Real Life Community Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
Real Life Community Church
Real Life Community Church, is a church located in Richmond, Kentucky. Our fellowship is comprised of authentic followers of Jesus Christ who aim to glorify God in all that we do. We have a desire to reach our community, meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of those who are hurting.
What to Expect in a Service
Our Sunday Morning services include a time of dynamic, contemporary worship. We have a full praise band, consisting of real Christ-followers who are committed to worshiping God, not just through song, but in every area of their lives. Each service will include a relevant, Bible-based message, that will inspire and challenge those who hear it, in their walk with the Lord. Come casually or formally dressed… however you are most comfortable. We hope to see you soon!
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We open Habakkuk and let the Bible say the uncomfortable part out loud: God can handle our holy complaints when life feels violent, unfair, and ignored. We follow God’s response through discipline, justice, and the cross, landing on a steady hope that suffering is not meaningless and God truly cares.
• Why Habakkuk is the book for hard questions
• Habakkuk’s first complaint about violence and broken justice
• God’s surprising plan to raise up Babylon
• Why God disciplines those he loves in Hebrews 12
• Discipline as training, not just correction for wrongdoing
• How we can waste suffering if we refuse the lesson
• Why tragedy is not always God’s punishment
• “Treat it as discipline” as a way to seek refinement
• Habakkuk’s second complaint and waiting at the watchpost
• “The righteous shall live by his faith” as the anchor
• God’s woes against Babylon and the promise of justice
• The cross as the clearest proof God cares
• A direct invitation to trust Jesus in suffering
if you don't know Christ, man, today is the perfect day to accept a free gift of salvation.
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We trace the Exodus as a map for our lives, from being delivered out of bondage to learning how to walk into God’s promises with real trust. We talk about why comfort can still be a wilderness, why obedience often comes before understanding, and why purpose matters more than ease.
• appreciating faithful Bible teaching and the privilege of hearing Scripture explained clearly
• Exodus as a present-day lesson in endurance, encouragement and hope
• Red Sea deliverance as a picture of God’s power, light over darkness and freedom from bondage
• fear at the edge of promise and the “grasshopper” mindset that keeps people stuck
• the wilderness as miraculous provision without purpose and the danger of walking in circles
• Jordan River faith as stepping in first, even at flood stage
• promised land living as responsibility, dignity and mission rather than constant rescue
• the bronze serpent as obedience that feels irrational and its link to John 3 and the cross
• the rod and the rock as a warning about trusting gifts and methods instead of God
• a direct challenge to trust God with relationships, finances, work and the next step
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If you’ve ever wondered why human life should matter in a world that often feels cold, competitive, and disposable, Genesis has a sharper answer than most of our modern slogans. We start with a hard contrast: if reality is truly purposeless, then moral absolutes, human rights, and even the idea of “dignity” become impossible to ground. From there, we build a positive case for meaning by walking through Genesis 1:26–28 and Genesis 2 and focusing on the doctrine of the Imago Dei, the image of God.
We explore what it actually means to be made in God’s image and how that shows up in ordinary life. We talk about stewardship and leadership under God’s kingship, why creativity and work are not a curse, and how cultivating the world through jobs, skills, and responsibility is part of human purpose. We also dig into relationships, from communion with God to covenant love in marriage and the church, and why forgiveness and loyalty are not optional if we want to reflect God’s character.
Then we press into the “why it matters” questions: the basis for human equality, civil rights, and protecting the vulnerable when dignity cannot be reduced to mental capacity or productivity. We also challenge the cultural pressure to invent ourselves from scratch, arguing that identity is received, not achieved and that the safest place for identity is in Christ. We close with the hope that we cannot repair a cracked mirror on our own, but Jesus, the perfect image of the invisible God, restores what sin has distorted. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review, then tell us: what’s one area of your life you want to reflect God more clearly?
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Genesis 1:1-27 reveals that the eternal, triune God is the Creator and center of all things. He brought the world into existence by His word and formed it with order, precision, and purpose. Creation was made good, designed to display God's glory, and humanity was created in His image to represent Him within the world. Although sin has corrupted creation and fractured our relationship with God, He has not abandoned what He made. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the work of new creation has already begun, and believers are called to reflect God's goodness and give the world a glimpse of the restoration that is still to come.
Genesis 1:1-27
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
6 And God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” 7 And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so. 8 And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.
9 And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. 10 God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.
11 And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. 12 The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.
14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. 16 And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. 17 And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
20 And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.” 21 So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.
24 And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. 25 And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
See sermon guide here: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/gods-good-creation-genesis-1-1-27/
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The devil is a real enemy, but believers do not need to fear him because Jesus has already defeated him. Peter calls Christians to resist the devil by remaining humble before God and one another, staying watchful against his tactics of deception, temptation, and resentment, and standing firm in faith during suffering. We must take spiritual warfare seriously without becoming obsessed with it, trusting that God gives us the strength and truth we need to stand.
1 Peter 5:1-11
1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
See sermon study guide here: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/stand-alone/resisting-the-devil-1-peter-51-11/
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In Mark 5, Jesus encounters a man whose life has been completely devastated by demonic oppression. He is isolated, tormented, hopeless, and unable to free himself. Yet with a simple command, Jesus demonstrates His absolute authority over the powers of darkness and completely transforms the man. This story reminds us that while our bondage may look different, every person apart from Christ is enslaved to sin and under the domain of darkness. Through His mercy, Jesus sets people free—not only from guilt and condemnation, but also from the power of sin and Satan. The challenge for believers is not merely to be freed, but to live in the freedom Christ has already won for us.
Mark 5:1-20
1 They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. 2 And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. 3 He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, 4 for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. 7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” 8 For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” 9 And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” 10 And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11 Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, 12 and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” 13 So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea.
14 The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. 15 And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 16 And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. 17 And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. 18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. 19 And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.
See the sermon guide and discussion questions here: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/stand-alone/freedom-in-christ/
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We challenge the noisy cultural stories about masculinity with Psalm 1 and a clear definition of biblical manhood rooted in following Jesus. We lay out three marks of a real man and end at the cross, because we need a Savior before we can live with courage, contentment, and consistency.
• cultural extremes around masculinity and why misogyny is toxic
• a Bible-shaped definition of manhood as sacrificial responsibility that blesses others
• contentment as deep blessedness rather than constant cheer
• King Ahab as a warning about entitlement and discontent
• Lance Armstrong as a modern example of insatiability and downfall
• the secret of delighting in God’s Word day and night
• being materially content and spiritually hungry
• why children need presence more than possessions
• courage to resist compromise and stand against shifting cultural narratives
• the “walk, stand, sit” progression into ungodliness
• consistency as rooted faith that bears fruit over time
• the North Star metaphor for unchanging convictions
• Paul Tripp’s reminder that true manhood leads us to the cross as Savior
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Sermon on Psalm 1
1 Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
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Dressing the part can be exhausting when you’re trying to prove you belong. Paul flips that pressure on its head in Colossians 2 and 3: in Jesus, you already belong, and he has already clothed you with righteousness. We start with a simple image, a strict workplace dress code, then trace a bigger biblical theme: salvation changes what you wear because it changes who you are.
From there, we get honest about the “old clothes” that still hang in the back of our closet. We talk about why works-based righteousness and rules-based religion still trap modern Christians in guilt and constant self-checking, even when we say we believe grace. We also address the rise of “spiritual but not religious” thinking and the temptation to chase mystical experiences, visions, or angel-focused spirituality instead of holding fast to Jesus Christ, the Head of the church.
Then we move into the practical lists Paul gives: what to put to death and what to put on. That includes sexual immorality, lust, covetousness, idolatry, anger, slander, and lying, alongside the everyday virtues that actually make a church look like Jesus: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, love, peace, and gratitude. We land on the key: we don’t put on these garments by trying harder, we put on Christ daily through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit.
If this challenged you, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review so more people can find it. What “old garment” do you need to put off, and what virtue is Jesus calling you to put on this week?
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In this passage, Paul reminds believers of the dramatic transformation that has taken place through Jesus Christ. Once they were alienated from God, hostile toward Him in their thinking, and characterized by sinful behavior. But through Christ's physical death on the cross, they have been reconciled to God and brought near. God's purpose in this reconciliation is not only to forgive them but ultimately to present them before Himself as holy, blameless, and above reproach. Paul concludes by exhorting believers to continue steadfastly in the faith, remaining anchored in the hope of the gospel they have received. The passage highlights the believer's past condition, present reconciliation, and future glorification.
Colossians 1:21-23
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation[a] under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
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In Colossians 1:15–20, Paul breaks into what many scholars believe was an early Christian hymn or poem celebrating the glory of Jesus Christ. Through rich, worshipful language, the passage exalts Jesus as the visible image of God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and the King of both creation and new creation. More than a theological statement, this hymn was meant to awaken awe in the hearts of believers—reminding the church that the One who holds the universe together is also the Savior who reconciles sinners through the blood of His cross.
Colossians 1:15-20
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
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The book of Acts tells the story of the birth and expansion of the early church after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, ordinary believers boldly proclaimed the Gospel, devoted themselves to God’s Word and prayer, lived in unity, and carried the message of Christ from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. Acts reminds us that the same God who worked through the early church still works through His people today.
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In Luke 7, Jesus is invited to dine at the home of Simon the Pharisee when an uninvited woman—known publicly only as “a sinner”—enters the gathering. Though rejected and labeled by religious society, she boldly approaches Jesus with tears, worship, humility, and costly perfume. While the Pharisees see her only through the lens of her past, Jesus sees a repentant sinner in need of grace.
Through a parable about two debtors, Jesus exposes Simon’s self-righteousness and reveals that those who recognize the depth of their forgiveness respond with deep love and worship. The woman leaves forgiven, transformed, and at peace.
This passage reminds us that our past does not have to define us, Jesus welcomes broken sinners who come in repentant faith, and true transformation is found only in Him.
Luke 7:36-50 (ESV)
36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”
41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
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We open up John 3:16 as more than a memory verse and show how it reveals God’s heart for every person. We walk through seven fundamental questions and land on a clear invitation to respond to Jesus with real heart-belief that leads to everlasting life.
• John 3:16 as the heart of the gospel and a personal picture of God’s love
• Nicodemus as the religious sinner and the woman at the well as the worldly sinner
• A Christian worldview defined as the sum total of our beliefs
• God as Creator and why origins shape meaning and purpose
• Our purpose as loving God and loving others
• Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son and the answer to life over death
• Whosoever meaning anyone can be saved and God showing no partiality
• Identity without Christ versus identity in Christ new creation and child of God
• Salvation by grace through faith as heart-belief with repentance
• How to live by walking in Christ and renewing the mind through God’s Word
• What happens when we die judgment and the promise of everlasting life
If today you just want to come and pray in fellowship with the Lord, then come to this side. If you need special prayer today, healing, or if today, if you don't know Christ, if you don't know that you're saved, that you have everlasting life, then come to this side and we'll pray with you today.
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See the sermon study guide: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/stand-alone/the-abiding-life-of-christ-acts-2811-31/
John 15:1-11
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
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In Acts of the Apostles 28:11–31, Paul reaches Rome after a journey full of unexpected detours—shipwreck, delay, and imprisonment. Yet none of these hinder God’s plan. Even under house arrest, Paul boldly proclaims Jesus, and the gospel continues to advance.
👉 Big Idea: God’s Kingdom is unstoppable, and His will is accomplished—even through detours.
See the sermon study guide: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/acts/acts-part-50-detours-and-destiny-acts-2811-31/
Acts 28:11-31
11 After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.
17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”
23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
26 “ ‘Go to this people, and say,
“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27 For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’
28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
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Even after a brutal shipwreck and months of hardship, the Apostle Paul arrives exhausted on the island of Malta and chooses not to withdraw in self-pity. Instead, he continues to serve others—gathering sticks for a fire, receiving hospitality with humility, healing the sick, and pointing people to Jesus.
This passage shows us a powerful key to weathering life’s storms: faithfully serving others for the glory of Christ. When we feel like isolating or giving up, serving others (in both practical and spiritual ways) shifts our focus, strengthens us through God’s grace, and becomes a powerful witness for the Gospel.
Paul’s example reminds us that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness, and serving others—whether in small, unglamorous tasks or bold acts of faith—is one of the best ways to overcome adversity.
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Hope is hard to find when life feels like a graveyard, and that’s exactly why Luke 24 is so disruptive. We start with the women walking to Jesus’ tomb carrying spices and heartbreak, expecting a sealed stone, a dead body, and one more day of grief. Instead, they find an open tomb, God’s messengers, and a question that cuts through every distraction: “Why do you seek the living among the dead?”
From there, we get honest about what Christians mean when we say “Jesus died for our sins.” We talk about sin as self-rule, the reality of death, and why Scripture says we need saving not just from consequences but from God’s righteous wrath. Then we walk through the heart of the gospel: Jesus as our substitute, the One who pays a debt we cannot pay, satisfying justice through propitiation so forgiveness can be offered freely. The resurrection of Jesus is not a bonus detail, it is the proof the payment stands, death is conquered, and Christian hope is solid ground.
We also make room for skepticism. The first witnesses are confused, the apostles doubt, and even face-to-face encounters take time to process. We explore evidence for the resurrection, eyewitness testimony, and why the apostles’ willingness to suffer matters historically. Finally, we bring it home with a challenge about idolatry and modern “dead places” where we keep trying to locate meaning, echoing David Foster Wallace’s warning that what you worship will eventually eat you alive.
If you’ve been running on fumes, listen and weigh the claim of the empty tomb for yourself. Subscribe for more, share this with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review to help others find it. What’s the dead place you’re most tempted to trust for hope?
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Palm Sunday reveals that while the crowd rightly recognized Jesus as King, they misunderstood His mission. They expected a political Savior who would overthrow Rome, but Jesus came as a humble King riding on a colt to deal with a far greater problem—sin. When He didn’t meet their expectations, many turned away. In the same way, we can be tempted to follow a version of Jesus that fits our desires rather than submitting to who He truly is. The call of this passage is to trust and follow the real Jesus—our sacrificial Savior and risen King—who offers not just what we want, but what we need most.
Matthew 21:1-11
21: 1 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.
7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. 10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ”
See Sermon Study Guide: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/acts/palm-sunday-discussion-questions/
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In Acts 27, Paul faces a violent storm while being transported to Rome, yet he responds with wisdom instead of panic. While others chase comfort, follow the crowd, or lose hope, Paul demonstrates what it means to walk with God in adversity. He earns trust through character, stands against the majority when necessary, anchors himself in hope through faith in God, and takes decisive action. The passage teaches that storms are inevitable, but for believers, panic is not—because in Christ we have peace, purpose, and the ability to lead others to safety through wise, faith-filled living.
Acts 27:1-44
See the sermon Study Guide: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/acts/acts-part-48-wisdom-amidst-adversity-acts-27/
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After two years in prison, Paul’s case is brought before the new Roman governor, Festus. The Jewish leaders again accuse Paul and ask that he be brought to Jerusalem, secretly planning to ambush and kill him. Paul refuses and exercises his right as a Roman citizen by appealing his case to Caesar, which means he will be sent to Rome.
Before sending him, Festus asks King Agrippa II to hear Paul’s case. In a grand audience, Paul shares his testimony—describing his life as a Pharisee, his encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, and the mission Christ gave him to proclaim the gospel. Paul declares that the prophets foretold that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead. Though Festus dismisses him as out of his mind, Paul boldly invites Agrippa and everyone listening to believe in Christ. Agrippa concludes that Paul has done nothing deserving imprisonment, but because he appealed to Caesar, he must be sent to Rome.
Acts 25 and 26
See the sermon Study Guide: https://myrealchurch.org/sermons/acts-part-47-the-christ-life-amidst-adversity-acts-25-and-26/
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In this message from the Gospel of Mark 6, Pastor Dale Cunningham reminds believers that the Christian life is not meant to be lived in constant busyness but in restful dependence on Christ. Looking at Jesus’ rhythm of ministry, rejection, loss, and service, he highlights how the Lord intentionally withdrew to quiet places for prayer and rest—and invited His disciples to do the same.
This sermon challenges the modern tendency to equate busyness with faithfulness and calls believers back to a life rooted in resting in Christ, being with Him before doing for Him, and allowing Christ to work through us rather than striving in our own strength. True spiritual fruit, he explains, comes not from relentless activity but from a life grounded in the security of salvation and sustained by time alone with God.
A timely reminder: because we have rest in Christ, we can live from a place of rest—not exhaustion—while faithfully serving Him.
Mark 6
See the study guide here: https://myrealchurch.org/sermons/finding-rest-in-a-culture-of-busy-pastor/
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In Acts 24, Paul stands trial before Governor Felix in Caesarea. The Jewish leaders, represented by the skilled orator Tertullus, bring formal charges against him. They accuse Paul of being a troublemaker who stirs up riots, leads a sect, and desecrates the temple. Their case blends political manipulation with religious hostility, and it begins with exaggerated flattery aimed at gaining favor with Felix.
When Paul is given the opportunity to respond, he does so calmly and directly. He denies inciting unrest, affirms his faith in “the Way,” and boldly declares his belief in the resurrection of the dead. Rather than attacking his accusers, Paul emphasizes his clear conscience before both God and men. Under intense pressure, his integrity surfaces—measured speech, unwavering conviction, and spiritual clarity.
Felix, already somewhat familiar with Christianity, postpones judgment. Though intrigued and even alarmed when Paul reasons about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix ultimately delays action. He frequently summons Paul, not out of spiritual hunger, but in hope of receiving a bribe. As a result, Paul remains imprisoned for two years—left there as a political convenience.
Acts 24 reveals that adversity does not create character—it exposes it. While the religious leaders reveal manipulation and selfish ambition, and Felix reveals moral hesitation and corruption, Paul reveals integrity, courage, and a conscience anchored in truth.
When the pressure is on, what is inside comes out.
Acts 24
See the sermon Study Guide: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/acts/acts-part-46-integrity-amidst-adversity-acts-chapter-24/
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Paul arrives in Jerusalem knowing suffering awaits him. While in the temple, Jews from Asia falsely accuse him of opposing the Jewish people, the Law, and the temple—based on mere assumption. A mob forms, Paul is beaten, and Roman soldiers arrest him to prevent his death.
Instead of retreating in fear or bitterness, Paul asks to address the crowd. He shares his testimony—his former persecution of Christians, his dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus, and his calling to take the Gospel to the Gentiles. When the crowd erupts again, Paul is taken into custody, but by asserting his Roman citizenship, he is protected from unlawful punishment.
What appears to be disaster becomes the beginning of God’s sovereign plan to bring Paul’s witness before rulers and eventually to Rome.
Acts 21:26-22:29
See sermon study guide here: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/acts/acts-part-44-faithfulness-despite-acts-2126-2229/
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What if the very pressures that threaten your faith are the tools God uses to amplify it? We walk through Acts 21–22 as Paul enters Jerusalem, honors temple customs, and still faces a cascade of false accusations that spiral into mob violence. The most human moment arrives when he asks for the floor, not to clear his name first, but to tell his story—before Christ, the encounter with the risen Jesus, and a calling that scandalized his hearers: take the good news to the Gentiles.
That revelation lights the fuse. Yet even as outrage rises, a different kind of authority steps in: Roman due process that recognizes Paul’s citizenship and postpones the whip. We explore the larger pattern hiding in the chaos—how chains carry the message farther than ease ever could. Paul’s path will wind through councils, governors, and eventually to Caesar, turning opposition into opportunity at every turn. Along the way, we confront the everyday version of this story: the power of assumptions, the lure of gossip, and the cost of standing with Christ when friends feel betrayed by your change of heart.
This episode is practical and bracing. You’ll learn how to answer slander without becoming cynical, how to share your testimony with humility that disarms pride, and how to prepare your soul for pressure without losing joy. From Joseph’s dungeon to the cross of Christ to Richard Wurmbrand’s cell, we trace a consistent thread—what the enemy means for harm, God redirects for good. If you’re navigating cultural headwinds, workplace tension, or strained relationships because of your convictions, you’ll find courage here to stand firm, trust God, proclaim Christ, and endure to the end.
If this encouraged you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs strength, and leave a review so more listeners can find this conversation. Where do you need courage to persevere today?
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We connect Super Bowl grit to spiritual growth and show why the Christian life is a daily calling. Ephesians 4 gives us a clear goal: unity, maturity, and a church that equips every believer for real ministry.
• the Christian life as a daily calling
• fundamentals of humility, gentleness, patience, love
• unity in one body, one Spirit, one hope
• why nobody grows alone and the role of church
• leaders equipping saints for ministry, not performing it
• the gospel: Christ descended, died, rose for us
• counting the cost of following Jesus
• freedom from slavery to sin and real escape routes
• choosing your one person to reach or encourage
• aiming at maturity measured by the fullness of Christ
“Today is the day to be saved”
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We pause our Acts series to walk through Ephesians 4 and make a clear, urgent case for Christian forgiveness that is honest about harm and powered by grace. We name what forgiveness is, why it matters for our souls and our church, and how to practice it before the sun sets.
• identity in Christ driving a transformed life
• what forgiveness is not and common errors
• absorbing the debt as the shape of mercy
• anger’s danger and making room for the devil
• swift, truthful confrontation for reconciliation
• words that build up and heal community
• preaching the gospel to our own hearts
• urgency to reconcile while we can
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In Acts 21:17–26, Paul arrives in Jerusalem and is warmly received by the church leaders, who rejoice over God’s work among the Gentiles. However, tension quickly emerges as Jewish believers—who are zealous for the Law—have heard false reports that Paul teaches Jews to abandon their customs.
