's superior sacrifice for sins.
Text: Hebrews 9:23-28
In this second lesson from David Burke, he continues to shares his notes and thoughts from a conference on Biblical Inerrancy that he attended when the debate over the authority of Scripture was at the forefront of Western Christianity, particularly in the United States. David shares with us a few notes from the lectures given by Luis Palau, a well known evangelist from Argentina who was a contemporary of the late Billy Graham.
So far throughout our study of Hebrews, this beautiful sermon and epistle has shown us that the Lord Jesus is God's Superior Revelation to the world, our Superior hope, and our Superior High Priest. Now, as we begin to wind down this letter and prepare for Christ the King and Advent, we turn our attention to the Lord Jesus's sacrifice of himself as the Superior once-for-all offering for sin.
Text: Hebrews 9:11-14
How are we to properly relate to God? Is this something that is even possible for us? The author of Hebrews would tell us "Yes! It is possible to relate to God, but only through Jesus." Listen this week as Pastor Nick walks us through how the High Priestly ministry of the Lord Jesus, particularly in his interceding for us, provides us with the superior paradigm for coming to God.
Hebrews 7:23-28
David Burke kicks off a new study in our Sunday School hour this week - a discussion on the Inerrancy of Scripture! In this first lesson, David introduces us to our topic as well as gives us a little background from a conference he attended on Biblical Inerrancy during the period of this contentious debate. Ultimately, he helps us to see how the warnings of yesterday are proving to be prophetic today.
This week, we explore even more deeply the qualifications that make the Lord Jesus our Superior High Priest before God. Join us as Pastor Nick walks us through the compare and contrast of the priestly Order of Aaron vs the Order of Melchizedek.
Text: Hebrews 5:1-10
In our final lesson on the Sabbath, Pastor Chris walks us through multiple New Testament passages on the impact of the Sabbath in the life of the believer. Ultimately, we learn, that Christ Jesus himself is our true Sabbath rest.
Also, be sure to listen until the end to hear what is coming up next in our Sunday School studies!
In our second message through the sermon of Hebrews, we begin to make the shift to focusing on the Lord Jesus Christ's role as our Superior High Priest. Listen this week as Pastor Nick draws our attention to the importance of comprehending Jesus's High Priestly Role has on the life of the Christian and on the local church.
Text: Hebrews 4:12-16.
In this week's study, Pastor Chris helps us to consider what the early Church Fathers had to say on the subject of the Sabbath. Listen and learn with us as we continue to consider this important aspect of the Christian life and following after the Lord Jesus.
This week, we begin the Epistle of Hebrews. As we approach the end of Ordinary Season and prepare for Christ the King, Advent, and the rest of the new Celebratory Season, this special "sermon" of Hebrews is a beautiful, Christ exalting work. Listen as Pastor Nick points us to the purpose and thesis of Hebrews: the Superiority of Christ Jesus.
Text: Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12
Week 3 of our study of the Christian and the Sabbath brings us to the Gospels. What did our Lord Jesus have to say on the subject of the Sabbath? Join us as Pastor Chris leads us through this discussion.
In Week 2 of our study on the Sabbath, Pastor Chris leads us in a discussion on what the Sabbath looks like from a Jewish perspective. Can New Covenant believers in Christ learn anything of benefit from how the Jews kept (and keep) the Sabbath?
This week, we finish the epistle of James and consider the work of Prayer and confession, especially as they relate to sickness and suffering within the church. Listen as we finish with this final word of encouragement from St. James the Just.
Text: James 5:13-20
If James tells us that taming the tongue is the hardest work of faith, what does he tells us is the ultimate work of faith? James tells us that if we are to prove our faith by our works then we should prove our works by working according to heavenly wisdom. This week, Pastor Nick explains the differences, the fruits, and the outcomes of Heavenly Wisdom vs. Demonic Wicked Wisdom. Join us!
Text: James 3:13-4:3,7-8
Have you ever said anything you immediately regretted? Ever spoken a word in anger or frustration that seriously damaged a relationship? This week, with authority and vivid imagery, James reminds believers in Christ that the hardest work of faith is in taming the tongue. The untamed tongue, he tells us, not only encompasses the whole of our sinful nature, but damages the unity that the Gospel brings.
Text: James 3:1-12
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God," (Exodus 20:8-10). So declares Yahweh in the fourth of the Ten Commandments.
What is the Sabbath? Now that Christ is Risen, when is the Sabbath? How should Christians "keep" the Sabbath, or should we even "keep" it at all? These are weighty questions that Pastor Chris will attempt to help us answer in this series of Sunday School lessons. We hope you will join us for the first of what promises to be many great discussions on the Christian and the Sabbath!
What does James mean when he states, "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead"? This one statement has caused controversy among believing Christians for centuries. This week, Pastor Nick asserts that the entire letter of James is an outworking of "be doers of the word and not hearers only," and manifests by proving our justification and faith by our works. Join us as we begin to unpack this heavy, but biblical, teaching from the Saint James the Just.
Text: James 2:1-17
This week, we begin the letter of James. Join us as we discuss the "implanted word" of the Gospel and its influence in making us "doers of the word and not hearers only."
