Carmel Presbyterian Church: Recent Episodes
Carmel Pres Media
Student ministry Sunday is an annual highlight of our church. We get the amazing opportunity to listen to prayer, musical worship, and testimony from the middle school, high school, and college students of our student ministries. We hope you are blessed in hearing the transcendent work God is doing in the life of our youth!
CPC Pastors Luke Barnes and Dorothy Bentley sit down with Kathy Gray, LMFT, to discuss mental well-being during the age of COVID-19 and beyond.
*The beginning of the sermon is not available in the audio only version. However, it is available on the video.
Jesus clearly says we must be well connected to God if we hope to experience the life we long for. As a man, Jesus experienced this vital connection with the Father that allowed him to do all he did as an example of how we can experience this same intimate and necessary connection with God. In my sermon we will explore how we can experience this same connection with God so we might experience God's presence, peace and power. I hope you will join me! -- Pastor Mike Harbert --
Last Sunday, we concluded our 40 Days of Prayer by starting a series called, “A New Chapter”, where we are going through the book of Nehemiah. [You can watch the video or listen to the audio HERE.] As this third wave of Babylonian exiles returned to a broken-down Jerusalem, we saw how Nehemiah uniquely initiated a Fresh Start for God’s people that was more than a new construction project—it was a renewal of focus on worship of God, growing community and serving others. Join us this Sunday as we explore what it means to Focus Upward in worship of God, one of the three rhythms of discipleship that Nehemiah taught the Israelites who had just returned from exile. I’m so looking forward to getting to know each of you and I hope to see all of you men at the Men’s Breakfast this Saturday at church at 9am. A few of us will be sharing our testimonies and I will include my own so we can connect more deeply as a church community. For the ladies, Kati is excited about speaking to the women later this month as well. As the Yee’s unpack boxes and continue to settle in, we are filled with gratitude to be part of growing community of disciples who, for 65 years, have proclaimed in word and action the goodness of God in the Monterey Peninsula. I am continuing to pray for God’s wisdom and strength as I seek to lead and serve this faithful church community.
Growing in grace with you, Pastor Tim
Dear CPC family, Last Sunday morning while many of you were enjoying a sermon from Greg Ogden, we were unloading over 200 boxes, dozens of pieces of furniture and our life belongings from two moving trucks into our rental home. After some car trouble Saturday night (and Pastor Tim misplacing some very important bed-frame legs), the Lord worked everything out and we are in Carmel alive and well. I'm so looking forward to meeting all of you, but must admit we are still neck high in boxes both in our home and in my office. We’re starting a series called “A New Chapter” by focusing on the book of Nehemiah. Keep in mind there were three different times the Jews were taken into captivity to Babylon and three different times they were permitted to return to their homeland. The first group of Jews who returned were led by Zerubbabel; the second group was led by Ezra, a scribe of God’s law; and the third group were led by Nehemiah. Each one of these three leaders rebuilt Judah in their own way. Zerubbabel rebuilt the temple of God. Ezra reorganized the temple worship. Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. We’ll take the next four weeks to sit with God’s Word and see what the Spirit might be saying to us as a community of faith in this new chapter of ministry for CPC. I’m so honored to be called your pastor and my family is so excited to call this community our new home. There are still three more days of our 40 Days of Prayer journey and I will continue to join you in praying for our church and our community, all while praising God for the many good gifts He has bestowed upon us. Thank you for your prayers for our transition as the Lord has answered several specific prayer requests already. You are already a blessing to me and my family.
Following Jesus with you, Pastor Tim
Jesus Is Not Enough Okay, now that I have your attention, in what way could Jesus ever be not enough? In fact, Jesus tells us that He is not enough. Okay, I bite, you say. In what way is Jesus not enough? Of course, Jesus is all that is needed for our salvation. He has done it all. But when it comes to relationships, Jesus is not sufficient. In fact, there was a time in the Garden of Eden when Adam was alone with God in the garden and it was said, “It is not good that man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Adam was only complete when the woman, Eve, was created out of him and brought to him. “At last”, he explained, “bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh.” Adam only becomes a man when there is woman.
This same complementary truth is emphasized in the creation of the church. In a day of radical individualism that marks our culture, Jesus has created a counter-cultural community called the church. In our evangelical tradition, we put the emphasis on individual salvation—someone making personal decision for Jesus. What we have failed to appreciate is that Jesus is saving people into new humanity, an alternative community called the church. Can you be a follower of Jesus and not be intertwined with the church? We will shed some light on that question this Sunday. I hope you join me! -- Greg Ogden
We know the Bible says that nothing is too difficult for God, but is anything, nevertheless, difficult for God? Has anything ever been difficult for God to accomplish? Has God ever been in a quandary? A dilemma? In fact, all of God’s works, creation, all of the miracles God has performed in both the Old and New Testaments have been “easy". These things required nothing from God. But the work of forgiveness has been God’s great dilemma. How can God express both his lovingkindness and his divine justice without compromising one or the other? I hope you will join me Sunday! -- Pastor Reed Jolley
The old way of doing church and evangelism was to get people to believe first, so that they will become like Jesus, and then we can invite them to belong in our church. Some of us might still be functioning under this paradigm, but this Sunday I hope to show you another way. Actually, I hope Jesus might show you another way as we open up Luke 19 and see how our Lord interacted with Zacchaeus. We are saving a seat just for you! -- Pastor Luke
18 of our 30 CPC-supported missions organizations will be with us this weekend for Missions Sunday. Come hear how God is bringing every tribe, tongue and nation to Himself through the work of His people! Don't miss the patio this Sunday where you can visit with the missionaries and get more information about each one at their table.
