PODCAST · religion
The CCUPC Cutting Room Floor
by Pastors James Benson and Dena Roy
Helping connect Sunday to the weekday, we're talking about how to apply the teachings of the Bible to our everyday life.
Episodes
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Mark 2:13-17 - Sermon
Ever wonder who you'd instinctively cross the street to avoid? Pastor James reveals how Jesus scandalously calls Levi—a despised, traitorous tax collector—to follow him, then boldly dines at his table with "sinners and scum." This isn't mere inclusion; it's Jesus embodying his mission as the…
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Not Just Me - Sermon
What if the people who can't reach Jesus today are waiting for your faith to carry them there? When four friends couldn't push through the crowd, they tore open a roof to lower their paralyzed friend to Jesus—proof that real faith doesn't stop at obstacles but demolishes them. Pastor James…
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Greater Than Moses - Sermon
Can being told to "stay away" from others actually become an act of desperate faith? When a leprous man broke social boundaries to approach Jesus, he believed in Christ's power but questioned His heart—"If you are willing, you can make me clean." Pastor James reveals how Jesus' surprising anger...
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Mark 1:35-39 - Sermon
What if your good intentions are actually distracting you from God's true purpose for your life? Pastor Dena reveals how even Jesus faced relentless demands and overwhelming crowds pressing for his attention, yet he chose to slip away in the early morning darkness to pray and stayed laser-focused...
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You Showed Up - Sermon
Guest preacher, Aaron Steton from Hope Force International. What if you're the only Jesus someone ever meets? Pastor Aaron discovered this truth firsthand when Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica—arriving as the first relief flight, he witnessed how showing up transforms despair into hope. From...
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Saved and Serving - Sermon
What if Jesus cares just as much about your fever as your faith crisis? After healing a demon-possessed man in the synagogue, Jesus quietly enters Peter's home where his mother-in-law lies sick with fever. Pastor James reveals how Christ's gentle touch—no words, no ritual—instantly restores her,...
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Easter Sunday - Sermon
What if the most powerful moment in history was actually whispered in just one word? Mary Magdalene, blinded by grief, mistakes the risen Jesus for a gardener—until he speaks her name. Pastor James reveals how resurrection isn't just about an empty tomb, but about a living Savior who cuts through...
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Palm Sunday - Sermon
Ever feel crushed by shame, believing you must punish yourself to earn forgiveness? Pastor James confronts this common misunderstanding, revealing how true repentance differs from self-loathing. Through powerful biblical examples of Peter, David, and the Palm Sunday crowd, he shows how godly…
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Humility - Sermon
Sermon 3-22-26
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Faith, Not Forms - Sermon
Have you ever wondered if your religious routines are missing the mark? Through Psalms 50 and 51, Pastor James reveals a profound truth: God doesn't need our religious performances—He wants our hearts. Drawing from David's raw confession, we discover that true worship isn't about perfect rituals...
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Healing From the Outside - Sermon
Have you ever felt like you're desperately trying to fix something broken within yourself, only to realize you can't? Through David's raw confession in Psalm 51 and Hosea's powerful metaphor, Pastor James reveals a liberating truth: our deepest healing comes not from self-repair, but from divine...
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Who's to Blame - Sermon
Have you ever caught yourself playing an endless game of "not my fault"? In this powerful message, Pastor James unpacks the first blame game in history—Adam and Eve's fateful choice in Genesis 3. Through vivid imagery of hiding behind fig leaves and deflecting responsibility, he reveals how blame...
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Needing to Wrestle - Sermon
Have you ever felt like two people battling inside yourself? Pastor James explores this universal struggle through the lens of Jacob's midnight wrestling match with God and Paul's raw confession of inner conflict. Through vivid storytelling, he reveals how our attempts to earn God's blessing...
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Authority Revealed - Sermon
Have you ever noticed how Jesus's presence stirs up unexpected reactions? In Mark's vivid account, a routine Sabbath teaching turns extraordinary when Jesus speaks with divine authority, confronting an impure spirit in the synagogue. Pastor James reveals how Jesus's presence exposes rival powers…
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A New Way of Being - Sermon
Have you ever wondered what would happen if God truly took control of your life? In this powerful message, Pastor James explores Jesus' first words in Mark's Gospel—a divine interruption that changed everything. Through the story of Jesus calling ordinary fishermen from their nets, we discover…
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Shouldn't It Get Easier (2) - Sermon
Have you ever wondered why God's greatest affirmations often lead straight into life's toughest challenges? In Mark's Gospel, Jesus experiences this jarring transition—moving from divine blessing at his baptism to being driven into the wilderness. Pastor James illuminates how the wilderness isn't…
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Shouldn't It Get Easier - Sermon
What does it mean to truly embody "good news" in a world hungry for authentic connection? Through an engaging dialogue, Pastor James and Pastor Dina explore how the opening words of Mark's Gospel challenge us to move beyond surface-level welcomes to genuine Christian hospitality. Drawing from...
