Growing University with Pastor Chris Dortch: Recent Episodes
Dr. Chris Dortch
Dr. Chris Dortch is a pastor who has been serving in ministry since 1993. He is a graduate of Liberty University as well as Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
The gospel needs to become "our" gospel. The gospel comes to us, transforms us, and then goes out from us. When our lives are transformed by the gospel, it becomes "our gospel."
Ruth's proposal to Boaz is a picture of our request for atonement from Jesus as our Kinsman-Redeemer.
When we focus on the difficulty of our circumstances, we may not see the glimpse of hope that is coming.
The promises of God can always be trusted. In fact, we can trust every detail of His promises.
This episode helps us understand the backdrop for the book of Ruth. It was a difficult time.
Pastor Chris shows that while the central theme of Ruth 1 is one of hopelessness, the chapter ends with a glimpse of hope.
Pastor Chris paints a picture of the journey of Naomi and her plea for Orpah and Ruth to return.
Pastor Chris shows us how our affliction can often be the catalyst for awakening our need for the LORD.
Pastor Chris reminds us that we serve a God who calls things that do not exist as though they did.
Pastor Chris visits the history of why the Jews hated the Samaritans and why Jesus included the Samaritans as part of His Great Commission strategy.
Pastor Chris examines the word "power" and the essential role of the Holy Spirit's power in accomplishing the Great Commission.
Pastor Chris opens with an illustration that contrasts the strategy of Eddie Grant's "Electric Avenue" (1982) vs. that of Michael Tait's cover of "Electric Avenue" (2003).
The Mr. Mister song "Kyrie" is an illustration of our need to petition the Lord for His mercy as we travel down the road of missional living.
Pastor Chris shows us how the flood of Noah is a type of baptism that points us to Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.
The Crowded House song "Don't Dream It's Over" illustrates the feelings of being overwhelmed and flooded with challenges. Pastor Chris walks us through Noah's flood and how the gospel is our hope through the flood.
Toto's song "Africa" serves as the introduction to our "40 Days of Missional Living" spiritual growth campaign.
GU Episode 256: The One About Affirmation through Prayer (M: 3 of 3) by Dr. Chris Dortch
GU Episode 255: The One About Affirmation through God's Word (D: 2 of 3) by Dr. Chris Dortch
GU Episode 254: The One About Affirmation from Christians (M: 1 of 3) by Dr. Chris Dortch
GU Episode 222: The One About the Empowering & Conviction of the Holy Spirit (B: 4 of 4) by Dr. Chris Dortch
GU Episode 221: The One About the Leading of the Holy Spirit (B: 3 of 4) by Dr. Chris Dortch
GU Episode 220: The One About the Filling of the Holy Spirit (B: 2 of 4) by Dr. Chris Dortch
GU Episode 219: The One About the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit (B: 1 of 4) by Dr. Chris Dortch
Pastor Chris exposes the irrational idea that the disciples could have stolen the body of Jesus from the grave.
Pastor Chris reminds us of the importance of the Great Commission and how Acts 1:8 provides us with a strategy.
Pastor Chris leads us in an hallel that reminds us that Jesus has brought the redemption we all need.
Pastor Chris explains that Jesus opened our eyes on that first Easter Sunday to help us understand that the Hebrew Scriptures have always been pointing us to Him.
Pastor Chris points us to the cross where people are beginning to make firm commitments to Jesus.
Pastor Chris takes us on a journey through the courts that Jesus faced that resulted in His crucifixion.
Pastor Chris explains why rejection is the most dangerous of the three: betrayal, denial, and rejection.
Pastor Chris explains that Jesus was examined by the courts at the same time that the Passover Lambs were being inspected for the slaughter.
Pastor Chris explains the corruption that was taking place at the temple and how it was a mockery of God's plan.
Pastor Chris explains that the crowd was expecting the coronation of their Messiah King at the Passover. Instead, they were witnesses to the Lamb of God at the Passover.
Pastor Chris challenges us to abandon our concern with what others think and run in pursuit of our highest priority: Jesus!
Pastor Chris explains that the only way to experience the favor of God is to simply ask for it in humility.
Pastor Chris explains that our growing faith should produce a life that lives in anticipation of Jesus' return.
Pastor Chris explains the lost coin was more than something with monetary value, but personal value as it was a piece of her jewelry.
Pastor Chris explains that the Good Shepherd may break the bones of a rebellious sheep to better protect them.