In order to preserve unity and prevent unnecessary offense, the elders ask Paul to participate in a purification ritual connected to a Nazarite vow. Though not required under the New Covenant, Paul humbly agrees, not because the law saves, but because love governs his freedom. By laying aside his rights, Paul models how Christians can pursue peace within the church by prioritizing unity, humility, and the mission of the gospel over personal convictions.
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Acts 21:1–14 recounts Paul’s journey toward Jerusalem, marked by repeated warnings that suffering awaits him. Believers in Tyre, prompted by the Spirit, urge Paul not to go, and later the prophet Agabus dramatically foretells Paul’s arrest. Despite the pleas and tears of his companions, Paul remains resolved to go, declaring his readiness not only to be bound but to die for the name of the Lord Jesus. The passage ends with the church entrusting Paul to God’s will, saying, “The Lord’s will be done.”
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Paul summons the elders from Ephesus to Miletus and delivers a final farewell address, reflecting on his ministry among them and preparing them for his departure. He reminds them that he served with humility, endurance through suffering, and faithful teaching, declaring repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. Though warned by the Holy Spirit that imprisonment and hardship await him in Jerusalem, Paul declares that his life is of no value to himself compared to finishing the course and ministry he received from the Lord Jesus—to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.
Paul then charges the elders to watch over themselves and the church, which God purchased with Christ’s own blood. He warns them that false teachers will arise from both outside and within the church, and he urges vigilant, sacrificial shepherding grounded in the Word. Commending them to God and to the word of His grace, Paul affirms his integrity and selflessness. The passage ends with an emotional scene of prayer, tears, and affection, as the elders grieve knowing they will not see Paul again, highlighting the deep bonds of Christian love and shared mission.
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In Luke 10:38–42, Jesus enters the home of Mary and Martha. Martha faithfully serves, honoring the cultural and biblical importance of hospitality and hard work. Mary, however, chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen. When Martha complains, Jesus gently but firmly responds that while many things demand attention, “one thing is necessary”—and Mary has chosen the better portion.
The sermon emphasizes that work itself is good, biblical, and necessary, but when work becomes excessive it produces three spiritual dangers: distraction from Christ, resentment toward others, and anxiety within ourselves. Martha’s service was sincere, yet her perfectionism and overcommitment turned good work into pressure and peace into unrest.
Jesus does not condemn work, but He makes clear that Christ-centered rest is paramount. He Himself regularly withdrew to pray and invited His disciples to rest. True discipleship is not built by merely working for Jesus, but by communing with Jesus. Sitting at His feet through prayer, Scripture, and intentional rhythms of rest brings peace, shapes our hearts, and invests in what is eternal—what cannot be taken away.
The call of the sermon is practical and urgent: believers must reclaim the “timeouts” Christ freely offers. Daily time with Jesus, a rhythm of rest, and the courage to say no to unnecessary demands are not luxuries—they are essential to spiritual, emotional, and even physical health. Like Mary, we are invited to choose the better portion.
• why generosity teaching matters for faith and mission
• reading Luke 10:38–42 and its central claim
• work affirmed yet misordered work distracts
• how distraction turns into resentment and anxiety
• Jesus desires presence over performance
• learning, peace and eternal gain at Jesus’ feet
• practical steps for daily rhythms of prayer and scripture
• creating margin by saying no to the unnecessary
• a new year anchored in one necessary thing
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What if the most familiar verse in the Bible is the Christmas passage we’ve been missing? We dive into John 3:16–21 to show why the incarnation is not a reward for the righteous, but a gift for the unworthy—an act of love that meets us in darkness and brings us into life. The message is direct and freeing: God loved, so He gave. And that gift, unlike every gadget and sweater that loses its shine, never fades.
We walk through the difference between gifts and rewards, drawing on Titus 3 and lived stories to expose how grace dismantles the naughty-versus-nice myth. From there, we unpack what “believe” really means in John—receiving Christ, repenting, and being born of the Spirit, not merely agreeing with facts. We clarify condemnation as a condition we remain in by rejecting the Son, and we face the hard reasons people refuse the light: pride, self-reliance, and a love for what hides. The hope is better than sentiment. Eternal life is adoption, renewal, and the Spirit’s power to change us from the inside out.
We also make it practical. A changed life validates a professed faith. Love for God’s people, a growing hunger for light, and a turning from entrenched sin are signs of new birth. And because grace is overflow by design, we end with a call to share the gift—through truthful words, generous deeds, and everyday hospitality that points beyond itself. God’s greatest gift doesn’t shrink when given away; it multiplies joy and opens doors for weary neighbors to step into hope.
If this spoke to you, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a clear word of grace today.
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During the third week of Advent, we reflect on the theme of joy through the angel’s announcement to the shepherds in Luke 2. In a dark and weary world, God declares “good news of great joy for all people”—joy rooted not in circumstances, but in the arrival of Jesus Christ.
This message explores what biblical joy truly is (and what it is not): not forced cheerfulness or shallow happiness, but a deep, Spirit-produced delight in Christ that can coexist with sorrow. Drawing from Scripture and the definition articulated by John Piper, we see that Christian joy is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as He helps us behold the beauty of Christ in the Word and in the world.
We then consider why Jesus’ birth is good news of great joy—because He is our Savior, the promised Messiah, and Immanuel, God with us—and why this joy is for all people: Jew and Gentile, religious and pagan, powerful and poor. Ultimately, the good news becomes deeply personal: Christ came for you.
Whether you are searching for joy or longing to walk more fully in it, this message points you to Jesus—the true and lasting source of joy, at Christmas and always.
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The carols say peace, but the calendar screams hurry. We take a clear-eyed look at why the holidays can feel so unpeaceful and why Jesus didn’t promise a quiet news cycle—he promised something far stronger. Drawing from Isaiah 9, Romans 5, John 14, and Luke 2, we explore biblical shalom as wholeness: peace with God, peace within, and peace with others. Instead of chasing a fragile calm that depends on circumstances, we point to the Prince of Peace who restores what broke in Eden and rebuilds our lives from the center out.
First, we unpack how reconciliation with God is the foundation of every other kind of peace. Justification by faith brings an objective, steady standing that no mood can undo. From there, we talk about inner peace that Jesus gives—not the world’s temporary quiet, but a durable calm anchored in his rule. Then we turn outward: what it looks like to embody peace with people, why love is the family trait of disciples, and how to practice restraint in a reactive culture. We get practical about living unoffended, resisting the urge to defend our image, and becoming agents of peace in our homes, workplaces, and online.
Finally, we show how order matters: glory to God, then peace follows. When we enthrone ourselves, anxiety spikes; when we enthrone Christ, rest grows. You’ll hear simple rhythms for a steadier heart—rehearsing promises, reading Scripture before the scroll, confessing quickly, and keeping your hope aimed at Christ’s return, when shalom will flood the earth. If you’re carrying a “security blanket” of control or worry, this conversation invites you to drop it and receive the better peace Jesus freely gives.
If this encouraged you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs calm this week, and leave a review to help others find these stories of hope.
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Hope isn’t a mood you try to maintain. It’s a promise you learn to trust. We launch Advent by going straight to Romans 15:13 and asking three simple questions that change everything: What is hope? Where does it come from? And how do we abound in it?
Along the way, we contrast wishful optimism with the Bible’s confident expectation grounded in God’s character and his unbroken track record—from Abraham to Bethlehem to the empty tomb.
Romans 15:13 teaches that true hope flows from God, is empowered by the Holy Spirit, and is experienced as we walk with Him.
Advent starts with hope because every other Advent theme—peace, joy, and love—flows from it. Our call is not to cling to a thin thread of hope, but to overflow with it as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s return.
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On the first day of the week, the believers in Troas gathered to break bread and hear Paul teach, showing their commitment to consistent corporate worship. Even though Paul was leaving the next day, the church made worship a priority—meeting late into the night to share the Lord’s Supper, listen to Scripture, and encourage one another.
During the meeting, a young man named Eutychus fell asleep, fell from a window, and died, but God restored him through Paul, bringing comfort and strengthening the faith of everyone present.
Afterward, Paul continued his journey toward Jerusalem, choosing travel plans that allowed him to be with the believers as much as possible.
This passage highlights how the early church valued gathering together, sharing the Lord’s Table, learning from God’s Word, and being strengthened through the presence and ministry of fellow believers.
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A city on edge, a riot in the theater, and a single disruptive claim: gods made with hands are not gods at all. We step into Ephesus to uncover why Paul’s words rattled the economy, shook traditions, and still expose the fault lines in our modern hearts.
In Acts 19, Paul’s ministry in Ephesus causes a massive disturbance because he exposes the idols people trust for meaning, security, and satisfaction—especially Artemis, the patron goddess of the city. Paul refuses to preach Jesus as “just another god”; Jesus demands full allegiance, and following Him necessarily involves turning from all other idols.
Idols—both ancient and modern—promise fulfillment but ultimately enslave and crush those who serve them. Whether it's money, beauty, politics, family, career, or sexuality, any good thing can become a “god thing” when we make it ultimate. Exposing idols will sometimes provoke hostility, as it did in Ephesus, threatening both people’s profits and long-held traditions. Yet the gospel also brings beauty: many people turn from empty idols and find true satisfaction in Christ, the One who became the sacrifice rather than demanding one.
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We unpack why baptism is commended, what it signifies in Romans 6, and how the New Testament pattern calls for immediate, public obedience. We challenge baptized believers to live like the old self truly died and to resist the pull of “Egypt.”
• baptism commanded by Jesus and centered in making disciples
• symbolism of union with Christ in death and resurrection
• baptism as a new Exodus from slavery to sin
• New Testament pattern: belief then immediate baptism
• one baptism as a covenant sign with rare exceptions
• live as dead to sin and alive to God
• fight temptation by identity and Spirit-empowered obedience
• move from avoiding sin to offering yourself for righteousness
• leave Egypt behind and stop romanticising the past
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In Acts 19:12–20, God’s power is displayed through Paul as people are healed and set free from evil spirits. Those who tried to imitate this power without truly knowing Jesus were exposed and defeated.
Many new believers responded by confessing sin and publicly turning from their old ways. This passage shows that the Holy Spirit delivers us from sickness, darkness, and sin—bringing freedom, transformation, and the exaltation of Jesus.
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What if most of what we call church would keep running even if the Holy Spirit left the building? Acts 19 hits that nerve. We unpack Paul’s return to Ephesus, the twelve “disciples” shaped by John the Baptist, and the moment they step into the fullness of the gospel—baptized into Christ, born again by the Spirit, and empowered for mission.
In this message, we explore how the Holy Spirit is not the “forgotten member” of the Trinity but the living presence of God—our Comforter, Convicter, and Empowerer. Through Acts 19, we see how encountering the Spirit brings transformation, boldness, and renewal.
The call for us today is to move beyond polite belief into active pursuit—to welcome the Spirit’s presence, seek His gifts, and allow Him to build up the church for God’s glory. As Paul urged in 1 Corinthians 14:1, we are to “eagerly desire spiritual gifts,” walking in step with the Spirit rather than keeping Him at arm’s length.
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God desires to use every believer to accomplish His work in the world. In Acts 18:18–28, we see that being used by Him isn’t about talent or position but about the posture of our hearts. God uses the heedful like Paul who follow His will, the humble like Apollos who receive correction, and the honest like Priscilla and Aquila who speak truth with courage. When every member of the church plays their part, the song of the Gospel becomes powerful and beautiful.
In this sermon, we talk about heedfulness first: the courage to follow God’s call when it costs time, sleep, or applause. Paul’s weary yes challenges our preference for comfort and invites us to serve wherever needed, even in quiet roles that keep the body healthy.
Then we lean into humility—Apollos receiving correction from Priscilla and Aquila. It’s a vivid picture of teachability: intellect bowing to truth, platform yielding to Scripture. Communities thrive when feedback is welcome and growth outpaces ego.
Speaking truth and honesty is the last featured virtue. Speaking truth in love is never easy. Jonah shows the price of silence, while Paul shows the cost of clarity. But a church that refuses hard words soon loses its voice. We frame honesty as courageous compassion: naming sin to restore, preaching Jesus as the way with tenderness, and trusting God with the outcomes.
If this stirred something in you, take the next step: subscribe, share this with a friend who’s ready to serve, and leave a review telling us where you plan to jump in this week. Your story might be the spark another listener needs.
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Fear isn’t supposed to haunt a giant of the faith—and yet Paul trembles in Corinth until a midnight word steadies him: “Do not be afraid… for I am with you.” We open Acts 18 and watch a weary apostle discover that courage grows where grace meets limits. The story moves fast—rejection at the synagogue, a new gathering next door, the surprising conversion of Crispus, and a wave of baptisms across a hard city—but the deeper current is quieter and stronger: presence, not performance, carries the mission forward.
We share how God stitches resilience into real lives through three anchors. First, people: Priscilla and Aquila show up by providence, Silas and Timothy return, and community replaces isolation with strength. Second, provision: when one door slams, another opens just steps away, reminding us that God redirects the faithful rather than abandons them. Third, presence: Jesus doesn’t just command “keep speaking”; he explains how we can obey—“I am with you.” That promise reframes risk, calms the body, and focuses the heart on those God is calling. Along the way, we trace a historical echo in John Wesley’s field preaching and share a candid personal story of collapse, comfort, and renewed calling.
If you’ve felt spiritually exhausted, doubtful, or ready to quit, this conversation offers grounded hope and practical next steps. Learn how to lean on the church family, recognize provision in unexpected places, and cling to the unshakable promise that steadies trembling hands. Press play, share this with someone who needs courage today, and if the message helps, subscribe, leave a review, and tell us where you’re learning to “keep going.”
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At Real Life Community Church, we believe the Church is God’s design to carry on the ministry of Jesus. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declared, “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overpower it.”
The Church is essential—it proclaims the Gospel, disciples believers, and ministers to the community. While all believers are part of the invisible, spiritual Church through salvation, God also calls us into covenant with a visible, local church family.
Membership matters because it reflects commitment, accountability, and shared mission. As followers of Christ, we are invited to not only believe, but also to belong.
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What does it take to reach a culture that's increasingly hostile to Christianity? In Acts 17, we discover how the Apostle Paul engaged the intellectual elite of Athens with the gospel.
Athens in Paul's day mirrors our own post-Christian society in striking ways. The city was the cultural and intellectual hub of the ancient world, filled with idolatry and competing philosophies—much like our modern, secular ideologies and spiritual confusion. Yet Paul engaged this challenging environment with remarkable wisdom and effectiveness.
Through examining Paul's approach at the Areopagus, we uncover three essential components for reaching our broken culture. First, we must "feel something"—developing genuine compassion for those separated from God. Second, we must "do something"—actively engaging with people rather than isolating in Christian bubbles. And third, we must "say something"—sharing the unchanging gospel in ways that connect with our cultural context.
The response to Paul's message reminds us that our responsibility isn't to convert everyone but to faithfully proclaim the truth. Some mocked, some wanted to hear more, and some believed. This should encourage us as we engage our own culture—not everyone will respond positively, but God will use our faithful witness.
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In Athens, Paul saw a city full of idols and was deeply moved—both angered and broken—for the lost around him. Rather than retreat or assimilate, he went to the heart of the culture, the marketplace, to engage people where they lived, listened to their beliefs, and shared the hope of Jesus.
Today, we live in a rapidly changing, post-Christian culture. Like Paul, we are called to care about the world around us, understand the cultural narratives people trust, and bring the Gospel to a restless, idol-filled society. True cultural change doesn’t come through politics, philosophy, or self-improvement—it comes through the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.
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How do we turn a broken world right side up? Against a backdrop of school shootings, political division, and cultural darkness, this question burns in the hearts of believers everywhere. The answer isn't found in political revolution but in spiritual revival.
Looking at Acts 17, we discover four ordinary men—Paul, Luke, Timothy, and Silas—who were accused of "turning the world upside down" as they traveled through Macedonia. Despite facing a corrupt religious system and the oppressive Roman Empire, they transformed communities through the message of Jesus Christ. Their example offers us a powerful three-part framework for meaningful change.
First, transformation must begin personally. Before his Damascus Road encounter, Paul tried changing the world through religious tradition and moralism. But outward conformity to rules never addresses the heart. Only when Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit did he become an agent of true change.
Second, personal transformation must lead to Gospel proclamation. Paul didn't shake his fist at Roman authorities or start a political movement. Instead, he preached Christ as King from city to city, facing rejection but persevering because some would always receive the message. America isn't broken because of any political party but because too many Christians have outsourced kingdom work to politicians while neglecting the Gospel.
Finally, turning the world right side up requires discipleship. Jesus didn't call us to make converts but disciples. Throughout Acts, Paul strategically left trusted people behind to nurture new believers, teaching them to continue Christ's work.
Rather than passively "waiting on the world to change," as the John Mayer song laments, let's become agents of revival. When we focus on transformation, proclamation, and education, we participate in the only change that truly matters—the change that turns our world right side up.
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See the Study Guide Here: https://myrealchurch.org/teaching/acts/acts-part-30-praising-god-in-the-midnight-hour/
Nothing good happens after midnight—or so the saying goes. It's when our defenses crumble, our resolve weakens, and our problems loom largest. But what if midnight isn't just a time of vulnerability, but an opportunity for extraordinary spiritual breakthrough?
This look into Acts 16 follows Paul and Silas in surely a very dark hour—beaten, stripped, and imprisoned with their feet fastened in stocks for simply doing God's work.
Their response? Midnight praise and prayer that shook the foundations of their prison.
Listen to see why our response to opposition matters. When we're persecuted for our faith—whether through social media attacks, workplace discrimination, or cultural pressure—how we react reveals our spiritual maturity. The story of Paul and Silas demonstrates that praise rooted in Jesus rather than circumstances creates a joy that can never be taken away.
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We read the story of Lydia, a successful businesswoman in Philippi, and connect that to how our everyday work can become a powerful piece in God's kingdom purposes. Her conversion story reveals the beautiful integration of faith and vocation that should characterize every Christian's life.
• When Paul shared the gospel, "the Lord opened her heart" to receive the message
• After her conversion, Lydia didn't change careers but changed her purpose
• Her entire household was baptized
• Lydia used her home and resources to support the early church's mission
• Every job is a divine calling, not just religious vocations
• Christians should be exemplary employees, working "heartily for the Lord"
• Our workplaces are mission fields where we can demonstrate Christ's character
• Martin Luther: "The Christian shoemaker does his duty not by putting little crosses on shoes, but by making good shoes"
• No one should ever be surprised to discover you're a Christian based on your work ethic
We want to see revival come to our city. For that to happen, we need to move outside the four walls of our church and see our workplaces as mission fields where we can glorify God even in the most mundane parts of our lives.
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Have you ever wished for a divine Magic 8-Ball to guide your life decisions? While God doesn't typically write messages in the sky or send divine text messages, He does speak to His children in ways we can learn to recognize and trust.
At the heart of hearing God's voice is a foundation in Scripture. "If I am not reading the Word of God, I will not recognize the voice of God," explains the pastor. This becomes our filter for every impression or prompting. God will never lead contrary to His Word, which is why understanding Scripture is essential for discerning His guidance.
Beyond Scripture, God speaks through multiple channels. In Acts 16, we see Paul and his missionary team experiencing closed doors as the Holy Spirit redirected their journey. What seemed like frustrating roadblocks were actually divine guidance leading them to Macedonia—an entirely different continent than where they planned to minister! God also communicates through dreams and visions (as promised in Acts 2), through prophetic words, and most commonly, through the internal promptings of His Spirit.
For those struggling to hear God clearly, the solution may be surprisingly simple. In our hyper-connected world where the average person spends 4.5 hours daily on their phone (equivalent to 13 years of their lifetime!), creating space for silence has become revolutionary. The challenge is straightforward but potentially life-changing: take five minutes daily, put your phone in another room, and simply listen for God's voice.
Like the frightened boy during the London Blitz whose fear transformed to peace upon hearing his father's voice, we too can experience profound peace amidst life's chaos when we learn to recognize our heavenly Father speaking. The anxiety that plagues so many can give way to confidence when we understand that "all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."
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Ever noticed how conflict seems to find its way into even our closest relationships? Whether it's with your spouse, a friend, or someone at church, disagreements happen—and how we handle them makes all the difference in whether our relationships thrive or wither.
Through this small story of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15, we discover that even spiritual leaders in the Bible struggled with conflict. These two men traveled together for years, facing persecution and celebrating revival side by side. Yet one disagreement about John Mark split their partnership apart. Their story offers us a mirror to examine our own approach to conflict resolution.
Most of us handle conflict in one of three ways: ignoring it (like putting tape over a car's check engine light), exploding with anger (smashing the dashboard), or addressing it directly (taking the car to a mechanic). Only the third approach leads to healthy, lasting relationships. Research shows the healthiest relationships maintain a balance of five positive interactions to every one negative interaction—revealing that both too much conflict and too little can damage our connections.
Healthy confrontation requires several key elements: consistent encouragement to balance difficult conversations, humility to acknowledge our own contributions to problems, prayer to center ourselves in God's perspective, emotional control to prevent hurtful outbursts, and a genuine commitment to reconciliation as the ultimate goal. The good news? We're not alone in this challenging work. The Holy Spirit provides exactly what we need—courage, patience, kindness, and love—to address conflict in a way that honors God and preserves relationships.
Like the dragon in the children's story that grew larger the more it was ignored, conflicts only expand when neglected. This week, identify one relationship where unresolved tension exists, and take the courageous step of addressing it with prayer, humility, and a genuine desire for reconciliation. Your relationships—and your spiritual life—will be transformed.
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The Jerusalem Council's wisdom in defining salvation through faith alone preserved the gospel message and forms the foundation of our Christian identity today.
