PODCAST · religion
We Are Chapel
by Bobby Gourley - Christ Chapel
Weekly messages from Pastor Bobby Gourley at Christ Chapel in Florence, Alabama.Christ Chapel, our mission is to AWAKEN and EMPOWER you to live and love like Jesus. We desire to see each person experience their own spiritual awakening to the truth of the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit. We want to see every person be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live and love like Jesus in their everyday lives.Each Sunday, we spend intentional time in worship, prayer and the Word. We pray you are awakened and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live and love like Jesus today!
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Mother's Day at Chapel 2026 // Special Mothers Panel Discussion
Motherhood looks different in every season of life — but wisdom is always worth sharing. In this conversation, five moms from Christ Chapel sit down to talk honestly about parenting, faith, family, challenges, and what they’ve learned along the way.Whether you’re raising toddlers, parenting teenagers, preparing for motherhood, or looking back on years of experience, we hope these stories encourage you and remind you that you’re not walking through this season alone.If this video encouraged you, make sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss new content from Christ Chapel.Join us every Sunday at Christ Chapel.#Motherhood #ChristianMotherhood #Moms #Parenting #FaithAndFamily #ChristianParenting #ChurchCommunity #MotherhoodJourney #FamilyFaith #ChristChapel
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You Can't Raise Godly Kids Without This // Hebrews 12:5-11 // Bobby Gourley
You can’t raise godly kids without discipline—but not the kind most people think.In Hebrews 12:5–11, we see that discipline is not punishment—it’s proof of love and relationship. God’s discipline shapes us, corrects us, and leads us toward who we’re called to be. And that becomes the model for how we parent.This message challenges different parenting styles—from controlling to passive—and calls us toward something better: being a shepherd. Not perfect, but intentional. Not just managing behavior, but shaping character.We walk through what biblical discipline actually looks like—why it matters, how it works, and how to do it in a way that builds connection instead of breaking it. Discipline isn’t something you do to your child, but for your child.You’ll also get practical tools like the “connect, correct, connect” framework and the four pillars of discipline: unity, consistency, love, and firmness.If you want to raise kids who are grounded, guided, and prepared for life, this message will help you stay focused on the right goal.Subscribe to the channel for more teachings and updates.#ChristianParenting #BiblicalDiscipline #Hebrews12 #ParentingWithPurpose #FaithAtHome #RaisingKids #FamilyFaith #NextGeneration
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Keep Feeding Them // Hebrews 12:11 // Special Guest Pete Key
Parenting isn’t just about getting kids through today—it’s about preparing them for who they are becoming.In this message, special guest speaker and friend of Chapel, Pete Key, takes a look at what it means to keep feeding them—feeding your children vision, identity, and purpose. Because what you give them now shapes who they become later.We talk about the pain of parenting, why discipline and boundaries matter, and some common mistakes parents make—from giving presents over presence to rescuing kids from every hard moment. Sometimes what feels hard now is what produces strength later.This message also explores what we are depositing into our children through our words, our example, our correction, and our prayers. Parenting is not just protecting children from discomfort, but helping form resilient, faith-filled adults with a sense of calling.If you’re raising kids, leading a family, or investing in the next generation, this message will help you stay focused on what matters most.Subscribe to the channel for more teachings and updates.#ChristianParenting #KeepFeedingThem #BiblicalParenting #FamilyFaith #ParentingWithPurpose #FaithAtHome #RaisingKids #NextGeneration
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Parenting with Grace // Titus 2:11-12 // Bobby Gourley
Most parents feel like they need a reset. But God doesn’t call you to start over—He calls you to depend on grace right where you are.In Titus 2:11–12, we see that grace doesn’t just forgive—it trains, shapes, and strengthens us for everyday life. This message explores the balance between law and grace in parenting. Rules matter, but they can’t change the heart. Grace is what transforms.We look at how to avoid two extremes—too much control or too little direction—and how to create a home that is both structured and life-giving. Grace doesn’t remove responsibility; it empowers it.This message also speaks to three key relationships: how you parent your kids, how you process your past with your parents, and how you view yourself as a parent. Healing, growth, and change all flow from grace.If parenting feels heavy or uncertain, this will help you refocus on what matters most.Subscribe to the channel for more teachings and updates.#ChristianParenting #ParentingWithGrace #Titus2 #FaithAtHome #BiblicalParenting #GraceOverPerfection #FamilyFaith #GospelCentered
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If God Isn’t Building Your Family, You’re Wasting Your Time // Psalm 127 // Bobby Gourley
Psalm 127 gives a clear picture of what it looks like to build a home with God at the center. Parenting without Him leads to frustration, but when He is the foundation, everything changes.This message reframes how we see children—not as interruptions, but as a gift and responsibility. Kids don’t form themselves. They are shaped over time through what they see, hear, and experience. If we’re not intentional, something else will shape them.We’re not just raising kids—we’re aiming their lives. The goal isn’t behavior management, it’s direction. Helping them know God, love people, and live with purpose.And at some point, we release them. Parenting is temporary stewardship. What we build into them will carry forward into places we’ll never go.If you’re raising a family or plan to, this message will help you stay focused on what matters most.Subscribe to the channel for more teachings and updates.#Psalm127 #ChristianParenting #RaisingKids #FamilyFaith #BiblicalParenting #ParentingWithPurpose #FaithAtHome #NextGeneration
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From Curse to Victory: How God Responds to Sin // Genesis 3:14-24 // Bobby Gourley
Sin broke everything—but God didn’t leave it that way.In Genesis 3:14–24, we see the weight of the curse: separation from God, struggle in life, and the reality of death. Humanity couldn’t fix what was broken. The stain of sin remained.But God responds. He pursues us when we hide. He covers what we cannot. And He promises a Savior.This message traces that promise from the garden to the empty tomb. Jesus enters the fight, takes the full weight of sin, and rises in victory. What looked like defeat became the turning point. He didn’t just survive—He won.Now, because of Him, sin doesn’t have the final say, death is not the end, and the enemy is defeated. Jesus holds the keys.Subscribe to the channel for more teachings and updates.#Easter #HeIsRisen #Genesis3 #VictoryInChrist #JesusWins #BibleTeaching #Resurrection #HopeInJesus
