#WeAreChristChurch: Recent Episodes
At the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus declares that those who are spiritually thirsty should come to Him and drink, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of a future outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He identifies Himself as the living water, the true temple, and the source of divine life, pointing to His impending ascension and glorification as the necessary precursor to the Spirit's universal pouring out. The sermon emphasizes that the Holy Spirit, though present in the Old Testament, is now promised to all believers—not just priests or prophets—inaugurated at Pentecost and available to every person who believes. This spiritual nourishment is not a one-time event but a daily, personal reception, transforming the believer from within and fulfilling the promise of God dwelling with His people. The passage also highlights the division among the people and religious leaders, underscoring the spiritual blindness of those who reject Jesus despite His powerful, authoritative teaching, while affirming that true faith is marked by a personal, ongoing encounter with Christ.
The sermon affirms that justification comes solely through faith in Christ, not by works of the law, yet emphasizes that the law remains essential as the foundation for ethical living in all areas of life. It argues that while the law is not a means of earning salvation, it is a divine guide for joyful, God-honoring living, revealing God's character and purpose for humanity. The preacher challenges Christians to reject the notion that ethics are separate from Scripture, urging a holistic application of biblical law in business, parenting, leadership, and daily decisions, grounded in the principle that God's law is holy, righteous, and designed to bless. Far from being a burden, the law is portrayed as a source of wisdom, joy, and life, to be embraced with delight and obedience, not judgment or dismissal, because it reflects the heart of a loving God who desires human flourishing.
The sermon explores the concept of the church as a household, emphasizing its distinct nature from modern corporate structures like LLCs or corporations. Drawing from 1 Timothy 3, 1 Corinthians 3, and Ephesians 2, the message highlights the importance of covenant succession, inheritance, and hierarchical obedience within the church community, asserting that individual behavior directly impacts the entire body. It challenges the notion of casual membership, advocating for a deeper commitment akin to adoption and inheritance, while also affirming the vital role of dedicated service to the church, exemplified by figures like Dorcas and Anna, and ultimately pointing to the church as the ultimate household of faith, where individuals can contribute meaningfully regardless of familial status.
The sermon explores the theological implications of baptism, particularly within the context of the Abrahamic covenant, asserting that all believers, regardless of status or background, are heirs to God's promises. Drawing from Galatians 3 and connecting to the Old Testament, the message emphasizes the responsibility of parents, acting as stewards and guardians, to raise children within the fear and admonition of the Lord, recognizing them as belonging to Jesus and claiming the covenant promises made to Abraham. The sermon challenges secular notions of individual consent, affirming that infants are inherently part of God's household and deserving of baptism as a sign of that belonging, while acknowledging the potential for individuals to forsake their inheritance, urging the community to support parents in their sacred duty.
The sermon explores the nature of anxiety and its root in the soul, arguing that true victory over it requires more than confession alone. Drawing from Proverbs 31, it emphasizes the importance of consuming the Word of God, cultivating Christian fellowship, and engaging in consistent prayer as vital means of spiritual nourishment and healing. The message underscores that while emotional management techniques can be helpful, lasting relief comes from trusting in God's sovereignty and actively seeking His guidance, ultimately offering hope and a path toward a joyful, faith-filled future despite uncertainty.
The sermon explores the relationship between the Old Testament Mosaic law and the New Testament grace offered through Jesus Christ, arguing that the phrase 'grace upon grace' signifies a fulfillment rather than a replacement of the law. It contends that the Old Testament covenant, while structured by law, was itself a gracious expression of God's covenant with his people, and that the law served to intensify blessings and reveal God's character. Drawing on Reformed theological tradition, the sermon emphasizes that the law is an integral aspect of God's covenant, guiding believers toward a deeper understanding of God's will and ultimately pointing to the need for Christ, and that the New Testament builds upon the Old Testament, blossoming from its foundations to offer a fuller revelation of God's grace.
The sermon emphasizes the crucial role of community in shaping both children and adults, advocating for careful selection of friends and environments to foster sanctification and avoid corruption. It explores the long-term implications of financial stewardship, urging parents to leave inheritances not only for their children but also for their grandchildren, safeguarding against inflation, medical expenses, and the IRS while prioritizing the transmission of Christian values, covenantal connections, and a culture of diligent work and financial prudence to ensure multi-generational faithfulness and prosperity.