Pastor Chris shares about the Asbury Revival that is currently taking place and how we can join them in this time of prayer and revival.
Pastor Chris explains that it's hard to share the gospel if you're not committed. Personal sacrifice is needed.
Pastor Chris explains that it's hard to share the gospel if you're angry. Mercy is needed.
Pastor Chris explains that it's hard to share the gospel when you're cliquish. Cooperation is needed.
Pastor Chris explains that it's hard to share the gospel when you're full f pride. Humility is needed.
Pastor Chris shares how the disciples and other followers finally understood the answer to "Who is Jesus?"
Pastor Chris demonstrates how our faith plays a role in bringing other people to Jesus.
Pastor Chris walks us through each of the narratives of Luke 5 and demonstrates that each narrative is linked together to help us understand the gospel better.
Pastor Chris points out the correlation between Elijah and Elisha's ministry and Jesus' ministry.
Pastor Chris points out that Jesus was committed to attending worship at the synagogues each Sabbath. Likewise, Christians should be committed to being in church on Sundays.
Pastor Chris shares four things he is praying will be avoided in the life of Grace Pointers.
Pastor Chris shares five things he is praying will be present in the life of Grace Pointers.
Pastor Chris examines the relationship between John's second epistle and the words Jesus spoke about the church of Ephesus (cf. Rev. 2:1-7).
Pastor Chris encourages Christians to know Christ and to recognize counterfeits to the Christian faith.
Pastor Chris examines the three witnesses on earth that are in agreement: the Holy Spirit, Water, and Blood.
Pastor Chris exposits the three reasons that Jesus came in the flesh as outlined in 1 John.
Pastor Chris explains that the love of God is more than an attribute of God, it is His very essence. It is the nature and character of God to love.
Pastor Chris encourages Christians to discern truth and recognize when a wolf is wearing sheep's clothing.
Pastor Chris walks through John's encouraging words that affirm our salvation in Christ.
Pastor Chris shares a clip from Alistair Begg teaching about the Man on the middle cross.
Pastor Chris exposes Benjamin Franklin's greatest blunder and cautions us from making the same mistake.
Pastor Chris introduces the series on the Epistles of John and begins with the false teachings of Gnosticism that John is addressing in his epistle.
GU Episode 139: The One About the Moorings of the Mountains (C: 1 of 4) by Dr. Chris Dortch
"The Gospel According to Jonah" is a journey through the four chapters of the book of Jonah with a gospel-centric lens.
"The Gospel According to Jonah" is a journey through the four chapters of the book of Jonah with a gospel-centric lens.
"The Gospel According to Jonah" is a journey through the four chapters of the book of Jonah with a gospel-centric lens.
"The Gospel According to Jonah" is a journey through the four chapters of the book of Jonah with a gospel-centric lens.
Pastor Chris explains that our hope is not found in the kingdoms of men, but in the Kingdom of God.
Pastor Chris explains that our obedience after the battle is as important as our obedience in the midst of the battle.
Pastor Chris shows that our preparation for spiritual warfare is as important as the battle itself.
Pastor Chris shows that we don't have to wrestle with God to obtain His blessing. He already desires to give it to you!
Pastor Chris asks, "Do your prayers look more like a relationship with God or do they resemble a wrestling match where you are trying to get your way?"
Pastor Chris looks at two common moves of wrestling, the reversal and the escape, and how Jacob has a long history of wrestling.
Pastor Chris shows that Abraham's negotiating skills are all about interceding on behalf of others.
Pastor Chris provides the backdrop for the three visitors coming to see Abraham and Sarah.
Pastor Chris explains that Jesus is also revealed in the Old Testament through prophecies.
Pastor Chris explains that Christ is also revealed in the Old Testament through Typology.
Pastor Chris introduces the series with the biblical support for understanding Christ in the Old Testament.
Pastor Chris explains that we become heirs of Christ through adoption into the family of God.
Pastor Chris explains that it's better to change your mind and follow the Lord than to say "yes" and do nothing.
Pastor Chris suggests that you are the pearl of great price that Jesus sacrificed to purchase!
Pastor Chris suggests that Christ is the One who purchased the field to gain the hidden treasure.
Pastor Chris explains that when we focus on the temporal, it is a distraction from the gospel.
Pastor Chris explores the idea that "go and do likewise" from the Parable of the Good Samaritan was not only a call to emulate the good samaritan, but also to carry forth the gospel.