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The Snake in Your Garden: Recognizing Satan's Attack // Genesis 3:1- // Bobby Gourley
The enemy doesn’t usually show up in obvious ways. In Genesis 3, he shows up as a voice.This message walks through the fall in the garden and helps you recognize how Satan still works today. From questioning God’s Word to denying consequences and offering false promises, the same patterns are still at work. Sin is more than a mistake—it is rebellion, guilt, and a break in our relationship with God.We also look at what sin produces: shame, hiding, fear, and separation. What promised life instead brought death. But the story doesn’t end there. Even in Genesis 3, God comes looking—not to destroy, but to cover and restore.If you want to better recognize spiritual attack and understand how to respond, this message will help you stay grounded in truth.Subscribe to the channel for more teachings and updates.#Genesis3 #SpiritualWarfare #BibleTeaching #Sermon #ChristianLiving #TruthOverLies #Faith #JesusSaves
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The Dwelling Place of God // Genesis 2:8-10 & Revelation 21-22 // Bobby Gourley
Why does every place on earth—even the most beautiful—eventually disappoint us?We travel to breathtaking places, walk through stunning landscapes, and experience moments that feel almost perfect… but they never last. Something always fades. Something always breaks. Deep down, it leaves us asking: Wasn’t there supposed to be more than this?In this message, we explore a powerful truth that runs from Genesis to Revelation: humanity was created to live with God—but something was lost, and something even greater is coming.Starting in Genesis 2:8–10, we see that the Garden of Eden was more than a location—it was the dwelling place of God. Humanity walked with Him, life flowed from His presence like a river, and access to eternal life was right at the center. But in Genesis 3, everything changed. Sin broke that relationship, access to life was cut off, and humanity was separated from the presence we were made for.Yet the story doesn’t end there.Throughout Scripture, God continues pursuing His people—through the tabernacle, the temple, and ultimately through Jesus. In Christ, God doesn’t just visit His people—He dwells among them. Jesus becomes the true source of life, and through the Holy Spirit, that life begins to flow within us again.Finally, in Revelation 21–22, we see the full restoration: a new heaven and new earth where God dwells with His people forever. The river of life flows again. The tree of life is restored. And what was lost in Eden is not just recovered—it is fulfilled in something even greater.This message is an invitation to stop searching for fulfillment in temporary places and return to the only source of true life—God Himself.If this message encouraged you, subscribe to the channel for more biblical teaching that helps you see the full story of Scripture and your place in it.#Genesis #Revelation #BibleTeaching #GodsPresence #Faith #ChristianLiving #Sermon #TheGospel
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God's Design for Men and Women // Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:15-18 // Bobby Gourley
What happens when the design of something is ignored? Eventually, the system stops working.Genesis tells us that men and women were not created randomly or interchangeably. From the beginning, God formed humanity in His image — equal in worth but distinct in design. When those designs work together, life flourishes. When they are ignored, the results ripple through families, communities, and culture.In this message from Genesis 1:27 and Genesis 2:15–18, we explore God’s design for men and women and the purpose behind those differences. Scripture shows that men and women share the same dignity as image-bearers of God, yet they are called to complementary roles that work together to extend God’s work in the world.We look at the calling given to men to work and keep — cultivating what God has entrusted to them while protecting and providing for those in their care. We also explore the calling given to women to enhance and multiply — strengthening, developing, and bringing fullness to what God has begun.When these designs function together, they create a powerful partnership that reflects God’s wisdom and advances His purposes. Families grow stronger, communities flourish, and the work God began in creation continues through His people.This message invites men and women to rediscover God’s original design and step into the roles He created them to live.If this message helped you, subscribe to the channel for more biblical teaching that helps you understand God’s design for life and relationships.#BiblicalManhood #BiblicalWomanhood #Genesis #GodsDesign #ChristianLiving #BibleTeaching #FaithAndFamily #Sermon
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Meaning of Marriage // Genesis 2:18-24 // Bobby Gourley
Everyone wants a great wedding day. Far fewer prepare for a lifelong covenant.Marriage is one of the most discussed and debated institutions in the world, yet many conversations start in the wrong place. Genesis shows us that marriage didn’t begin with culture, government, or tradition — it began with God. Before sin entered the world, God designed marriage to reflect His love, shape His people, and reveal His glory.In this message from Genesis 2:18–24, we return to the original blueprint for marriage. Scripture shows that marriage is not merely a contract built on feelings or performance, but a covenant built on faithfulness before God. It calls husbands and wives to walk side by side, prioritizing their relationship above all others and holding fast to one another with loyalty and commitment.We also explore how marriage is meant to produce unity over time. Becoming “one flesh” is not a moment at the altar but a lifelong process where God uses everyday life — even conflict and difficulty — to shape both people into the likeness of Christ.Ultimately, marriage points beyond itself. The relationship between a husband and wife reflects a greater reality: the covenant love between Jesus Christ and His Church.Whether you’re married, single, or preparing for marriage, God’s design offers wisdom, clarity, and hope for building relationships that honor Him.If this message helped you, subscribe to the channel for more biblical teaching and practical encouragement.#Marriage #BiblicalMarriage #Genesis2 #ChristianMarriage #FaithAndFamily #BibleTeaching #Sermon #MarriageGodsWay
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Made in the Image of God // Genesis 1:26-31, Genesis 2:5-7 // Bobby Gourley
