Christ Community Church Podcast

"God wants to make those people His people. The way that God wants to make those people his people is he wants to do it by partnering with us."Acts 10–11 challenges the idea of “those people.” We all build invisible barriers like politics, culture, and beliefs, but God is in the business of tearing them down.Through Peter and Cornelius, God shows His heart. No one is unclean or outside His grace. The Holy Spirit falling on Cornelius’ household makes it clear that God’s love goes beyond our categories.So the question is who are “those people” in our lives? God invites us to rethink our barriers, see people as He does, and step toward them with prayer, openness, and action.

This powerful message confronts us with the radical transformation of Saul of Tarsus, a man so consumed with hatred for Christians that he actively sought their destruction. We encounter the concept of a 'holy invasion'... those moments when God breaks into our lives uninvited, disrupting our plans and exposing our need for change.Just as a doctor's uncomfortable diagnosis can save our physical lives, God's intervention in our spiritual lives, though sometimes jarring, is an act of profound love. The striking account from Acts 9 reveals that no one is beyond redemption.

In a world saturated with broken promises, we discover a profound truth: our God is a promise keeper. This exploration of Acts chapter 2 takes us to the moment when heaven touched earth in an unprecedented way at the Day of Pentecost. What God promised in Acts 1, He fulfilled in Acts 2, demonstrating that His word is absolutely trustworthy.

"The Holy Spirit makes the mission possible, powerful and prolific."The book of Acts opens with a powerful commission that resonates through the centuries to our lives today. We discover that our faith was never meant to be a private affair tucked away in the corners of our hearts. Jesus' final words before His ascension weren't suggestions but a prophetic declaration: we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, and we will be His witnesses. This isn't just about the original disciples, it's about us. The message challenges our tendency to compartmentalize faith, keeping Jesus separate from our daily interactions at work, school, or in our communities.

"When we are crucified with Christ so that we no longer live, we are no longer seen, but it is Christ who lives through us."What does it truly mean to follow Jesus? This powerful message takes us beyond Palm Sunday celebrations to the heart of discipleship found in Matthew 16:24-26.

"If we are not transformed by the power of the next stage, the inescapable default is that we continue to be conformed to this one."This powerful exploration of Romans 12:1-2 challenges us to reconsider our expectations about spiritual transformation. Many of us have absorbed a version of the gospel that emphasizes our sinfulness so heavily that we don't actually expect real change until heaven. We've internalized messages that keep us stuck, whether from difficult childhoods, repeated struggles with sin, or just the relentless negativity of our cultural moment. But here's the revolutionary truth: God's expectation is that we experience next-age transformation right now, in this present age. 

O analista aborda a proposta de paz feita polos EEUU a Teherán que a priori xa foi rexeitado.

At the heart of this message lies a profound examination of three interconnected questions that shape our entire spiritual existence: What is our view of God? What is our view of ourselves? And what is our understanding of the gospel? These aren't merely theological exercises but deeply personal inquiries that determine how we live, love, and serve. The sermon draws us into Mark 1:14-15, where Jesus proclaims that the kingdom of God is at hand, calling us to repent and believe. 

What if the God of the universe is speaking to us every single day, but we've simply forgotten how to recognize His voice? This message takes us deep into John 10, where Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who calls His sheep by name. Just as newborn babies recognize their mother's voice within weeks of birth, and sheep distinguish their shepherd's call from all others, we too are designed to know the voice of our Creator.

This sermon explores Jesus' teaching on prayer, specifically the Lord's Prayer.  Pastor Kelli emphasizes that prayer is fundamentally about relationship with God as our Father and involves several key components: adoration, surrender, petition, confession, and deliverance from spiritual warfare. The central challenge is to move beyond rote recitation and pray with "shameless audacity," persistently and boldly asking God for things beyond our capacity, trusting in His limitless resources.

"I abide so that I can abound. I can't abound without abiding. Abiding without abounding is the disciple without a mission."At the heart of this message lies a profound truth that challenges us to examine the relationship between our spiritual intimacy with Christ and our active participation in His mission. Drawing from John 15, we're confronted with Jesus's powerful declaration: 'I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.' But here's the revolutionary insight... it isn't just about bearing a little fruit; it's about abundance, overflow, and leftovers. This sermon unpacks a critical tension many of us face: the balance between abiding and abounding.

"May we become the body of Christ for the broken and dying world around us. That we would truly be the hands and feet of Jesus to a broken and dying world that we would awaken the broken to a life of wholeness found in Jesus."Kelli's message takes us deep into the heart of what it means to be a praying church and the body of Christ in a broken world. Drawing from Ephesians 1:15-23, we encounter Paul's passionate prayer for the church—a prayer that transcends time and speaks directly to our own spiritual journey today. At its core, this message challenges us to move beyond prayer as a mere checklist of requests and into meaningful, transformative conversation with God. We're reminded that prayer changes us more than anything else, serving as the pivot action that shifts everything in our Christian community. 