The sermon explores the profound implications of John 1:12, asserting that receiving Jesus grants individuals the right to become children of God, a transition distinct from Old Testament covenants. Drawing on passages from John, Galatians, and Hebrews, the message highlights the reconstitution of Israel and the blossoming of new realities in the New Testament, including the abolition of the Levitical priesthood, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the manifestation of God's glory in Jesus Christ as the ultimate temple. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes that while the world often rejects this transformative grace, those who receive Jesus are welcomed into God's family and inherit His kingdom.
The sermon explores the concept of the virtuous woman as a poetic expression of God's law, emphasizing her role not as an unattainable ideal but as a model for living a life of service and responsibility. It highlights the importance of building strong Christian households, fostering a household economy through diligent work and supplementing income to benefit the community, and ultimately loving neighbors as oneself. The message underscores the significance of work, whether in business, homemaking, or other vocations, as a means of demonstrating Christian love and fulfilling God's purpose, ultimately moving beyond personal ambition to serve the needs of others and contribute to the well-being of the town.
The sermon explores the concept of the virtuous woman, not as an ideal unattainable by modern women, but as a warrior embodying strength, valor, and selfless dedication, primarily within the sphere of her household. Drawing on Proverbs 31, the message highlights the importance of a divinely ordained hierarchy, with the husband recognized in the community while the wife diligently supports the family, ultimately sharing in the rewards of their combined efforts. The speaker emphasizes that this structure mirrors the relationship between Christ and the church, encouraging listeners to embrace their roles and contribute to a shared mission, thereby experiencing both personal fulfillment and participation in God's greater purpose.
The sermon explores the profound implications of Jesus's incarnation, asserting that He entered a world already marked by relational estrangement—a divide between the Creator and creation stemming from sin. It examines the concept of dominion, highlighting how Jesus, as King, legally challenges the authority of the "ruler of this world" and his dominion over nations, ultimately offering a path to reconciliation and new creation through faith. The message emphasizes that Jesus's arrival initiated a judgment upon these powers, paving the way for a future where heaven and earth will ultimately converge, and believers will inherit the earth through Him.
The sermon explores the intersection of generosity and prosperity, drawing from Proverbs 31 to illustrate the ideal of a virtuous woman who embodies both. It argues that true generosity, rooted in compassion and obedience to God's law, isn't a source of guilt or manipulation but a pathway to equitable community care, emphasizing the importance of covenantal giving and a proportional ratio, ultimately suggesting that a church committed to these principles can become a place where no one is in need.
The sermon emphasizes the crucial link between spiritual well-being and submission to authority within a covenantal community, particularly through instruction and reproof. Drawing from Proverbs, it argues that true honor and long life stem from receiving guidance and accountability, which are absent in autonomous, disconnected Christian lives. The speaker contends that merely attending church or consuming sermons does not constitute genuine discipleship, highlighting the necessity of formal membership, covenantal relationships, and a willingness to be under the discipline of a church and its leadership for true spiritual growth and blessing.
The sermon emphasizes the vital importance of humility and teachability in receiving wisdom, asserting that true guidance flows from listening to wise counsel, particularly within established communities and through the instruction of others. It cautions against the illusion of neutrality, arguing that every individual is influenced by voices, whether wise or deceptive, and that rejecting sound instruction opens the door to negative influences. The message underscores the need for habitual meditation on Scripture and the faithful delivery of messages, warning that twisting truth for personal gain ultimately leads to both personal and relational harm, while accurate communication fosters healing and a life of blessing.
The sermon explores the foundational purpose of the Gospel of John, emphasizing its role as an evangelistic tract designed to convey life through faith in Jesus Christ. It examines the historical context of the book's writing during a period of persecution, highlighting John's purpose as an apostle to the Jews and the significance of the Old Covenant themes within the narrative. The speaker underscores the book's call to leave behind outdated systems and embrace a new covenant, emphasizing Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God and the source of abundant life, while also clarifying the theological implications of this message for understanding God's sovereignty and the nature of creation.
The sermon explores the concept of profitability, not in a worldly sense, but as a reflection of a life pleasing to God. It contrasts the efforts of the self-righteous, who attempt to earn favor through works and rituals, with the humility of those who acknowledge their need for grace and forgiveness through faith in Christ. The message emphasizes that true profitability involves investing one's resources – time, talent, and finances – with courage and conviction, recognizing that God's blessings extend to those who fear the Lord and diligently steward their gifts, ultimately leading to a life of purpose and eternal reward.