What if your worth isn’t something you earn — it’s something you reveal?In a world constantly asking you to prove your value, Genesis gives a radically different answer: your worth was established at creation. You were not randomly assembled. You were intentionally formed by God, made in His image, and designed for His purpose.In this message, we explore what it truly means to be made in the image of God. From Genesis 1 and 2, we see a Creator who didn’t just speak humanity into existence — He formed us with care and breathed life into us. Creation displays God’s power, but humanity reveals His intimacy.We unpack three life-defining truths:You were made by God, which means your life is intentional.You were made like God, carrying dignity, purpose, and moral responsibility as an image-bearer.And you were made for God, called to represent Him in every space you live and work.This message also answers the questions every human heart asks: Where did I come from? Who am I? Why am I here? And where am I going? The doctrine of the image of God gives clarity in a confused world and restores a foundation for identity, purpose, and calling.You are not an accident. You are not defined by culture. You are an image-bearer created with meaning and sent with purpose.If this message encouraged you, subscribe to the channel for more biblical teaching that helps you see your identity through the lens of Scripture.#ImageOfGod #Genesis #IdentityInChrist #BiblicalTruth #ChristianFaith #ImagoDei #BibleTeaching #Sermon
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What Genesis 1 Reveals About God, Creation, and You // Genesis 1:1-31 // Bobby Gourley
You are not living in a random universe — you are living in a revelation.Genesis 1 doesn’t begin with an explanation of mechanics. It begins with a declaration: “In the beginning, God created.” Before it answers how, it answers who. And when you get that right, everything else starts to fall into place.In this message, we explore what Genesis 1 reveals about the character of God and the meaning of creation. While Christians may hold different views on the details of the days, the central truth is clear: God is the uncreated Creator. He stands above creation, yet He is present within it. The universe does not contain Him — He sustains it.We look at the power of God’s Word — “And God said… and it was so.” When He speaks, reality forms. We see a God who brings order out of chaos, fills what is empty, and declares His work good. The Spirit who hovered over the waters at creation is still present today, moving in dark and formless places.Genesis 1 is not just the opening chapter of the Bible. It’s the foundation for understanding who God is and who you are. You are not an accident. You are the intentional work of a powerful and purposeful Creator.If this message helped you see God more clearly, subscribe to the channel for more biblical teaching and encouragement.
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Money 101: God's Basics for Financial Health // Matthew 25:14-30 // Bobby Gourley
Most people don’t have a money problem — they have a vision problem.Before you can build a healthy financial life, you need a clear picture of what God says about money. In this message from Matthew 25, we explore the Parable of the Talents and the key truth behind it: live as a steward, not an owner.This practical teaching walks through five biblical basics for financial health. We talk about creating a budget that gives every dollar a purpose, learning to spend less than you earn, and developing a wise plan to avoid and eliminate debt. You’ll also learn why saving and investing matter, how compound growth works over time, and why diligence and extra effort can accelerate financial freedom.Through real-life illustrations and clear next steps, this message helps you move from financial stress to intentional stewardship. God’s Word provides the blueprint — and when we follow it, we gain clarity, peace, and purpose in how we handle what He’s entrusted to us.If this message helped you, subscribe to the channel for more biblical teaching and practical encouragement.
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Putting God First Changes Everything // Malachi 3:6-12 // Bobby Gourley
What if God isn’t asking for more from you — but asking to be first?In Malachi 3, God addresses a people who haven’t abandoned Him, but have slowly reordered their lives around other priorities. The issue isn’t belief. It’s placement.This message walks through God’s unchanging heart and His invitation to return to Him by putting Him back in first place. Through Scripture and everyday illustrations, we explore why giving is ultimately a heart issue, not just a financial one, and how tithing functions as an act of worship that declares trust, obedience, and dependence on God.We look at what it means to give God the first and best, why the local church plays a central role in God’s design, and why this is the only place in Scripture where God invites His people to “test” Him. This isn’t a promise of easy money — it’s an invitation into provision, protection, and peace that flows from obedience.Putting God first changes everything. Not because money is powerful, but because obedience positions our lives under the open windows of God’s faithfulness.If this message encourages you, subscribe to the channel for more biblical teaching and encouragement.
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When Dollars Compete for Devotion // Matthew 6:19-24 // Bobby Gourley
What if the real tension in your finances isn’t about dollars — but devotion?Money touches nearly every part of our lives, shaping our decisions, our stress, and even our relationships. In Matthew 6, Jesus addresses the quiet competition between wealth and worship, reminding us that where our treasure goes, our hearts always follow.
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Find Your People // Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 & Ephesians 2:19-22 // Bobby Gourley
Have you ever tried to build something meaningful with just one LEGO block? It's impossible. That single block, no matter how perfectly crafted, can't create a castle, a car, or anything of significance on its own. It needs other blocks to fulfill its purpose. God designed you the same way. You weren't created to be an isolated individual, scattered in a box with other disconnected pieces. You were intentionally crafted with 'studs and spaces' - unique gifts, experiences, and needs that perfectly connect with others to build something beautiful for His kingdom. When we try to live our faith in isolation, we're fighting against God's very design for our lives. We become like that single LEGO block - complete in ourselves, but unable to fulfill our true purpose. Connection isn't just nice to have; it's essential to who God created us to be. Think about the relationships in your life right now. Are you truly connected, or are you just existing alongside others? There's a difference between being in the same room and being genuinely linked together in purpose and love. God has placed specific people in your path - not by accident, but by design. Your unique shape is meant to connect with theirs, creating something stronger and more beautiful than either of you could build alone. Today, consider how God might be calling you to move from isolation to intentional connection.