• Defining our identity in Christ is essential to avoid spiritual confusion and deception
• The early church faced an existential threat when some insisted Gentiles must be circumcised and follow Mosaic law to be saved
• Peter testified that God cleansed Gentile hearts by faith, making no distinction between Jewish and Gentile believers
• James affirmed salvation by grace through faith while adding that true faith is evidenced by works.
• The five solas summarize the foundation of salvation: faith alone, grace alone, Christ alone, Scripture alone, glory to God alone
• The foundation of salvation is non-negotiable, but we can show flexibility in areas of personal conviction
We encourage you to take time this week to write 3-4 sentences defining your identity in Christ. If you don't define who you are in Christ, others will define it for you.
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Ordinary people become extraordinary vessels when they surrender to the Holy Spirit's guidance. This powerful message by guest speaker, Jack Buskey, explores what happens when believers commit to radical obedience, regardless of how foolish they might appear to others.
Through decades of ministry experience, Jack shares vulnerable stories that reveal God's pattern of working through simple acts of faithfulness. The remarkable account of a blind baby receiving sight after a simple declaration of healing demonstrates how God honors obedience over ability. Equally moving is the story of a hardened biker who finally surrendered to Christ after three separate believers approached him—each thinking they had failed in their witnessing attempt.
The message skillfully unpacks essential truths about the local church using three primary biblical metaphors: the Bride of Christ, the Body of Christ, and an Army under orders. These compelling images challenge contemporary notions that one can follow Jesus without committed church involvement. As the speaker boldly asserts, "How can you say you accept Christ when you reject his bride?"
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Have you ever let the fear of rejection hold you back from sharing your faith? You're not alone. In this powerful exploration of Acts 14:8-20, we confront one of the biggest obstacles Christians face when it comes to evangelism: the paralyzing fear of being rejected. This message aims at helping you overcome that fear.
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In this sermon, Pastor Chris preaches on what it means to be a Real Follower of Jesus.
Following Jesus demands more than wearing the Christian badge; it requires belief in your heart, unwavering allegiance to Jesus, and perseverance through opposition.
• Following Jesus requires genuine heart-level belief, not just intellectual assent to facts
• The world actively poisons minds against Christians through changed narratives, controlled media, and education systems
• No middle ground exists with Jesus—you are either with Him or against Him
• True faith is marked by perseverance, even through persecution and worldly temptation
If you want to stand with Jesus, reject the poison of this world by staying in church, living in community, reading Scripture, and praying daily. Ask Jesus to "hold you fast" as you fight the good fight, finish the course, and keep the faith.
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The profound difference between hearing and listening forms the foundation of Pastor Chris's message on Acts 13:13-52. Throughout history, God has been working with purpose, revealing that Jesus is the culmination of His divine plan for humanity's redemption. What does listening to God's Word involve?
• Listening requires remembrance of history's purpose - God was actively working through Israel's story, to bring about the Messiah and His Kingdom.
• Listening requires the recognition that Jesus is the fulfillment of Israel's story and a myriad of detailed prophecies.
• True listening to the gospel requires response - you can't remain neutral
• One can reject Jesus or receive Him; the first results in judgement while the latter in eternal life. What you can't do is remain neutral.
Today is the day of salvation. If you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts. Let's not just be hearers but doers of the Word.
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The people we surround ourselves with shape who we become. Pastor Ben takes us through Acts 13:4-12, exploring the powerful confrontation between Paul and Bar-Jesus, a false prophet who opposed the gospel message despite his impressive-sounding credentials.
Drawing from the timeless wisdom that "show me your friends and I'll show you your future," this message examines how the influences in our lives—whether people, media, or entertainment—can either draw us closer to Christ or pull us away. Through personal stories and biblical insights, Pastor Ben challenges us to evaluate whether what we allow into our lives is moving us toward spiritual growth or hindering our journey.
Are you surrounding yourself with people and influences that make you more like Christ? Join us as we explore how to build a life centered on godly influences and become life-giving influences for others.
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Discover the transformative spiritual practice that's hiding in plain sight throughout Scripture yet rarely discussed in modern churches. Fasting—mentioned over 60 times in the Bible and practiced by Jesus himself—has largely disappeared from our spiritual conversations despite its profound impact on our relationship with God.
What makes this ancient discipline so powerful? Unlike other spiritual practices, fasting uniquely demonstrates our desire for God above all else by temporarily setting aside His good gifts (typically food) to focus more fully on Him. As Augustine wrote, fasting is "for Christians what exercise is for the athlete," strengthening us for life's battles and sharpening our spiritual sight.
Our journey through Acts 13 reveals how the early church at Antioch was "worshiping the Lord and fasting" when the Holy Spirit directed them to commission Paul and Barnabas for missionary work. This pivotal moment in church history—the launching of the first missionary journey—emerged directly from a time of corporate fasting. The text mentions fasting twice in just three verses, highlighting its significance in hearing God's voice with clarity.
Will you accept the challenge to rediscover what generations of faithful believers have known? Your spiritual journey might be transformed by what you discover when you fast.
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Prayer is not just a religious ritual but a transformative force that can break chains, open prison doors, and change seemingly impossible situations. This message dives deep into the power of intercessory prayer—the practice of fervently taking others' needs before God—as dramatically illustrated in Acts 12.
The message tackles challenging questions about prayer's relationship to God's sovereignty. Why was Peter rescued while James was executed? If God is sovereign, why pray at all? Through exploring these questions, we gain deeper insight into how prayer doesn't change God's mind but rather activates His power as He has designed prayer to be one of the means through which He accomplishes His purposes.
Whether you're new to prayer or have been praying for decades, this message will reignite your passion for intercession by revealing how your earnest prayers for others can bring about supernatural intervention. Join us Wednesday nights at 7pm as we put these principles into practice together and watch God move in power.
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Every human being is a disciple of someone or something. Whether consciously or unconsciously, we're all being shaped by the voices we listen to most—political ideologies, entertainment, social media, or Christ himself. Discipleship is power: it shapes our individual lives, our homes, nations, and the world.
Whether you're a new believer or a seasoned Christian, this message challenges you to evaluate who's discipling you and how you're discipling others. The discipleship journey isn't measured by comparing yourself to others, but by asking: "Do I look more like Christ today than I did yesterday?" Join us as we explore how the ancient church's discipleship practices can transform our lives and communities today.
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What's your greatest source of joy? The disciples returned from their mission trip exhilarated that "even demons are subject to us in your name!" But Jesus gives a surprising response that challenges our entire understanding of spiritual success and true joy.
Drawing from Luke 10:17-20, this message explores Jesus' gentle rebuke to his disciples when he tells them, "Do not rejoice that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." It's a profound redirection that speaks directly to our tendency to find identity and satisfaction in what we do rather than who we are in Christ.
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We challenge the common practice of giving God our leftovers rather than our best, exploring how the prophet Malachi condemned Israel's polluted offerings and what this means for modern believers.
• The Israelites were bringing blind, lame, and sick animals as sacrifices, which God called evil
• Whatever receives our best time, energy, and resources reveals what we truly worship
• We have three main resources: time, talent, and treasure – how we allocate them reveals our priorities
• The shocking truth that God would rather have the temple doors closed than receive insincere worship
• God deserves our best not because He needs anything from us, but simply because of who He is
• Everyone worships something – whatever you attribute highest value to becomes your master
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What would you sacrifice to bring someone eternal life?
This powerful question frames our exploration of Acts 10, where Peter's journey to Cornelius marks the moment the Gospel first intentionally crossed cultural boundaries to reach the Gentile world. The staggering reality is that today, 3.5 billion people have virtually no access to the gospel—not those who've rejected it, but those who've never had the opportunity to hear it.
Through Peter and Cornelius' story, we discover the essential framework for global missions: God orchestrates, and believers participate. While God does the heavy lifting of salvation, He invites us into three specific ways of participation—praying, going, and sending.
The 3.5 billion unreached are not just statistics—they're individuals with names, families, dreams, and eternal souls. How will you respond to reach them? Start a prayer journal. Consider your calling. Give sacrificially. Together, we can bring Christ's hope to every nation, tribe, and tongue.
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What does it take to reach a world that desperately needs Jesus? In this illuminating exploration of Acts 10, we witness the moment when the gospel first crosses the Jewish-Gentile divide, setting the pattern for how God's message spreads to all nations.
The story centers around a divine encounter between Peter, a Jewish apostle with deeply ingrained cultural biases, and Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion seeking God but missing the key to salvation. Through their divinely orchestrated meeting, we discover the essential truth that effective evangelism begins not with human effort but with God's sovereign initiative.
This passage liberates us from the pressure of "converting" others. Our responsibility isn't producing results—it's faithfully sharing Jesus. God does the heavy lifting: going before us, accompanying us, and completing the work after we've spoken. Rather than relying on clever marketing, perfect presentation, or emotional manipulation, we simply need to present Christ through Scripture and let the Spirit do His work.
Ready to make an eternal difference? Identify someone who needs Jesus, commit to praying consistently for them, then courageously share the gospel with them. Remember, you're not responsible for their response—only for your faithfulness in sharing. And the first time you lead someone to Christ, your life will never be the same.
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The radical claim that genuine Christians will be actively involved in a local church isn't just provocative—it's biblically sound. While saving faith comes through Christ alone, transformed hearts inevitably seek Christian community. This message builds a comprehensive biblical case for why church participation matters.
Scripture reveals church involvement as more than optional—it's a consistent pattern throughout the New Testament, an unwavering assumption in the apostles' writings, and even an explicit command in passages like Hebrews 10:24-25. The early believers didn't just casually attend gatherings when convenient; they devoted themselves to fellowship, prayer, and breaking bread together. But church participation isn't merely an obligation—it's a profound gift of grace.
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Through the story of Tabitha's resurrection in Acts 9, we discover three vital ingredients for a healthy, growing church that applies to believers today.
• Walking in the fear of the Lord means having reverence that leads to wisdom and obedience
• The comfort of the Holy Spirit provides power and confidence during difficult times
• Being committed to ministry through prayer and good works opens us to be vessels for God
• Tabitha's dedication to making garments for widows was so valued that people sought her resurrection
• Miracles alone don't convert people – they create openings for the gospel to be shared
• Even small acts of service when done with dedication can have eternal significance
• All believers are called to ministry, not just pastors and leaders
• The church grows when ordinary people use their God-given talents
• Like building the Brooklyn Bridge piece by piece, the kingdom expands through incremental faithfulness
Our goal should be to live as people who fear the Lord, walk in the presence of the Spirit, and serve faithfully for God's glory and for the good of others.
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"Is it worth it?" This question confronts every believer when following Jesus brings hardship rather than ease. Through Paul's remarkable journey from respected Pharisee to persecuted apostle, we discover the profound answer.
Before encountering Christ on the Damascus road, Paul enjoyed status, education, and power. After his conversion, everything changed—but not as our prosperity-minded culture might expect. Rather than comfort, Paul faced rejection from all sides: former Jewish colleagues plotted his death, forcing an escape in a basket through a city wall, while skeptical Christians initially doubted his transformation.
The pattern continued throughout his ministry. Paul endured five floggings, three beatings with rods, one stoning, three shipwrecks, constant dangers, sleepless nights, hunger, and exposure. Yet remarkably, he maintained an attitude of joy, writing from prison: "Rejoice in the Lord always." He counted "everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ."
Paul understood that suffering serves divine purposes: identifying with Christ, developing humility, advancing the gospel, confirming salvation, and producing spiritual growth. His confidence remained unshaken even facing execution: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Like missionary Jim Elliott, who was killed reaching an unreached tribe (and whose widow's forgiveness later led to their conversion), Paul declares that losing everything for Christ isn't foolish when we gain what cannot be lost. Nothing—not persecution, danger, or even death—can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus.
When you face your own challenges, remember Paul's testimony: following Jesus, despite every cost, is worth it a million times over.
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The dramatic conversion of Saul on the Damascus road stands as one of Christianity's most remarkable transformations—a zealous persecutor of Christians who became the faith's most influential apostle. This powerful story isn't just a historical account; it reveals the anatomy of true spiritual conversion that remains relevant for every person today.
Before encountering Christ, Saul (also known as Paul) was the perfect religious man by external standards—a Pharisee with impeccable Jewish credentials who believed he was serving God by hunting down followers of "the Way." His fury was so intense that Scripture describes him as "breathing threats and murder," painting him as more beast than man in his relentless pursuit. This man would travel 150 miles just to capture Christians and drag them bound to Jerusalem. By modern standards, he would be classified as nothing less than a religious terrorist.
Yet God's grace reaches even the most unlikely candidates. On that dusty road, the resurrected Jesus intercepted Saul with a blinding light and a probing question: "Why are you persecuting me?" This divine encounter illustrates four essential elements of genuine conversion: revelation of Christ's resurrection, repentance from sin, spiritual resurrection from death to life, and visible results that evidence an inward transformation.
The story challenges us to move beyond mere religious observation. "Being a fan of Christ, sitting in the stands watching from a distance can be fascinating, but that will not save a person." True Christianity isn't about moral improvement or religious performance—it's about moving from spiritual death to life through a personal encounter with the risen Jesus.
Whether you're encountering Christianity for the first time or have attended church for decades without experiencing genuine conversion, Paul's story offers hope that no one is beyond God's redemptive reach. The invitation stands open: come to Jesus and experience the same transforming grace that turned history's most notorious Christian-hunter into its most passionate apostle.
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Acts 8:26-40
A seemingly random detour forever changed the course of Christianity's spread into Africa. When Philip was divinely redirected from a thriving revival in Samaria to a deserted road, he couldn't have imagined the eternal significance of this one-on-one encounter with an Ethiopian court official.
The Ethiopian eunuch represents the extraordinary lengths some will go in searching for God. Having traveled approximately 1,500 miles by chariot to worship in Jerusalem—a journey consuming months of his life—he was returning home still spiritually hungry, reading from Isaiah's prophecies but unable to understand their meaning. Despite his wealth, power, and religious dedication, something was missing.
What unfolds is a master class in divine orchestration. Philip finds the eunuch reading precisely the passage that prophesies about Jesus' sacrificial death. When Philip explains how Jesus fulfills Isaiah's prophecy, the Ethiopian immediately responds with faith and requests baptism—a particularly meaningful moment considering that as a eunuch, he had been excluded from full participation in Jewish worship under Old Testament law.
This narrative powerfully illustrates how God values individual souls. He redirected Philip from mass conversions to focus on one searching person, demonstrating that in God's economy, the one is worth pursuing with the same passion as the multitude. The text simply states that after his baptism, the Ethiopian "went on his way rejoicing"—he had finally found what he was looking for.
The implications are profound for today's believers. Your willingness to follow God's prompting, even when it seems illogical, might be the divine appointment someone has been praying for. You don't need theological credentials like the apostles—Philip was "just" a deacon who was faithful with what God had given him. Most historians believe this Ethiopian became Christianity's first African convert, potentially carrying the gospel to what was then considered "the ends of the earth."
Who is the "Ethiopian eunuch" in your life? One conversation could change not just a life, but potentially reach the nations.
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What happens when a church truly engages with its city? In this thought-provoking message, we explore how authentic faith creates tangible community transformation.
Acts 8 shows us the early church's expansion into Samaria, resulting in "much joy in that city." This wasn't just joy among converts but throughout the entire community. We discover three key principles that make this possible: proclaiming the gospel without prejudice, accompanying the Word with meaningful deeds, and understanding that only transformed people--by God's grace--can transform cities.
The contrast between Philip and Simon the magician reveals everything about motivation. Philip performed miracles to direct people to Christ, while Simon sought spiritual power for self-glorification—a temptation we all face when serving others. Even Simon's apparent conversion (belief and baptism) wasn't genuine transformation.
When we become authentic followers who preach the word, serve others compassionately without prejudice, and experience genuine heart transformation, we become catalysts for community change.
Are you bringing joy, peace and unity to your city? We cannot give others what we don't possess ourselves. Let's pursue authentic transformation through Jesus so that we can point others towards Him.
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What does a REAL follower of Jesus look like? In this powerful examination of the first Christian martyr, we discover how Stephen's story provides an extraordinary model for authentic discipleship today.
Stephen emerges from the pages of Acts as a man whose life was marked by Christ-like character. Described as "full of grace and power," he embodied the perfect balance that Jesus himself displayed—standing firmly for truth while extending remarkable grace to others. While many Christians today might emphasize spiritual gifts and experiences, Stephen reminds us that the power of God means little without the character of God being formed in our lives.
When confronted with opposition, Stephen didn't retreat or soften his message. Instead, he delivered a masterful defense of the faith, demonstrating deep knowledge of Scripture and redemptive history. His approach challenges us in an age where many believers struggle to articulate why they believe what they believe. As the religious leaders resorted to false accusations and character assassination, Stephen remained calm and composed—even his enemies noted that his face shone "like the face of an angel."
Most powerful is Stephen's Christ-like response in his final moments. As stones rained down upon him, he prayed for his killers' forgiveness and saw Jesus standing—not seated—at God's right hand, ready to welcome His faithful servant home. Though Stephen lost his earthly life, his testimony planted seeds in the heart of a young man named Saul, who would later become the apostle Paul.
This remarkable account forces us to confront a sobering question: What are we willing to lose for Christ? Are we prepared to sacrifice reputation, comfort, relationships, or even our lives for the sake of following Jesus? Stephen's example reminds us that real discipleship isn't measured by what we gain in this world, but by what we're willing to surrender for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
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The local church works best when each member uses their gifts for the glory of God and the good of others. When people aren't playing their part in the church, something will inevitably fall through the cracks.
• Growth often exposes areas of our church that need attention
• Challenges should be viewed as opportunities to strengthen our community and service
• The apostles prioritized prayer and preaching while delegating other important tasks
• Leadership isn't about doing all the work but equipping others to serve effectively
• Everyone has a gift to use, though not everyone is called to preach
• When people do their jobs faithfully, the Word of God increases and disciples multiply
• No job is too little - each role carries eternal significance
• The church is not a spectator sport but a place where everyone participates
If you're not currently serving, we have a place for you!
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What happens when doing exactly what Jesus commanded leads to beatings, imprisonment, and threats to your life? In Acts 5:17-42, we discover the apostles experiencing precisely this scenario—faithfully preaching the gospel, experiencing miraculous success, and then facing brutal opposition from jealous religious authorities.
The high priest and Sadducees arrest the apostles out of jealousy, but God miraculously frees them through an angel. Instead of hiding, they immediately return to the temple to continue teaching. When arrested again and reminded they were forbidden to preach about Jesus, Peter boldly declares, "We must obey God rather than men." This fearless response nearly gets them killed until Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, intervenes with wise counsel: "If this plan is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them."
Even after being beaten and warned again, the apostles leave "rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name." Their response challenges our expectations of the Christian life. Contrary to popular teaching, faithfulness doesn't guarantee comfort—it often invites opposition. As Paul wrote, "All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."
This passage offers profound insights on responding to persecution: maintain unwavering faithfulness, love your enemies rather than retaliating, and recognize the powerful outcomes of persecution—an unstoppable church, unexpected joy, evangelistic impact, and eternal glory. As Paul describes it, our "light momentary affliction" is preparing for us "an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."
Are you prepared for opposition? Have you embraced Jesus' call to take up your cross? True discipleship means counting Christ as infinitely greater than anything we might surrender—even our comfort, reputation, or life itself.
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God protects the church's purity through judgment on Ananias and Sapphira's hypocrisy while highlighting Barnabas as a model of genuine generosity. The early church demonstrates remarkable unity and authenticity that we're called to emulate today.
• The early church was at its purest form in Acts 1-4, with believers having "one heart and soul"
• Radical generosity flowed from treasuring Christ above possessions and seeing fellow believers as family
• Barnabas exemplifies genuine faith by selling property and giving all proceeds to support the community
• Ananias and Sapphira wanted "maximum glory with minimum sacrifice" through their deceptive giving
• Their sin wasn't keeping some money but pretending to be more generous than they were
• God's judgment wasn't just about two individuals but protecting the entire believing community
• Hypocrisy damages not just individuals but brings down families, coworkers, and seekers
• The church should be a place of transparency where people can be real while growing in holiness
• Modern believers face the same temptation to appear more spiritual than we truly are
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Dive into the transformative experiences of Peter and John as they face the challenges of sharing the gospel in the book of Acts. This sermon sheds light on the intrinsic fears many of us carry when it comes to evangelism, emphasizing that we are not alone in our hesitations and struggles. We explore the boldness these apostles exhibited when confronted with authority and how their reliance on the Holy Spirit enabled them to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ despite the risk of persecution.
Throughout the message Pastor Chris highlights key points about the necessity of overcoming our fears, the significance of prayer, and the crucial role of community in sharing the gospel. Peter and John’s story serves as a call to action for all believers to step up, trust in God, and step out in faith, even when facing the unknown. You'll be inspired to--not only share your faith-- but also reach out for support as we collectively navigate the challenges of contemporary evangelism.
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Learn about the universal call to ministry that beckons every believer, challenging us to embody both the internal and external aspects of this sacred duty. Through the lens of Acts 3, Pastor Chris delves into the role of spiritual gifts, encouragement, and generosity in building a thriving church community. But the mission doesn't stop within the church walls; hear how each believer is called to reach out to those distant from God, empowered by the Holy Spirit to witness and share the gospel with fervor and authenticity.
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What does it truly mean to be Spirit-filled, both as an individual and as a church community? Join us as we unpack the core aspects of a Spirit-led life, drawing wisdom from Acts 2:42 and diving into the spiritual disciplines that empowered the early church. We share firsthand experiences of overcoming service challenges, proving that nothing can derail genuine worship when guided by the Spirit. As part of the Assemblies of God, we stand firm in our belief in the continuing gifts of the Holy Spirit and underscore the shared responsibility of the church and its members to nurture new believers towards maturity in their faith journey.