The sermon explores the deceptive nature of wealth, emphasizing that appearances can be misleading as true prosperity lies not in material possessions but in aligning one's life with God's calling. Drawing from Proverbs, the message cautions against pursuing riches at the expense of spiritual growth, highlighting that both the pursuit of wealth and the neglect of God's word can lead to destruction. The speaker underscores the importance of humility, teachability, and diligent study of Scripture, advocating for a life of patient, faithful service as the path to enduring reward and genuine wealth, ultimately urging listeners to prioritize God's kingdom and seek wisdom from His Word above all else.
The sermon traces the decline of American Christianity, arguing it began in the early 1800s with the rise of Arminianism and its emphasis on man-centered salvation over God's sovereignty, leading to practices like emotional revivalism and the altar call. This shift, influenced by figures like Charles Finney and later exacerbated by secular philosophies and government-controlled education, fostered a dualistic worldview separating the sacred and secular and ultimately resulted in a diminished understanding of Christ's dominion over all of life. The speaker advocates for a return to reformed theology, rejecting these trends and embracing a holistic vision of Christ's kingdom advancing in all areas of society.
The sermon emphasizes the profound impact of words, both spoken and nonverbal, on personal well-being and relationships, drawing from Proverbs 13:2 and 18:20. It asserts that words produce tangible consequences, yielding either nourishing or poisonous fruit, and encourages listeners to cultivate a mindful approach to communication. The message advocates for intentionality in speech, advocating for loving, kind, and true expressions, alongside awareness of body language and facial expressions, as essential components of a fulfilling and harmonious life, suggesting practices like reading Scripture and prayer as pathways to improved communication.
The sermon emphasizes the importance of guarding one's words, cautioning against careless speech that can lead to anxiety and conflict, while also highlighting the dangers of loveless apathy and sluggardliness, which prevent fulfillment. Drawing from Proverbs, the message underscores the need to hate falsehood and passionately defend truth, even when facing opposition, and encourages acceptance of one's calling and diligent work connected to a larger purpose, ultimately leading to a sense of fulfillment that transcends mere career success and contributes to the kingdom.
The lecture traces the English Reformation's complex history, beginning with Henry VIII's desire for a male heir and culminating in the establishment of the Church of England as a distinct institution. It highlights the shift from Roman Catholicism, the influence of key figures like Thomas Cranmer and William Tyndale, and the eventual development of the 39 Articles as a foundational doctrinal standard. The speaker emphasizes the legacy of the English Reformation, particularly its impact on shaping Anglican identity and its role as a significant part of the speaker's own ecclesiastical heritage, while also acknowledging the wide range of theological perspectives within the Anglican tradition today.
The sermon emphasizes the importance of diligence and conscientiousness as virtues reflecting godly stewardship, drawing from Proverbs 12:27 and passages in Ephesians and John. It contrasts the wasteful habits of the slothful, who squander resources like time, money, and spiritual nourishment, with the promise of "precious wealth"—wisdom, influence, and lasting fruit—for those who faithfully manage what God has entrusted to them. Ultimately, the message encourages listeners to examine their own habits, seek God's grace, and cultivate a mindset of intentionality in all aspects of life, recognizing that faithfulness with little leads to greater responsibility and kingdom impact.
The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparedness and mental fortitude in the Christian life, drawing parallels to the virtuous woman's diligent work ethic and unwavering resolve. It cautions against complacency and passivity, particularly during the summer months when distractions and temptations abound, urging listeners to actively cultivate faith through prayer and engagement with Scripture to resist spiritual attacks and fulfill their callings. Ultimately, the message encourages listeners to embrace a posture of vigilance and strength, girding themselves with the belt of faith to face life's challenges and steward their blessings responsibly.
The sermon explores the conclusion of Genesis, focusing on Joseph's handling of his father Jacob's death and burial, emphasizing the importance of honoring the body and the theological significance of burial practices. Drawing on historical and cultural context, the speaker contrasts Christian perspectives on burial and cremation, advocating for honoring the body as a testament to the resurrection and a witness to the gospel. The narrative highlights themes of God's sovereignty in redemption, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the enduring hope for a future return to the promised land, ultimately underscoring the importance of faith and the enduring legacy of Israel.
The sermon cautions against the pursuit of outward appearances and pretentious displays of wealth, contrasting them with the enduring value of genuine financial stability and wisdom. Drawing from Proverbs and Matthew, it critiques the hypocrisy of those who prioritize impressing others, believing wealth equates to divine favor, while neglecting true stewardship and long-term prosperity. Ultimately, the message encourages listeners to cultivate a spirit of contentment, invest wisely, and prioritize multi-generational wealth over fleeting trends, recognizing that true glory and justification come from God, not from external validation.