Caleb Schut will be sharing God's Word with us in both services. He is the Assistant Pastor at Grace Chicago Church and the Executive Director of Beautiful Response, one of the missions organizations we support through financial giving and prayer at CPC.
"Missions helps us see the world rightly by reminding us of the story that we are a part of. This Sunday, we will look at blind Bartimaeus and what we can learn about missions through his story. The irony is that Bartimaeus sees with more clarity and understanding than the 'seeing' disciples do. I hope you will join me as we examine where we need to be to see, with renewed vision, the story into which God invites us." -- Caleb Schut
From Reverend Timothy Yee, Candidate for Senior Pastor: This Sunday, we'll get a glimpse of Jesus meeting and calling his first disciples at the Sea of Galilee and the implications of us responding as disciples in Carmel-by-the-Sea. I look forward to meeting you all and especially worshiping with you in this new era for CPC!
Join us this Sunday as we get to sit under the teaching of Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, South Carolina. A native of Scotland (and yes, he has that great Scottish brogue!), Dr. Gibbons has also served as the Chair of the ECO Theological Task Force. He and his wife, Ruth, will be with us Sunday. We will look at "Growing in Your Faith" from Phillipians 3:1-14.
One of the distinctives of the church of Jesus Christ is that we don’t get to choose the members of the family—Jesus does. We are called to live with each other in the spirit of the One who purchased our lives. Yet I love how realistic the Scriptures are when it comes to the potential friction that can occur amongst us. The apostle Paul brings relational realism when he calls us to “bear with one another in love”; he asks the Corinthians to “put with a little foolishness” in him; we are told to “let our forbearance be known to all”. Forbearance is blue-collar grace. It is grace with a lunch bucket. It is the kind of grace that is willing to get our hands dirty. Forbearance is the quality we need when we rub up close to people, especially when we have to graciously figure out how to put up with people in the body of Christ who are different from us. God did not consult with us when he chose to place certain people in the body of Christ. All those people with whom we worship are chosen, but not by you or me. Forbearance is the grease, which reduces the friction when our lives rub against each other. -- Greg Ogden --
The expression “seeing the world through rose-colored glasses” often describes the perspective of someone who is upbeat, hopeful, brimming with optimism and positive thinking. As Christ followers, we’re challenged to see our world through “God-colored glasses” – looking at the totality of our lives from His perspective. It involves understanding that our faith is centered on the truthfulness of our beliefs. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” On Sunday, we’ll investigate the differences between a Christian worldview and that of a secular one as we affirm the validity of our Christian faith.
-- Pastor Dorothy Bentley --
Two things are true of all of us; we are remarkably resilient and extremely fragile. Sometimes we are a tower of strength in the midst of tragedy, suffering, and loss; other times we fall apart over the slightest offense or inconvenience. How do we account for this and what do we do with it? Scripture offers the most comprehensive and redemptive answer available to us. We'll explore this important and always-timely topic together this Sunday. -- Pastor Jerry Boutry --
In the third and final installment of our Living Questionable Lives series, we will continue in how we live out our mission and vision. Hint: We need everyone! Whatever your gifts may be, you have influence by living a Gospel-centered life! Hope to see you this Sunday as we consider how to live differently and questionably in light of the call God put on our lives, individually and as a church. -- Amanda de la Vega Tovar --
When is the last time you stopped to smell the roses? Noticing the details of the world around us is getting harder and harder these days. But if we are to fulfill our mission and vision as a church, then we absolutely have to be Noticers. We need to be able to see the needs of the people in our midst. That is Step 1. What do you think is Step 2? You guessed it! We have to then do something about it. Read and pray over Matthew 25:31-46 and join us on Sunday!
In Him, Pastor Luke
Recently you heard several sermons having to do with the mission and vision of Carmel Pres. Up to this point, you have heard about the "what" and the "why", but now it is time we considered the "how". Please join us this Sunday as we consider how we might live our lives in such a way that people will have questions about why we are so kind, joyful, content, fulfilled, etc. etc. etc.
-- Pastor Luke
We are prepared...though not in the way you might think. This Sunday, we will consider the fact that we are not the ones who are doing the preparations. Instead, God has prepared us. Before the foundations of the earth, God made preparations for us to be His beloved children. We are His workmanship. We are His masterpiece.
This Sunday, we have the exciting opportunity to hear from one of the missionaries we support through our tithes and offerings at CPC. Jim Samland and his wife Deborah work for CRU (formerly Campus Crusade) in Hungary and Eastern Europe. Their passion is to develop Eastern European Christians so they may love God more deeply and lead more effectively in their countries, creating indigenous movements of multiplying disciples in Eastern Europe and Russia. They have served over 35 years with Cru, spending 30 of those years in Europe, 10 in Austria and the last 20 in Hungary. Jim will be our guest preacher this Sunday. We hope you will join us!
We live in a world where it can be dangerous to express your opinion because it seems there's always someone who is ready to shoot you down. Paul paints a very different picture of what life can be - should be - in the church, but getting there just might require an attitude adjustment for us all. I hope you will join us this Sunday!