"The greatest testimony we have to this broken world is the unity of the church. And the greatest defense to the influence and powers of the enemy is the unity of this church." - Pastor KelliIn His final prayer before the cross, Jesus revealed that our greatest witness to the world is not programs or strategies, but unity. Rooted in John 17, this message calls us to live as one, just as Christ prayed we would.

We celebrated a holy transition as the baton was passed from Pastor Derrick to Pastor Kelli Wommack. With Superintendent McAvoy speaking on calling and Bishop Cowart reminding us of the moment Pastor Derrick first stepped into this role, we were invited to reflect on God’s faithfulness past, present, and future.Rooted in Acts 13, the message reminded us that calling does not originate from human institutions or personal ambition, but from the Holy Spirit Himself. As the church in Antioch gathered in prayer, fasting, and worship, God spoke clearly, showing us that He often reveals His will when we posture ourselves in desperate dependence on Him.

This Advent message takes us deep into Isaiah 7, revealing how the virgin birth challenges us far beyond mere intellectual acceptance. When King Ahaz faced a terrifying military crisis, God didn't just offer him proof... He challenged him to trust. The sign of a virgin conceiving wasn't primarily about satisfying doubt; it was about demonstrating God's faithfulness to save His people when they're besieged by brokenness. Today, we face our own sieges: death, broken relationships, financial stress, mental and physical struggles. Like Ahaz, we're tempted to panic and seek security in all the wrong places... substances, obsessive control, or false saviors that care nothing about us. But the virgin birth reveals something staggering: God Himself stepped into human history to fight our battles. 

"The messiah brings true joy to broken people!"This Advent, Pastor Kelli led our church through Isaiah 35, inviting us to rediscover true joy. She reminded us that biblical joy is transcendent, transformative, and contagious, not something we manufacture or tie to our circumstances. In a weary world, Pastor Kelli pointed us to the hope found in Christ’s first and second coming, where God’s presence turns deserts into blooming gardens. Through Isaiah’s words to the exiled people of Judah, we were challenged to move beyond fleeting happiness and embrace the settled assurance that God is in control, a joy meant to reshape our perspective and be shared with a world longing for hope.

This powerful exploration of Isaiah 11, Pastor Jason challenges us to see ourselves not as spectators of ancient prophecy, but as participants in the same mission that ancient Israel failed to fulfill. We're confronted with uncomfortable questions: Have we replaced worship of the one true God with modern idols? 

This Advent sermon explores God's global mission through the lens of Isaiah 2:1-5, examining how the church has inherited ancient Israel's calling to reveal God's kingdom to the nations. Pastor Mason Stewart emphasizes that mission is not merely about sharing a message but about living as a community that embodies the kingdom of God.

"Transformation begins when I stop focusing on what's wrong with them and confessing what is wrong with me."This message takes us deep into Matthew 7:1-12, where Jesus addresses one of the most misunderstood teachings in the Bible. The distinction between judgment and discernment becomes crystal clear: judgment declares a verdict on someone's worth or destiny, while discernment evaluates behavior through the lens of God's truth. 

In a world obsessed with being seen, liked, and followed, we're invited to rediscover the transformative power of the secret place.Drawing from Matthew 6, this exploration of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount challenges us to examine our deepest motives: Are we performing our faith for applause, or are we pursuing genuine intimacy with God? The message unveils three essential spiritual practices: giving, praying, and fasting, not as religious obligations to showcase, but as sacred rhythms that reshape us from the inside out.

"The gate leading to the hard way is narrow. We have to actually look for it to find it. And in order to enter it, we must leave everything behind."In her message, Pastor Kelli confronts us with one of Jesus' most challenging teachings from Matthew 7: the reality that following Christ requires choosing the narrow gate and difficult road rather than the easy path our culture constantly offers. Jesus teaches that the blessed life, the kingdom life, isn't found in easy choices but in counter-cultural surrender. The narrow gate requires leaving our baggage behind—our self-righteousness, pride, and sin—and entering one at a time through intentional decision. This isn't about mere moral behavior versus immoral behavior; it's about genuine heart transformation versus outward religious observance. This message calls us to absolute surrender, reminding us that God shows us the way, Jesus is the way, and His Spirit empowers us to walk that way.