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Rest in a Restless World // Mark 2:27 // Bobby Gourley
Have you ever watched a hamster running frantically on its wheel? Round and round it goes, expending tremendous energy but never actually getting anywhere. If we're honest, many of us live exactly like that hamster. We wake up, rush through our morning routine, race to work, sprint through our tasks, hurry home, collapse exhausted, and then wake up to do it all over again. Our culture has convinced us that this is normal - even admirable. We wear our busyness like a badge of honor, believing that our worth is measured by our productivity. But what if this entire system is fundamentally flawed? What if God never intended for us to live in this exhausting cycle? The truth is, you weren't designed to be a hamster on a wheel. You were created for something far greater than endless productivity. You were made to experience rest, joy, and meaningful relationship with your Creator. When we constantly run without pause, we miss the very blessings God wants to give us. Today, take a moment to step back and examine your own wheel. Are you running so fast that life has become a blur? Are you so focused on the next task that you've forgotten to enjoy the present moment? God has something better for you than this relentless pace.
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You're Moving Too Fast: How to Slow Down and Find God // Genesis 5:21-24 // Bobby Gourley
Have you ever walked past someone you know and given them a quick nod or wave without stopping to actually connect? It's polite acknowledgment, but it's not relationship. Many of us treat God the same way. We believe in Him, we love Him, we even post about Him on social media, but we've never learned to truly walk with Him. Enoch's story is remarkable not because he was perfect, but because he chose to walk with God for 300 years. Think about that - three centuries of daily, consistent relationship with the Creator of the universe. What changed for Enoch? He became a father. Suddenly, he realized someone was watching his every step, learning how to live by observing his walk. The same is true for us today. Whether you're a parent, mentor, friend, or colleague, someone is watching how you walk through life. They're not just listening to what you say about God; they're observing whether your daily steps match your Sunday words. Walking with God isn't about perfection - it's about proximity. It's about choosing to stay close enough to hear His voice, feel His presence, and follow His lead. It's the difference between knowing about someone and actually knowing them. Today, God isn't asking for your theological knowledge or your religious performance. He's simply asking: Will you walk with Me?
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God Wants to be Your Friend // Exodus 33:11 & John 15:14-15 // Bobby Gourley
Have you ever felt like prayer was more of a chore than a conversation? You're not alone. Even Teresa of Avila, who became a saint, struggled with prayer for twenty years while living in a monastery. Her breakthrough came when she stopped seeing Jesus as just a religious figure and started relating to Him as a real friend. Many of us approach God like He's a distant authority figure - formal, intimidating, someone we need to impress. But what if that's not who He is at all? What if the God of the universe actually wants to be your friend? This isn't about being casual or disrespectful; it's about recognizing that the heart of Christianity isn't following rules - it's having a relationship. Jesus Himself made this clear to His disciples. He didn't want them to remain as servants, following orders without understanding. He wanted them as friends, sharing His heart and His plans. The same invitation extends to you today. When we shift our perspective from seeing Jesus as merely a historical figure or religious concept to viewing Him as a living, present friend who genuinely cares about our daily lives, everything changes. Prayer becomes less about performing and more about connecting. Faith becomes less about duty and more about love. This week, we'll explore what it means to build a genuine friendship with Jesus - not the Jesus of stained glass windows, but the Jesus who wants to walk through life with you as your closest companion.
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Prepare to Walk into the New Year // Joshua 3:1-6 // Bobby Gourley
Have you ever stood at the edge of something incredible, knowing that breakthrough was just one step away? The Israelites found themselves in exactly this position at the Jordan River. After 400 years of slavery and 40 years wandering in the wilderness, the Promised Land was finally within reach. Yet God didn't say "charge ahead" - He said "consecrate yourselves." There's something powerful about this divine pause before breakthrough. God wasn't delaying their blessing; He was preparing them for it. When we're eager for God's promises to unfold in our lives, we often want to rush the process. We see the opportunity and think we're ready, but God sees what we need to become before we can handle what He wants to give us. The Israelites had to prepare their hearts before they could possess their inheritance. Your breakthrough might be closer than you think, but are you prepared for what comes with it? Sometimes the most loving thing God can do is make us wait - not to withhold His goodness, but to ensure we're ready to steward it well.
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Jehovah Shalom, The Lord is Peace // Judges 6:1-24 // Bobby Gourley
Have you ever felt like life doesn't just pile up on you, but completely dumps on you? One moment you're managing okay, and the next, everything seems to crash down at once. Maybe it's financial stress, relationship problems, health concerns, or work pressures - all hitting simultaneously. You're not alone in feeling overwhelmed. Gideon understood this feeling. When we meet him in Judges, he's literally hiding - threshing wheat in a winepress to avoid enemy raiders. The Israelites were being oppressed, their crops stolen, their security shattered. Gideon wasn't living; he was just surviving, trying to make it through another day. Yet in this moment of fear and desperation, God shows up. Not when Gideon had it all together, not when he was brave or confident, but right there in his hiding place. God sees us in our lowest moments and meets us exactly where we are. What's remarkable is that God doesn't wait for our circumstances to improve before He offers His presence. He doesn't require us to clean up our act or get our lives in order first. When life happens - and it will happen without asking permission - God is already there, ready to encounter us in the mess. Today, if you're feeling buried under life's weight, remember that your hiding place can become your meeting place with God. He's not intimidated by your chaos or disappointed by your fear. He's simply present, ready to remind you of who you really are beneath all the pressure.