-- Jeff Wildrick, Transitional Consultant --
UNSHAKABLE -- We all make plans on how the story of our lives should unfold. Although the story line sometimes is exactly as planned, more often than not, there are plot trajectories completely opposite to the plan. On Sunday, we’ll look at how some familiar biblical characters handled unexpected changes. We’ll also investigate the unshakable confidence we have in the goodness of God and His plans for us. -- Pastor Dorothy --
Jesus didn't just tell us to make disciples - he demonstrated the process in his own life and ministry. And some of the most unlikely lives were changed! I hope you will join me this Sunday as we worship together! -- Jeff Wildrick, Transitional Consultant
When the apostle Paul traveled to Athens, his words shook the religious foundations of the city. What would Paul have to say if he came to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea in 2019? I hope you will join me this Sunday as we worship together! -- Jeff Wildrick, Transitional Consultant
Jesus did not claim to just be another prophet, rabbi, or spiritual teacher. He did not say that He was one of many ways to achieve enlightenment or eternal life. Jesus called Himself "I AM" and He said, "No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). But nothing of what Jesus taught or stated matters unless He rose from the grave. Easter celebrates the confirmation of all that Jesus spoke and did. It also celebrates the awe-inspiring reality that Jesus is with us always as our Resurrected Lord. He is Risen!
-- Pastor Luke
What happened? How do we get from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday? The crowds hail Jesus as King on Palm Sunday and he is raised from the dead eight days later? What? Raised from the dead? To be raised one has to die? Not only did this King die, he was put to death, crucified, and buried. What does it all mean? What does the cross mean for you? Why should we say that The cross determines everything? -- Pastor Reed Jolley
God is always on the move. However, we often cannot see or we misunderstand what exactly He is up to. So we set the bar low and underestimate Jesus. Not only is God faithful in times of need, He desires to give us more than we imagined. Join us this week as we look at how through 5 loaves and 2 fish, Jesus demonstrates His power to do immeasurably more for thousands of hungry people. The same Jesus who performed a miracle then, is here to perform miracles of abundance for us too.
-- Amanda de la Vega Tovar
Two weeks ago, we saw in John 12:12-26 that God's glory is found in the most unlikely place of the universe. The hour of Jesus’ glory is fulfilled at the cross! John embellishes this truth in the verses that follow and ultimately asks us these questions:
What kind of glory are you seeking? What kind of glory to you love?
This Sunday, we will look at a very familiar parable that Jesus tells which, in short-hand, is referred to as the “Friend at Midnight”. In summary, a host has an out-of-town guest who shows up at midnight. The host [the caller] is caught unawares without sufficient bread to serve his guest. To obtain just three loaves of bread, the host calls out to his sleeping friend, who appears to be annoyed with being awakened. After all, he has already locked the door and put his children to bed. But the host persists and finally gets what he needs. This is Jesus' answer to the disciples’ request, “Lord, teach us to pray.” The apparent lesson is…just persevere and God will give what you need.
If we think this is the point of the story, we are wrong. We are wrong because we misunderstand Jesus' teaching style and the culture in which this story is told. When we enter Scripture, we are entering to another time and place, which looks very different than our individualistic, independent, American culture where we don’t want to be reliant on others, even within the Christian community.
I will attempt to supply the cultural music behind this story, the soundtrack to the movie, and see that Jesus is actually painting a picture of a generous God whose honor is on the line every time we pray.
Has it ever crossed your mind that you have a deep desire for glory? Everyone, and every thing, yearns for glory. From the little child who wants to score a goal in youth soccer, to the elderly man who wants to prove that he is still strong, we are all hungry for glory. And did you know that God has an even greater passion for His own glory? John 12 shows us the shocking lengths to which Jesus and the Father went in order to be glorified. Along the way, we learn how we can receive the glory we yearn for as well. I look forward to being back with you this Sunday!
-- Pastor Reed Jolley
Some of the most profound things Jesus said came in the context of dispute; especially in his exchanges with those who sought to oppose him. In every case, Jesus offered a response so brilliant and unexpected that, "When they heard his answer, they were astonished at his teaching." This week we'll look at Jesus' response to those who sought to trip him up with a trick question about the afterlife. While we live in a world that is skeptical about whether there is anything certain to say about the afterlife, Jesus had no doubts; and his answer was so clear and compelling that it turned his greatest opponent (Saul) into his greatest ally (Paul) who famously wrote - To live is Christ; to die is gain! I look forward to joining you this Sunday. Don't forget to set your clocks ahead before going to bed! -- Pastor Jerry Boutry
What must we do in order to receive a healing, blessing, or answer to prayer? Jesus tells us to just have faith. We are called to trust Jesus with every fiber of our being, but even the best of us have doubts creep in from time to time. This Sunday, we will see that God can handle our doubts...and that is all the more reason to have faith in Him! -- Pastor Luke
Prayer – praying – conversing with God is something that Christians hear a lot about. Out of curiosity, I did an Amazon search for books on prayer and was offered a selection of 60,000 books! On Sunday, we’ll focus on just four as we dive into the life and teaching of Jesus in the Gospels. We’ll investigate what He had to say about prayer and how He personally prayed – frequently – in a variety of settings. We’ll consider His instructions on how to pray and be encouraged by all of the benefits that come when we pray!
-- Pastor Dorothy
What does it mean to rest in our time and place? We live with, and sometimes sleep with, our cell phones, computers and even smart watches. Because of these devices we can work anywhere, and eventually we find ourselves working everywhere. What does our propensity to perpetual work tell us about the state of our inner-selves? The state of our souls? And how does the healing Jesus performs in Jerusalem speak to our desperate need for rest?