The sermon emphasizes that while nature and experience offer valuable lessons, true wisdom and certainty originate from God's revealed word, particularly the Proverbs. It argues that observations of the world, even through scientific inquiry, cannot provide unshakable truth or definitive guidance for life's challenges, such as parenting or financial decisions. Instead, the speaker encourages listeners to ground their understanding and decision-making in scripture, viewing it as a solid foundation and refuge from the uncertainties of life, ultimately finding assurance and direction through the teachings of the Proverbs.
The sermon emphasizes the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 not as an unattainable ideal, but as a representation of Christ and a guide for cultivating Christian virtue. It highlights the importance of patience, skill, and long-term investment—both financially and in character—as essential components of a life dedicated to excellence and faithfulness. The message encourages listeners to emulate the virtuous woman's diligence, frugality, and strategic planning, viewing these qualities as vital for building a legacy of prosperity and spiritual impact for future generations, ultimately reflecting God's promise of abundance and dominion.
The sermon explores the prophetic blessings Jacob bestows upon his sons, detailing their future roles and destinies within the lineage of Israel. Drawing from Genesis 49, the message emphasizes the significance of covenantal promises, particularly highlighting Judah's role as the line from which the Messiah will emerge, bringing victory and obedience from all nations. The speaker connects these ancient prophecies to the Christian faith, advocating for a hopeful eschatology and encouraging listeners to root their lives and families in the promises of God, even amidst present challenges, and to embrace a future-oriented perspective grounded in faith and legacy.
The sermon emphasizes the importance of generosity and abundance as principles aligned with God's economy, contrasting them with the pitfalls of hoarding and scarcity. Drawing from Proverbs, it explores the blessings that come from freely giving, both materially and spiritually, and cautions against exploiting others' needs. The message highlights the transformative power of a mindset focused on life-giving influence, encouraging listeners to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and discretion in their interactions, ultimately aiming to attract others to truth and righteousness through acts of kindness and the demonstration of God's love.
The sermon explores the deceptive nature of seemingly benevolent actions, arguing that the "mercy of the wicked is cruel," and ultimately harmful. Drawing from Proverbs 12:10 and referencing historical and contemporary examples like Reagan's call to tear down the wall, Planned Parenthood, Black Lives Matter, and universal healthcare, the message cautions against vague appeals to love and compassion that mask underlying agendas. The speaker emphasizes the importance of discerning true righteousness, which extends to demonstrating care and mercy towards all of God's creatures, including animals, as a reflection of a compassionate heart and a reliable character.
The sermon explores the concept of discretion, particularly as it relates to women, using the biblical proverb about a beautiful woman lacking it as a central illustration. It argues that while beauty is valued, true worth lies in wisdom, grace, and moral character, emphasizing that superficial attractiveness without these qualities can be grotesque and ultimately detrimental. Drawing on relatable examples from personal experience and cultural references, the message encourages thoughtful consideration of modesty, communal perceptions of beauty, and the importance of receiving correction, ultimately advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes inner virtue and thoughtful action over mere outward appearance.
The sermon explores God's sovereign orchestration of events, exemplified by the story of Joseph in Egypt, to preserve and revive the church. It highlights how God strategically positioned Israel in Goshen, a place of abundance and protection, shielding them from the world while allowing them to multiply and maintain their distinct identity. The narrative emphasizes God's faithfulness to the Abrahamic covenant, promising prosperity and inheritance, and foreshadows the eventual coming of Jesus, mirroring Israel's journey and ultimately establishing a kingdom where faith and divine promise prevail over worldly power and tyranny.
The sermon emphasizes the importance of virtuous living, drawing from Proverbs to illustrate the qualities of a virtuous woman as a model for husbands, wives, and all individuals. It explores the concept of justice, particularly in how one treats those in positions of less power, such as indentured servants, advocating for compassionate and equitable treatment rooted in a recognition of inherent dignity and reflecting God's character. Ultimately, the message encourages a proactive, diligent, and humble approach to daily life, marked by service, fairness, and a commitment to rendering to others what is rightfully due, fostering a community characterized by shalom and reflecting God's love.
The sermon explores the concept of holiness and God's covenantal relationship with families, particularly focusing on the status conferred upon non-believing spouses and children within Christian households. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 7:14, it argues that an unbelieving husband married to a believer is made holy, and similarly, children of even one believing parent possess a certain status before God, marked by ritualistic holiness akin to baptism. The message emphasizes the responsibilities of Christian parents to raise their children in the Lord, with the congregation committing to support them in this calling, culminating in the baptism of a child as a visible sign of God's covenant and blessing.