Standing firm amidst cultural currents, we explore the unwavering truth of God's Word, likening it to the nourishment of "spiritual broccoli"—not always palatable but essential for growth. The conversation goes beyond hearing the Word, urging the importance of actively doing it, and highlights the vital role of "koinonia" in fostering a vibrant, unified Christian community. This episode invites both personal and collective reflection, urging us to question whether our lives and our church truly mirror the principles of a Spirit-filled fellowship.
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This episode delves into what it means to be led by the Spirit, illustrated through the life of Jesus in Luke 4. We discuss the significance of following His example and the power of announcing the good news of the Gospel, even when faced with challenges and persecution.
• Exploring the parallels between baking macarons and life's spiritual journey
• Understanding the importance of precise guidance when following the Spirit
• Jesus' mission as proclaimed in Isaiah and its relevance today
• The opposition faced by Jesus and what it teaches us about sharing faith
• Remaining steadfast amid trials through the empowerment of the Spirit
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Discover the transformative power of unity in diversity as we explore the apostles' journey after Jesus' ascension. Through breathtaking events such as the Pentecost, we unravel how the apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, captivated a diverse crowd with their miraculous ability to speak in various tongues. This episode offers a promise of insight into how this divine experience challenged skepticism and strengthened the early church's resolve to embrace unity without erasing cultural identities.
Learn why gathering as a church community holds profound importance in our faith journeys, challenging the modern trend of practicing faith in isolation. Reflecting on Acts 2:42 and other scriptures, we emphasize the necessity of fellowship and worship within the Christian community. This is a call to move beyond past betrayals and focus on the collective rewards of unity and prayer, just as the early disciples did in the shadow of Judas Iscariot's actions. We'll also delve into the role of spiritual gifts like tongues, exploring their potential to foster unity and glorify God when practiced with sensitivity and understanding.
Tune in to uncover how aligning our hearts with Christ fosters genuine harmony among believers. Like pianos tuned to the same tuning fork, we're reminded that true unity arises not by focusing on each other but by each person turning towards Christ. We address internal church challenges, such as unresolved conflicts and gossip, and offer practical insights on navigating these issues. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to seek higher standards in our spiritual lives, ensuring that in serving Him, unity naturally follows.
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In this message, Pastor Ron Hamm delves into the significance of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, as articulated by Peter, emphasizing the core message of repentance and the blessings of salvation. Listeners are inspired to embrace their role in sharing the Gospel while understanding the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
• The importance of Peter’s eyewitness accounts
• The foundational truths about Jesus as Lord and Savior
• True repentance as a transformative decision
• The blessings of forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, and eternal life
• The call to actively share one’s faith and witness for Christ
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Join us on an eye-opening exploration of the Book of Acts, where the foundations of the early church come into sharp focus, challenging us to consider how today's church measures up. Inspired by Acts 1:1-11, we kick off a year-long journey, questioning whether our contemporary practices would be recognizable to early believers. As we navigate the societal challenges facing modern Christianity, this sermon calls for alignment with the mission and spirit of the early church, advocating for discernment in the face of perceived antagonism.
Experience the Book of Acts through a new lens as we highlight the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, which could more aptly be titled "The Acts of the Holy Spirit." Reflect on the apostles' remarkable transformation, from their initial hesitance in the Roman Empire to becoming bold heralds of the Gospel.
Pastor Chris challenges preconceived notions surrounding Pentecostal experiences, advocating for a universal embrace of the Holy Spirit's power across all denominations. By sharing insights from influential figures like John Wesley and John Piper, he highlight the significance of genuine spiritual encounters that transcend traditional boundaries. This sermon encourages you to seek the Holy Spirit's influence in everyday life, with the aim of making Jesus known amongst the nations.
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Discover the divine design of marriage as this sermon explores its meaning according to Ephesians 5. Listeners learn about the ministries of husbands and wives, the importance of mutual respect and love, and how marriage can serve a greater spiritual purpose.
• Marriage is a divine institution established by God
• Emphasis on the need for marriage to thrive, not just survive
• Viewing marriage as a ministry shared by both partners
• The wife's role: humble submission and respect
• The husband's role: servant leadership and sacrificial love
• Marriage should reflect the love between Christ and the church
• Pastor Chris's personal testimony offer hope for struggling marriages
• Encouragement to seek God's guidance in fostering a joyful marriage
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In this message, Pastor Chris explores the profound significance of the shepherds’ encounter with Jesus, and how this highlights a powerful truth: acknowledging Christ involves more than just mental acceptance—it's about obedience and transformation. The angelic proclamation declared Jesus as Savior, Christ, and Lord, reminding us of His divine mission to save humanity. We delve into what it means to recognize His lordship and how this acknowledgment calls for a life reflecting His teachings and love.
Finally, we contemplate how God shows up to unexpected people, at unexpected times, in unexpected places. We hope that you have encountered the Christ of Christmas!
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Discover the profound joy that transcends life's challenges as we explore Mary's Magnificat in Luke, chapter 1. What if joy isn't just a fleeting emotion but a steadfast contentment rooted in the truth and beauty of Jesus Christ? This sermon unravels the layers of Advent joy, showing how it coexists with lament and finds its ultimate expression in worship and song. Through Mary's experience, we see how biblical joy persists even amid societal judgment and personal uncertainty, offering deep satisfaction that flows into our everyday lives.
Allow this sermon to guide you toward embracing the peace, grace, and hope that a relationship with Jesus brings, yielding to faith and witnessing the positive changes it can inspire.
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Discover the profound promise of peace that transcends life's chaos and personal struggles. Journey with us as we explore the biblical prophecy from Isaiah 9:1-7, promising eternal peace through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. As the holiday season approaches with its whirlwind of demands, find reassurance in knowing that the peace offered by Jesus is not fleeting or conditional but a deep, lasting shalom that brings wholeness to body, soul, and spirit.
Travel back to the Garden of Eden with us to understand the origins of peace and its loss due to sin. Through the teachings of John 14:27 and Isaiah 9, we dive into the promise of divine peace that Jesus left with his followers, a peace that stands firm against the shifting tides of worldly conditions. As we contrast the temporary peace of this world with the enduring peace found in Christ, we look forward to the promise of perfect peace in the future as envisioned in Revelation, offering hope for what is to come.
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As the world is often swept away by the alluring yet fleeting hopes of the holidays, Pastor Chris reminds us of the REAL hope of Christmas. We invite you to discover a hope that never disappoints—one rooted in the promises of Christ and His transformative power.
In this Advent Message, we look back to the first Advent, when Hope took on flesh. We then look ahead to our future hope in Christ--our glorification and New Creation.
We hope you are encouraged and challenged by this message! Thanks so much for listening.
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What if worshiping the wrong things could lead to your downfall? Join Pastor Chris on a thought-provoking exploration of Isaiah 40:12-20, where he confronts the modern-day idols of money, sex, power, and others that often enslave us. This episode of our mini-series "Behold Our God" promises not just an analysis of ancient texts but a reflection on their implications for our lives today. Journey back to Isaiah's time as we examine his prophetic messages intended for exiles and discover how they offer comfort and hope to those feeling captive by the idols of the modern world.
Brace yourself for an awe-inspiring revelation of God's omnipotence and omniscience. We'll compare the vastness of the universe to the span of a human hand, illustrating the unparalleled greatness of our Creator. Isaiah's vivid imagery encourages us to shift our focus away from the trivialities of life’s challenges and marvel at the boundless power and understanding of God. This reflection aims to reassure and inspire wonder among listeners as we ponder the grand scale of divine sovereignty.
In a call to genuine worship, we delve into the futility of idol worship and the importance of heartfelt devotion to God. Isaiah 40 challenges believers to identify and abandon idols, turning instead to the transformative power of faith in God. True satisfaction, joy, and peace are within reach through sincere worship and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Listen as we invite you to experience a deeper connection with God, one that transcends mere ritual and embraces authentic devotion.
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What happens when life's challenges are met with unwavering faith and a commitment to gratitude? This sermon promises a journey into resilience and appreciation with a veteran pastor who has been devoted to his spiritual path since 1952. Through his poignant stories, we're offered a window into a life balanced by the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount and the transformative choice of maintaining control over one's attitude amidst adversity. Explore how the principle of "turning the other cheek" has been a beacon for him, guiding his leadership and providing strength during personal loss and the challenges of pastoral life.
Mr. Buskey dives into the power of gratitude and the choice to not be victims of circumstance. Inspired by a story of a commuter's daily encounter with a grumpy vendor, we discuss how positivity can steer us away from negativities. Through the impactful lives of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. we see how attitude shapes destiny. Anchored in Romans 8:28 and the inspiring life of hymn writer Fanny Crosby, this episode reveals how faith allows one to find gratitude in every situation, transforming life's lows into moments of profound growth and joy.
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Is your perception of God lifting you up or holding you back? Discover the profound impact that a high view of God can have on your life, offering peace and hope amidst today's challenges. Join us as we challenge the popular Western notion of a passive, culturally accommodating deity. Drawing from Isaiah 40:1-11, Pastor Chris highlights the awe-inspiring majesty, power, and sovereignty of God, urging a return to scripture-centered teachings that elevate worship above mere entertainment. A deeper commitment to holiness and fervent prayer awaits those who embrace this transformative perspective.
Journey with us through the prophecy of Isaiah and its ageless wisdom. In this message, Pastor Chris unveils the incredible promise of deliverance for Israel from Babylonian captivity, a testament to God's unmatched power and enduring word. Marvel at the imagery of preparing the way for the Lord, reflecting on the transient nature of human empires compared to the eternal kingdom of God.
Behold our God!
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Discover the transformative power of self-control as Pastor Chris unpacks its profound impact on every facet of life, from relationships and health to spiritual growth. Imagine harnessing the discipline of an athlete to pursue not just victory in life’s races but the ultimate prize of eternal life. We'll navigate through the rich tapestry of history and scripture, drawing insights from the Apostle Paul’s athletic metaphors and Jesus' example of prioritizing spiritual nourishment over worldly desires.
Journey with us through ancient Greece and the famous Panhellenic Games, where athletes trained rigorously for perishable rewards. We’ll explore how these historical events serve as a powerful metaphor for the Christian pursuit of eternal treasures. In today's world, marked by financial challenges and endless distractions, Pastor Chris discusses the critical role of financial discipline and spiritual practices in cultivating a life centered on Christ. Drawing parallels with modern sports, we emphasize aligning our daily actions with long-term spiritual goals.
Addressing the battle for self-control, we delve into the importance of spiritual disciplines like prayer, scripture reading, and community to strengthen our spiritual resolve. We challenge the misconception that "little sins" can be overlooked and highlight how they can lead to greater consequences if left unchecked. The episode culminates in a call to prioritize Christ over all worldly desires, inviting listeners to realign their hearts and seek fulfillment through a committed, disciplined life in the Spirit. Embrace this journey with us, as we learn to choose Jesus above all and live out the fruits of the Spirit.
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Ever faced off against a rooster in your own backyard and realized it's time to reevaluate your approach to life? That's exactly how an unexpected encounter led Pastor Ben to explore the profound virtue of gentleness. Inspired by Jesus' teachings in Matthew 11:29, we examine how embodying gentleness can transform personal struggles into avenues for growth, even when it involves a comical showdown with a neighbor's feisty bird.
Through this sermon, you will learn how Jesus’ gentleness often defied societal expectations. By prioritizing mercy and goodness over rigid rules, as seen in his dealings with the Pharisees and his healing miracles, Jesus built a legacy not of force, but of compassion and humility. Pastor poses a bold challenge: How can we align our lives with such a mission, choosing gentleness over aggression, and selflessness over personal comfort?
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What if your devotion to a sports team could teach you about spiritual commitment? Join us for an enlightening conversation where we make surprising connections between the loyalty of Kentucky Wildcats fans and the deeper, spiritual faithfulness Christians are called to embody. We start with Peter's denial of Jesus from the gospel of Luke, transitioning into an exploration of the fruit of the Spirit with a spotlight on faithfulness. You'll discover how our allegiance to God transcends any worldly ties and how understanding His unwavering loyalty to us can strengthen our own spiritual journey.
Maintaining faithfulness in the face of life's challenges isn't easy, and we're tackling this head-on by examining the tactics of doubt the devil uses against us, from Adam and Eve's fall to the trials of modern believers. Yet, this discussion is not without hope. We underscore God's promise to guide us through temptation and celebrate Jesus as our advocate, whose prayers equip us to stay steadfast. Our conversation dives deep into how genuine faithfulness to Jesus is mirrored in how we treat others, building robust communities of support that help us withstand adversity.
To wrap up, we highlight the incredible story of George C. Bolt, a true testament to the rewards of dedication. His journey from hotel manager to managing the Waldorf Astoria serves as an inspiring example of how faithfulness in everyday actions can lead to extraordinary opportunities. We explore how faithfulness permeates all aspects of life, from marriage, as depicted in Ephesians, to the workplace. This episode is a rallying call to keep our eyes on Jesus and remain committed, trusting that our faithfulness will yield rewards beyond our expectations.
We are currently recording season four of the Real Friends Podcast. To listen to previous episodes, go to myrealchurch.org or find us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
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What truly defines goodness, and how can we align our lives with this profound concept? Explore the intersection of biblical teachings and ancient philosophies as we promise to unravel the essence of goodness from both scriptural and philosophical perspectives. We start with the virtues of love, joy, and peace as presented in Galatians, emphasizing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, before examining Jesus' challenging encounter with the wealthy ruler in Luke 18. From the insights of thinkers like Plato and Confucius to the varied interpretations within modern Christian culture, this episode offers a rich tapestry of ideas that challenge us to reflect deeply on how we embody goodness in our lives.
Journey with us as we unearth the biblical standard of goodness through the lens of Jesus' interaction with the rich man, highlighting the necessity of a heart aligned with God’s commandments over mere actions. We confront the inherent human struggle to meet divine standards, advocating for a transformed heart that relies on Christ’s sacrifice. By drawing parallels with literature like "Lord of the Flies," we underscore that true goodness is less about self-improvement and more about redemption. Discover practical ways to walk in goodness by evaluating our thoughts and actions against God's standards and leaning on the Holy Spirit for strength.
We are currently recording season four of the Real Friends Podcast. To listen to previous episodes, go to myrealchurch.org or find us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
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Can kindness truly transform lives in a world where it's becoming increasingly rare? Join us as we unpack this profound question with Pastor Chris May from Real Life Community Church. Discover the inherent power believers possess through the fruit of the Spirit, including kindness, and how yielding to Christ can guide us to walk by the Spirit. Through stories like high school students gifting a Jeep to their custodian, we'll explore how genuine kindness has the potential to make significant impacts and reflect God's common grace.
Pastor Chris challenges us to understand the essence of true kindness from a Christian perspective, differentiating it from its counterfeit forms such as manipulation or self-glory. With inspiring tales of bravery and compassion, like Sir Nicholas Winton's heroic efforts during World War II, we are called to embody kindness consistently, even towards those who oppose us. Listen in as we celebrate historical figures like Polycarp, who demonstrated the radical nature of kindness by showing love to his captors, and learn how these acts reflect the intrinsic value of glorifying God.
Moving beyond the surface, we emphasize the importance of loving our enemies, echoing Christ's kindness as highlighted in Ephesians 2:7. Pastor Chris shares anecdotes that illustrate the transformative power of kind words and actions, like a teacher's encouragement that changed a student's life. This episode invites you to reflect on how the legacy of kindness in figures like Polycarp and the everyday actions of communities can lead others toward the kindness of God, and how you, too, can be part of this meaningful journey.
We are currently recording season four of the Real Friends Podcast. To listen to previous episodes, go to myrealchurch.org or find us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
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How do we cultivate patience in a world that constantly challenges our ability to stay calm? Join us for a compelling conversation with Pastor Chris May from Real Life Community Church as he unpacks the profound message of the fruit of the Spirit, focusing on patience. Drawing wisdom from Galatians 5:22 and Colossians 3, Pastor Chris reminds us that as believers, the Spirit’s fruit is already within us. The real task lies in walking by the Spirit and nurturing virtues such as kindness, humility, and forgiveness in our daily lives. Through relatable anecdotes and scriptural insights, Pastor Chris helps us understand how to embody these attributes effectively.
Fostering patience in a culturally diverse church community can be complex, but Pastor Chris sheds light on navigating these challenges. He draws parallels between the early church's struggles and today's modern-day diversity, explaining how different backgrounds and social classes contribute to varying convictions. Despite these differences, embracing and celebrating our unique cultural distinctions while maintaining unity in Christ remains crucial. Pastor Chris emphasizes the importance of patience, forgiveness, and open communication as essential tools for building a harmonious and unified church community.
Forgiveness and reconciliation are central themes in our discussion, as Pastor Chris underscores the need for active efforts to heal relationships. Forgiveness involves more than just avoiding grudges; it requires us to confront issues openly and work towards genuine reconciliation, mirroring the forgiveness God extends to us. Using the metaphor of "wearing appropriate clothing," Pastor Chris calls on us to embody a Christ-like identity, throwing off old habits and embracing spiritual renewal. Listen in to discover how these values can transform your daily life and help build a genuine, unhindered worship community.
We are currently recording season four of the Real Friends Podcast. To listen to previous episodes, go to myrealchurch.org or find us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
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What if joy isn’t just a fleeting emotion but a commandment for every believer? Join us as we uncover the profound significance of joy in our ten-week series on the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5. We start with scripture readings from Galatians 5:22 and Luke 10, highlighting the incredible mission of the 72 disciples and their joyous return. Joy, much like love and self-control, stands as an essential virtue for Christians, woven into the fabric of our faith by biblical teachings.
We are currently recording season four of the Real Friends Podcast. To listen to previous episodes, go to myrealchurch.org or find us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
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Can love really transform a community and change lives? Tune in to this deeply insightful episode with Pastor Chris May of Real Life Community Church, as we dissect the true essence of Christian love and its critical importance in our faith. Drawing from the often-misunderstood 1 Corinthians 13, Pastor Chris reveals how Paul's stern message to the Corinthians serves as a wake-up call for us all—without genuine love, our spiritual gifts and charitable acts hold no real value.
Journey with us as we explore the attributes of authentic Christian love, extending beyond mere words to actions rooted in kindness, humility, and selflessness. Pastor Chris tackles the issues of envy, boasting, and arrogance that once plagued the Corinthian church, urging us to reflect on our own attitudes towards others, especially the less fortunate. By embodying virtues like patience and faithfulness, we challenge ourselves to align more closely with the example set by Christ.
In a heartwarming conclusion, Pastor Chris shares a touching story of a young boy in Chicago who walked miles through the snow to attend a church where he felt truly loved. This compelling narrative underscores the transformative power of genuine love within a church community. Inspired by the teachings of Kerry Newhoff, we explore how embodying Christ's love can draw people to the church and foster a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. Join us for this thought-provoking episode and discover practical steps to grow in authentic love, making a real impact in your community.
We are currently recording season four of the Real Friends Podcast. To listen to previous episodes, go to myrealchurch.org or find us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
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What if the essence of Christian transformation is more profound than just changing behavior? In this message, Pastor Chris May uncovers the true nature of becoming a new creation in Christ; he provides deep insights into Galatians 5:16-25, delineating the stark contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Through a heartfelt discussion, he reveals the internal, inevitable, incremental, and inseparable aspects of true Christian change, emphasizing that our outward actions should mirror the internal transformation guided by the Holy Spirit.
We are currently recording season four of the Real Friends Podcast. To listen to previous episodes, go to myrealchurch.org or find us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
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Why was it better for the disciples that Jesus "go away?" Join Pastor Chris May as he unpacks the transformative power of the Holy Spirit from John 16:5-15. Discover how the Holy Spirit equips us today in ways the disciples could only dream of, allowing believers to experience faith and joy beyond physical sight, as affirmed in 1 Peter 1:8. Understand how this divine guidance isn't just supplementary but essential for a deep, abiding relationship with Christ.
Are you tired of the empty promises of health and wealth offered by the prosperity gospel? Pastor Chris offers a candid comparison, highlighting the true essence of Christianity which calls for sacrifice, obedience, and the carrying of one's cross. Dive into the essential role of the Holy Spirit in convicting individuals of their sins and leading them to genuine acceptance of the gospel. This discussion challenges listeners to seek a transformative journey rather than superficial gains, emphasizing the necessity of the Holy Spirit's intervention.
Lastly, hear the inspiring testimony of Corey, a former atheist whose life was transformed by faith. Witness how his newfound belief and public proclamation of Jesus Christ illustrate the profound impact of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Chris underscores that, with the Holy Spirit's guidance, we are more equipped to live the Christian life today than the original disciples. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to deepen your relationship with Jesus and explore how the Holy Spirit can lead you in truth and conviction. Don't miss this opportunity to enrich your spiritual life and join our community at Real Life Community Church.
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What if Christians are called not just to reach heaven but to bring heaven to earth? Join Pastor Chris May as he unravels this transformative idea, drawing from Jesus’ profound teachings in John 15. We explore the mission of believers to abide in Christ, bear spiritual fruit, and navigate the inevitable challenges that come with following Him. Inspired by Acts 17, Pastor Chris passionately discusses the apostles' mission to turn the world upside down with God's spirit, urging us to avoid the 'escapist mentality' and embrace our role in transforming the culture around us.
Together, we examine the power of unity and sacrificial love in changing the world. Pastor Chris shares how collective actions among believers mirror heaven's perfect unity and serve as a powerful testament to Jesus' ministry. Through historical examples, such as Christians caring for the sick during epidemics, we see the profound impact of sacrificial love. The necessity of speaking truth and proclaiming the gospel is emphasized, underscoring our vocation to bear God's image and share His message with the world.