-- Pastor Reed Jolley
Do you know that you have influence and authority over people? How are you leveraging your influence in order to be a blessing to those people? This Sunday we will see the faith of a powerful man who steps up for someone beneath him. It is the only time in Matthew's Gospel in which someone's actions actually amazed Jesus. I hope you will join me! --Pastor Luke
We might say wine gets “mixed reviews” in the Bible. On the one hand, drinking too much wine will ruin ones life (Proverbs 20:1). On the other hand, the authors of the Bible see wine as a gift from God that gladdens the heart. Furthermore, when the promised Messiah comes, the people’s vats of wine will overflow (Joel 2:24)! In John 2:1-11, we learn of the first miracle of Jesus. He saves the day at a wedding and then John asks, Are you drinking this wine? I look forward to joining you this Sunday as we look at what this text tells us about Jesus as he begins his ministry in this way.
-- Pastor Reed Jolley
More likely than not you have heard the phrase, “That’s not fair!”. We hear it a lot with kids, but it’s not uncommon with adults too. Looking around at the world, we see that indeed life is not fair. Bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people. In our success-driven, merit-based world, we can get frustrated that life does not add up to what it should. Yet God is there in the midst of it all, teaching us by example. Join us this Sunday as we explore another one of Jesus’ parables and encounter a God who builds His kingdom on grace.
-- Amanda de la Vega Tovar, Minister to Students
Recently, I was at a leadership meeting for incoming church officers and one of the questions asked was: "Are you a risk taker?" Of the incoming thirty or so deacons and elders who would spiritually lead the church for the next few years, not a single one raised their hand. This isn’t unique to church leadership. More often than not, our needs for control and comfort prevent risk taking in our lives. However, as followers of Jesus, we have been called to be risk takers! Join us this Sunday as we listen at the feet of Jesus to how those who follow Him must risk everything for Him and His kingdom.
-- Pastor Samuel Weems
When you picture Jesus, who do you imagine? We often have an image of Jesus that reflects ourselves more than the actual Jesus of the Bible. It’s rare, for example, when asked to picture Jesus that people remember all the moments when Jesus was angry. While we may prefer not to dwell on such passages, when we spend time walking with Jesus in Scripture, we find that he did become angry on various occasions with the religious leaders of the day and even his own disciples. We also learn how Jesus would reprocess that anger into grace. Join us this Sunday as we learn about reprocessing anger into grace and how God Himself did so for us on the cross.
We cannot wait to worship with you all as ONE family this Sunday. We will celebrate the 65th Anniversary of God’s blessing and favor upon our wonderful church. We will gather as a commUNITY and hear stories that have built CPC. And, we will celebrate the fact that God isn’t finished with us yet!
Renovate… Their names are Chip and Joanna and their HGTV show, Fixer Upper, has been astonishingly popular! They take houses in various states of disrepair and renovate them. Restore them. Sometimes all it takes is a massive cleaning and gallons of paint, other times the houses need major foundational restoration. It’s not unusual at this time of year to take a look at our lives and make some New Year’s Resolutions. Promises to ourselves of ways we need personal renovation. During the season of Advent, we have investigated the historical and theological truths of God “With Us”. This morning, let’s look at the practical ways the teachings of Jesus impact our lives.
Advent is the waiting. We do not like waiting. We do not like to walk past those gifts under the tree and wonder what treasures they contain.
Christmas is the revelation. It is the opening of those gifts that bring so much joy. Christmas is the moment when God revealed Himself to the world in human form. Jesus was revealed many centuries ago, but He will also reveal Himself tonight, as we gather to worship and celebrate our Savior and our Salvation.
Wonder. This Sunday, Pastor Greg Ogden will explore the truth that we live in a world of inexplicable wonder. Every day we are surrounded by evidence of the hand of God. Whether it is exploring the vastness of the universe that posits things like dark matter (that no scientist can truly explain) or whether it is mapping the inner space of the human brain, this is a jaw-dropping world. But there is nothing like the message that the angel Gabriel delivered to Mary that takes us into—how can this be? Our faith is based upon undeserved grace; the belief that the man Jesus is literally out of the world; but He came into the world like no one ever has or will. As J. B. Philipps said, “We are the Visited Planet”. It was Mary’s encounter with this unfathomable message that caused this teenager to break forth in song, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked upon the humble estate of his servant” (Luke 1:26-48).
Pastor Luke Barnes brings the message as we celebrate the second Sunday of Advent. Belief in action sounds so much better than obedience, doesn't it? Our culture doesn’t like the word 'obey'. But the truth is, if you believe in something and act according to that belief, then you are being obedient. Amazing things happen when men and women in the Bible chose to put their belief into action. Joseph and Mary are prime examples of this as they willingly submitted to God's plans, and as result, the Savior was born into their family.
December is almost here! As we take time to celebrate the birth of the Messiah – it is interesting to note that the first birth announcement was made 700 years before Jesus was born. This morning, we’ll look at the prophecies in the book of Isaiah related to Christ – as we focus on the amazing reality that the child born in Bethlehem was God made flesh, and we’ll see how the fulfillment of the prophecies concerning Jesus in the Old Testament strengthens our faith.
You know that song "Turn! Turn! Turn!" by The Byrds? It was on the Forrest Gump soundtrack. Well, the lyrics come from Ecclesiastes 3. Pastor Luke Barnes will be preaching from that passage of scripture this morning. It is vital that we recognize that there are seasons in life. But, what is even more important, is the ability to cultivate a grateful and content heart no matter the season we find ourselves in. Easier said than done. Thank God for the work of His Holy Spirit and the promise that all things are possible with Jesus!