"Jesus is saying here that our greatest witness to a watching world is not our doctrine. It's not our systems. It's definitely not our buildings. The greatest testimony to a watching world is that God could somehow bring together people who are radically different and make them one."Bishop Keith Cowart was our guest speaker this Sunday, and he taught about the awesome distinctives that make us Free Methodists. His message centered on the profound concept of unity within the church, rooted in the very nature of the Trinity.

n this powerful message on Christ-compelled multiplication, we're challenged to embrace our role as disciples who make disciples. The key scripture comes from Matthew 9:35-38 and Matthew 10:1-7, where Jesus models compassion, prayer, and empowerment. We're reminded that multiplication was God's original design, seen in Genesis 1:22-28 with the command to 'be fruitful and multiply.' This isn't just about numbers, but about transforming lives through the power of Christ. The message draws an interesting parallel between physical and spiritual multiplication, comparing disciples to apple seeds that have the potential to grow into orchards. As we reflect on our own faith journey, we're challenged to ask: Who are we walking with? Are we holding tightly to our faith or actively passing it on? This call to multiplication isn't just for a select few – it's for all of us who follow Christ. Let's open our eyes to see the harvest around us, allow Christ's love to compel us, and step out in the authority He's given us to make disciples who make disciples.

"God-given revelation is the foundation on which all the other values stand."In his message, Pastor Derrick reminds us of the paramount importance of God's Word in our lives. The sermon revolves around the concept of 'God-given revelation,' emphasizing that Scripture is our foundation, our plumb line, and our true home. We're challenged to become 'people of the book,' regularly engaging with the Bible not just for information, but for transformation. The message draws from 2 Timothy 3:14-17, highlighting that all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. An intriguing parallel is drawn between the discipline athletes undergo for physical competition and the spiritual discipline we need through Scripture. This message is deeply relevant to our faith journey, urging us to make God's Word the atmosphere of our minds and the anchor of our souls, especially in times of uncertainty or cultural shifts.

n Derrick's message, we're challenged to embrace God's vision of a diverse, unified church. The sermon takes us on a journey through Revelation 7, where we see a breathtaking picture of heaven: people from every nation, tribe, and tongue worshipping together. This isn't just a future reality; it's a call for us to start living it out now. The message urges us to break down barriers, cross cultural divides, and truly embrace one another in Christ. It's a reminder that our differences aren't meant to divide us, but to enrich our worship and community. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to examine our own lives. Are we actively seeking to build relationships with those who are different from us? Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to break down walls in our hearts and communities? This message isn't just about church; it's about how we live out our faith every day, in every interaction.

"Justice refuses to walk by while mercy draws near. Humility sets aside prejudice and takes risk."In this powerful message, Pastor Derrick challenged to embrace 'love-driven justice' as a core value of our faith. The sermon delves into Micah 6:8, reminding us that God requires us to 'act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.' This isn't just an ancient command, but a vital call for today's world. We're urged to consider how we respond to injustice and division, especially in light of recent events that have polarized our communities.

In our exploration of life-giving holiness, we're reminded that holiness isn't a burden, but a source of freedom and joy. The book of Hebrews provides a powerful pathway, urging us to 'fix our eyes on Jesus' as we run the race of faith. This imagery invites us to shed the weights that hold us back - be they sins, hurts, or unhealthy habits. We're challenged to view God's discipline not as punishment, but as loving preparation, much like a coach who sees potential in their athletes.This perspective shift can transform how we approach life's trials, encouraging us to ask, 'Lord, what are you building in me through this?' As we pursue holiness, we're called to strengthen others, recognizing that our individual journeys impact our community. The message culminates in the beautiful reminder that true holiness is received by grace, not achieved by effort.

The power of the Holy Spirit is not just a theological concept, but a transformative force that can ignite our lives and propel us to be witnesses for Christ. As we explore Acts 1:6-8, we're reminded that Jesus promised His disciples power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. This power wasn't for personal gain or comfort, but for a greater purpose - to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.Guest Speaker, Gerald Coates invites us to ponder: "Are we clothed with power from on high? How can we open our homes and hearts to those who don't know Jesus? The call to be witnesses isn't just for a select few - it's for all of us who follow Christ."

In this powerful message, Pastor Mason invited us to explore the transformative power of God's grace through the vivid imagery of Ezekiel 47. He unpacked the vision of a life-giving river flowing from the temple as a metaphor for God's ability and willingness to transform even the most desolate areas of our lives. Pastor Mason challenged us to consider why we might not be experiencing transformation and encouraged us to take an active role in our spiritual growth. He reminded us that God's grace is available to all, regardless of our past or current state, and that true transformation occurs when we fully immerse ourselves in God's presence.