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Jehovah Rapha // Exodus 15:22-26 // Bobby Gourley
God as Our Healer: Understanding Jehovah RaphaWhen sickness strikes our bodies, it can leave us feeling hopeless and helpless. Physical pain and illness have a way of making us feel like we can't move forward or achieve anything meaningful. But what if there's more to healing than what we typically understand? What if healing isn't just something God occasionally does, but rather who He fundamentally is?In Exodus 15, after the Israelites had been delivered from Egypt, they found themselves in the wilderness facing bitter water they couldn't drink. When Moses cried out to the Lord, God showed him a log to throw into the water, making it sweet and drinkable. But the most significant part of this story comes in what God reveals about Himself.God declares: "I am the Lord, your healer" - in Hebrew, "Jehovah Rapha." This isn't God saying "I'm the God who heals" but rather "I am your healer." Healing isn't just a gift God gives; it's who God is. It's His nature, His identity, His character.God can heal because He's the one who created our bodies in the first place. While Genesis tells us God spoke everything else into existence - the stars, sun, water, and mountains - when it came to humanity, He slowed down. Instead of speaking, God formed us with His own hands, wanting His fingerprints on His greatest creation.Since God formed your body with His own hands, He knows it better than anyone else. He knows where every organ should be, how every tissue should function, and how your mind should work. When sin entered the world and brought sickness with it, God didn't abandon His creation. He remained committed to healing and restoring what He had made.Throughout the Old Testament, we see God consistently revealing Himself as Jehovah Rapha. Take Naaman, a pagan king with leprosy who came to the prophet Elisha for healing. Despite not being Jewish, God healed him when he followed the simple instruction to wash in the Jordan River seven times. This shows that God's healing power extends beyond any religious or cultural boundaries.When Jesus came to earth, His entire ministry was marked by healing. Matthew 4:23 tells us He went about "proclaiming the kingdom, preaching, teaching and healing all diseases." Why? Because Jesus was Jehovah Rapha in human form.People would even grab the hem of His garment and be healed. It wasn't because the garment was supernatural - it was because it belonged to Jehovah Rapha. Every single person Jesus touched was healed because healing flows from who He is, not just what He does.First Peter 2:24 tells us "by his wounds we were healed." When Jesus' flesh was torn on the cross, our healing was purchased. The gospel isn't just about forgiveness of sins - it's about everything God created that the enemy attacked being restored through Jesus' sacrifice.After Jesus ascended to heaven, He poured out His Holy Spirit, and Jehovah Rapha began functioning through the Spirit-empowered church. Everywhere the apostles went, healing followed them. The same hands that formed us in the Garden of Eden were now working through believers filled with the Holy Spirit.Healing is conditional. When Jesus walked through crowds of sick people, only some were healed - those who actively pursued their healing. James 5 gives us clear instructions for the church regarding healing:"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.It's important to distinguish between faith healing and divine healing. Faith healing puts focus on a person with a gift - thinking you need to get to a specific healer or evangelist. Divine healing puts the focus on God as Jehovah Rapha, trusting in His character and power rather than in any human instrument.
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Christ, Our Adonai // Isaiah 6:1-3 // Anthony Martin
Have you ever noticed the difference between knowing about someone and actually knowing them? You can follow a celebrity online, know their stats, facts, and fun facts, and still have zero relationship with them. The same is true with God. In Scripture, when you see LORD in all caps, it represents Yahweh—the sovereign Creator of the universe. But when you see Lord with only the L capitalized, it’s the Hebrew word Adonai, meaning Owner, Master, the One who has authority over your life. And that’s where everything gets personal. You can be perfectly comfortable with God as Yahweh—distant, cosmic, “out there,” holding the universe together. But Adonai is different. Adonai is close. Adonai steps into your decisions, your habits, your relationships, and your identity. Saying “God exists” keeps Him at a safe distance; saying “God is my Lord” invites Him into every detail. The truth is, God doesn’t want to remain a far-off Creator in your story. He wants to be your Adonai—the One you trust, submit to, and walk with daily. That shift—from acknowledging His existence to surrendering to His leadership—is where real relationship begins, and where real transformation starts to take place.
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Jehovah Jireh // Genesis 22:1-14 // Bobby Gourley
The story of Abraham and Isaac reveals God as Jehovah Jireh—the Lord who provides—not just in finances, but in every place where obedience meets trust. In a season that often highlights what we lack, Abraham reminds us that God sometimes tests us to expose what truly holds first place in our hearts. Abraham didn’t wait for full clarity; he obeyed with simple faith, proving that maturity never outgrows the need to trust God deeply. And while Abraham walked up his mountain in obedience, God was already preparing a ram in the thicket. He always sees the need before we see it. Calling that mountain “Jehovah Jireh” meant more than “God provides”—it meant God will see to it. Whatever you surrender to Him, He takes responsibility for. Just like the Father who later offered His own Son as our substitute, God’s greatest provision isn’t material—it’s Jesus Himself. This week, obey even when you can’t see the whole picture, trust that provision has already been prepared, and rest in knowing that Jehovah Jireh will see to it in your life.
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Three Silent Killers of Your Soul // Jonah 4 // Bobby Gourley
Jonah 4 shows us that God wasn’t just trying to save Nineveh—He was also trying to save Jonah. After preaching the most successful sermon of his life and seeing an entire wicked city repent, Jonah was still angry, bitter, and offended that God would be so gracious to people he felt didn’t deserve it. God gently exposed three silent killers in Jonah’s heart: bitterness that poisoned his joy, pride that put his nation and reputation above God’s mercy, and self-righteousness that wanted grace for himself but judgment for everyone else. By growing a plant to comfort Jonah and then sending a worm and a scorching wind to remove that comfort, God showed Jonah that he cared more about 120,000 lost people than Jonah’s temporary shade. The same is true for us today: God will lovingly confront our comfort, anger, and self-righteousness so we can share His heart for people far from Him and rejoice, not resent, when His mercy reaches those we might least expect.