What is the meaning of life? That is the question Ecclesiastes is attempting to answer. It is no easy task. That is for sure. But as we press into this book, we resonate with so much of what is being said. Ecclesiastes goes on an exploration into life. It tests some of the things that the world is saying will satisfy. And time and time again, the world's wisdom fails the test. The world says to indulge and make yourself happy. How is that working out for you?
Pastor Luke Barnes brings us the message this morning with the beginning of a mini-series titled "A Time For Everything". We fool ourselves into thinking that the more we comprehend, then the more we will have control. But that is not the case. Wisdom and experience tell us that there is a time for everything. So much of this world is cyclical and so much is simply out of our control. Join us as we open up the book of Ecclesiastes and see what it has to teach us about this crazy thing we call life.
Guest preacher Dennis Newkirk brings us the word this morning with a convicting message on how we as Christians should face situations of suffering.
For the final time as Carmel Presbyterian Church's senior pastor, Rick Duncan brings us this morning's message. For the past few months, Pastor Rick has led us through this leadership transition in finding CPC's next senior pastor. This morning Pastor Rick will give us a charge for the future and biblical hope for the coming months and years at CPC. We want to thank Pastor Rick and the entire Duncan family for the many years of faithful service and friendship to everyone in our church family. Please join us in praying for the Duncans as they turn to a new chapter in their lives.
Assistant Pastor Luke Barnes brings us the message this morning with a discussion on resilience. Pastor Luke shares about the high school ministry's recent mission trip to Ensenada, Mexico where a team of 12 built a home from the ground up for a very deserving family who truly embodies resilience. Pastor Luke examines scripture to see how we are called to constantly shoot for biblical resilience.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our series on "God Acts" by teaching about the powerful reality of conversation. So many of us remember the first time someone shared the gospel with us and changed our lives forever. Scripture is full of beautiful encounters where it all starts with a conversation. May you be bold in your willingness to share God's love with others!
Guest preacher, Pastor Rick Pennington, brings us the message this morning with an encouraging word about the mysterious and amazing way God works through evangelism!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our series "God Acts" by looking deeper into what the church is supposed to look like. Scripture is clear on the way the church is supposed to act, care for, and love one another. Let it be our prayer that we mold our hearts and attitudes to the way Christ calls his bride to do so!
Assistant Pastor Luke Barnes brings the message this morning with a teaching based on the book "Unoffendable" by Brant Hansen. Pastor Luke presses into some touchy subjects and digs into why our culture is often so easily offended. We look at relationships with family and friends, while examining our faith along the way.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our series "God Acts" by reading in the book of Acts and taking a deeper look at the supernatural power of God. This is one of the most mysterious yet tangible parts of God's character. How amazing it is that we serve a God with such awesome power!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan kicks off our new sermon series titled "God Acts". We will be studying the book of Acts, specifically looking at the early church, how it operated and lessons we can take away from that. Although we are separated by several hundred years, there are many similarities we can examine and apply to the church today.
NOTE: Please excuse the audio issues. We experienced some technical difficulties!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan concludes our series on "Building Blocks" by looking at 1 Corinthians 14 and how we are called to build our church. Please continue to pray for our church during this transition process!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our sermon series "Building Blocks". Pastor Rick looks at 1 Corinthians as the motivation for the 5 purposes in which we are called to build our church. Please continue to pray for our church during this time of transition that God will lead the people He wants here.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan kicks off our new sermon series "Building Blocks". This morning Pastor Rick will be talking about our life's purpose as it says in scripture. We are asked to go and serve God in every way bringing glory to His name in everything we do. While that can certainly come with its challenges, Pastor Rick gives us practical tips on how to fall in love with that calling and make it a true joy.
Our Minister to Students, Amanda De La Vega Tovar, brings the message this morning, closing out our mini-series on "Lessons from the Lake". Amanda tells of the amazing, transformative nature of Christ and how He has works in our middle school and high school students this summer.
Assistant Pastor Luke Barnes brings us the message this week. Pastor Luke and our Minister to Students, Amanda De La Vega Tovar, will be doing a two week mini-series called "Lessons from the Lake". Recently our middle school and high school youth programs traveled to Hume Lake and Lake Shasta for their annual summer camps. God worked so powerfully in each trip and provided so many amazing stories for the students and leaders. This Sunday, Pastor Luke will tell of the lessons he learned during the annual high school Houseboats trip.
We are so excited to have our middle school and high school students lead both services for Youth Sunday 2018! In this podcast episode you will hear testimonies from Chase Jones, Bibiana Silva, and Caitlyn Gianini. We are so blessed to have a thriving youth ministry. Continue to pray for their hearts to continually be drawn to Christ!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan shares a very tough message, tackling one of the hardest questions we all ask... "why?" Pastor Rick gives us practical ways to shape our faith in a way that we are relying and trusting in God's perfect plan so when those uncertain moments of life hit us, we are able to cast our worries at the foot of the cross.