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Good for Nothing - Sermon
What if God's love wasn't something you had to earn? In a world obsessed with achievement, Pastor James reveals a profound truth from Jesus' baptism—God declares His love before any accomplishment. Through vivid storytelling and heartfelt reflection on Mark 1:9-13, we discover how grace defies…
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Prepare the Way - Sermon
Have you ever felt the awkward disconnect of thinking you know someone, only to realize you don't really know them at all? Pastor Dena invites us into a transformative journey through Mark's Gospel to meet Jesus anew—beyond cultural assumptions and comfortable stereotypes. Through John the...
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Conflict Breaks Out - Sermon
Ever wondered what happens when God truly breaks into our lives? Pastor Dena challenges the comforting platitude "God won't give you more than you can handle" through the lens of Jesus's early years. Through Joseph and Mary's dramatic flight to Egypt, we discover that authentic faith often leads…
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We See Glory - Sermon
Ever felt terrified by God's presence? In Luke's nativity, shepherds encountered divine glory that shattered their ordinary night shift into holy terror. Pastor James reveals how this wasn't just mood lighting—it was the weighty presence of God breaking into everyday life. Through the shepherds'...
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He Accomplishes Great Things - Sermon
Could God's greatest favor come disguised as disruption? When the angel appeared to Mary—young, poor, and living in a backwater town—his "highly favored" greeting left her perplexed. Pastor James reveals how divine favor isn't measured by comfort or status, but by participation in God's...
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He Stretches Us - Sermon
Have you ever resisted showing compassion to someone who hurt you? Pastor James unpacks the challenging story of Jonah, revealing how God's presence stretches us beyond our comfort zones and confronts our selective mercy. Through Jonah's reluctant mission to Nineveh, we see how easily we can…
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He Calls Us For Life - Sermon
Have you ever struggled to hear God's voice in the noise of life? Through the powerful story of young Samuel, Pastor James reveals how God's call often comes through unexpected channels—even through spiritually dim mentors like Eli. Drawing from compelling research showing 75% of millennials...
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He Reveals Himself - Sermon
Have you ever felt lost in the shadows of your past, questioning who you really are? Like Moses at the burning bush, God breaks into our ordinary moments with extraordinary revelation. Pastor James unpacks the transformative encounter where Moses discovers his true identity through God's...
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Ephesians 3:14-21; James 1:22-25 - Sermon
Have you ever wondered what true Christian unity looks like in a world of endless division? Pastor explores Paul's powerful vision in Ephesians where unity isn't about uniformity, but being captivated by Christ's boundless love. Through practical insights on submission, relationship-building, and...
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Ephesians 6:21-24 - Sermon
What if serving God wasn't meant to be a solo journey? Through Paul's farewell in Ephesians, Pastor James reveals how true ministry thrives in community, just as Paul partnered with Tychicus. Drawing from the apostle's example, we discover that service isn't about independent action, but about...
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Stand With or Stand Against - Sermon
Ever feel overwhelmed by life's battles? In Ephesians 6, Pastor James reveals a revolutionary truth: spiritual warfare isn't meant to be fought alone. Through vivid imagery of Roman legions standing shield-to-shield, he shows how mutual submission transforms into mutual defense—our true strength...
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Pastor Katie Burke Mission - Sermon
What does it mean to truly be part of Christ's global body? Through powerful insights from her mission work in Ireland, Pastor Katie reveals how cultural perspectives reshape our understanding of Scripture and community. She shares how Irish believers view 1 Corinthians 12 not as individual…
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Ephesians 6:1-9 - Sermon
Have you ever wondered how Jesus transforms not just our beliefs, but our everyday relationships? In this eye-opening message, Pastor James unpacks Paul's revolutionary approach to human dignity in Ephesians 6. Through a fresh look at the controversial "household codes," we discover how Christ's...
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Household Code - Sermon
In a world where relationships often mirror cultural norms, Pastor Dena tackles the challenging topic of biblical submission with fresh insight. Through a deep dive into Ephesians 5, she reveals how Paul's radical message of mutual submission transforms both marriage and church life. Far from...
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Standing Out - Sermon
Have you ever wondered what makes a classic car turn heads? Just as vintage automobiles stand out on modern streets, Pastor Dena shares how Christians are called to be distinctively different in today's world. Drawing from her family's love of classic cars and Paul's letter to the Ephesians, she...
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Where We Find Our Pleasure - Sermon
Have you ever wondered if true joy and pleasure can coexist with godly living? In this powerful message, Pastor James explores how the ancient Ephesians faced cultural pressures remarkably similar to our own. Through Paul's timeless wisdom, we discover that finding our deepest pleasure in God...
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Renewed Mind, Renewed Community - Sermon
What if our hearts harbor more darkness than we dare admit? In this powerful message, Pastor explores Paul's penetrating words to the Ephesians about the subtle ways anger, bitterness, and unwholesome talk poison our communities. Through vivid examples—from overripe bananas to post-meeting...