In this powerful message, Pastor Kelli unpacks the profound human need to belong and how it relates to our spiritual journey. Preaching from Ephesians 2:14–22, she shared how Christ has broken down the walls that divide us, making us all part of God’s family. Pastor Kelli reminded us that in the church, diversity should unite rather than divide us. She challenged us to find our place in the body of Christ, emphasizing that each of us is necessary and has a unique role to play.

On Family Sunday, our very own Director of Children's ministry taught on the importance or listening and recognizing the Lord's voice.This sermon explores the story of Samuel's calling, emphasizing the importance of listening to God's voice, being open to discipleship, and recognizing our purpose at any age. It highlights the significance of mentorship, passing on faith to the next generation, and being attentive to God's calling in our lives, whether big or small.

"Worship is not about a moment. Worship is about a movement of the heart and our lives."Worship isn’t just something we do on Sundays: it’s how we live every day. In this powerful message, Pastor Derrick unpacks the true nature of worship through Deuteronomy 6, Mark 12, and John 15. We’re reminded that worship begins with love and grows through pursuit. It’s not about performance, but a relational response to God’s presence that aligns our hearts, even in life’s storms. Catch this life-giving word and be challenged to make worship a constant, transformative rhythm in your life.

In our journey of faith, we're called to embrace transformation not just for ourselves, but for the sake of others. This powerful message challenges us to move beyond our comfort zones and ask, 'What does Jesus want me to do?'We're reminded of the Great Commission in Matthew 28, where Jesus calls us to make disciples of all nations. But this isn't just about traveling abroad; it's about recognizing the diverse cultures right in our own communities!

In this powerful message, we're invited to explore the transformative concept of 'being with' Jesus. Drawing from Mark 3:13-19, we see Jesus calling His disciples not just to follow Him, but to be with Him. This idea of 'withness' goes beyond mere physical presence; it's about cultivating a continuous, conscious communion with Christ. 

In this powerful message, we're invited to explore the transformative power of Jesus' simple yet profound invitation: 'Come to me.' Drawing from Matthew 11:28-30, we're reminded that in a world filled with weariness, burdens, and chaos, Christ offers us rest - not just physical rest, but a deep, soul-renewing rest. 

In this powerful exploration of Galatians 6:11-18, we're reminded that nothing matters more than our relationship with Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul's passionate plea echoes through time, urging us to focus on what truly counts - not external rituals or appearances, but the transformative power of the cross. Pastor Derrick challenged us to examine our own lives: Are we relying on empty religious practices, or are we embracing the life-changing grace of God? The message reminds us that in Christ, we are new creations, freed from the burden of legalism and empowered to live authentically for Him. As we reflect on Paul's words, let's consider what marks of Jesus we bear in our own lives and how we can more fully embody the gospel of grace in our daily walk.

"Freedom without transformation is disorienting. It can even be dangerous."In this powerful message, we're challenged to embrace true freedom in Christ by walking in the Spirit. The central theme revolves around Galatians 5, where Paul contrasts the acts of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. We're reminded that while we've been set free, many of us struggle to live in that freedomThis message encourages us to examine our lives: Are we using our freedom to serve or to indulge? What evidence of the Spirit's fruit do we see? It's a call to surrender our heavy yokes to Christ and embrace the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our daily walk.

From the Law to Life 🙌"Rules cannot revive our soul. Rituals cannot renew our heart. It takes Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit to breathe life into dead things."The law reveals our sins, but only Christ can redeem our souls. We can't rely on checklists or rituals to do what only the grace of Jesus can do. Pastor Derrick teaches from Galatians 3:19-29 to remind us that life is not found in the law but by the love of Christ!

Faith brings freedom. We are justified - made right with God - by faith alone. Not by works, not by striving, not by earning approval.In this powerful message, we're reminded of the transformative power of faith and the freedom it brings. The core of our discussion revolves around Galatians 3, where Paul challenges the Galatians' misguided attempt to add works of the law to their faith in Christ. We learn that our righteousness comes through faith alone, not by our own efforts or adherence to religious laws.

"We're called to unity, but we are not called to uniformity. In Christ, we are formed for freedom!" In his sermon, rooted in Galatians 2:11–21, Pastor Mason challenged us to embrace our church’s core value of “Unity in Diversity," not as a reflection of modern politics, but as a gospel-centered reality established by Christ. . As believers, we’re called to embrace this unity with others across ethnic lines, celebrate diversity in worship and expression, and resist anything that challenges Christ’s ultimate authority.

This week’s message reminded us: Grace means you don’t have to perform for love. 🙌 Paul’s story in Galatians shows how God’s grace changes everything, freeing us from people-pleasing, transforming our past, and giving us bold purpose. When we walk in grace, we walk in truth, confidence, and testimony!