CPC missionary Bob Blincoe brings us the word this morning. Bob tells us about his work in the Middle East and reaching those in the Muslim world. What an amazing message of hope, faith, and action as we hear the power of what God's word can do!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan concludes our series "Three Promises" by teaching on perseverance. Life as a Christian is not easy. All throughout scripture we see examples of this. However, Christ calls us to persevere through it all with the aid of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Rick shows us several biblical examples of how this lived out and practical habits to institute in our daily lives to build perseverance.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our "Three Promises" sermon series by teaching on Christ's power and the hope and joy that comes with serving an all powerful God. What assurance it is that we are able to have a relationship with our Heavenly Father who protects, loves, and cherishes each one of us!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan begins our series on "Three Promises" by teaching on how Christ presents himself in our lives. Pastor Rick begins his sermon by sharing some important church news with the congregation.
Guest preacher Greg Ogden brings us an amazing message this morning. Greg sets out to renew our idea and awe of Christ. His power, majesty, and grace are just a few qualities that we are reminded of. How great is our God!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan concludes our series "Better Together" by taking a look at The Great Commission and the way in which we are called as the ambassadors of Christ to spread the good news together, as one body.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan finishes our mini-series on "Better Together" with a sermon illustrating the power of community, commitment, and love. Pastor Rick also tells some stories from his recent trip to Brazil.
Our Minister to Students, Amanda De La Vega Tovar brings us the message this morning. We live in the most connected age of our time. The age of technology opens doors for constant connection on anything and everything you could dream of. Yet we also see this time as being one of the most disconnected relationally. In a world where loneliness is becoming more and more common, God made us to belong to Him and His family. We can’t do this alone and we were never meant to. In order for us to thrive individually and as the Church, we need each other. This Sunday we will learn about our joined purpose of being better together.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan concludes our series "Confidence in Adversity" with a wonderful message on turning disappointment into joy. This series we have explored all of the ways Christ calls us to handle different types of adversity. Praise Jesus that we serve a God who stands by our side no matter the circumstance!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our series on "Confidence in Adversity" by teaching on best practices for conquering worry. Whether as a parent, student, in the work place, or about a relationship, everyone worries. However scripture is clear that we are to cast all of that worry to the foot of the cross and fully trust in Christ. May our prayer this week be just that..!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our series on "Confidence in Adversity" by teaching why we should have every reason to be encouraged by the promises Christ proclaims. God supernaturally intervenes in our lives in often little and unexplained ways. Let it be our prayer this week to be quicker to realize those instances and find total peace in that truth! Also, we celebrate 10 of our high school students as they get confirmed at the end of the service. May God protect them every step of the way in their journey!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our series on "Confidence in Adversity" by looking at what it means to chase after Christ's heart. As Christians, we are called to constantly mold our own hearts to be more like Jesus. Episodes of adversity are ways the enemy tries to take us away. Praise Jesus that He stands victorious on our behalf! We were bought with the precious blood of Christ!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our new series, "Confidence in Adversity". Pastor Rick teaches about the very real truth that although adversity is present, there is always redemption on the other end. Throughout Jesus' life, temptation entered in so many ways. What a privilege it is to serve a God who sent His perfect son so we may be able to model our lives after Him!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan kicks off our new sermon series titled, "Confidence in Adversity". During this series, we will be looking at many of the ways Christ calls us to trust his will, persevere through hardship, and ultimately dive into what it means to fully submit to God. Are you going through a season of life that is seemingly overbearing? Bask in God's glory, ask for strength, and rest in the knowledge that the King of kings loves you so deeply!
He is risen! Senior Pastor Rick Duncan preaches on this Easter morning about the significance and history altering reality that is Jesus Christ conquering death. Because of this event, every single one of us has the opportunity to have an intimate relationship with God the Father. Praise Jesus for His sacrifice on the cross. May we worship Him all of our days as the resurrected King! Happy Easter!
Our Pastor to Students, Luke Barnes, brings the message on Good Friday. Pastor Luke takes us into an intimate snapshot of Jesus' final days on Earth. From Peter's denial, to Judas' kiss, to Jesus' arrest, and ultimately His death on the cross, all hope seemed to be finished for those closest to Him. While we know that is not the end of the story, this day represented hope lost, crushed hearts, and lost faith.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our series on The Beauty of Jesus by looking at Jesus' attribute as the ultimate forgiver of sins. Pastor Rick gives some healthy and practical ways we should approach our enemies. What it boils down to is the ability to love an enemy no matter the wrongdoing. Jesus is THE example of how to model this practice. Praise God!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our sermon series by teaching on the beautiful attribute of Jesus as the peacemaker. Pastor Rick teaches about the miraculous transformation of Levi the tex collector into Matthew, one of the most influential Christians to ever live. God does not discriminate who He wants a relationship with. What an amazing reality that is!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our series on "The Beauty of Jesus" by teaching how Jesus is true love. Pastor Ricks looks to scripture for the ways in which we are called as Christians to love God fully. What an amazing truth it is that we serve a God who wants a deep, intimate, loving relationship with each one of us!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our series on The Beauty of Jesus by teaching on how Jesus is the ultimate healer. There are so many health issues in our families, communities, and world. Often we forget to offer prayers of healing to the one true God. Join us in praying for all those who are struggling with health issues, that God would intervene and have His will be done!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our series on The Beauty of Jesus by looking at how Jesus extended total mercy to everyone he came into contact with. Pastor Rick specifically looks at the story of the prostitute washing Jesus' feet in the book of Luke. How amazing it is that we worship a God who interacts with the least of these in a way that demonstrates genuine love, compassion, and total mercy!