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The God of Second Chances // Jonah 3 // Bobby Gourley
God is a God of second chances, as demonstrated through Jonah's story when the Lord came to him a second time. Unlike other religions that require earning forgiveness through works, Christianity offers grace - receiving what we don't deserve through Jesus Christ. Throughout Scripture, figures like Abraham, Moses, David, Peter, and Paul all received second chances after significant failures. God doesn't just give fresh starts; He restores original purposes and calls us back to complete what He first assigned us. Your second chance isn't just about your restoration - it's about someone else's redemption, as your breakthrough creates opportunities for others to experience breakthrough too.
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Jonah’s Prayer: The Power of Repentance // Jonah 2:1–10 // Bobby Gourley
What spills out when life squeezes you? Just like a bumped cup reveals what's inside, our reactions under pressure expose what we've been filling our hearts with. The gap between sin and repentance is where the enemy thrives - but true repentance slams that door shut. Are you ready to discover what genuine repentance really looks like?
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Did You Think to Pray? // Jonah 1:17-2:1 // Bobby Gourley
Jonah 1:17–2:1 isn’t a fish tale—it’s a grace story. Pastor unpacks how God “appoints” storms and even a fish to rescue, not ruin; why delayed prayer prolongs our pain; and how confession moves God to command, “Spit him out.” When life swallows you, grace goes lower—and lifts you higher.
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Jonahs, Awaken! // Jonah 1:7-13 // Greg Southard
Running from God doesn’t just detour your life—it drains your soul. In Jonah’s storm, Pastor unpacks how apathy creeps in, why identity matters, and how confession turns condemnation into conviction. Learn the three movements of awakening—own it, name it, obey—and watch God calm what you bring into the light.
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187
When Small Choices Cause Big Storms // Jonah 1:4–6 // Bobby Gourley
Sometimes the storm isn’t punishment—it’s rescue. Pastor Bobby unpacks Jonah 1:4–6 to show how God’s sovereignty can redirect our lives, why some storms are self-made (or borrowed from others), and how to respond: lighten the load, wake up, and cry out. Hope for anyone weathering heavy seas.
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186
Are You Running From God? // Jonah 1:1-3 // Bobby Gourley
What happens when God’s plan isn’t our plan? In Jonah 1, a seasoned prophet hears God clearly…and sprints the other way. Pastor Bobby shares his own story of running and shows how disobedience always drifts us downward—into counterfeit “open doors,” heavy costs, and lost peace. Yet through storms and even a fish, we see the bigger story: a God who moves heaven and earth to pursue His runners and offer a second chance at life and purpose. If you’ve been chasing comfort over calling, or escaping pain instead of bringing it to Jesus, this message invites you to stop running and turn toward the One who never stopped chasing you.Scripture: Jonah 1:1–3; 2 Kings 14; Psalm 139; Matthew 16:26; Romans 8:31–39
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185
His Word Reads Us // The Final Word // Hebrews 4:12 & James 1:22-25 // Anthony Martin
Are you just reading the Bible, or are you letting it read YOU? God's Word isn't meant to be a window for judging others, but a mirror that reveals our true selves. Many are forgiven but not truly free because they've never applied Scripture to their daily lives. Ready to move beyond surface-level faith? Discover how God's Word can cut through your defenses to bring deep healing while lighting your path forward.
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184
How to Study the Bible // The Final Word // 2 Timothy 2:15 // Bobby Gourley
This message, rooted in 2 Timothy 2:15, urges believers to “study to show yourself approved,” contrasting screen-driven distraction and mental decay with the brain-healing, life-shaping power of Scripture. Your inner “operating system” (formed by culture, trauma, habits) must be reformatted by God’s Word so your first response is biblical, not emotional. Practically: read for context (verse → chapter → book → Testament → whole Bible), build a bridge to today (the Word is living and active), and get it into your heart, not just your head (Ps 119:9–11). Use simple tools—HEAR/SOAP (Highlight–Explain–Apply–Respond) and SPECK (Sin to confess, Promise to claim, Example to follow, Command to obey, Knowledge about God)—plus solid resources (ESV or Tony Evans Study Bible, Bible Project, NET Bible, Logos, Wiersbe’s “Be” series, “30 Days to Understand the Bible”). Challenge: pick one chapter this week, study it until it’s in you, and let God’s Spirit use it to transform your thinking, relationships, finances, and daily decisions—then respond in worship, prayer, and obedience.
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183
Different Spirit: The Christian Ethos in a Broken World // Romans 12:9-21 // Bobby Gourley
In this message from Romans 12, we look squarely at the reality of evil in our world and hear a better call: the way of Jesus. Pastor unpacks a distinct kingdom ethos—genuine love, honor, perseverance, prayer, hospitality, and overcoming evil with good—showing how the gospel doesn’t just make us feel better; it makes us new and sends us to model a different kingdom in a broken culture. You’ll be challenged to move from demonizing and dehumanizing to loving God, loving one another, loving our neighbors, and even loving our enemies, trusting God with justice while we embody grace. Scripture: Romans 12:9–21 (with echoes of John 15, Isaiah 55, and Acts).
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182
Your Word is Sweeter than Honey // The Final Word // Psalm 19:7-11 // Bobby Gourley
Kicking off The Final Word, this message from Psalm 19:7–11 calls us to treasure and trust Scripture—because God’s Word is inerrant, infallible, and inspired, reviving the soul, making the simple wise, and proving sweeter than honey. We trace how God has preserved His Word and why it must be our true north in a culture of shifting pictures, then get practical with simple rhythms to breathe it in daily: choose a readable translation, pick a time and place, and follow a plan (no legalism—just life). Join us as we move from merely owning a Bible to letting the Bible own our hearts.