Text: James 1:16-27
In our final message from Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we consider what Paul means by the "whole armor of God." Why do we "put on" this armor? And what is this armor for?
Text: Ephesians 6:10-20
This week, we turn our attention to the middle of Ephesians 5 and consider what it means to "walk as wise" within the world. Join us!
Text: Ephesians 5:15-20
Elder Chris Johnson steps into the pulpit this week as we continue making our way through Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus. Listen and contemplate with us as Chris unpacks these eternal truths that poured from the pen of the Apostle under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Text: Ephesians 4:25-5:2
This week, we are excited to have elder emeritus, Walton Padelford, open God's word for us as we continue to make our way through the letter to the Ephesians! Join us!
Text: Ephesians 4:1-16
Join us this week as we are encouraged to "comprehend with all the saints" the full dimensions of the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Text: Ephesians 3:14-21
In our second week in the letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul encourages the Ephesian Christians (as well as Christians today) to remember who they were before Christ Jesus and to live out who they were after coming to saving faith in Christ Jesus.
Text: Ephesians 2:11-22
As we continue to make our way through the Season after Pentecost, we now turn our attention to the epistles of the New Testament. Beginning today, we will spend the next 7 weeks with the Apostle Paul and his letter to the Ephesians. Listen as Pastor Nick encourages us on what it means for the Christian to be Sealed, Secured, and Guaranteed by the Holy Spirit, to the praise of the glory of God.
Text: Ephesians 1:3-14
Join us for our final "Psalms of Summer" as we look at Psalm 123 and learn what it means to not only lament well, but to live in our "Already/Not Yet" state: as part of the Kingdom of God but still living within a fallen world.
Text: Psalm 123
In our penultimate "Psalms of Summer" for 2021, Pastor Nick walks us through the Gospel as it is proclaimed by Psalm 30. Where can we see Jesus in this Psalm? Where can we see who we are because of Jesus in this Psalm? Listen and worship through the proclaimation of Christ with us this week!
Text: Psalm 30
This week we consider Psalm 133, another "Psalm of Ascents." In this Psalm, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by King David, we see how delightful and how lovely it is when brothers and sisters dwell together in unity! We will consider how David would have understood this idea of "unity" and "togetherness" as well as how it applies to the church and the people of God today.
Text: Psalm 133
Welcome to Week 2 of the Psalms of Summer! Building upon our discussion from Psalm 130, Pastor Nick exposits Psalm 92, as we consider what it means to enter into worship and to be planted firmly in the Lord and in the house of the Lord. Then we see how it all makes sense when viewed through the person and work of the Lord Jesus!
Text - Psalm 92:1-4; 12-15
Welcome to the Psalms of Summer! Over the next five weeks we will explore the Psalter, spending time with five separate Psalms, and discussing how they are useful and applicable for the Christian today.
This week, we explore Psalm 130. Known as a "Song of Ascent," this Psalm helps us as we grieve our sin and reminds us that our God is loving, quick to forgive, and faithful to redeem... all through the work of Christ Jesus our Lord. Join us!
Welcome to the first Sunday after Pentecost, also known as "Trinity Sunday" where we celebrate the Godhead, Three-in-One and One-in-Three. Join us as Pastor Nick expounds upon Jesus's conversation with the Pharisee Nicodemus and tells him that, in order to see the kingdom of God, one must be born "from above."
Text: John 3:1-17
Today we celebrate the Holy Spirit being poured out on flesh (Joel 2:28, Acts 2)! Join us as Pastor Dennis walks us through the ministry of the Holy Spirit and what it meant for the Apostles, what it means for the Church, and what it means for the world.
Text: John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Learn more at: cccjacksontn.org
Listen and celebrate the Ascension of the Lord Jesus with us! What does it mean that Christ has ascended back to the Father? Join us as we discuss the Reality of the Bodily Resurrection of Jesus, the Necessity of the Crucifixion, and the Purpose of the Ascension.
Text: Gospel of Luke 24:36-53
He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
Celebrate with us as we proclaim the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his victory over sin, death, Satan, and Hell itself securing eternal life for all who believe in his name. The long season of Lent is over! The season of Eastertide has begun!
Text: Mark 16:1-8
A Tenebrae Service is known as a "service of darkness" where candles are progressively extinguished until the attendees are in complete darkness. Sit with us this night as we mediated upon the Seven final "words" or sayings of Jesus as he hung in agony on the Cross. We will also hear bells ringing as the final candle is extinguished and the ripping of the vestments from the alter.
As we begin to enter into Holy Week, we celebrate the "Triumphal Entry" of our Lord Jesus into Jerusalem to shouts of "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" Celebrate with us this week as we prepare for these shouts of joy to turn into shouts of anger and cursing. Celebrate with us as we prepare to accompany Christ to His Passion and to His Resurrection.
Text: Mark 11:1-11
Join us as Pastor Dennis helpfully unpacks Jesus's "Farewell Address" from John 15:1-8 on this 5th Sunday of Eastertide.
Join us as Pastor Nick walks us through John 10:11-18 and we consider what it means for Christ to be our "Good Shepherd."