Pastor Rick continues our series on "The Beauty of Jesus" by teaching from the book of Luke and the story of Peter's call to be a disciple of Jesus. As followers of Christ we are to be obedient to His call and obedient to what God has for us. Peter is such a tremendous example of realizing the astonishing beauty of Jesus and seeking in every way, to make Jesus a priority in his life!
Pastor Luke kicks off our new series titled "The Beauty of Jesus". Throughout this series we will explore the many ways Jesus interacted with, healed, socialized, and taught those throughout scripture. We will be primarily focusing on the grace, mercy, and love that Jesus demonstrated in these encounters.
This morning we have the wonderful privilege to hear from our Minister to Students, Amanda de la Vega, as she preaches for the first time at CPC! Amanda recently visited Israel on a 10 day trip where she walked, saw, and learned about many of the places we read about so often in scripture. She will be teaching on the word "Sabbath", what that should look like in our lives, and how best to live it out in accordance with scripture.
Pastor Rick Duncan concludes our three week mini-series on best practices for better, more healthy relationships. This morning Pastor Rick will talk about some seemingly basic, yet incredibly important steps to complain less, appreciate more, and love better. We hope this series has given you some Biblical insight on how to better love those closest to you!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues part 2 of 3 of our Building Better Besties sermon series. During this series we will be examining all of the ways Scripture calls us to love one another better. Today, Pastor Rick talks about sacrificial love and the little ways we can serve others better. Jesus displayed the ultimate demonstration of sacrificial love with his death on the cross, and it is our duty as his ambassadors to do all we can to further that truth with our own actions to everyone we come into contact with!
Pastor Rick Duncan kicks off our 3 week sermon series, "Building Better Besties". During this series, we will be diving deep into scripture and explore just how we are supposed to love, care for, and treat those in our lives. The focus of this sermon series will be bettering our Earthly relationships in accordance with the Bible.
Our Pastor to Students, Luke Barnes, concludes 2017 with a message of love. Our motto here at Carmel Presbyterian Church is "Be Loved. Love God. Love Others." Pastor Luke teaches what it truly means to Be Loved by God. What a wonderful truth to close out 2017 and launch into the New Year!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our sermon series "Expecting Christmas". Pastor Rick talks on the birth of Christ from the perspective of the angels. Although scripture is relatively quiet on this point of view, it is clear that the heavenly hosts were instrumental in faithfully spreading the good news of Christ's birth. As we are a week away from Christmas Eve, let us be glad and excited about the reality that Christ came to Earth and lived the perfect life, a true example of heaven on Earth. Praise God!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our advent series on "Expecting Christmas" by preaching on how we should have total belief in confidence in the callings that God has for us. Pastor Rick teaches from the perspective of Mary and all of the societal pressures she went through during her pregnancy with Jesus. Mary is a wonderful example of a faithful servant, willing to risk everything for the sake of following God. Praise Mary for her love, generosity, and selflessness that changed history forever!
Pastor Rick Duncan continues our "Expecting Christmas" series by exploring the story of Mary in the Christmas story. Pastor Rick dives deep into the societal and emotional struggle Mary must have gone through during the birth of Jesus. What a wonderful example of a faithful servant of God following through on a promise that changed the world forever!
Our Pastor to Students, Luke Barnes, kicks off our series "Expecting Christmas" that will span all of advent and lead into Christmas Eve. Pastor Luke molds his teaching around the joyful expectation we have in Christ Jesus by announcing the coming of Baby Barnes #2! Congratulations Pastor Luke and Lalia!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan concludes our series on "Thankfulness" by teaching on the ways we should strive to hit the target that Christ has laid out through His word. Commanded by The Great Commission, we have the opportunity to share the amazing love and promise of God to others. How amazing is it that God uses us to share the greatest truth of all! We hope you and your family have a wonderful, peaceful, and thanks-filled Thanksgiving!
Pastor Rick Pennington, Ministry Partnership Team Chair of ECO's Bluewater Presbytery, kicks off our new sermon series on thankfulness. Pastor Rick preaches on what it looks like to have true biblical thankfulness and how it affects every aspect of our lives. We are so thankful to have Pastor Rick guest preach this Sunday!
Pastor to Students Luke Barnes closes our series celebrating the 500th year anniversary of the Reformation by recapping the main points of the series as well as teaching about how the reformers shed light on the VIP access we all have to the one true God through our savior, Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are able to have a direct, one-on-one relationship with God, without the need for any sort of middle man. What an amazing reality that is, praise Jesus! And, happy 500th birthday to the Reformation!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our sermon series on the Reformation by revolving his message around one crucial question: What would you die for? In 2017 America we are blessed with not having to worry about many of the fears those throughout history dealt with. This is especially true when it comes to our faith in Western society. Pastor Rick teaches on the history of martyrdom and just how heroic those individuals are for Christianity. When it comes to your life, are you willing to die as Jesus did for your Christian beliefs?