Finally, we tackle the pressing implications of hyper-progressive ideologies on identity and faith, particularly within the LGBTQ community and concerning children. Pastor Chris addresses the challenges posed by gender fluidity and the misuse of prosperity gospel teachings, advocating for genuine, faith-based prayer rooted in Jesus' teachings. We conclude with a powerful call to spiritual action and commitment, inviting listeners to embrace daily prayer and participate in community prayer meetings. Tune in for a compelling discussion that not only challenges but also inspires you to live out God’s kingdom today.
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Can you imagine navigating a world where your faith is increasingly met with hostility? Join us as we explore the challenges Christians face today, guided by Pastor Chris May, who unpacks John 15 to illustrate how societal attitudes have shifted from acceptance to skepticism. We'll discuss how this change impacts various aspects of life such as employment and social standing, all while emphasizing the importance of remaining connected to Jesus, the true vine, and bearing spiritual fruit despite these hurdles.
Why does the world oppose the followers of Jesus? We'll delve into John 15:18, discussing the notion that the world will hate Christians just as it hated Christ. Pastor Chris and our guest, Jordan Peterson, shed light on the role of Satan as the "god of this world" and how his influence drives the resistance against Jesus' lordship. Through historical and contemporary examples, we reveal the underlying reasons behind this opposition and illustrate how acknowledging Jesus as Lord challenges established authorities and personal self-rule.
There's a profound blessing in facing persecution for your faith. In a passionate conversation with Jordan Peterson, we highlight how persecution can signify a godly life, separating nominal Christians from true believers. Drawing from 2nd Timothy 3:12 and Matthew 13, we reflect on the honor of suffering for Jesus and how such trials can spread the gospel. We also take a moment to remember those enduring severe persecution in countries like Nigeria and North Korea, urging our listeners to pray for their steadfast brothers and sisters. Join us at Real Life Community Church in Richmond, Kentucky, as we navigate these critical issues together, encouraging self-examination, repentance, and unwavering faith.
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Have you ever wondered what truly makes a friendship life-changing? Join Pastor Chris May in our latest episode as we uncover the extraordinary power of genuine friendships, both human and divine. Through the lens of John 15:12-17, Pastor May highlights Jesus' command to love one another and the ultimate sacrifice of laying down one's life for friends. We also look at timeless biblical friendships like Elijah and Elisha, as well as David and Jonathan, and delve into modern scientific findings by Dan Buettner that underline the crucial role of deep, meaningful friendships in enhancing our longevity and health.
Moving beyond earthly bonds, Pastor May takes us on a journey to explore the profound and transformative nature of our friendship with Jesus. In a world where friendships are often trivialized by social media, we are reminded that Jesus offers a connection that is both deeply intimate and reverent. Through historical contexts and scriptural insights, discover how Jesus invites us into a candid and committed friendship, sharing intimate truths and guiding us toward a sincere and respectful relationship with Him.
Finally, we tackle the spiritual challenges that test our friendship with Jesus, contrasting the devil's accusations with Jesus' unwavering advocacy for believers. Pastor May emphasizes the importance of obedience and trust in maintaining this divine friendship, supported by key biblical passages. Reflect on how genuine love for fellow Christians signifies our true discipleship and find inspiration in the powerful analogy of a monster's quest for friendship, revealing that true healing and joy come from a relationship with Jesus Christ. Tune in for an enriching episode and consider connecting with the community at Real Life Community Church for further spiritual growth and fellowship.
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What if your life's greatest achievements still left you feeling empty? Join us as Pastor Chris May reflects on John 15:1-11, revealing profound insights on living a purpose-driven life. Through personal anecdotes from his ten years in ministry and the inspiring story of former atheist Jim Tickner, Pastor Chris explores the universal quest for meaning and how true fulfillment is only found by abiding in Jesus.
We continue by tracing the grand biblical narrative, starting from the world's descent into chaos to God's covenant with Abraham, and how Jesus Christ fulfilled what Israel could not as the true vine. Pastor Chris explains how, empowered by the Holy Spirit, Jesus' disciples are called to bear spiritual fruit and continue His work, even doing greater deeds in His physical absence. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that our spiritual transformation begins and ends with Christ's life flowing through us.
In the final chapters, we focus on the importance of bearing spiritual fruit through acts of service, faith, and daily communion with Christ. From sharing the gospel to meeting practical needs, Pastor Chris underscores the eternal significance of our deeds and challenges us to prioritize others' needs over earthly pursuits. Whether you're working or retired, this episode is a call to examine your daily life for eternal significance, encouraging a life that glorifies God by embodying a healing presence in the world. Join us and find true purpose and joy in living for His glory.
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Does true love mean always being nice, or does it sometimes require tough conversations? Join us as we navigate the nuanced teachings of 1 John 2:7-15, where the Apostle John speaks on the old and new commandment of love. Through a heartfelt story about my grandmother's tough love, we explore the complex relationship between sinless and sinful love, and what it means for Christians to walk in the light. This episode sheds light on how genuine love can sometimes involve challenging truths and the importance of maintaining sincere, godly love over worldly attachments.
We further delve into the nature of sinful love and the implications of loving others as we love ourselves, even when it involves difficult conversations guided by the Holy Spirit. Reflecting on John’s poetic verses, we discuss our identity in Christ, forgiveness, strength, and victory over evil. Emphasizing the demands of Christ's love, we explore the responsibility to express love through the gospel and the importance of self-reflection in faith. Whether you're new to faith or a seasoned believer, this episode offers a prayerful reflection on aligning our love with God's will and seeking His guidance and blessings.
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Ever wondered how a seemingly small academic conflict could redirect an entire spiritual journey? This episode welcomes our esteemed guest, Brock Rupeson, who humorously recounts his unexpected shift from preaching on 1 John to delving into the weighty messages of Ezekiel. With heartfelt gratitude and a sprinkle of humor, Brock shares his reflections, making this profound sermon both engaging and relatable.
Brock takes us through his decade-long pursuit of a Master of Divinity, shedding light on a pivotal academic moment that led him to focus on Ezekiel 28. Unraveling the complexities of this passage, Brock explores its historical and theological context, including the intriguing question of whether it alludes to the fall of Satan. His insightful analysis enriches our understanding of the broader implications within the New Testament, providing a meaningful and thought-provoking examination of pride and downfall.
The episode culminates in a reflection on humility and spiritual growth. Brock connects the lamentation over the King of Tyre to the parable of the soils and the importance of community and fellowship. He emphasizes the dangers of pride and the necessity of unity in our faith journey. Ending with a heartfelt prayer, Brock invites listeners to seek deeper connections and perseverance in their spiritual lives. Join us for this enlightening and heartfelt discussion that promises to resonate deeply with all who seek to grow in faith and humility.
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Can you truly distinguish between true and false prophets? Discover how spiritual discernment can transform your faith journey in this enlightening episode of "Spiritual Discernment and God's Spirit." We start from 1 John 3:24 and delve deeply into 1 John 4, emphasizing the crucial importance of abiding in God. You'll learn how the Spirit given to us confirms this divine relationship and the profound message of 1 John 4:4: "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." Understand how this transformative power makes true believers stand apart from worldly standards.
Explore the Greek concept of "homologio," which means "to have the same words," and its implications for confessing Jesus. We shed light on the stark contrast between those filled with God's Spirit and those influenced by the spirit of the Antichrist. Our discussion references 1 John and 1 Timothy 6, offering practical guidance on spotting genuine followers of Christ through their actions and unwavering adherence to truth. We provide warnings against the deceptive influences of false teachers within the church, urging vigilance and discernment.
Finally, we address the paramount importance of following God's commandments for spiritual growth. We tackle the controversial practices in certain denominations and emphasize the necessity of maintaining biblical integrity, especially among church leaders. Drawing from 1 John, John 13:34-35, and the parable of the Good Samaritan, we highlight the essence of true Christian love—patience, kindness, and endurance. Concluding with an invitation to embrace Jesus' saving grace, we urge listeners to reflect on their capacity for genuine love and forgiveness while following leaders who remain steadfast in God's Word. Join us for this transformative exploration and renew your commitment to living in truth and love.
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When Elijah faced off against the prophets of Baal, it wasn't just a test of faith; it was an epic showdown that ended in a spiritual high unlike any other. Yet, what followed was an unexpected plunge into despair that even the strongest believers can relate to. In our latest episode, we wade through the ebbs and flows of the prophet's spiritual journey, from the pinnacle of Mount Carmel to the desolation beneath the broom tree, offering a candid look at the complexities of faith and the reality of spiritual depression.
Amidst the turbulence of Elijah's life, a serene encounter unfolds on Mount Horeb, where God's presence is revealed in a gentle whisper rather than earth-shattering events. This powerful narrative prompts us to reconsider where and how we seek divine interactions in our own lives. We share insights on the importance of Scripture as a guide to hearing God's voice and recount a personal story that exemplifies the profound and often understated ways in which the Bible offers direction and comfort.
As we mark a decade of ministry, reflection on the path we've walked brings both humility and celebration. We might not have filled arenas, but the deep, individual transformations we've witnessed are no less significant. Join us as we recount the true impact of our work—transforming lives, supporting the homeless, and spreading the message of faith. Whether you're in Richmond, Kentucky, or tuning in online, we invite you to connect with our community and share in the journey that's unfolded over the past ten years.
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As we gather around to celebrate the essence of motherhood this Mother's Day, our conversation takes a heartfelt turn, reflecting on the role of parents in fostering a legacy of faith. Today's cultural landscape, brimming with secularization, social media overreach, and wavering freedoms, sets the stage for a poignant discussion on the importance of nurturing God-fearing children. Inspired by 2 Timothy's message, we recount how the unwavering faith of Timothy's mother and grandmother lit the path for his spiritual journey, emphasizing the crucial responsibility we hold in guarding the 'good deposit' within our young ones.
Our episode is enriched by intimate tales of faith passed through the generations, drawing upon the profound influence my mother and grandmother had on my spiritual walk. As we address the scriptural mandates for fathers and debunk societal misconceptions about spiritual upbringing, we arrive at an undeniable truth: both parents are indispensable in shaping their children's faith. The conversation journeys through the impact of sincere, authentic belief—free from hypocrisy—on the formation of resilient faith in our progeny. It's a stirring reminder: the most potent testament to our faith is the life we lead before our children's watching eyes.
Finally, we traverse the complexities of selecting a church community and the unparalleled power of prayer in guiding our little ones toward a robust spiritual life. The inspiring narrative of John Newton, whose mother's persistent prayers played a pivotal role in his conversion, serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith and family prayer. Our heartfelt invitation extends to you to join us at Real Life Community Church, where together, as a community, we can support each other in the sacred mission of raising godly children amidst the tumultuous tides of today's world.
The scorching sun of Tucson, Arizona taught me a lesson about thirst that transcends the mere quest for a cold glass of water. As we unpack the message of Jesus from John 7:37-39, I invite you to quench a different kind of thirst—the kind that your soul experiences. Through candid storytelling, we explore the transformative truth that our deepest longings can't be satisfied by worldly pursuits, and how embracing what Jesus refers to as 'living water' is the key to true fulfillment.
Shifting from a sweet tea enthusiast to an unsweetened tea advocate was more than a change in dietary preference—it was a metaphor for the spiritual shift we sometimes need to make. Our conversation will take you on a journey through the temptations of seeking satisfaction in the material and the importance of desiring what is eternally nourishing. We'll reflect on the reasons we follow Jesus, challenging you to find a profound connection with God beyond the allure of material gain.
In the spirit of true transformation, we celebrate the living water that, once received, makes us vessels to carry and share the inexhaustible love of Christ. We wrap up with an invitation to carry this message forward, beyond the church walls, extending a heartfelt prayer for our congregation and those who are still searching. Join us and be inspired to not just embrace the living water for yourself, but to also become a beacon of its power to the world around you.
Discover the transformative power of joy-driven generosity in our latest session, where we dive into the teachings of 2 Corinthians chapter 9. Together with Pastor Chris May from Real Life Community Church, we unravel the misconceptions surrounding church and money, emphasizing that true blessings come from a willing and cheerful spirit of giving. This isn't a conversation about fulfilling obligations; it's an uplifting exploration of how your financial gifts can become an act of worship and a source of happiness, reflecting a heart satisfied by Jesus rather than material wealth.
Generosity in giving isn't measured by the size of the donation but by the condition of the heart. Our discussion highlights the importance of giving that is both sacrificial and joyful, aiming to empower not our bank accounts but the good works that strengthen our faith communities. We address the vital questions: How much should we give? What motivates our giving? By sharing insights from scripture, we aim to equip you with a spiritually-grounded approach to financial contributions, one that prioritizes the health of our churches and the well-being of our communities.
As we conclude, we consider the state of Christian giving in America, challenging listeners to not only examine their own giving habits but also to invest in the eternal treasures that align with a kingdom-minded approach to life. Our financial commitments are a mirror of our hearts, and this conversation is a call to nurture a deeper relationship with Christ through grace-filled generosity. Whether you're seeking to grow in faith or looking for a community of believers who value authentic generosity, join us at myrealchurch.org for resources and fellowship on this journey.
Generosity isn't just a good habit; it's a transformative force that can reshape our lives and communities. As we unpack the layered topic of generous giving, I assure you that you're in for a soul-nurturing ride that promises to deepen your understanding of true benevolence. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 9, our discussion navigates through the spiritual tapestry of giving—an act of obedience, a source of profound joy, and a testament to our faith. You'll see why, at Real Life Community Church, we're not after fame or fortune but are steadfast in our mission to be a beacon of hope for those in need.
As your pastor, I've walked the tightrope between modesty and misconceptions, and it's time to share the realities beneath the steeple. You'll hear how we champion a life of simplicity and scriptural integrity over material excess—a far cry from the private jet jokes that sometimes seep into our conversations. We'll also tackle the financial intricacies of church life, from keeping the lights on to supporting global missions. Our exploration of sowing and reaping is rooted in scripture and shuns the pitfalls of the prosperity gospel, cementing our commitment to give not for gain, but as a pure expression of our faith.
Drawing on Randy Alcorn's profound insights, we'll consider the enduring impact of our financial choices. This isn't about fleeting success but about the weight our generosity carries into eternity. Through personal stories, we'll uncover the surprising twists God's blessings can take when we offer them up with a heartfelt intention. And as we close, I invite you to lean into a deeper trust in God's provision, reminding us that everything under the heavens is His. Join us at Real Life Community Church as we continue to grow in faith and connect with a community dedicated to living generously.
Have you ever wondered about the transformative power that lies within the simple, yet profound act of confession? This week's podcast takes you on a spiritual journey, echoing King David's experiences from Psalm 32, and invites you to discover the joy and happiness that come from an honest confession. We open up about the often-neglected prayer of confession, not only seeking forgiveness but also cultivating our fellowship with God. Through heartfelt stories and reflection, we offer gratitude for the divine mercy that lifts us from the weight of guilt, while also bringing you updates on how our congregation is improving to serve you better.
Sin can be a shackle, its impact reverberating through our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We delve into the life of King David, exploring his personal battle with the consequences of unconfessed sins, and how they disrupted his communion with God. Together, we unravel the act of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, distinguishing the everlasting forgiveness we receive at salvation from the cleansing we need through ongoing repentance. It's a candid look at the paradox of a Christian life – forgiven, yet called to constantly seek God's grace.
The final act of our spiritual expedition leads us to the liberation found in the act of confession. Here, I share a personal narrative that highlights the lasting liberation and happiness that comes from opening up about past sins, and how it can inspire transformation in our lives. We then extend a heartfelt invitation for you to join us in this journey of self-examination, turning away from sin, and rediscovering the satisfaction and joy in God's salvation. Come, be part of our community at Real Life Community Church in Richmond, Kentucky, as we pursue a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with Jesus Christ.
Embark on a transformative journey through the final teachings of the Gospel of Matthew with us, as we celebrate the culmination of a three-year deep dive into its profound narratives. Envision a world where each of us takes up the mantle of the Great Commission, making disciples in all corners of the earth. Our latest podcast episode paints a vivid picture of the resurrection story and the timeless mandate Jesus gave to his disciples, inviting you to consider how this call to action is not only their legacy but ours as well. We weave together the powerful lessons of discipleship with the stirring energy typically found in commencement addresses, urging listeners to contribute their faith and insights for the greater good.
Feel the gravity of the challenges that come with being a disciple as we dissect the barriers to sharing the gospel. From a recent Facebook poll revealing common fears and feelings of inadequacy among believers, we segue into an announcement of our upcoming evangelism class designed to empower and embolden. Through personal tales of transformation, including my own journey to revitalized health, we draw parallels to the life-altering potential of the gospel message. The discussion serves as a passionate reminder that sharing our faith, much like sharing a remedy that reshapes our lives, is a responsibility we carry with joy and purpose.
As our series draws to a close, we extend a heartfelt invitation to those yet to encounter the life-changing embrace of Jesus Christ. We delve into the significance of repentance, belief, and baptism, underscoring the gospel's transformative power. Real Life Community Church opens its doors and hearts, offering a beacon for the curious to learn more about a relationship with Jesus. Join us in this eternal endeavor, as we strive to win the world for Him, one soul at a time. Your next step on this mission starts with pressing play.
Discover the undeniable historical truth of Christ's triumph over death as we meticulously analyze the scriptural accounts of the resurrection from Matthew 27:57 to 28:10. Our exploration begins with Joseph of Arimathea's devoted burial of Jesus and culminates in the awe-inspiring witness of Mary Magdalene and another Mary to the risen Lord. As skepticism and theories abound, we arm our discussion with scholarly insight, tackling common doubts head-on. With the help of a renowned theologian, we dissect the historical context, execution methods, and Gospel authenticity, building a compelling case for the resurrection's veracity.
The theological significance of Jesus's death and resurrection cannot be overstated, particularly as we address the narratives that have shaped centuries of faith. In a world where truth is often obscured, we probe the stolen body hypothesis, the role of the guards at the tomb, and the martyrdom of the disciples, bringing to light the robust evidence that supports the Easter story. We also celebrate the radical choice of women as the primary witnesses to these events, an endorsement of the Gospels' honesty in a time when female testimony was undervalued. Unpacking the multiple encounters with the resurrected Jesus, we reveal the depth and breadth of the eyewitness testimony that has not only transformed history but continues to reshape lives.
Ending on a note of inspiration, we immerse ourselves in the transformative message of hope found within the biblical texts. Personal testimonies demonstrate the life-altering power of the resurrection, and we share a beloved hymn that has touched the hearts of many, offering solace and a call to redemption. As we close, a prayer for those seeking comfort and believers in need of encouragement underscores the message of ever-present hope amid darkness. Join us on this profound journey, where faith is strengthened, doubts are challenged, and the resurrection's reality invites all to experience renewal and transformation.
Have you ever pondered the profound darkness that enshrouded the land during Jesus's final moments, or the visceral symbolism of the temple veil tearing? Our latest episode delves into these captivating events as described in Matthew 27:45, where we discuss the crucifixion of Jesus and the wondrous occurrences that followed. We grapple with the theological weight of Jesus's anguished cry to the Divine and illuminate its connection to Old Testament prophecy, inspired by insights from John Piper. Both believers and seekers alike will find profound meaning in the narrative of despair transitioning to hope, as we uncover the significance behind the miraculous events that shook the very foundations of faith and spirituality.
This poignant conversation also sheds light on the misunderstood expectations of the crowd at Calvary, awaiting Elijah's intervention, and the transformational moment of the temple veil rending, signifying unfettered access to God. We reflect upon the implications of such access, referencing the encouragement found in Hebrews 4:16. As we conclude this episode, we extend an open invitation to Real Life Community Church, where the journey of faith can continue in communion with others. Come and experience the dawning of Easter's promise, as we celebrate the grace that was made possible through the ultimate sacrifice.
Embark on a profound exploration of Jesus' unparalleled sacrifice and the revelation of His divine love, as we journey through the Gospel of Matthew and the Psalms. Reflect with us on the poignant crucifixion scene and the unwitting acknowledgment of Jesus as the King of Glory, capturing the heart of the gospel message. Discover the transformative promise of eternal life for believers, and delve into the essence of God's love as we disentangle the rich tapestry of biblical prophecies fulfilled against all odds.
In this heartfelt conversation, we consider the suffering Lamb and triumphant Lion of Judah, wrestling with the duality of Jesus' roles in the history of faith. Sharing personal testimonies, we illustrate the power of Christ's transformative love and the unwavering truth of His Messiahship. The episode contemplates the role of the repentant thief and the chief Pharisees' scorn, their testimonies underscoring the grand narrative of redemption woven throughout Scripture.
Our discussion culminates in a call to embrace the full breadth of biblical teachings, avoiding the pitfalls of cherry-picking verses. We emphasize the daily commitment to Christ and the gratitude we owe for our salvation. For those seeking a deeper connection, we extend an invitation to join our community at Real Life Community Church, where the journey of faith continues beyond the podcast. Join us for an episode that promises not just to inform, but to inspire a deeper walk with Jesus.
Have you ever stood at a crossroads, faced with a decision that could alter the course of your life? Picture Jesus before Pilate, a scene charged with tension and choices with eternal ramifications. We're peeling back the layers of this historical encounter, analyzing not only the silence of Christ but also the clamor of a crowd choosing Barabbas over innocence. Dive into the complexities of political intrigue, religious manipulation, and the inner turmoil of a Roman governor caught in the storm. Our conversation bridges the ancient narrative with today's quest for truth and meaning, guiding you through a pivotal chapter in the story of redemption.