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181
Bring Out The Best In Each Other // Hebrews 10:19-25 // Bobby Gourley
What if your future is hidden in your friendships? Walking through Hebrews 10:19–25, we explore how real Christian community helps us draw near to God, hold fast to hope, and stir up love and good works. From Luke 4 prayer focus to Mark 2’s roof-ripping friends, this message calls us out of rows and into relationships that actually change us.
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180
Special Guest: Dr. RT Kendall at Christ Chapel // August 24th, 2025
Dr. R.T. Kendall shares a powerful message on what it means to finish well in life and faith. Drawing from 2 Timothy 4, he unpacks ten timeless principles that help believers run their race with integrity, purity, and perseverance. From living under Scripture, to walking in forgiveness, to cultivating a strong prayer life, this teaching is both practical and deeply challenging. Dr. Kendall reminds us that finishing well isn’t something to think about only at the end of life—it’s a daily choice we begin now. Be encouraged and equipped to live in such a way that brings glory to God all the way to the finish line.
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179
Are You Ready for the Dream You’re Praying For? // Psalm 105:17-19 // Bobby Gourley
God often gives us dreams to draw us closer to Him, but too many times we focus more on the dream than on the One who holds it. In this episode, we’ll explore how breakthrough happens where God’s promise, God’s timing, and our preparation meet. Just like Joseph, your season of waiting isn’t wasted—it’s God’s way of shaping you for the fulfillment of the dream He’s placed in your heart.
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178
The Power of the Resurrection // John 20:1-31 // Bobby Gourley
we unpack the powerful story of Jesus’ resurrection from John 20. Mary Magdalene’s grief blinded her to the fact that Jesus was standing right beside her—just like how our pain can keep us from seeing His presence in our own lives. We explore the truth that before resurrection comes, something has to die, and that following Jesus means leaving some things behind. This isn’t just history—it’s a reminder that Jesus still calls us by name and still meets us in our hardest moments.
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177
POV: I'm Bad at Christianity // John 19:38-42 // Tyler Sterban // August 3rd, 2025
What if the next move of God isn’t coming from the front row — but the back? In this Sermon, Tyler Sterban speaks on how God is raising up unlikely disciples, the power of your testimony, and why your next step of faith might feel uncomfortable… but it’s exactly where God wants to use you. You don’t have to be perfect — just willing.
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176
Jesus on Trial // John 18:12–40 // Bobby Gourley
The greatest courtroom scene in history.Imagine the Creator of the universe standing silent in a courtroom He Himself spoke into existence. In this episode, we walk through John 18 and witness Jesus—bound, accused, and rejected—not for His guilt, but for ours.From false accusations to political maneuvering, religious hypocrisy to the fear of man, this trial reveals more than injustice—it reveals the heart of the gospel. Pilate tries to wash his hands of the truth. Peter denies out of fear. The crowd demands the release of a murderer. And Jesus, the innocent One, stands in their place—and in ours.Key themes include:Why humility sometimes means staying silent in the face of accusationThe danger of choosing dead religion over the living ChristHow fear of people can silence even the boldest faithThe tragedy of compromising eternal truth for cultural acceptanceWhy Jesus took the verdict we deservedBottom line:The innocent was declared guilty so the guilty could be declared innocent.
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175
The Pain of Betrayal // John 18:1–11 // Bobby Gourley
Betrayal isn’t just a broken trust—it’s a broken heart. In this episode, we walk with Jesus through the garden of Gethsemane, where He is betrayed by a friend, defended by a failing disciple, and still chooses to embrace the cup of suffering for us. Through the eyes of Judas, Peter, Malchus, and Jesus, we confront the heartbreak of betrayal, the weight of failure, the reality of wounds, and the depth of God’s healing love.We are all in this story:— Like Judas, we’ve traded Jesus for lesser things.— Like Peter, we’ve promised loyalty but fallen short.— Like Malchus, we’ve been wounded and often cling to the pain.— But Jesus, our Healer, drank the cup of suffering so we could drink the cup of blessing.
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174
Pray Like Jesus // John 17 // Bobby Gourley
John 17 gives us a front-row seat into the longest recorded prayer of Jesus. In this message, we learn not just that Jesus prayed—but how He prayed. Before going to the cross, He interceded for Himself, His disciples, and for us.Just like an apprentice watching a master craftsman, we are called to watch Jesus, learn from Him, and do what He did. Prayer isn’t just something we do—it’s the oxygen our souls need.Discover what it means to:🙏 Pray for yourself with surrender🤝 Stand in the gap for others with unity, protection, and holiness🌍 Pray for the world to know Jesus through the ChurchWhether you're struggling to pray or seeking to grow deeper in your prayer life, this episode will help you follow the way of Jesus—starting on your knees.Key Passage: John 17:1–26Big Thought: Our bodies need air. Our souls need prayer.
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173
From Grief to Joy // John 16:15-24 // Anthony Martin
In this episode, join us as Anthony Martin explores Jesus’ profound promise in John 16:16–24 — a journey from grief to hope, sorrow to celebration. Jesus warns His disciples that they will experience deep sorrow (“a little while”), but reassures them with a powerful metaphor: like childbirth, pain leads to the joy of new life. This message offers timeless encouragement:Honest emotion: acknowledging our grief and confusionDivine promise: sorrow is temporaryEnduring joy: resurrection power leads to lasting transformationIf you’re walking through loss, deep transitions, or spiritual dry seasons, this sermon invites you to lean into hope, knowing that God is birthing something beautiful in the midst of pain.Tune in and be encouraged that in Christ, sorrow never has the final word — and joy is always within reach.What You’ll HearScriptural reflection on John 16:16–24Insight into the “in‑between” seasons of lifeHow Jesus redefines suffering through the lens of new birthPractical encouragement for those enduring hard seasonsPerfect for:Anyone navigating sorrow, awaiting breakthrough, leading through transition—or simply needing a reminder that God works all things for good.Interested in more episodes like this? Let me know—I’d love to craft summaries for your series or develop show notes with discussion questions!