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our series on the Reformation by teaching on what it means to give all of the glory to God and not boast of our own accomplishments. Pastor Rick talks about the dangers of pride and what it means to have a biblical world view of Christ's ultimate glory.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our series on the Reformation by teaching on the sacrifice, grace, and love we experience from Christ alone. It is through him we are able to enjoy joy, peace, happiness, contentment, and ultimately eternal life. Christ is our rock, our redeemer, our savior!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our sermon series on the Reformation by teaching about a biblical view of the grace Jesus extends to us. It is by Christ's grace that we are able to enter into a relationship with him and enjoy eternal life. It is Jesus' sacrifice on the cross that changed everything... For it is by grace alone that we are saved!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our new sermon series on the Reformation by looking at a biblical view of faith vs. works. Pastor Rick explains that a relationship with Jesus is not measured by what we have or have not done, it is not how many mistakes we have made, or the works we have completed. Our relationship with Christ hinges on one thing, and one thing alone, our total and complete faith in Jesus Christ, our savior!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan kicks off our new series on the Reformation, as we celebrate its 500th year anniversary. This Sunday Pastor Rick teaches on the importance of scriptural authority, the importance of the Bible, as well as our personal discipline to dive deep into God's word on a regular basis.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan concludes our sermon series on Jesus' Final Words by teaching from the entire 17th chapter of the book of John. Pastor Rick examines how we as humans often want to know Jesus, but only on a superficial level. When in reality, a true, biblical knowledge of Christ involves a deep and intimate knowledge of all that He is.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan concludes this sermon series by explaining the Biblical view of true belief. Pastor Rick teaches on various points in scripture where belief is tested and the responses from both the disciples, as well as Jesus.
Retired pastor, renowned author, and current CPC covenant partner, Greg Ogden preaches this morning on the mystery and relational beauty that is the holy trinity. Greg explains that because God, three persons in one, is inherently love, he is also inherently relationship. We as humans are wired for love and relationship and that is all made possible by the power and beauty of the holy trinity!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our sermon series by looking at a healthy biblical world view of expectations, specifically suffering as a Christian. Pastor Rick teaches that our culture's expectations of a life full of prosperity and happiness with minimal suffering is not the life the bible promises us. We are to expect suffering, and in those moments, love our enemies and draw near to the ever present love that Jesus Christ offers!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues this week's sermon with a follow up on the necessity of true love in scripture. This week, Pastor Rick looks at John 15 and the imagery of Jesus as our true vine for truth, love, and everlasting life!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our series on Jesus' Final Words by examining what true love looks like from a biblical perspective. Looking at John 14, Pastor Rick illustrates the depth of love that Jesus has for each of us, and how we are to live that our everyday, with everyone, in every action!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our series on Jesus' Final Words by teaching on the mystery of the trinity. Pastor Rick explains the "shrug" we often make when facing a situation we do not understand. With the trinity, much of its mystery has not been revealed to us, yet scripture calls us into faith and unwavering trust in the power of Christ, three persons in one!
We took a break in our "Jesus' Final Words" series to hear from Jim Samland, one of the various missionaries we partner with. Jim, along with his wife and daughter, serve with Cru in Hungary. Jim offers a powerful message by looking at four very common responses we as humans often demonstrate towards Jesus.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan illustrates what a Biblical view of peace looks like through the lens of Jesus Christ.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our sermon series examining Jesus' final interactions on Earth. Today we learn what true glory means through the lens of Christ's death on the cross.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan starts off our new sermon series titled "Jesus' Final Words". Today we will learn about what it means to display true greatness through a biblical lens.
Justin Noseworthy, our Contemporary Music Director and soon to be Fuller Seminary graduate, teaches us about the early church and how God works through prosperity, but also the most broken circumstances.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan teaches us the vision Christ has for us to effectively and powerfully share our faith with others.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan preaches on the power of love and how infectious it can be in people's lives.
Pastor Luke Barnes offers some important perspectives and teachings from scripture on how to better relate to, and healthily blend technology into our lives, all while pursuing Christ!
Pastor Nate Tibbs, from Shoreline Community Church's Pacific Grove campus, guest preaches on our current technology series.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan teaches us about how to appropriately approach technology as it relates to our relationship with Christ.
Kathy Gray begins our disCONNECTed series by sharing information on the intersection of our faith and digital technology.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan preaches on Easter morning from Matthew 18 on the joy of the resurrection! Happy Easter!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues to teach on the promises God has for us by teaching from Psalm 139.
Pastor Ben Melli teaches from Psalm 87 and helps us figure out where we place or what we place our identity in.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan shares the truths that God promises his children from Psalm 37!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues CPC's sermon series on "God's Promises" by teaching from Psalm 73.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues our "God's Promises" sermon series by examining Psalm 51 and the promise of forgiveness that is assured to everyone who truly proclaims Christ as their King!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues CPC's sermon series on God's promises, with an in-depth teaching of Psalm 23.
Our Director of Contemporary Music, and current seminarian, Justin Noseworthy continues our sermon series on "God's Promises". Justin examines the beginning of Matthew 5, specifically the Beatitudes, and explains how we can use those to further our understanding of who Christ is!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan continues his sermon series on God's Promises teaching us from Psalm 15.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan starts a sermon series on God's promises by examining Psalm 1.
Pastor Luke Barnes kicks off 2017 with the start of a mini-sermon series on realizing your spiritual gifts.
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan preaches on Christmas Eve about the wonderful gift and anticipation that is Jesus Christ's birth!
Senior Pastor Rick Duncan concludes CPC's advent series on our need for true, unconditional love that only Christ can bring!
Pastor Ben Melli continues CPC's "Why We Need Christmas" series. Pastor Melli teaches us about the very nature of joy we as Christians get to experience through Christ.
Pastor Luke Barnes delivers his inaugural sermon at CPC. He begins our advent series on why we need Christmas. This week Pastor Barnes looks teaches us why we need peace.
Pastor Ben Melli begins CPC's advent series on "Why We Need Christmas". This week, he will dive into scripture and teach us why we need hope.