Pastor Chris explores the idea that Jesus answered both of the lawyer's questions with the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
Pastor Chris explains that we make 1000s of choices every day. Some of those choices can actually chip away at our foundation.
Pastor Chris shows us that coming to Christ is the beginning step in building on the right foundation.
Pastor Chris introduces a new series of messages based on selected parables of Jesus. Today's episode helps us define a "parable" and why Jesus used them as His primary teaching method.
Pastor Chris explains that the elements we use to observe the Lord's Supper came from the Passover meal. The bread after the meal was the bread that was broken and wrapped. The fruit of the vine was the cup "after supper" which was actually the third of four cups.
Pastor Chris explains that our current rest and relief are in part, but one day we will know the rest and relief in full through Christ. Rest and relief are the precursors to rejoicing!
Pastor Chris explains the reason the Jews did not take any of the plunder from their enemies after they were defeated.
Pastor Chris shows us that God's plan of grace is better than the false teaching of karma.
Pastor Chris shows that God's fingerprints are found throughout the book of Esther (even though God's name is not found).
Pastor Chris walks through Esther 5 and contrasts the differences between Esther's plan and Haman's plan. The contrast can actually help us with discernment concerning our own plans.
Pastor Chris provides a recap of Esther 1-4 along with a reminder of the significance of the final three verses of chapter two. The entire narrative hinges on those three verses.
Pastor Chris challenges us to make the right choice when presented with a divine opportunity, no matter the cost.
Pastor Chris shows us that it isn't easy to stay watchful at all times for the devil and his schemes.
Pastor Chris shows that God had a purpose for both the Remnant and Diaspora. While the Remnant would protect and carry on the lineage from King David to Christ, the Diaspora would be necessary for the Christian mission to take the Gospel to the world.
Pastor Chris shows that the post-exilic books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther are ultimately pointing us to God's faithfulness to His promises.
Pastor Chris exposes the absurdity of the king's decree. Hearts are not changed by demand; hearts are changed by the life-changing power of the gospel.
Pastor Chris expresses the importance of your actions and their impact on future generations.
Pastor Chris walks through Nehemiah 8 and identifies how the Remnant responded to the teaching of God's Word.
Pastor Chris walks through Nehemiah 8 and identifies how the Remnant responded to the teaching of God's Word.
Pastor Chris walks through Nehemiah 8 and identifies how the Remnant responded to the teaching of God's Word.
Pastor Chris looks at the Remnant as they overcome the attempts of Satan to stop the rebuilding of the wall.
Pastor Chris looks at the Remnant as they overcome the attempts of Satan to stop the rebuilding of the wall.
Pastor Chris shows us that Nehemiah knew this personal obligation was what God had placed upon his heart.
Pastor Chris shows us that Nehemiah didn't rush into action without a well developed plan.
Pastor Chris shows how our prayer life will be directly impacted by our depth of knowledge concerning the Word of God.
Pastor Chris challenges us to move beyond the superficial and inquire about others even if the inquiry provides new information that places upon us a personal obligation to take action.
Pastor Chris introduces the book of Nehemiah and challenges us to read this short book of 13 chapters.
Pastor Chris shares how the Feast of Tabernacles still has a future fulfillment and will come at the end of our appointed time for evangelistic harvest.
Pastor Chris shares how we have been fully equipped with everything we need for the upcoming evangelistic harvest.
Pastor Chris shares how Jesus fulfilled the appointed time of Passover through His death, burial, and resurrection.
Pastor Chris gives the backdrop for the final two chapters of Ezra. We discover how Ezra and the Remnant responded to sin.
Pastor Chris encourages us to find and share hope through teaching God's Word to others.
Pastor Chris explains that a "grace point" is the place where the Great Commission and the Great Commandment come together.
Here is a short excerpt from GU Episode 058 that helps us identify what should unite us as a church. Unfortunately, research shows that only 17% of active U.S. churchgoers know what it is!
Pastor Chris explains that the security and safety we desire flows from a life devoted to worship of the LORD.
Pastor Chris shows that God has been planning something new and God's people were starting recognize that God is faithful to keep His promises.
Pastor Chris shows that even an inventory list is provided in Ezra 1 as a testimony to God's faithfulness to keep His word.
Pastor Chris connects the events of Ezra 1 and 2 with the prophecies of Jeremiah and Isaiah.
