Expounding the Word

If you’re feeling insecure in your faith, where is that coming from? Are you doubting whether Jesus is really capable of saving you? Or maybe you question if He really wants to. Many of us get caught up in our own performance, and we assume that our frequent blunders make us undesirable to God. God indeed hates sin, but as Pastor Chris will remind us in today’s message, God loves us and sent Jesus to provide the way for us to be made perfect in His sight. Jesus is enough, even in our weakness.  

When someone has hurt you deeply, it can feel good to hold onto hatred towards them. In many cases, it may even be justified to be bitter. They may have taken someone or something from you that you can never get back. What they did was incredibly wrong. But, as we’ll be challenged in today’s message from Pastor Chris, Jesus took our place on the cross and carried the punishment for all of our sin on His shoulders. In a small way, we can give that same grace to those who hurt us.

Conflict can be scary. It can feel like a big gamble with a relationship. When it’s a strong relationship and a sensitive matter, it can feel much easier just to sweep it under the rug and try to pretend there’s nothing to deal with. As Pastor Chris continues our study of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he’ll draw our attention to the tension in Paul’s heart. He loved these people, and he knew they didn’t want to hear what he needed to say, but he also knew he needed to obey God’s leading.

Have you ever had noble intentions, but found that your actions were perceived as being selfish or inconsiderate in some way? That can be really challenging. God is able to see our hearts and knows our motives, but we don’t have that ability. As Pastor Chris will point out in today’s message, while there are cues that can help us discern someone’s motives, we are not God, and we can’t judge their hearts. We need to approach each other with grace and patience, instead of assuming the worst. 

Oh, the things that we let get under our skin! We really can be thin-skinned creatures at times. As Pastor Chris will illustrate in today’s message, as ridiculous and petty as some of our disagreements can be, they can quickly escalate into full-scale rifts in our relationships. In the body of Christ, we should deal with these things differently. We’re united in His blood, and that bond is stronger than any earthly bond. It isn’t always easy, but we need to live as extensions of the grace that we’ve been given. 

That’s so true, isn’t it? If you’ve ever been through a traumatic or extremely challenging situation with someone, you often form a bond that no one else can understand. You’ve been through similar pain, and you can understand that in each other. As Pastor Chris will point out in today’s message, this is part of how we grow in the Church. Of course, no one wants to suffer, but as we walk in a broken world, it’s inevitable. We need to link arms, with Jesus uniting our hearts, and continue on His path. 

Far too often, the Church displays some of the worst characteristics of our fallen world. It can even seem worse than what we see in culture, in contrast to what we’re called to. This can turn away some who come expecting something better, just to find broken people hurting each other. As Pastor Chris begins our study of 2nd Corinthians today, he’ll point out that we need to be honest about who we are, while letting Christ operate in our hearts and transform us into the image He designed us for.

It’s important to recognize that the nation of Israel, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, plays a central role in the story of the Bible, and that story has not ended yet! Pastor Chris teaches us today that the world is awaiting the return of its Messiah, Jesus Christ, and so many prophecies surrounding His return hinge on the Israelite population returning to their holy land. The events we see going on in the world today may be terrifying, but they are setting the stage for our Lord’s triumphant return!

One of the greatest comforts you can have in your home is air conditioning! Instead of being hot and humid in the summer, you can enjoy a cool home. But if your AC goes down, your space will begin to get hot and uncomfortable again! Pastor Chris reminds you today that the Church is the world’s thermostat, because God’s people call out the evil that lurks beneath the surface. But after the Rapture, Satan and his forces will have free rein over the world, and that’s when the Tribulation will take place!

Jesus didn’t tell us exactly when He would return, and that was by design. Think about it: if you have a hard deadline to finish an assignment, how good are you at finishing the work ahead of time? Many of us tend to wait until the last second to do a task, even if it’s very important to our jobs and our lives. Pastor Chris wants us to know today that Jesus knows when He will return, but He doesn’t clue us in on that information. What He does do is tell us the signs to look for that will signal His second coming!