As the echoes of that historic trial linger, the episode shifts to reveal the staggering implications of Christ's sacrifice for each of us. Imagine being Barabbas—guilty yet set free—as we unpack the depth of grace found in substitutionary atonement. This isn't just a theological concept; it's a mirror reflecting our own liberation through Jesus' ultimate act of love. We'll challenge you to rise up, embracing the freedom gifted through the cross and to pour out that same selfless love in your own life. This episode is an invitation to transformation, a call to live with purpose and passion, spurred by the life-changing truth of Easter. Join us and find out how the narrative of Jesus can rewrite the story of your life.
Have you ever confronted the shadows within, those moments of betrayal and denial that haunt our collective human experience? Our latest conversation traverses the deep valleys of Matthew chapters 26 and 27, where we uncover the stark contrast between human fragility and divine perfection. As we navigate the treacherous actions of Judas and the failures of Peter, we're reminded of our shared vulnerability to sin's pervasive grip. Yet, in the midst of these narratives, the sinless nature of Jesus emerges as a beacon, offering redemption to even the most broken among us.
The clandestine maneuvers of the religious elite, spearheaded by Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, paint a stark portrait of corruption seeking to extinguish the light of truth. Their desperate ploys to silence Jesus through a rigged trial reveal a thirst for power that blinds them to the very prophecies they claim to uphold. As we dissect their machinations, alongside Peter's heartbreaking denial, we see the prophesied Messiah standing resolute, His love unwavering even as the world around Him crumbles into chaos.
In the final act of our journey, we embrace the themes of repentance and redemption that resound through the ages. The cross stands as a testament to a grace so profound that it transforms the very nature of our existence. Through reflection and worship, we find solace in the promise of resurrection, a gift that breathes new life into our weary souls. For those burdened by the weight of past transgressions, let this episode be a sanctuary of hope, offering a path to healing and an invitation to join a community united in the pursuit of grace and truth.
Discover the secret to unwavering peace in life's darkest moments, as we take inspiration from the ultimate example of peace, Jesus Christ. Pastor Chris's latest message draws you into the narrative of Matthew 26, where Jesus' calm in the face of betrayal sets a standard for us to aspire to. We dissect his incredible composure to find out how to anchor ourselves with the same peace that transcends all understanding, promised to us in John 14:27. And in a world brimming with anxiety despite countless resources claiming to offer solace, we reveal why true tranquility is more of a spiritual conquest than a material one.
As I sat within the quiet walls of a dimly lit chapel, the weight of my own struggles began to echo the agony once felt in Gethsemane's moonlit garden. This episode invites you to walk with me through Jesus' most vulnerable hours before His crucifixion, where His dual nature—both divine and human—was stretched to unparalleled depths of suffering. We journey through this somber narrative not only as a biblical account but as a touchpoint for our own lives, understanding how Christ's ordeal underscores the very real struggles we face today. A prayer for spiritual attentiveness opens our hearts to the episode's profound reflection, encouraging a steadfast focus on faith amidst life's relentless distractions.
This conversation extends beyond theology, evolving into a personal exploration of how Jesus' unmatched act of love and obedience, despite knowing the severe pain that awaited Him, offers us a model for facing our own trials. We examine the contrast between Adam's failure and Christ's perfect love, as illuminated by Jonathan Edwards in "Christ's Agony." I share candidly about the challenges within vocational ministry, drawing parallels to the sacrifices we're called to make, inspired by the depth of Christ's love. This episode delves into the visceral humanity of Jesus' sacrifice, inviting listeners to connect their personal hardships with His enduring strength and commitment.
In our final discussion, we grapple with the perplexing issue of why a loving God permits suffering and evil. With insights from theologians who confront this age-old dilemma, we consider how Christ's own embodiment of pain offers a divine perspective that refutes the notion of God's indifference. The importance of community, prayer, and unwavering trust in God's plan is underscored, even when it defies our understanding. As we conclude, I extend an invitation to fellowship, reinforcing the podcast's message of faith and support through the trials of life. Join us for an introspective episode that seeks to fortify your soul and shine light on the comforting presence of a God who knows suffering all too well.
Have you ever felt the warmth and connection that only a shared meal can bring? Our latest episode captures this essence, reflecting on the deeply spiritual and communal nature of dining together - a practice as ancient as the Christian tradition itself. We're not just breaking bread; we're breaking open a conversation about the Last Supper, the profound messages it holds for us today, and how our own church's events, from game nights to wedding showers, are modern expressions of this timeless fellowship.
As we recount the recent bustling activities within our church community, we also delve into the significance of shared meals in forging bonds and fostering dialogue. The discussion goes further, touching on the Passover meal that Jesus shared with His disciples - an event that transcended its historical moment to redefine our understanding of sacrifice and redemption. The embodiment of radical love, Jesus' actions during this meal serve as a powerful example for us all, inviting reflection on the nature of betrayal, forgiveness, and the transformation that occurs when we gather at the table.
This episode concludes with an exploration of Jesus' radical love for humanity and what it means for us as we prepare for communion. We're reminded that the bread and wine are symbols, but also a means to experience His spiritual presence. If you're seeking to deepen your faith or simply curious about the love that drives the Christian community, this discussion is a poignant reminder of the grace that abounds, even amidst our flaws. Come, pull up a chair, and let's share this meal of thought together.
Pastor Chris May joins us with a heart-stirring personal anecdote that sets the stage for a deep exploration of love's intertwining with sacrifice and true commitment. His narrative, rich with emotional resonance, seamlessly weaves into the Biblical account of Jesus at Bethany, where a woman's act of anointing with an alabaster flask emerges as a poignant symbol of love's profound irrationality. As Chris draws from his college years' sacrifices for love to illuminate the scriptural stories, we're invited to ponder the cross as the ultimate emblem of love, a seemingly mad act that is, in truth, an extraordinary expression of the divine.
In a world that often prizes productivity and practicality over presence, Pastor Chris challenges us to reevaluate our priorities. He contrasts Mary's lavish act of anointing Jesus with Judas's criticism, urging a reflection on the condition of our hearts and our tendency to value busy work over being present with those we love. Recalling King Edward VIII's historic abdication for the sake of love, Pastor Chris calls us to consider what it means to truly prioritize love in our lives. As we close in prayer, we're inspired to cultivate a 'crazy love' for Jesus, one that shines authentically and beckons others toward the transformative power of faith.
Have you ever considered the impact of scripture on everyday life, from your work ethic to your interactions with others? Our latest episode delves into the Parable of the Talents, offering a fresh perspective on how this ancient wisdom remains relevant, particularly when it comes to stewardship and the high calling of managing the blessings we receive. Through candid stories and heartfelt insights, I share how the parable has challenged and guided me in honoring God's trust, especially amid trials like remote work during the pandemic, encouraging us to live out our faith with purpose and passion.
This conversation isn't merely a theoretical discussion; it's a vibrant exploration of faith and action intertwined. As we unpack the delicate dance of faith, works, and salvation, we confront common misconceptions about God's character and discover how true fellowship can transform our understanding of Him. My reflections on the profound implications of knowing God personally aim to inspire you to let your faith shine brightly in all you do, reinforcing the transformative power that comes from the Lordship of Jesus in our lives.
Finally, the episode is a call to apply the gospel in tangible ways within our communities. From the simple joy of sharing good news to the deeper call to serve and give, I reflect on my own life-changing encounter with Jesus and how it pours into acts of generosity and community. An open invitation awaits to join our congregation at Real Life Community Church, where together we strive to live out the gospel, impacting the world one act of love at a time. Join us for an episode that not only unravels scriptural truths but also equips and motivates you to make a meaningful difference wherever you are.
Are you equipped with the lamp oil of faith, ready for the unanticipated moment when Christ returns? Pastor Hunter, with thoughtful contributions from Pastor John Piper, joins us to dissect the profound parable of the ten virgins, prompting a soul-searching examination of our spiritual readiness. We're not just discussing theology; we're confronting life's ultimate reality check. As we navigate through the parable's depths, we're invited to scrutinize the authenticity of our own faith and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, emphasizing the critical personal journey towards readiness.
The gravity of personal spiritual responsibility is at the core of this episode. Through Pastor Hunter's guidance and Pastor Piper's insights, we discover that readiness for Christ’s return isn't about the outward display of religiosity but a deep, inward preparation that cannot be borrowed or assumed. The conversation bravely tackles the tough questions about the nature of our faith and church involvement, steering us toward a transformative relationship with the divine, rooted in worship and genuine affection. Prepare to be challenged and inspired as we consider what it truly means to live in anticipation of the bridegroom's arrival.
In this final call to action, your heart might recognize the tug of something greater, urging you to pivot from worldly distractions towards the joyous anticipation of Christ's return. If you've been wrestling with the tension between earthly pursuits and heavenly focus, you're not alone. This episode extends a warm invitation to explore and deepen your relationship with Jesus. For those in the Richmond, Kentucky area, the doors of Real Life Community Church are open, welcoming you into a community ready to support and celebrate your spiritual journey.
Embark on an enlightening journey through Matthew 24 with us, where we unravel the mysteries of Jesus' prophecy about the end times, including the gripping prediction of the temple's destruction. With the aid of Pastor Ben's insights, we'll guide you through the complexities of the Olivet Discourse, deciphering the signs that have pointed to the 'church age' for over two millennia. The discussion promises a deeper understanding of the trials and tribulations that echo from the early church to modern times, alongside the unshakeable hope for Christ's return.
The narrative intensifies as Pastor Chris May joins the discourse, shedding light on the enduring struggles of faith and the significance of apostasy in today's spiritual landscape. He shares compelling perspectives on the birth pains metaphor, painting a vivid image of the escalating trials leading up to the ultimate promise of a new world. The conversation weaves through the fabric of prophecy and perseverance, offering solace and strength for the journey ahead.
Concluding the session, the call to remain vigilant in our spiritual preparation is paramount. We draw parallels to the days of Noah and the wise and wicked servants, emphasizing the necessity of readiness. But it's not just about self-reflection; it's also our mission to share the gospel. At Real Life Community Church, we're actively engaged in this mission, inviting you to join us in living out our faith with intention and urgency, as we await the day when Christ graces the world once again.
Have you ever found yourself in a conversation that took an unexpected turn into deeper waters? That's where we're headed as we journey through Matthew's account of Jesus' final days in Jerusalem, reflecting on moments that challenge our comfort zones. As your host, I invite you to walk with me and the disciples through the highs and lows—from the cleansing of the temple to the profound confrontations with religious authorities. Mixing scriptural insights with stories from my own life, we'll navigate these tales of transformation and see ourselves in the questioning eyes of those who followed Jesus.
Confronting hard truths can feel like being caught between two battling giants, especially when what we've held dear starts to crumble. In this episode, we grapple with the emotions of Jesus' disciples as they face the unthinkable—the destruction of their sacred temple. As we discuss the disciples' internal turmoil, akin to that of a child amidst quarreling parents, we'll also consider our own reactions to the institutions and beliefs we encounter today. Drawing from both the past and present, we seek to understand disillusionment and find strength in the midst of it.
As we culminate our discussion, hope takes center stage despite the backdrop of uncertainty and suffering. Recalling advice from my grandfather, Papal Joe, about how preparation and mindset can help us through life's prickliest moments, we'll explore the encouragement and resilience found within the pages of Scripture. Concluding with a heartfelt prayer, this episode is an offering of solace—a reminder that through trials and tribulations, the teachings of Christ illuminate a path of redemption and everlasting hope. Join us as we reflect on these eternal truths and the power they have to transform hearts and minds.
Could the way we practice our faith be unintentionally turning others away? This episode delves into the stark warnings that Jesus issued to the religious elites of his time, the scribes and Pharisees, and draws parallels to the forms of hypocrisy that might be creeping into modern Christianity. We're taking a hard look at the inconsistencies in our own spiritual lives, challenging the facade of faith that some may hold, and inviting a heartfelt transformation rooted in the genuine repentance that Jesus calls for.
Step inside the mind of the Pharisee - a place where legalism reigns and grace is often overshadowed by man-made rules. Here, we explore how their actions, despite a veneer of piety, obstructed the path to the kingdom of heaven. This episode encourages you to examine whether your actions are lightening or adding to the burdens of those around you, reflecting on the crucial balance between obedience to God and the freedom found in the grace that defines our faith.
Finally, let's talk about the elephant in the room, the one thing that's easier to spot in others than in ourselves: hypocrisy. This episode doesn't shy away from the tough questions. Are our own lives mirroring the transformation we preach? We'll address the perils of judging others without introspection and the importance of aligning our public personas with our private convictions. Join us as we seek to live authentically, embracing vulnerability and the liberating grace that comes with true repentance and forgiveness.
Have you ever sat through a sermon, nodding along to the message, only to wonder later if the preacher truly lives by those very same words? Today's episode takes a hard look at the disconnect between preaching and practice, focusing sharply on the kind of hypocrisy Jesus Himself called out in Matthew 23. We wrestle with the uncomfortable truth about religious leaders who impose heavy burdens while failing to lend a supporting hand, and we share personal encounters that shed light on the dangers of placing appearance over action.
Navigating the landscape of spiritual leadership, we recognize the pitfalls that come with honorific titles and the allure of authority. With Jesus as our guide, we remind ourselves of the beauty in humility and servant leadership. Our conversation dives into the complexities of church hierarchies, legalism, and the importance of heart-filled worship, bolstered by tales of those who were marginalized by the rigid application of man-made rules. We confront the need for authenticity, challenging both leaders and congregants alike to embody the love and mercy that Jesus exemplified.
As we close, we offer a prayer not just for those weighed down by the heavy yoke of religious expectations but also for the discernment in choosing leaders who will shepherd with gentleness and wisdom. This episode is more than a mere discussion; it's a heartfelt invitation to those seeking solace and a fresh perspective on what it means to walk alongside Christ. Join us as we unearth what true discipleship looks like in a world still grappling with the age-old issues of hypocrisy and legalism.
Unravel the mysteries of Jesus Christ's lineage and the remarkable union of His humanity and divinity as we explore a key passage from Matthew 22. Joined by Pastor Chris May, our enlightening conversation ventures beyond everyday debates on festive tunes and fast food to the consequential beliefs shaped by pivotal moments in history, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover why Jesus is not merely a figure of the past but the eternal Son of God and our only avenue to redemption.
Questioning the Messiah's identity stirs the core of our faith. In this episode, we dissect Jesus' own challenge to the Pharisees, delving into the intricacies of Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in Christ. Jesus isn't just a descendant of David; He's the divine Lord, a dual reality affirmed by Scripture's unchanging truths. Let's anchor our understanding of God not in cultural shifts but in the biblical texts, with hearts receptive to their everlasting revelations.
As the Christmas season approaches, we wrap ourselves in the warmth of tradition and the profound spiritual meaning of God with us. A time of gratitude, reflection, and an open invitation to explore salvation and a personal relationship with Jesus, this episode rekindles the awe-inspiring narrative of Christ's sacrifice. Feel the embrace of our community at Real Life Community Church, where the wonder of Christmas and the story of Jesus come alive.
What if you could unearth the secret to unfathomable joy, even in the midst of life's most debilitating tragedies? Join us as we journey through a profound exploration of joy in our faith, with insights from our esteemed guest, Pastor Chris May from Real Life Community Church. This episode is not about the perpetually happy; it's about discovering a profound contentment in our relationship with the Lord. We take a look at the Christmas season, a time that often brings both joy and sorrow, to underscore that true joy is not about the absence of pain but rooted in a deep knowledge and trust in God.
We then traverse through the remarkable journey of Mary, a young, unwed mother to Jesus. Despite the daunting path that lay before her, Mary's faith in the omnipotence and mercy of God remained unyielding. This absolute trust in God's power was her anchor, allowing her to maintain her joy even in the face of uncertainty. Let's not merely marvel at Mary's fortitude; instead, let's learn from her steadfast faith and unwavering joy.
Finally, we discuss how to embrace lasting joy in Christ, whatever our circumstances. Drawing upon key Bible verses, we explore how to fix our eyes on Jesus and discover joy in Him, no matter how fierce the storm around us. There's a call to repentance, a challenge to be bearers of joy, and a heartfelt prayer for those seeking the peace of Jesus. Embark on this captivating journey with us and experience the transformative power of joy in God's kingdom. This episode is more than an enlightening discussion; it's your stepping stone towards experiencing the fullness of joy in Christ.
Ever feel like the world is spinning out of control? Longing for a pocketful of peace in the swirling storm of life? We've got you covered. In this message, we embark on a journey to uncover peace amidst the chaos of life. We dive into the biblical concept of shalom, navigating the promise of peace brought by Jesus, our Prince of Peace. We also touch on the exciting anticipation of Jesus' second coming and the peace that surpasses all understanding.
We venture into the realm of inner tranquility, discussing how our reconciliation with God through Jesus bestows authentic peace upon us. We shine a light on our identity in Christ, a source of inner peace that liberates us from the need for external validation. The world is full of threats, but fear not - with Jesus, we can find peace even when navigating life's trials and tragedies.
Wrapping things up, we explore how to immerse ourselves in God's peace through obedience, forgiveness, and prayer. Looking for beauty amidst the rubble, meditating on the good - these are the stepping stones to peace. Even when life feels like a tightrope walk, remember, Jesus carries us through. He paid the price for our peace on the cross, and we can freely receive it. So, sit back, tune in, and let's journey towards peace together. You'll be surprised how much peace you can find, even in an anxiety-ridden world. Trust us, this episode is a refuge of peace you'll keep coming back to.
Scripture References:
Luke 2:8-14
Romans 5:1-2
Romans 5:10
Psalm 4:8
Philippians 4:7
John 13:34
Isaiah 48:18
Colossians 3:12-15
Philippians 4:6
John 14:27
Colossians 1:19, 20
Experience a deep-dive into the essence of the greatest commandment with Pastor Chris May from Real Life Community Church. This episode is packed with enriching discussions about loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind. We're going to strip this commandment down from an abstract concept to a real, concrete action that you can incorporate into your daily life.
But our journey doesn't end with loving God. We'll also explore the often overlooked commandment of loving our neighbor. There's a common misconception that this act of love can replace the laws in the Old Testament, but we're here to challenge that thought. Join us as we emphasize the critical interconnection between love and law, and answer the tricky question: are we bound to follow all 613 commandments in the Bible?
As we steer towards the end of our exploration, we'll place a spotlight on the law of Christ and its connection to our hearts. We might struggle to keep this law flawlessly, but through Jesus, we can draw near to God and experience a transformative change in our hearts. Through this episode, we hope to highlight the power of Jesus' sacrifice, inviting you to daily rely on the cross and make Jesus the center of your life. If you find yourself entangled in habitual sin or striving to earn your way to God through personal efforts, we invite you to turn to Jesus in repentance. We're on this journey together, traversing the realms of love, law, and grace. Join us!
Welcome to a thought-provoking exploration of life after death guided by Pastor Chris May from Real Life Community Church. Have you ever wondered about the nature of the afterlife? What happens to our earthly relationships, especially marriage, when we transition into eternity? Drawing on Matthew 22, this episode provides insight into these profound questions and unravels what the Bible reveals about the life to come.
Journey with us as we grapple with the complex beliefs of the Sadducees. Their prideful nature and self-reliance overshadowed their understanding of the supernatural and heavenly realms. As we steer towards the concept of marriage and life after death, we explore the transformative nature of aging and how it refines our priorities and perceptions of joy. We challenge the idea that all paths lead to heaven and underline the imperative of repentance and accepting Jesus as Lord.
We conclude with a hopeful vision of the new heavens and new earth. Let's journey beyond the clouded portrayals in media and popular culture to grasp a clearer, biblical depiction of the heavenly glory. We explore the prospect of a renewed Eden, free from the shackles of suffering and sin. As we navigate these profound questions together, we invite you to join us at Real Life Community Church, continuing the journey towards understanding life's deepest mysteries. Let's set our hearts and minds on the glories awaiting us in the afterlife, as we foster a stronger relationship with our Creator.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we dive head-first into the vast sea of gratitude and thanksgiving, tracing the thread of this theme across the Bible and into our own lives. Through the lens of Matthew's account of the ten lepers, Pastor Chris admonishes Christians to express thanksgiving to God.
In this message, you will be encouraged to reject the intoxicating allure of entitlement and be mesmerized instead by the grandeur and splendor of God's goodness. As we share personal experiences and testimonies, listen for the seismic impact of small acts of faith and the power of pausing to give thanks, even in the midst of life's mad rush.
Finally, we tap into the exhilarating world of praise and worship, an arena where Thanksgiving truly blooms. Discover how the Bible synonymously wields Thanksgiving and praise, and learn from the Samaritan man's heartfelt gratitude expressed towards Jesus. With seven Hebrew words for praise to choose from, find your unique rhythm of revere and rejoice, and let it shape your thanksgiving. So, join us on this transformative journey as we unlock the power of gratitude and the life-altering impact of Thanksgiving.
Have you ever considered the cultural differences between our society and that of Jesus' time? In our latest episode, we provide a fresh perspective on the Parable of the Wedding Feast. This is no simple Bible study. We unearth the contrast between individualistic and honor-shame cultures, reflecting on its implications for believers in our modern world. We unravel the intriguing paradox of the 'RSVP'd' guests who reject the king's invitation and what this reveals about our own attitudes towards God's call.
With church attendance on the decline, we dig deeper into the reasons why. Beyond the surface-level factors such as affluence, kid's activities, and increased travel, we unmask the spiritual hurdles. We examine how self-righteousness can distort our understanding of Jesus and John the Baptist's message of repentance and love for God. This is a frank conversation about our spiritual struggles and how they affect our relationship with God.