The sermon emphasizes the virtue of diligence, drawing from Proverbs 31 to illustrate the qualities of a virtuous woman. It argues that true humanity and spiritual fulfillment are found not in idle pursuits, but in actively engaging in meaningful work, whether it's crafting furniture like Jesus or performing everyday tasks with willing hands. The message connects labor to worship, asserting that diligent work, performed with readiness and a cheerful spirit, allows individuals to feel God's pleasure and contribute to the well-being of others, ultimately sanctifying even the most mundane activities.
The sermon explores the narrative of Joseph in Genesis, highlighting God's sovereign orchestration of events to preserve his church and ultimately bring about the Messiah. It emphasizes the themes of divine providence, corporate sin, and the need for repentance, illustrating how God uses hardship and testing to reveal truth and drive individuals toward reconciliation. The preacher underscores the importance of confronting guilt, demonstrating the parallels between Joseph's actions and the gospel message, and ultimately showcasing the restoration of unity and blessing through faith and obedience, drawing connections to the need for boldness and pressure in evangelism.
The lesson emphasizes the importance of precision and fairness in all aspects of life, drawing from Proverbs and Leviticus to highlight God's aversion to deceit and unjust practices, including shrinkflation and fiat currency. It argues that obedience to God's law, rather than mere sentimentality, is the path to genuine blessing and prosperity, warning against the self-destructive nature of sin and the allure of worldly ambitions, ultimately advocating for a life of righteousness and adherence to God's standards as the key to avoiding spiritual and material ruin.
The sermon emphasizes the importance of virtuous living, drawing from Proverbs 31 to illustrate the qualities of a woman who embodies wisdom and strength. It highlights foresight, prudence, and initiative as essential virtues, arguing that true stewardship involves anticipating future needs, making sound decisions, and actively pursuing solutions rather than passively waiting for others. The message connects these virtues to a godly perspective, suggesting that Christians should emulate Joseph's proactive approach to leadership and actively seek to positively impact their communities through diligent planning and action, ultimately reflecting God's wisdom and care.
The sermon explores the story of Joseph, drawing parallels between his life and the gospel of Jesus Christ, emphasizing God's sovereign work through suffering and providence. It highlights Joseph's journey from adversity to exaltation, portraying him as a savior figure who provides sustenance and ultimately leads to reconciliation and redemption, mirroring the promise to Abraham and foreshadowing the salvation of all nations. The message underscores the importance of trusting God's plan, even amidst trials, and recognizing that obedience and humility are essential for receiving His grace and ultimately experiencing His blessings, both individually and within the broader context of faith and community.
The graduation commencement address for Christ Church academy in 2025. This was our first senior graduation.
This lecture and part one of the lecture serve as an appendix to the series entitled, "The Future is Bright." In this lecture Pastor Brandon Nealy briefly lays out the underlying issues of postmillennialism. The lecture deals primarily with the blessings and cursing of Deuteronomy and whether they apply to us today.
What is beauty-- What makes something beautiful-- What are the objective standards of Beauty--
Episode 1- A discussion on the status of children born into christian families. Paul says in Galatians 4-1 that even as children an heir has the inheritance though for a season he is under a guardianship. The question is not whether an infant is elect. This cannot be known. The question is- however, does an infant in a Christian household have a unique covenantal status- and should, therefore, receive the sign of that status which in the New Testament is baptism.
Pastor Brandon's announcement of his convictions regarding infant Baptism. Here you can also hear a rough outline of the plan enacted by the elder board in light of.
A review of Galatians 3-1-11 - an exposition and application of Gal. 3-12 to the end of the chapter.
basic principles for reading the proverbs. if we dont heed this principles, the proverbs can really harm us.
Continuing our series on Hermeneutics. This episode was also a part of our Rapture Radio series.
introductory lesson on the classic work, -The history of the Kings of Britain- This is a part of our Christ Church Academy Junior High curriculum.
Habakkuk's burden for a just world where the knowledge of the Lord covers the earth as the waters cover the sea.
A few applications on foundational teachings and then an exposition of one of the hardest passages in scripture, Hebrews 6-1-9
A classroom lecture at Christ Church Academy introducing Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English people.
a classroom lecture at Christ Church academy introducing the classic work of historical fiction, -The Dragon - The Raven-
an overview and application of the book of Amos focusing on the person of Amos and God's covenant with nations.
These are the necessary essentials of anyone who would serve in civil or political office.
In this episode we lay out the basic argument for the calvinistic understanding of limited atonement.