You have to be careful when buying jewelry or a nice watch, because scammers will pull out all the stops to create counterfeit products that look like the real thing, but are actually made of inferior materials. And in today’s message, Pastor Chris teaches you that your own good deeds will not make you righteous in the eyes of God, and you will risk facing the sting of death. But when you accept Jesus into your life, His righteousness completely covers over your sin, and death cannot touch you!

Sometimes, when I’m reading a good thriller novel, I want to skip to the last few pages to get some hints about how the plot is going to resolve. And when I read the Bible, I can do exactly that by skipping to the book of Revelation! But even though I know how the story will end, I don’t know how every single detail will fall into place. Pastor Chris is here today to teach us that God doesn’t give us all of the answers we may want, but He gives us everything we need to know in His Word! We just have to trust in Him.

People love to imagine what the world will look like in the future. If you watch Back to the Future: Part 2, Meet the Robinsons, or Star Trek, you’ll see visions of what people hope to see in the future, even if it’s not in their lifetimes! But Pastor Chris is here today to tell us about something that we get to look forward to as children of God! When we pass away from this life, we will be given new Heavenly bodies that are direct reflections of God’s glory! Nothing on Earth can compare to those new bodies we are set to receive.  

Death comes for us all, whether we’re ready for it or not. I’m sure you can think of someone in your life who passed away unexpectedly, and the tragedy and grief that death brought to their family. Well, Pastor Chris is here today with a warning, because while the first death we face is only temporary, there is a second death coming for those who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The second death is eternal because God will not allow unrepentant sin into His heavenly Kingdom.

Imagine spending your entire life in darkness, and suddenly a hand reaches out to you… a glimpse of light and a voice calling you toward it. That is what life without Christ is like. This world can feel dark, and many continue in that darkness throughout their lives. But that hand reaching out is Jesus. Even in the midst of it all, He reaches out to you, drawing all who seek Him into His light, all because He loves you. So today, Pastor Chris encourages you to take Jesus’s hand and allow Him to show you the way.

It’s safe to say that we’ve all been through struggles. We all have a past that has hurt us because of sin. But that’s why Jesus came to this world. He came to pay the price for our sins, to die in our place, and three days later, He rose again. He did all of this simply because He loves us. So today, Pastor Chris reminds us that we’re not meant to be in this world forever. And what that means is that until it’s time to come back home to the Lord, we should hold on to Him, to His Word, and to His promises for our lives.

There comes a time in our lives when we must realize that we aren’t meant to stay in this world forever. This world brings pain and hardships, all because of sin. But that’s why Jesus died for our sins… to free us from the hurt, the suffering, and the shackles of sin, all because He loves us. So today, Pastor Chris wants you to know that God doesn’t bring pain but promises to deliver us from sin and all its effects. All we have to do is choose Jesus, let Him into our hearts, and trust in what He did on the cross.

We live in a world where societal views on relationships are constantly changing. But as believers, we are called to look to Scripture for guidance. The Bible teaches that in marriage, husbands are called to lead with love, humility, and sacrifice, while wives are called to support and build up their husbands in a godly way. So today, Pastor Chris encourages husbands to be faithful and loving leaders and wives to stand alongside their spouses in ways that honor God and build up the marriage.

We live in a world where people have different opinions- basketball or football, hamburgers or hot dogs, and many other preferences. But even among believers in Christ, there can sometimes be division over spiritual matters, including the use of spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues. But today, Pastor Chris reminds us that in private worship, believers are free to use the gifts God has given them. However, in public worship, everything should be done in a way that builds up the body of Christ and points others to Jesus.

Sometimes, as we serve God in this life, we do it on our terms. We go about it our way and really only serve when it’s convenient for ourselves. But in today’s message, Pastor Chris wants us to know that serving God isn’t about self; it’s about God’s people. We shouldn’t serve God on our terms but with the mindset of serving His people for God’s glory, even if it means changing the way we want to serve or using different spiritual gifts. We must serve God in a way that benefits His flock, not just the one sheep.