But wait, there's more! We delve into the gospel's dual nature being both inclusive and offensive. A universal invitation, yet a confrontational truth - none of us are righteous enough to receive God. We unpack the Parable of the Wedding Garment, exploring the eternal consequences of choosing Jesus and the necessity of wearing the garments of righteousness and obedience. This episode is both a wake-up call and an invitation. We urge you, our listeners, to take it to heart. Join us in our exploration of these deep spiritual truths, and let's continue the journey together.
Ever wondered why you lose patience so quickly, yet feel an unending patience from God? Or perhaps you've questioned the depth of God's patience and whether it could ever run out. Strap in as we explore these intriguing questions and more, delving deep into the scriptures, specifically Psalm 86, 1 Timothy 1, and 2 Peter 3, to understand the nature and extent of God's forbearance. Let's uncover the lessons we need to learn about embodying patience and grace towards others, taking cues from the divine master of patience.
Our journey doesn't stop there. We unfold Jesus' parable about a landowner, his vineyard, and the tenant farmers, a profound narrative that casts God's patience and grace in a unique light. As we unmask the parable's deeper meanings, we also confront the reality of Jesus's rejection and subsequent salvation. It's a humbling reminder of God's generosity and His offer of access to His Kingdom through faith in Jesus.
Finally, we turn our attention to the poignant poem "Almost Persuaded" by Philip Bliss - a poetic warning against taking too long to repent and the profound significance of embracing the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. As we conclude, we hope to inspire you to recognize and appreciate the vastness of God's patience, and to practice patience in your own life. Let's not just understand God's patience; let's respond to it, let's embody it in our daily walks.
Are you walking through a season of suffering and seeking solace in your Christian faith? This sermon will offer you comfort and understanding in your journey as Pastor Chris May, draws on the writings of Peter to discuss the profound paradox of Christian suffering and joy. We'll explore how these seemingly opposite emotions can coexist and even intensify our spiritual walk, guided by the compassionate blueprint laid down by Jesus.
Embarking on this episode, we'll unlock the mystery of how grief can lead to glory, not despair, in the Christian faith. We'll delve deeply into the heart of our Savior, Jesus, and His teachings on handling suffering with grace and attaining a peace that surpasses understanding. Together, we'll learn four ways to cope with trials and tribulations while recognizing God's passion, promises, presence, and purpose in our lives, even during times of adversity.
Lastly, we will be reminded that Jesus can help us with our wounds, as He too experienced wounding; as our companion in challenging times, He guides us towards becoming better rather than bitter through our trials. This episode is not just an exploration of faith and suffering but a testament to the transformative power of God's grace. Whether you're grappling with questions about faith, suffering, or hope, join us for this thoughtful and compassionate discourse. Feel free to reach out to us at info@myrealchurchorg, or better still, join us at the Real Life Community Church to experience more of Jesus' love and strength.
Ever wonder about the nature of Jesus' authority and how we should respond to it? We're navigating these deep waters in our latest exploration of the Gospel of Matthew. This probing discourse promises to challenge your understanding of Jesus, as we tackle His confrontations with temple authorities and question the very essence of power and authority.
We've all seen those Renaissance paintings depicting Jesus in gentle, serene scenes, right? But what about the image of Jesus as a powerful judge, as portrayed by the 14th-century Italian artist Giotto? We're kicking off our discussion with this striking depiction, leading us into Matthew 21, where Jesus' authority is boldly questioned by the Chief priests. From this, we draw out a lesson on daring to challenge the authority presented to us. In what might be the most radical claim of all time, we also delve into Jesus's proclamation of being the sole path to God, and the enormous implications this carries.
As we wrap up, we ponder the crucial importance of repentance and submission to God's authority. Ever met people who seem devoutly religious, yet their lives bear no spiritual fruit? We talk about that too, drawing parallels with the contemporary society of the Bible Belt. Finishing with an examination of Jesus's approach to power and authority, we find a call to follow Him, regardless of our backgrounds. This is an invitation as applicable today as it was in biblical times. So, tune in and let's embark on this journey together.
Have you ever thought about the significance of your Sunday worship? We’d like to challenge you today. We’re diving deep into the importance of reverence in our approach to worship, sparked by the familiar yet profound narrative of Jesus entering the temple. It's a tale that reminds us of the power and majesty of the one we worship, pushing us to move beyond merely "going through the motions."
We're also talking about how our comfort level with God might be shaping our Sunday service attitudes. Ever wondered if our casual approach to worship indicates a loss of faith in God's Word? Join us as we explore this thought and discuss the concept of worshiping God as we would a king, with all the reverence that comes with it. We're discussing how a more focused attitude toward worship might look, devoid of distractions, and how truth and sincerity add value to our worship experience.
Lastly, we're taking a hard look at the concept of fruitless worship. Using the parable of the fig tree from Mark 11:13-19, we draw parallels with how we might be straying from God's mission, just like Israel did. We challenge ourselves and our listeners on how we can prepare better for worship in order to truly commune with God. We ultimately find hope in Jesus' power to restore us from barrenness to life. Tune in as we reflect on these themes and consider how we might stir up the love we have for God. We hope this conversation inspires you as it has us. Join us, let's grow together.
Do you fully grasp who Jesus is? Have you ever pondered his true mission? This episode of our podcast invites you on a journey of understanding, as we explore the final stages of Jesus' trip to Jerusalem. We delve into the jubilant acclamation "Hosanna to the Son of David" by the crowds, and how despite their enthusiasm, their comprehension of Jesus as the King of Israel and Messiah was marred by misconceptions. We believe that this mirrors the false assumptions many have about Jesus in the modern world, and it's our goal to untangle these layers to reveal Jesus's authentic identity.
We also question prevalent misconceptions about Jesus's mission. Many expected a warrior king, but Jesus came to spread a message of peace, humility, and sacrifice. His choice to ride a donkey, rather than a horse, signified his peaceful approach to liberation - not through force, but through love and sacrifice. This invites us to contemplate on the true intent of Jesus's mission, laying his life down for enemies in place of defeating them through brute force.
In the final segment, we challenge our own perceptions of Jesus. Whether we see Jesus as a self-help guide or a political figure, we dissect these misguided views. We extend a warm invitation to become acquainted with the real Jesus, who outshines any version we could imagine. As we discuss how to implement his teachings and share this knowledge with others, we welcome you to join us at Real Life Community Church. Together, let's strive to truly understand the essence of Jesus's teachings, life and mission.
Are you ready to shatter your perceptions of Jesus? This enlightening episode invites us to explore a critical moment in the Bible when Jesus entered the temple and drove out those buying and selling. We encourage you to face the stark question: Are we going to believe in the God of the Bible or the one we would prefer him to be?
This episode guides us to appreciate the sacredness of God and his house. We're joined by Ben Burnett, a campus pastor at EKU, who helps us delve into 2 Corinthians 9 and the significant concept of cheerful giving. We're reminded that our actions and intentions should draw us closer to God and treat his houses with respect.
We conclude our discussion by examining how Jesus affirmed inclusive temple worship. We reflect on the temptation to seek vindication rather than grace. This episode calls us to experience the inclusiveness of God's house. Finally, we acknowledge the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and how we can be reconciled to God through repentance and faith. This episode is a reminder of the possibility of a relationship with Jesus Christ right now and the absolute worthiness of God of our obedience and love.
What if we told you that two blind men from ancient times could teach us powerful lessons about faith, prayer, and the transformative power of an encounter with Jesus? The story of Bartimaeus and his unnamed companion, unfolds not just as a miraculous healing episode, but as a beacon of spiritual insight. These men, marginalized and destitute in their society, reflect an audacious faith in their relentless pursuit of Jesus's mercy. Their story is a compelling reminder of our own spiritual blindness and our need for Jesus to give us sight.
Blindness in the ancient Near East was not just a physical condition but also a state of social and economic despair. Yet, Bartimaeus and his companion never lose sight of the mercy of Jesus. They ask not out of a sense of entitlement, but from a position of dependence, a sentiment that resonates deeply in modern-day prison ministry, where the mercy of the Lord is the much-needed beacon of hope. Their story challenges us to break through the trappings of entitlement and self-reliance, and, instead, lean into the mercy of Jesus.
The episode also underscores the power of prayer, reflecting our faith in God's compassion, and our dependence on Him. It serves as a testament to the power of persistence in prayer, as demonstrated by the blind men and the persistent widow, whose audacity in prayer yielded blessings beyond their expectations. As we conclude, we invite you, our dear listener, to strengthen your relationship with Jesus, to trust in His mercy, and to experience the transformation that comes with a genuine encounter with Him. If you're seeking answers or have questions about our church, we would love to connect with you online.
What does it mean to be great, and how does this translate into God's Kingdom? We wrestle with this concept in our latest episode, offering a fresh perspective on success through the lens of George Vanderbilt's legacy and the biblical account of the mother of the sons of Zebedee. Our discussion leads us to understand that in the Kingdom of God, the path to greatness lies not in power or position, but in humility and service to others.
In a world where greatness is often associated with power and manipulation, the Kingdom offers a stark contrast. We explore this through the teachings of Jesus, who demonstrated that even the seemingly 'lowest' tasks can glorify God's name. We also discuss the power that comes with sitting at the right hand of the King and how this coveted position was sought after by the disciples. This episode promises to challenge your perceptions and invite you to reflect on your pursuit of greatness.
Finally, we turn our eyes to the practical application of these teachings in our lives today. In the turbulent political landscape and the constant temptation to claw our way to the top, we suggest a different approach. One that mirrors Jesus' example of truth and service, rather than manipulation and power. This episode will inspire you to seek a relationship with Jesus Christ and strive for a greatness that serves others. Remember, no matter your current position, you can achieve greatness in God's Kingdom. Tune in for a transformative conversation.
Struggling to strike a balance between work and worship? You are not alone. Step into this enlightening discourse as I, Pastor Chris May from the Real Life Community Church, unravel the biblical narrative of Mary and Martha. We'll discuss how their story from Luke 10:38-42 underscores the critical equilibrium between diligence in our earthly endeavors and a personal relationship with God. We'll also celebrate Mary's fervor for Jesus' teachings, a remarkable testament to the value of His word in our lives, especially in a time when women were often marginalised.
Moving on, we'll turn the spotlight on the compelling subject of workaholism, peeling back the layers of motivations ranging from service to others, cost of living pressures to pride, identity, technology, and love of money and possessions. Let's explore the emotional, physical, and spiritual costs of overworking and arm ourselves with wisdom to prevent missed opportunities. We'll draw from God's example of resting on the seventh day and ponder on its implications for our lives. Together, we'll learn how appreciating our accomplishments can help stave off workaholism, and why contentment is a virtue to be prized. As I share my journey towards a healthier relationship with work, I invite you all to join me in reassessing your own work-life balance.
Ever feel like life is simply not fair? How does that feeling impact your daily interactions, your relationships, and most importantly, your view of yourself? In this thought-provoking episode, we take a deep dive into the human psyche, understanding the echo of 'It's not fair!' that resonates with us, from childhood to adulthood. We then take a step further, examining how this innate sense of fairness can stir up emotions of jealousy, resentment, and entitlement, subtly shaping our world view.
We then venture into the teachings of Jesus' parable of the landowner and the laborers, a brilliant illustration of the contrasting principles of the kingdom of God and our world. Join us on this enlightening journey as we decode the rich symbolism intricately woven into this parable, dissecting the roles of the landowner, the vineyard, and the laborers, and their representation in our lives.
Lastly, we challenge ourselves and you, our listeners, to shift lenses - to view our lives through the prism of grace instead of fairness. Imagine the potential transformation this could instill in our relationships, our attitudes, and our overall sense of contentment. This episode is not just a discussion, but an invitation to move from a stance of entitlement to a place of humility, recognizing and appreciating the unmerited gifts we are blessed with. It's a call to view life as a generous gift of grace, undeserved, yet freely given. Join us on this journey of discovery and transformation.
Ever wonder how we can introduce our children to Jesus and cultivate a life of faith in them? Ponder no more. This episode takes a deep dive into Matthew 19, exposing the significance of children in the eyes of Jesus and how we can learn to value what He values. The teachings of Jesus don't deter, even in His busiest moments, He always had time for children, a lesson that we unpack and discuss how it translates to our daily lives.
As we navigate the challenge of bringing kids closer to Jesus, we'll refer to Deuteronomy 4 and 6, identifying ways in which our faith can serve as a beacon for our offspring. We'll also offer practical tips on initiating God and Scripture-related discussions with our children, whether we're home or out and about.
In the latter part of our discussion, we draw insights from Proverbs, dissecting the role of discipline in a child's life and how it fosters growth and development. We then shift to Matthew 28, highlighting Jesus' command to make disciples and baptize them in His name, as a world-changing strategy. We wrap up this enlightening conversation by exploring the concept of adoption into God's family, the incredible sacrifice of Jesus for our sins and how believing in Him and crowning Him the Lord of our lives can transform us. Join us for a soul-searching prayer session for parents and children to embrace Jesus. Don't miss out on this incredible journey of faith and discovery. It's time for you to join us at Real Life Community Church for worship and to learn more about having a relationship with Jesus Christ.
What if you could uncover the true cost and reward of following a life devoted to Jesus? Brace yourself for an exploration that unveils the hidden pitfalls and breathtaking promises of surrendering to God. We kick off the discussion with a real-life embodiment of our culture's obsession with wealth, youth, and power - the Rich Young Ruler. As we tread through his story, we scrutinize the harsh, often disappointing reality that nestled within the ceaseless chase for material wealth, is an unquenchable thirst which leaves us feeling discontented and unfulfilled.
The episode takes a dramatic turn as we confront the common misconceptions about eternal life, and the deeply misunderstood figure of Jesus. Probing into the story of the rich young ruler, we divulge that Jesus debunked the belief that eternal life could be earned, and instead, challenged us to see our need for God's grace. Are you ready to take stock of where your allegiance lies - Is it with God or wrapped up in material possessions?
Despite the daunting sacrifices that Christianity may demand, the rewards are infinitely greater. So, gear up to be inspired by Jesus' commandment to love God and neighbor and His promise of abundant rewards that await those who dare to surrender everything to follow Him.
Have you ever walked away from a warm shower, feeling so refreshed and cleansed, and thought, "if only this could wash away my guilt and shame too?" That's exactly where our journey begins in today's episode. We explore the profound biblical concept of self-forgiveness, using my personal experiences and 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 to highlight the liberating fact that the Lord not only forgives, but also cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
Who says grief is monolithic? There's worldly grief, and then there's godly grief - a distinction we often overlook. So, we're taking an investigative dive into the unique responses of Judas and Peter to their betrayal of Jesus Christ in Luke 22, showing how their reactions embody these two contrasting forms of grief. Prepare to have your perspective shifted as we reveal the grace-filled path of repentance that godly grief leads to, and the deathly descent that worldly grief slides into.
Now, let's talk about lingering guilt. You've been forgiven, yet the ghost of your sins still haunts you. Sounds familiar? Using the guilt-ridden character of Lady Macbeth from Shakespeare's renowned play, we draw parallels with our personal experiences and delve into the struggle of letting go. We wrap up this thought-provoking episode with a heartfelt prayer for anyone grappling with the burden of past sins, hoping that this conversation brings you one step closer to true peace and healing. Tune in, reflect and embark on this transformative journey.
Is the sanctity of marriage losing its religious fervor? Do more than half of religious Americans really no longer see anything wrong with divorce? We are diving deep into this charged topic, tracing the vein from the statistics to the scriptural foundations of marriage and divorce that continue to be a touchstone in today's society.
This message emphasizes Jesus' perspective on divorce, marriage, singleness, and remarriage. Pastor Chris unpacks Jesus' teaching found in Matthew 19 and generously shares personal anecdotes, helping us understand how faith and commitment to God's will act as a compass during the stormiest marital trials. Together, we sift through the Pharisees' shenanigans, their counterarguments, and the disciples' reaction to Jesus' teachings on these controversial subjects.
The essence of this episode is the role the marriage covenant plays in marriage and relationships. Regardless of your marital status, our discussion aims to underline the importance of upholding the sanctity of marriage and living in a way that glorifies God.
A Gentile women. An outsider. Perhaps even a one-time pagan! Matthew 15 paints a picture of the mother of a sick daughter who it -could- be argued was not worthy of what Jesus had to offer. She acknowledged her place, yet believed anyway and made her request just the same. In this sermon, Pastor Chris shares that today, too, that any and everyone can have a similar quality of faith in the Christ.
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - May 8 2022 - Pastor Chris May - Mother's Day 2022
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - December 20, 2020 - Pastor Chris May | Christmas Sunday 2020
As Christians, if we are to be effective disciples, we must learn to walk in the balance of being in the world, but not of the world. This means that must engage with our communities/culture on some level, while at the same time keeping a holy separation. In the book of Daniel, we see this balance lived out.
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - November 1, 2020 - Pastor Chris May
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - October 25, 2020 - Pastor Chris May
In this message, Pastor Chris helps us navigate the tension of honoring our governing authorities while remaining faithful to God. Learn what it means to "render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."
Part one of a two part series in the book of Titus. Titus 2:11-15 | Real Life Community Church | Sunday Morning, May 24, 2020 | Pastor Chris May
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - March 22, 2020 - Pastor Chris May
The 23rd Psalm can bring incredible insight to us during this pandemic. The world is freaking out in response to Covid-19—many hearts are melting with fear. Every day seems so uncertain and brings with it new challenges. And, this Psalm—in the midst of the chaos—brings us a sense of stability, hope, peace, and calmness—these are commodities that we could all use right now.
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - March 15, 2020 - Pastor Chris May
The current pandemic that our world is facing is tragic on so many levels, and yet, often it is through tragedy—through suffering—that we as the church, can often emerge and become refocused and reminded of our mission to love God and love our neighbor.
In the first several verses of Colossians, we get a glimpse of Paul's prayer for the believers in Colossae. His prayer is split into two sections, namely, celebration and petition.
In this first section, Paul thanks God for the evidence that the Gospel has taken root in Colossae. What is the evidence that these are, in fact, Real Followers of Jesus?
In this sermon, you will three signs of true salvation and you will be encouraged to share the Gospel with lost and broken people.
The creation story, found in the first two chapters of Genesis, tells us that human beings were created in the image of God. We were to rule the earth under God's kingship. However, we decided that we wanted to be our own rulers and, consequently, the first human beings rebelled against the Kingdom of God. This massive mistake put a chasm between us and God, and it greatly marred our image and our ability to carry out God's purpose for us on the earth. BUT, God is so good! Through Christ, we have become new creations. We, once again, get to bear God's image in the world and live in a new way... a better way. God has transferred us into the Kingdom of King Jesus and we are supposed to live in a way that honors that Kingdom. One of our mandates (and privileges) is to live as the salt of the earth and the light of the world. When we do so, others are pointed to Jesus, with a hope that they will too, by faith, enter His kingdom. In this message, you will learn what it really means to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
To be holy means to be set apart from the world and to be set apart unto the Lord. We are made Holy, only by virtue of our relationship with Jesus Christ; however, holiness doesn't stop there. We are called to walk in that holiness (i.e. live in a way that is congruent with the Word of God).
Through the lens of Acts chapter 5, Pastor Chris shows us how the Lord is calling us to pursue holiness and abandon hypocrisy.
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - July 14th, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - July 7th, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
The book of 1 Peter is written to encourage believers who are facing persecution that is owing to their faith. This is so relevant to us because our culture is becoming more militant against Christianity by the day; if you truly live like a Real Follower of Jesus, you will be hated.
How do we respond to persecution? In this text, Peter gives us six reasons we can rejoice in suffering. We hope this message encourages you to press on in your faith, even in the midst of great tribulation.
8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - June 23rd, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - June 16th, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
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Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - June 9th, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
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Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - June 2nd, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
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Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - May 26th, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
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Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - May 19th, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
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Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - May, 15th, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
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Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - May 12th, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - May 8th, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
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Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - May 5th, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
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Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - May, 1st, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
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Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - April, 28th, 2019 - Pastor Chris May 8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - April 24th, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - April 21st, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - April 14th, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - April 10th, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
Wednesday Night Service - 7:00pm
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - April 7th, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond KY - March 31st - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, Ky - March, 24th, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - March, 3rd, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond KY - February 17th, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am 10:45am
Spiritual growth is a necessary part of the Christian life. This can be challenging in a post-Christian culture; however, with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and God's written Word, we have all that we need to grow in our spiritual walk. In this message, you will learn three principles that will help spur you on to spiritual growth. We hope it encourages you!
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - February 3rd, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - January 20th, 2019 - Pastor Britton Cottrell
8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - January 13th, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
It seems to have become harder to notice a difference between Christians and non-believers in the world. But the Bible calls the People of God to act in a way that IS different.
Today, Pastor Chris May continues his series on how the Christian life sees us be Misfits, Exiles in the world, based out of 1 Peter. Our actions are to be born of different kinds of Love!
What are these kinds of love, and what do they look like? Listen in, and may God bless you.
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - January 6th, 2019 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - December 30th, 2018 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - December 23rd, 2018 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - December 16th, 2018 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - December 9th, 2018 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - December 2nd, 2018 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - November 18th, 2018
Services: 8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - November 11th, 2018 - Pastor Chris May
Services: 8:45am & 10:45am
When we truly thirst, nothing quenches like water. Soda, sports drinks -- nothing else is quite as perfect, as satisfying. As men and women in the world, we thirst spiritually. Jobs, family, even church – while all wonderful in their own rights – aren't perfect and satisfying like the Living Water that flows from Jesus. How can we get this Living Water? What fruits and gifts comes with it? In today's sermon, Pastor Chris May tells us these answers and more through the Bible. Listen in!