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AHG Sunday - Sermon
Have you ever wondered why little white lies feel so harmless, yet erode the very foundation of Christian community? In this powerful message, Pastor James unpacks Ephesians 4:25-5:2, revealing how our renewed minds in Christ should transform even our most casual conversations. Through compelling...
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New People - Sermon
Have you ever wondered what truly drives your actions—fear, pride, or genuine love? Pastor James delves into Ephesians 4, revealing how our motivations matter more than our actions. Through a compelling illustration of two neighbors cleaning their homes, he illuminates the profound difference...
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Resetting Ephesians - Sermon
What if the power to transform your life has been hiding in plain sight? In this compelling return to Ephesians, Pastor shares how God's radical plan brings us from spiritual death to vibrant life—no self-help required. Through powerful imagery of pacemakers and cave rescues, we discover that...
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Obstacles in Prayer: Fears, Frustrations, Failures - Sermon
Have you ever felt stuck between faith and doubt, wondering if it's okay to bring your questions to God? In this powerful dialogue, Pastor Dena and Pastor James explore how shame and doubt can disconnect us from prayer—and how genuine community can draw us closer to God. Through compelling…
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Obstacles in Prayer: Anger (With God & Others) - Sermon
Have you ever felt angry with God but afraid to admit it? Through the raw honesty of Job and the cautionary tale of Cain, Pastor James reveals how anger itself isn't sinful—it's what we do with it that matters. Drawing from these biblical accounts, he shows how Job maintained connection with God...
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Prayer as Lament & Imprecatory Prayer - Sermon
Have you ever felt too broken, too angry, or too lost to bring your pain to God? Through Psalm 88's raw lament, Pastor James unveils a transformative truth: our despair doesn't frighten God. Drawing from biblical examples like Haman and David, he shows how Scripture invites us to bring our...
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Prayer as Praise & Thanksgiving - Sermon
Have you ever experienced a moment so breathtaking that you felt compelled to share it with others? Imagine holding onto that excitement without ever being able to tell a soul. This compelling question opens Pastor James' exploration into prayer as a vital expression of praise and thanksgiving—a...
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Growth in Prayer - Sermon
What does it truly mean to rejoice in the midst of life's trials? Join special guest, Pastor Kathy as she unpacks powerful insights from Philippians 4, exploring the transformative power of prayer and contentment in our spiritual journey. Kathy shares her own deep experiences with grief,...
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Prayer as Confession & Self-Examination - Sermon
Have you ever peered into your junk drawer and realized just how much clutter has accumulated over time? Pastor James invites us to consider this familiar chaos during his sermon on prayer, particularly focusing on the crucial aspect of confession. Drawing on scripture from 1 John and Matthew, he...
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Prayer as Attitude (Not Just Action) - Sermon
Have you ever wondered who truly knows your heart—the one person who can sense your joy or sadness without a single word? In her powerful sermon, Pastor Dena invites us into the profound reality that we were created for relationship, both with one another and with God. Through exploration of...
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Prayer as Spiritual Formation & Attentiveness - Sermon
Are you becoming the person you've always wanted to be? This thought-provoking question resonated deeply in Pastor James' heartfelt sermon, where he navigated the complexities of identity and the often overwhelming pace of life. Drawing from the wisdom of scripture and reflecting on personal...
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Prayer as a Response - Sermon
Have you ever considered whether your conversations with God are more about listening than speaking? In his engaging sermon, Pastor James brings us into the fascinating world of prayer, revealing that it's not about ringing God up but rather answering His call. Often, we mistakenly perceive…
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Goals: Maturity - Sermon
In today's sermon, Pastor James discussed the importance of spiritual maturity within the church as a key goal, along with unity and fullness. He emphasized that maturity is a lifelong process that involves community and continuous growth, warning against the dangers of complacency in our…
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Goals: Unity & Knowledge - Sermon
On Pentecost Sunday, Pastor James reflects on the importance of the Holy Spirit and the distractions that come with worship, emphasizing that perfection is not required in our gathering. He stresses the need for unity and growing in knowledge of Christ within the church, highlighting that unity…
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What kind of A PEST are you? - Sermon
In her sermon, Pastor Dena encourages the congregation to reflect on their personal journeys and the mentors who have guided them. She emphasizes that everyone is called to ministry, regardless of their role, and highlights the importance of the church in helping individuals grow in their faith....
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The Plan - Sermon
In his sermon, Pastor James emphasizes that the primary purpose of church leadership is to foster Christian maturity among believers. He highlights that leaders are called to equip the congregation for works of service, ensuring every member acts as a minister to represent Christ in their daily...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Helping connect Sunday to the weekday, we're talking about how to apply the teachings of the Bible to our everyday life.
HOSTED BY
Pastors James Benson and Dena Roy
CATEGORIES
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