In this life, we spend our days making decisions. We choose what we eat, how we provide for our families, and even what kind of future we want to build. But there is one thing that matters above all others: do you know what Jesus has done for your life? Jesus, the Son of God, came to this earth, lived a sinless and blameless life, died for our sins, and rose again after conquering the grave… all because He loves you. So today, Pastor Chris urges you to make the only decision that matters: choose Jesus Christ.

Isn’t it amazing to know that there will be a day with no more sorrow, pain, or suffering… a day when every hardship will come to an end forever? And there is only one who has promised to make that a reality: Jesus Christ - and His return is closer than you think. In today’s message, Pastor Chris encourages you to give your life to Jesus so that when He returns and fulfills His promises, you will be with Him. So don’t wait another moment, choose to follow Jesus Christ and place your hope in Him today.

An atomic bomb is designed to cause massive destruction in a minimum amount of time—wiping out everything in its path and leaving lasting damage behind. In today’s message, Pastor Chris uses that image to show you what love is not. Love doesn’t explode in anger or tear people down in a moment. It doesn’t leave destruction in its wake. Instead, real love is steady, controlled, and life-giving. It builds up others rather than destroys, even when emotions run high.

The word “love” gets used for just about everything. You can love cheeseburgers, your favorite socks, your dog, and your mom. But when a word gets stretched that far, it starts to lose its meaning. In today’s message, Pastor Chris points you back to what love really is. In Scripture, love isn’t casual or self-focused—it’s intentional, sacrificial, and giving without expecting anything in return. It’s not just a feeling; it’s a way of living that stands in sharp contrast to the world around us.

“Lost in translation” is a phrase for a reason. When something is translated, meaning can shift, and sometimes important details get lost. Today, Pastor Chris explains the difference between translations—some stay closer to the original language, while others aim for clarity and flow. And those choices shape how we understand Scripture. He even offers a few helpful recommendations. Because when it comes to God’s Word, which translation you read matters.

On social media, it’s all about who you follow and who follows you. Numbers matter. The more connections, the better. But following Jesus isn’t just about staying connected—it comes with a purpose. In today’s message, Pastor Chris reminds you that if you’re a follower of Jesus, you’re also sent. You follow the One who was sent, and now you’re sent in the same way. And that mission is simple, but powerful: to share with others who He is and what He’s done. What an amazing mission to follow! 

Sadly, you’ll find some churches where this isn’t practiced very well. You’ll see a burned-out pastor who’s expected to meet every need and fill nearly every role at some point or another. In others, you’ll find a small group of people who seem to drive all the programs and activities, and it can be hard to break into that circle. As Pastor Chris will remind us in today’s message, we’re meant to depend on Jesus and each other. As the body of Christ, each one of us should be valued in the role we serve in.

The Church of Jesus Christ is possibly the most diverse group of people on the face of this planet. Sure, if you walk into an individual church on any Sunday morning, the diversity may not be immediately apparent. But, as a whole, the Church contains people from all walks of life, nationalities, ethnicities, and economic statuses. The world likes to paint it as being an exclusive group, but as Pastor Chris will explain in today’s message, all are indeed welcome because of Jesus.

Speaking in tongues is a mysterious thing, and it’s been the basis for many conflicts in the Church. Churches have split, and entire denominations have been born out of this controversy. That’s the exact opposite of what God intended for this spiritual ability. As Pastor Chris will remind us in today’s message, the gifts God gives us should only be used to unite His people and bring glory to Him. If we’re using the gifts in a way that contradicts those purposes, we’re misusing them.

Good intentions are not enough by themselves. As Pastor Chris will point out in today’s message, we saw this demonstrated in Peter. Peter loved Jesus, and he believed in His cause. But he didn’t fully understand what Jesus came to do. As the cross came onto the horizon, Peter struggled to accept that it could be God’s will. He directly argued with Jesus about it and stood up to fight in the garden when Jesus was arrested. He meant well, but his actions directly contradicted God’s will.