Main Scripture this morning: John 7:37-39
37 "On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink." 38 "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”" 39 "Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - November 4th, 2018 - Pastor Chris May
Services: 8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - October 28th, 2018 - Pastor Chris May
Services: 8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - October 21st, 2018 - Pastor Chris May
Services: 8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - October 14th, 2018 - Pastor Chris May
8:45am & 10:45am
"Clap along if you know what happiness is to you." - Pharrell Williams, "Happy"
And what is happiness, what does it mean to be happy? As Christians, we should have a deep-seeded happiness in us! We have God's Word and know the Good News.
It's not the modern world, culture that can influence our truest happiness. Listen to today's sermon as Pastor Chris to find out even more about what the Bible has to say about how instead it is our Belief, our Behavior, and Belonging that can gives us our truest and greatest joy.
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - October 7th, 2018 - Pastor Chris May
Services: 8:45am & 10:45am
Marriage - modern Western culture has perhaps its lowest ever view going of it today. How can we, as Christians, raise it up where it belongs? Husbands and wives accept their God-given roles. Sanctify marriage by allowing it to glorify God. Today, Pastor Chris speaks about these and other Biblical thoughts in the "Ministry and Mission of Marriage."
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - September 30th, 2018 - Pastor Chris May
Services - 8:45am & 10:45am
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - September 23rd, 2018 - Pastor Chris May
Services - 8:45am & 10:45am
Sermon from Pastor Chris May Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - July 22nd, 2018
Sermon from Pastor Chris May Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - July 15th, 2018
Father's Day Sermon 2018 | Pastor Chris May | Real Life Community Church
Our families, our country, and our world are in desperate need of godly men who treasure Jesus above all things. In the message out of Psalm 1, Pastor Chris lays out the differences between the ways of the godly and the wicked.
Want to lived the "blessed life?" This doesn't come by the riches and comforts of this world; it comes by delighting in (and obeying) the Word of God.
Real Life Community Church | Richmond KY | May 27th, 2018 | Pastor Chris May
God is a Holy, meaning He is transcendentally separate from everything. He is perfect. In week one of this series, we looked deep into God's Holiness and how it is emphasized in the Scriptures. This week, we learn how this Holiness impacts us.
Encountering the Holiness of God was a traumatic experience for Isaiah. Yet, in the midst of that trauma, Isaiah experienced the Lord's incredible mercy. How does God's Holiness impact us today? Find out in this compelling message.
Real Life Community Church | Richmond, KY | May 20th, 2018 | Pastor Chris May | God's Holiness is emphasized in Scripture, in a way that no other attribute or characteristic is. In this message, Pastor Chris defines and describes what is meant by this misunderstood and understudied subject.
Through this message, we hope your affections are raised for the Lord, as you consider His greatness and majesty!
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY | May 13th, 2018 | Pastor Chris May
The apex of womanhood is not becoming a wife or mother. Real womanhood consists of godliness and a treasuring of Jesus Christ above all things.
Prayer is one of the best disciplines a woman (and man) can have. In this message we learn the power of Hannah's prayer.
"Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died." (1 Corinthians 11:27-30, ESV)
These are some of the most sobering words in Scripture. In this message, Pastor Chris walks us through 1 Corinthians 11, showing us how, Biblically, to take communion in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY | May 6th, 2018 | Pastor Chris May
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - April 29th, 2018 - Pastor Chris May
God does not intend each of us try to persevere alone in our faith. Today, Pastor details the benefits and necessity of belonging to a local church.
Sunday Morning | April 22, 2018 | Real Life Community Church | Mark 5:1-20 | Pastor Chris May
The Church - Part 3 | Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY | April 15th, 2018 | Pastor Chris May
Chris May interviews veteran pastor, Richard Vanhuss. In this episode you will gain a lot of advice on topics ranging from evangelism to praying, to personal growth. You can check out Pastor Vanhuss's church online at www.winchesternewlife.com . Thanks for listening.
Real Life Community Church |Richmond, KY - March 4th, 2018 - Pastor Chris May
Good news - Jesus is coming back! In light of Jesus return, what do we do, how do we wait? With ACTION. Today's sermon by Pastor Chris tells us just what that should mean.
Real Life Community Church | Richmond, KY | February 18th, 2018 | Pastor Chris May What is the church? Is it brick and mortar?
In this message, you will find out, Biblically, what the church is and how it is supposed to function. Learn how you play an integral part of the household of God in this encouraging message!
Justin Rudolph is an EKU Graduate and is the Owner/Operator of Dynamic Results Personal Training Studio in Richmond. In this episode, Justin gives advice on exercise, meal prepping, mobility, and so much more. This is life changing information! Contact Dynamic Results today for a free fitness consultation. https://www.facebook.com/DynamicresultsPT/
The New Testament never explicitly commands Christians to fast, however, there are Scriptures that seem to assume that we will. In this informative message, you will learn, Biblically, the how-to's and benefits of this spiritual discipline called fasting.
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - February 11th, 2018 - Pastor Chris May
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - February 4th, 2018 | Pastor Chris May |
In this message from Matthew chapter 6, Pastor Chris takes us back to the fundamentals of prayer. Learn about the proper motive of prayer, the place and time to pray, and what the substance of our prayers should be. We hope your prayer life will be greatly enhanced as you listen and apply this teaching.
Real Life Community Church - Richmond, KY - January 28th, 2018 - Pastor Chris May You may feel unworthy to sit at the table of the Lord… because of your sin… because of shame… because of your past. All of us are undeserving of this great honor. But Jesus came, he lived, he died, and he rose again, so that you and I could sit at God’s great heavenly table.
This, is an invitation of a Lifetime… don’t make lame excuses… come dine at the table of the Lord, while the invitation is still open.
Real Life Community Church - Pastor Chris May | January 21st, 2018
As believers, we all go through times where we feel God’s nearness... where we enjoy the presence of the Lord. And other times, we experience wilderness situations, where God may seem more distant.
In both seasons, on the mountaintop and the valley, we need to learn to savor God, to trust Him, to be consistent in our walk with Him. In those dry seasons, we need to learn to continue to walk by faith.
Johnny and Loretta Richardson are heading up our Celebrate Recovery Ministry at Real Life Community Church. Their own story of how they have experienced the life-transforming power of Jesus is sure to inspire you!
Don Wynn and his wife Lynn serve as presenters with 'Marriage Encounter' ministries. Don and Lynn have had their share of turmoil in their marriage, yet have witnessed God's restoring power and faithfulness. This couples story will be immensely encouraging to you!
In Part 15 of our Galatians series, Lead Pastor, Chris May, teaches on the spiritual law of sowing and reaping.
This Sunday is Chris Morris's last Sunday with us. In this first episode of our Leadership Podcast, Chris May sits down with Morris and talks with him about his thoughts on ministry at Real Life over the last three years... be prepared to be entertained! Listen all the way through to hear his future plans as he makes his way back to Colorado. Learn how to pull a "Morris."
October 22nd, 2017 Part 14 of Galatians
Pastor Chris May at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
October 10th, 2017 Part 13 of Galatians Pastor Chris May at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
Septemeber 24th, 2017 Part 12 of Galatians Pastor Chris May at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
Galatians - Part 11 - Gospel Centered Ministry
September 17th, 2017 Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, Kentucky 40475
Rescuing the Redeemed by Pastor Chris May
Mark 5 - English Standard Version (ESV)
1 They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. 2 And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. 3 He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, 4 for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6 And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. 7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” 8 For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” 9 And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” 10 And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11 Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, 12 and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” 13 So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea.
14 The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. 15 And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 16 And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. 17 And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. 18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. 19 And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.
September 10th, 2017 at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
Galatians - The Real Gospel - Part 10
Real Life is in a multi-week series through the book of Galatians, Paul's great Epistle (pastoral letter) to the churches near and around Galatia.
In 'Part 10' of our series we reenforce that Christianity is not about rule keeping; though people have reduced it to that. It is about Christ.
Law based Christianity and religion is a miserable place to live. People who have spent any time at all in a church can see how living a wild and sinful life can be a miserable one. John 8:38 informs us that those who practice sin are slaves to sin. This being a slave to something is where our disappointment and oppression come in.
And it's the same with legalism and law based religion. You are given a list of rules from figures in your childhood, maybe from a preacher, and are left to just follow every single on. Anxiety is a constant because you have to live up to every expectation that has ever been given to you. 'Live like this', 'don't go there', 'can't watch that film', etc.
The truth is that living for Legalism's sake is miserable. Just as miserable, if not more, than living in blatant sin. It is oppressive and restrictive and shadows a huge blind spot in your life. It's hard to see the reality of your sin when you are living under legalism. It's just the truth.
Relationship or Christ based Christianity is all about the person and work of Christ. It's about resting in the fact that He sets us free, He redeems us, He gives grace upon grace. We no longer have to earn this, we just get to love and treasure Jesus. We are freed up to seek Him in His word and through prayer. We get to be moved with love and compassion and not because we are told to by some preacher. We are free!
August 27th, 2017 at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
Galatians - The Real Gospel - Part 9
Real Life is in a multi-week series through the book of Galatians, Paul's great Epistle (pastoral letter) to the churches near and around Galatia.
In 'Part 9' of our series we find that Christianity is not about rule keeping; though people have reduced it to that. It's about Christ.
The understanding for Christians, then, isn't about what rules there are but who Christ is and how we relate to Him. This is because rule based religion is miserable. It reminds you every time you mess up. There is always pressure in the back of your mind about what you need to do and what you can't do.
Christ gave His all to redeem us and we are all now 'sons' (which refers to the ancient legal term for obtaining inheritance). This means that as children of God, male and female, we are made co-heirs with Christ of God's mercy and glory.
Heirs with God share the greatest identity and common ground there is: Christ and the Kingdom. The Ground at the Foot of the Cross is Level.
August 20th, 2017 at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
Galatians - The Real Gospel - Part 8
Real Life is in a multi-week series through the book of Galatians, Paul's great Epistle (pastoral letter) to the churches near and around Galatia. In 'Part 8' of our series we learn about the function of the Law. What is it? What does it do? What doesn't it do? Many Christians get hung up on the 'rules' of Christianity but don't understand the freedom and love for God that is built in us when we become a Christian.
Our greatest need is justification. All of us have gaps in our goodness. We may seem like we are generally good as a person but upon real and honest reflection it becomes obvious that we are selfish people who have a track record of sin and extortion. Since that's the case, justification is our greatest need.
The Law acts as a mirror. Following the Law doesn't get us any close to the Father. Following the Law simply shows us how little we are able to follow the good rules and standards of God. If there is a hot surface on the counter and we are told not to touch in, at least once in our life that's the thing we most want to do.
The Law is a mirror that shows us that we couldn't ever possibly reach God by being good enough. It shows us the truth that, although we are decent people within society, we are still fundamentally flawed when compared to the perfect of God. The Law shows us our need for a Savior.
In fact, the best part about the Law is that Jesus is the whole fulfillment of the Law and attribute to us His Goodness and Righteousness (Propitiation).
This is our Great Hope!
August 13th, 2017 at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
Galatians - The Real Gospel - Part 7
Real Life is in a multi-week series through the book of Galatians, Paul's great Epistle (pastoral letter) to the churches near and around Galatia. In 'Part 7' of our series we discuss the Reason, the Reality, and the Result of the Cross. Our greatest need is justification. All of us have gaps in our goodness. We may seem like we are generally good as a person but upon real and honest reflection it becomes obvious that we are selfish people who have a track record of sin and extortion. Since that's the case, justification is our greatest need.
In this message we find the pivotal difference that many do not understand; Relying on law and relying on faith are completely different. We can't be perfect to get to God so He must come to us. Jesus assumed the curse that we earned and He gave us His righteousness which He earned by being the perfect Son.
This is great cause for celebration.
August 6th, 2017 at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
Encountering Jesus by Pastor Chris May - VBS Commencement Sunday 2017
Mark 10:46-52
Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus 46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.
July 16th, 2017 at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
The Call to Serve - A Stand Alone Message from Real Life Community Church
Matthew 14:13-21 - English Standard Version (ESV)
13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17 They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” 18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
July 9th, 2017 at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
Pastor Kenny Clay provided Real Life with a sermon that should have us all thinking. He is no stranger to our church and we appreciate that he encouraged our congregation like he did.
July 2nd, 2017 at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
Galatians - The Real Gospel - Part 6
Real Life is in a multi-week series through the book of Galatians, Paul's great Epistle (pastoral letter) to the churches near and around Galatia. In 'Part 6' of our series we get a glimpse into what happens all to often. There are many who hear the Gospel and think that it is great, but after sometime, decide to speak of the Gospel and Salvation as if they need additional things added to them.
"Who has bewitched you?!" Paul writes to the Galatians. These were people who did so well at first who have later added extra laws and legalisms to the Gospel that weigh people down and dilute the Real Gospel.
June 25th, 2017 at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
Galatians - The Real Gospel - Part 5 - Fathers Day Sunday
Real Life is in a multi-week series through the book of Galatians, Paul's great Epistle (pastoral letter) to the churches near and around Galatia. In 'Part 5' of our series we begin to understand that the Gospel is not just a truth to Believe once, but it is truth to walk in every day. It is a well of continuous water that is meant to satisfy us at every turn in life. Not something that we believe or profess once but always.
Galatians 2:15-21 15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
June 18th, 2017 at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
Pentecost Sunday 2017
Real Life took a week to explore the importance of Pentecost Sunday from Acts chapter 2.
This is a hard hitting message going after the root of what it means to 'Be filled with the Holy Spirit'. So many churches and believers opt for a cheap Spirit Baptism that is used more as entertainment or inclusion into the Christian social clubs; it was meant for something much different.
Spirit Baptism is a filling for the special work of evangelism and missional living. It is worthless to seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit if you are not willing or wanting to do the Spirit's work.
God has given us the grace to be able to engage our neighbors, co-workers, and even our present culture. Often times, though, we drag out feet and don't get out into the mission field. That is where God's heart is at and that is where our Baptism is at.
June 4th, 2017 at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
Galatians - The Real Gospel - Part 4
Real Life is in a multi-week series through the book of Galatians, Paul's great Epistle (pastoral letter) to the churches near and around Galatia. In 'Part 4' of our series we find out the ugly and easy truth that discrimination happens. Paul was quick to act upon knowing that certain Jews (including the apostle Peter himself) were not acting according to the commonness we share in Christ but thought differences of ethnic traditions. These cultural and ideological differences caused there to be a divide within the church that Jesus never called for. The Gospel calls every man to Jesus. Not just those who look like you. And as Jesus conforms each person into the image of himself, we can start acting like a family; like the church. It doesn't matter the cultural differences, the variety of skin colors. It doesn't matter our ancestors. We are grafted into a new family; the church.
Pastor Chris expounds these important words that are often glossed over by readers of this letter. The Gospel of Jesus is about grace and love. The false gospel of the Galatians and so many others in our own day is about restriction and burden. Separation and discrimination. The True Gospel is about Unity in Jesus.
May 28th, 2017 at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
Galatians - The Real Gospel - Part 3
Real Life is starting in a multi-week series through the book of Galatians, Paul's great Epistle (pastoral letter) to the churches near and around Galatia. In 'Part 3' of our series here, we learn that Jesus came to take our burdens. The burdens of constant shame and judgement from the law. The burdens and demands of legalism. The constraints of even church culture at times. The Gospel brings one from death to new life.
Pastor Chris expounds these important words that are often glossed over by readers of this letter. There is a True Gospel, just as there are many false ones. The Gospel of Jesus is about grace and love. The false gospel of the Galatians and so many others in our own day is about restriction and burden.
May 21th, 2017 at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
The church is embattled from losing so many people to cultural perspectives and views as to how men and women should carry themselves. How should we carry ourselves? What should we wear? What relationships do we pursue? What determines our worth? Who am I accountable to? This Mother's Day, we celebrated the Godly women of Real Life Community Church and expounded Proverbs 31; looking at what a Real Woman looks like. This is a message useful for both men and women, single people and couples, parents and the childless. Godliness is something that looks good on God's people. And when we see it in others, it good and proper to praise it.
A poem by Pastor Chris May for our Mothers: Wisdom is a part of the godly woman's cares Opulence comes from within not from what she wears Mindfullness is a trait that she continually displays Altruistic is she by nature Notable are her days Titled - The Excellent Woman - Based on Proverbs 31
May 14th, 2017 at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
Galatians - The Real Gospel - Part 2
Real Life is starting in a multi-week series through the book of Galatians, Paul's great Epistle (pastoral letter) to the churches near and around Galatia. In 'Part 2' of our series here, we learn from the clear example of Paul's life concerning the nature of the Gospel when it is planted into someone being. Salvation is a great change for the believer. God comes to you and through that faith there is newness of life unexperienced by every other religion or worldview, ever. The Gospel brings one from death to life. Pastor Chris expounds these important words that are often glossed over by readers of this letter.
May 7th, 2017 at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
Galatians - The Real Gospel - Part 1
Real Life is starting in a multi-week series through the book of Galatians, Paul's great Epistle (pastoral letter) to the churches near and around Galatia. Paul's primary concern is bring the church back to an understanding that the Gospel not only brings people to salvation, but the Gospel is the very essence of Christianity everyday for every Christian. You don't graduate from the Gospel. This particular church was very quick to add things to the Gospel. Such as new and old rules that would have caused the church to find reconciliation with God through their good doing instead of Christ's (Jesus') atoning work on our behalf. They were flipping the need to good deeds and works with their need to be changed and saved by the Gospel. This Epistle serves as a reminder, even to the modern church, that Jesus is enough. The Gospel is good news yesterday, today, and for the rest of life here on earth.
April 30th, 2017 at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
Pastor Chris May - Psalms 1 deals with two types of people. The righteous and those lost. The happy and those who indulge themselves in, ultimately, unsatisfying things.
What are our influences in life? Do they drive us to Jesus or do they stave our appetites for godliness and growing closer to God? What do we delight in? Is it the vain fulfilling of superficial desires or is it in knowing God; through His word and through Jesus' drawing us close? Psalms 1 appropriately deals with these human concerns and sets the mood for the rest of the Psalms. God is worthy to be sought after everyday of our lives. Let's love Him together more than yesterday.
April 23rd, 2017 at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
Sundays at 10:45am and Wednesdays at 7pm
The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked 1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Pastor Chris May from Real Life Community Church Paul and Silas are used to demonstrate God's power and are punished for it by Roman Authorities. We learn from them that there never is a bad time to praise God and to make much of His name.
Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue Richmond, KY 40475 1-859-623-4639
Pastor Chris May at Real Life Community Church in Downtown Richmond, KY.
Christians are adopted into a family and family business. We are called to serve and give our lives away to a worthy cause. God has called us to bring the Kingdom of God close to those who are far away. On Sunday, March 19th, 2017 we were challenges by Pastor Chris to get behind the vision of the church and demonstrate acts service, not volunteerism, for the Glory of God. It was a great Sunday and following the message we held a 'fair' in which we celebrated and showcased our various ministries. We had many people sign up to serve in every ministry of ours!
Thank you Real Life.
Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
March 5th, 2017
Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
Sermon by Pastor Chris May at Real Life. Sermon challenged us that no one is far from a Jesus who is willing to come to us. There should be no fear or shame in us following Him
Sermon Given by Pastor Chris May at Real Life Community Church on February 26th, 2017. Treasuring Christ Together - Part 5 We learned about the seriousness of sin, even in the midst of extreme Grace. We studied from the Genesis account of Cain and Abel.
Treasuring Christ Together Sermons Series at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475 Sermons given by Pastor Chris May Feb. 12th, 2017 at Real Life. Special Valentines Day Message on Relationships and the Body of Christ.
January 27th, 2017 Pastor Chris May at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475 Treasuring Christ Together - Part 3
January 22nd, 2017 Pastor Chris May at Real Life Community Church 335 Glyndon Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
Part 2
Pastor Chris May discusses the Three Phases of Sanctification at Real Life Community Church
Pastor Chris May preaches about the Prodigal Son at Real Life Community Church in Richmond, KY.
Treasuring Christ Together Sermon by Pastor Chris May at Real Life Community Church on January 15th, 2017. Real Life is located in the Downtown area off of Main Street in Richmond, KY.
The Word Became Flesh 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.
Martha and Mary 38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
The beauty found in "Immanuel, God with us," is that Jesus is fully God and fully human. The fact that Jesus became God incarnate, means that He knows what it is to suffer, hurt, and experience pain. Because of this, Christians have a God who understands them from the inside out. Be encouraged with the second message from our 'Advent' series.
“Immanuel,” is a name that most of us are familiar with; we sing about it, we read about it— but we rarely give it much thought. Yet, it is so profound and deserves our attention.
In this message, Pastor Chris focuses on the word “God,” found in this phrase, “God with us.” In this one word— used to describe Jesus— we find this reality: This baby, born in a manger, is not just a good person. He is not just a moral teacher. He is not just a prophet. HE IS GOD!
In this message, Pastor Chris gives Biblical insight as to how we can best glorify God through our response to the election.
In this second installment of "The Hope of the Gospel," Pastor Chris addresses how Christians should respond to the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Gospel should immensely impact our lives; as believers, we should grow in what we know, grow in what we do, and grow through who we are. If you are in the mid
If you are in the midst of sickness, persecution, or any kind of tribulation, we encourage you to keep your eyes on the Hope of the Gospel and know that "...this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison" (2 Corinthians 4:17). We hope you are encouraged by this message.
In an age of terrorism, tribulation, violence, and confusion, we still have an unshakable hope. Our hope is not in politicians, nor is it in a political system. Our hope is NOT in the economy. Our hope is not in America. Our hope is in the person and work of Jesus Christ! Be encouraged with this message on the Hope of the Gospel.