Pastor Chris describes God's creation as a theater designed to tell the masterful narrative of God's glory through the gospel.
Pastor Chris explains that we don't have to be a prophet like Elijah for God to hear and answer our prayers.
Pastor Chris explains that whether our trials are the result of other people or circumstances, our response is to remain the same.
Pastor Chris explains that oppression is a sin problem and is not unique to a particular culture.
Pastor Chris offers another hermeneutic that helps us identify passages that often contain points of personal application.
Pastor Chris shares about his encounter with a "Karen" at the Sleepy Poet Antique Mall.
Pastor Chris offers a hermeneutic for your Bible Study toolbox that helps us understand context of Scripture.
Pastor Charlie explains that the source of our wisdom is what produces the outcome we desire.
Pastor Charlie explains that the progress we make on controlling our tongue is a measure of spiritual maturity because our words reveal what is in our hearts.
Pastor Charlie explains three observations of our faith and that of demons that center around the mind, emotion, and will.
Pastor Charlie explains that it's easy to give out of our abundance, but our faith is demonstrated when we give from our own supply.
Pastor Charlie explains that recognizing an apple tree is super easy for him because of the fruit. Likewise, our faith should be easily recognized by others by our fruit.
Pastor Chris examines the process that moves us toward spiritual maturity while using Pastor Charlie as part of his illustration.
Pastor Chris experiences a trial a mere 1 month and 2 days after getting married. Trials such as this have the potential to help us move toward spiritual maturity.
Pastor Chris explains the historical context for the book of James as it sets the background for our study to understanding spiritual maturity.
Pastor Chris examines Paul's instructions to a young Timothy on how to train himself unto godliness.
Pastor Chris examines the idea that bullseye living is not about trying harder; it's about training well.
Pastor Chris explores the idea that passing on our faith is part of our bullseye living legacy.
Pastor Chris explores the idea that we are either building up or tearing down. God has called all of us to be architects on His building crew.
Pastor Chris explains that it isn't enough to know your core values, but make a commitment to eliminate things that conflict with your core values.
Pastor Chris explains that core values should never make their way to the battlefield. The decision should be made before the core value is challenged.
Pastor Chris explores the contrast between the Hebrew words for "hit the mark" and "miss the mark."
Pastor Chris explores the idea that bullseye living begins with a proper perspective of the LORD.
Pastor Chris explains how we have a better understanding of Daniel's prophecy than Daniel himself.
Pastor Chris emphasizes the importance of making sure our name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
Pastor Chris explores the dual fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy of the abomination of desolation.
Pastor Chris explores the idea that the Star that emerged over Israel is either a type of Holy Spirit or even the Holy Spirit Himself.
Pastor Chris examines how the religious leaders knew that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and after learning of His arrival didn't bother to go worship Him.
Pastor Chris explains that a prophecy by a pagan prophet (who lived along the Euphrates River) was made centuries before Daniel arrived in Babylon that would anticipate a Star emerging from Israel.
Part 4 of 4 with Pastor Charlie as he explains that when we persevere through prayer in spiritual warfare, we experience refreshment and victory.
Part 3 of 4 with Pastor Charlie as he explains that spiritual warfare may be the reason for the delayed answer to your prayer.
Part 2 of 4 with Pastor Charlie as he explains that our prayers play an essential role in spiritual warfare.
Part 1 of 4 with Pastor Charlie as he explains that our understanding of difficult things begins with humility in our prayers.
Pastor Chris explains why the 70th week of Daniel is future tense and why it is separate from the initial 69 weeks.
Pastor Chris explores how the scope of Daniel's prayer was larger than he realized and aligned with God's master plan for the coming Messiah.
Part 2 of 2 with Pastor Charlie as he explains that God helps us understand His Word to us.
Part 1 of 2 with Pastor Charlie as he explains how precise Daniel's vision was fulfilled in the kingdoms of Medo-Persia and Greece.
Pastor Chris shows the eagerness of God for us to experience redemption and restoration as soon as we express repentance.
Pastor Chris explains that we all need a Daniel in our lives that will confront us in our idols.
Pastor Chris explores the importance of standing against the demands of cancel culture, even when they turn up the heat.
Pastor Chris explains that idolatry is anything that replaces God's rightful place of worship.
Pastor Chris shows us that our response toward those who are hostile can open the door to the gospel.