What’s your immediate reaction to a story like that? Maybe you have more faith than I, but I tend to be skeptical. My initial thought is that I’d like proof. The story may or may not be real, but do I believe it could be true? Do you believe it’s possible that God could or would have done that kind of miracle? As Pastor Chris will challenge us in today’s message, if we believe God’s Word is true and that He’s all-powerful, making a tornado miraculously jump over someone’s house is easy for Him. 

Wouldn’t it be nice if all we had to do was say a specific phrase and God would heal us from sickness or meet whatever need we’re facing? Where would we place our faith? If all that mattered was saying the correct words, those words would become the source of power. As Pastor Chris continues our study in the book of 1st Corinthians, he’ll explain why God isn’t held to a certain formula or pattern in answering our prayers. He wants our faith to be in Him, not in our own actions or words.

Have you ever experienced that? Whether you were the one sharing or the one receiving a word of knowledge, it’s a beautiful moment. It’s a reminder that our God is all-knowing, and He loves to use us to demonstrate that trait. As Pastor Chris will challenge us in today’s message, when we feel pressed by the Holy Spirit to share something with someone, we should step into it with bold humility. Even if you don’t understand why or how, God can speak through you in that moment.

Wisdom can come through experiencing a trial and coming out on the other side with a better understanding of that struggle. It can also come through studying God’s Word or the experience of your fellow believers, bringing understanding without the personal hardship. As Pastor Chris will point out in today’s message, wisdom can also be given miraculously. We saw this with Solomon, as God gave Him wisdom in an instant, and God can provide supernatural wisdom to all of us when we ask in faith.

When a sports team spirals, it usually starts with their coach and how much they care. Coaches get fired when they lose their locker room’s trust and can’t get their players to listen to them. In today’s message, Pastor Chris says if you’re a leader, you must lead with integrity and steward the gift God’s given you. People must know that you believe in them and that you care. If this is your gifting, don’t take it lightly! God’s extremely intentional in the giftings He gives! You’re handpicked by God!

Have you ever talked to someone, and they advised you on something you didn’t ask for advice on? It always feels the worst when people share their thoughts, and you don’t agree with what they’re sharing! Today, Pastor Chris says when you give advice, you must make sure that it’s scripture-based. The Bible says that all scripture is good for training, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. Check for yourself! You must use scripture as your guide to life and to lead others closer to Jesus!

In high school, I had a teacher who was able to take complex things about anatomy and make them simple so I could understand them better. She was one of the best teachers I had! In today’s message, Pastor Chris says you know you have the gift of teaching if you can do just that! Have you been able to take a complex idea and make it understandable to someone? If so, you may be gifted in teaching! You must steward it well by reading and allowing God to teach you more so you can be well-equipped!

When I was younger, I was a bad kid and got in trouble often. My parents would take away the toys and privileges they gave me to teach me a lesson. In today’s message, Pastor Chris says God chose your gifting and was intentional in it. The difference between God and my parents is that God doesn’t take away his gift to you! You were chosen by Him to serve in ways that only you can. Live with confidence knowing that what you’re gifted in is only because of God and that He has you exactly where He wants you.

Jesus has called everyone to ministry, even if it’s not vocational! You may be called to be the best evangelizer at your office, or maybe it’s to random people on the street! But God’s called everyone to honor Him however they can! In today’s message, Pastor Chris says you must ask God where He’s gifted you! Allow Him to speak into your life so you can know exactly where you’re best suited. Be a light for Jesus and show everyone around you just how much you love Him by how you love them.

It would be weird if someone gave us a gift and we just chose to ignore it. Yet, we do that all the time to God! In today’s message, Pastor Chris says we must not forget the gifts that God has given us! He’s made you unique and given you unique giftings! In this journey of life, you’ll find out what your best fit is by testing the waters and seeing where you feel the most comfortable. The key step to affirming your giftings is to ask God if it’s where He wants you to be. He’ll reveal to you where you’re best fit!

Knowing ourselves is one of the hardest things to do. We don’t like to do self-reflection because it can bring out some things we don’t want to think about. In today’s message, Pastor Chris says when you go to communion, you must do self-introspection, but not on your own. You must ask God to reveal to you the places in which you’re not honoring Him. One of the best ways to be more like Jesus is to simply ask God to lead you to be! He loves you and wants to do anything to help you be closer to Him. 

When a group of people watches sports together, we would say the statement “there’s a group of people watching the game.” Even if it’s 3 or 4 people, we would still call them a group! In today’s message, Pastor Chris reminds us that no matter how many people are gathered, if they’re worshipping the Lord, they’re the church. See, the church isn’t a building, it’s a people. Even if your church is only 10 people and not in a building, but on a lawn, it’s still a church! All that’s required is the worship of God!

God’s not alone in heaven. We often think of God, Jesus, and the Spirit—but Scripture points to something more: a vast host of angels. Present before creation, they’ve been watching what God has been doing from the very beginning. And they’re still watching. In today’s message, Pastor Chris invites you to consider this often-overlooked reality—and what it means for how you live right now. Because even when you’re not aware of it, you’re part of a much bigger unfolding story.

When we think about authority, most of us recognize it right away—bosses, laws, people in charge. But there’s another kind of authority too, the kind that comes from trust, wisdom, and relationship. We all live under both, whether we realize it or not. Today, Pastor Chris invites you to look deeper at what authority really means and who truly holds it. Because no matter what authority shapes your life right now, Jesus is the one with all authority. The real question is—do you recognize it?

The compass was truly a revolutionary invention. Before its use, seafarers had to use landmarks and celestial bodies to direct them on the waters. But with a compass, navigation became far more accurate, regardless of weather conditions, time of day, or visibility. Today, Pastor Chris uses the compass as a simile to describe what your life should be like as a Christian. Just like a compass, your life ought to be pointing to true north, directing people to the One True God.  

Have you ever made a ceramic pot? There are so many ways to shape clay—building it by hand, stacking coils, or using a pottery wheel. Once that clay is fired in a kiln, it becomes as hard as a rock and is then ready for various uses. Today, Pastor Chris shares a powerful truth: if you’re a Christian, you are a ceramic pot. God’s glory dwells right inside of you, and He has specific purposes for your life. You are a vessel designed by the Master Potter for something great, no matter what kind of pot you are. 

Today, Pastor Chris speaks about a topic often misunderstood in the Scriptures: demons. He explains that they are evil. They are sometimes the driving force behind what may seem neutral, so you must be on guard. If there’s something you know you ought to avoid, you'd better do it. Evil is out to destroy and devour you, and it will use any means possible because you’re an image of God. But the good news is that, if you’ve pledged allegiance to Jesus, then the One inside you is stronger than the one in the world.  

When we think of "worshipping other things," we often imagine ancient statues or golden calves, but modern-day "idolatry" is usually much more subtle. It’s anything that takes the primary place in your heart—the thing you rely on for your identity, security, or happiness instead of God. It’s what you think you can’t live without or what you think of first thing when you wake up. Today, Pastor Chris challenges you to check the altar of your heart. Are you offering sacrifices to anything other than the One True God? 

Have you ever heard someone talking loudly on a speaker phone at the grocery store? You wonder why that person thinks they’re entitled to share their conversation with strangers! Entitlement means you think you’re owed something, that you inherently deserve privileges or special treatment regardless of the circumstances. Today, Pastor Chris reminds you that as a Christian, there’s no entitlement. You’re owed nothing, but Jesus wants to give you everything.

We’ve all been there—taking the "shortcut" that ends up taking twice as long because we didn't just do it right the first time. Doing something halfway often creates a false sense of progress while leaving a mess for our future self to clean up. Today, Pastor Christ tells you that Jesus didn’t take a shortcut. It’s not like He was tortured a little, and then partly died and partly rose again. He was stripped, beaten, and fully died and fully resurrected. Are you taking shortcuts in your faith, or are you all in?