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172
What It Means to Abide in Jesus // John 15:1-11 // Bobby Gourley
What It Means to Abide in Jesus (John 15 Explained)What does it really mean to abide in Jesus? In this episode, we dive deep into John 15:1–11, where Jesus calls Himself the True Vine and invites us to stay connected to Him as branches that bear fruit.We explore the powerful truth that Jesus is the only source of true life, growth, and joy, and that apart from Him, we can do nothing. You’ll hear about the dangers of connecting your life to counterfeit “vines” like performance, approval, comfort, or religion—and discover the freedom of simply remaining in Christ.You’ll also learn:Why God prunes the fruitful—and how that process prepares you for even greater growthHow to cultivate a daily rhythm of abiding in JesusThe difference between trying harder and staying connectedHow fruitfulness flows not from effort, but from intimacyThis message will challenge and encourage you to stop striving and start abiding.Your job isn’t to perform—it’s to remain.🗝️ “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself… neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” — John 15:4#AbideInChrist #John15 #ChristChapelPodcast #FruitfulLiving #SpiritualGrowth #StayConnected
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The Promise of the Holy Spirit // John 14:15-31 // Greg Southard
Who is the Holy Spirit—and why did Jesus say it’s better for us to have Him in us than for Jesus to be with us? In this powerful message, we explore the person and work of the Holy Spirit—not as a distant force, but as God Himself, our helper, comforter, counselor, and advocate. Discover three key ways the Spirit moves in our lives: by dwelling within us, enabling us to walk in God’s ways, and empowering us for witness and service. Learn what can hinder the Spirit’s work—like fear, pride, neglect, or unconfessed sin—and get practical steps to experience more of His power daily. Whether you're hungry for deeper spiritual growth, struggling in your walk, or curious about the Spirit’s role in the Christian life, this episode will stir your faith and invite you to more.#Holy Spirit #spiritualgrowth #Christianliving #Trinity #spiritualgifts #prayer
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170
How Do I Get to Heaven? // John 14:1-7 // Bobby Gourley
How Do I Get to Heaven?📖 John 14:1–8In this episode, we’re asking one of life’s biggest questions: How do I get to heaven?Using a relatable story about booking an Airbnb, Pastor Bobby shows us that when it comes to where you're going—especially your forever home—you want to be certain. Jesus' words in John 14 give us that certainty: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”You’ll discover:Why troubles don’t have to take over your heartWhat the Bible really says about heaven—and how it's more familiar and more glorious than we imagineWhy Jesus isn’t just a guide, but the only way to the FatherHow Jesus reveals the truth and gives real, lasting lifeWhy heaven isn’t about religion, ritual, or rules—but a relationship with the One who’s already prepared your roomWhether you’re full of questions or just need a reminder of where your hope lies, this message is for you. Don’t miss the invitation. Your room is ready.▶️ Tune in now and take a step closer to eternity.#Heaven #TheWayTheTruthTheLife #JesusIsTheWay #ChristChapel #EternalLife #Sermon #John14 #Christian
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169
Words Hurt. Words Heal. // 1 Corinthians 14:1–5 // Bobby Gourley
Words can tear down—but they can also build up, heal, and restore. In this message, Pastor Bobby unpacks the power of our words through the lens of prophecy. While the world often uses words as weapons, God invites us to speak with purpose—to strengthen, encourage, and comfort others through God-inspired speech. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 14, we explore how prophecy works in the New Testament, how to discern healthy prophetic practice, and how believers can grow in this spiritual gift while remaining grounded in love and truth.You’ll also hear practical teaching on:The difference between OT and NT prophecyWhy love is the mission, and spiritual gifts are the toolsThe four levels of prophecy practiced at ChapelWhy encouragement isn’t optional—it’s supernaturalWhether you’re new to the idea of prophecy or have questions before Prophetic Presbytery, this episode will help you understand how the Holy Spirit still speaks—and how He wants to use your voice to bring hope and healing. 💬✨Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 14:1–5Big Idea: Prophecy is God’s thoughts through human words that strengthen, encourage, and comfort His people.🔔 Subscribe for more messages and spiritual insights at wearechapel.org/messages.
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168
A New Commandment // John 13:34–35 // Bobby Gourley
Series: The Gospel of JohnIn this episode of our journey through the Gospel of John, we dive into one of Jesus’ most powerful declarations: “A new commandment I give to you… love one another.” But this isn't just a sentimental encouragement—it’s a bold call to a radically different kind of love.Jesus redefines what love truly means. It’s not shaped by culture or personal comfort. It's shaped by Him. This is agape love—selfless, sacrificial, truth-filled love that doesn’t merely affirm but transforms.You’ll hear about:The difference between knockoff love and the real thingWhy Jesus—not culture—defines loveHow Jesus loved His disciples and what that means for usWhy love is the true trademark of a disciplePractical ways to love like Jesus in a divided worldThis commandment isn’t just new in wording—it’s new in power. Through the Holy Spirit, God pours His love into our hearts and empowers us to live it out. Tune in and discover how we’re not just called to love—we’re equipped to love.💬 We’d love to hear from you: What’s been your biggest takeaway from this series through John so far? Let us know!#GospelOfJohn #ANewCommandment #JesusIsLove #Agape #Discipleship #ChristChapel #Podcast
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Jesus Still Washes Feet // John 13:1-20 // Bobby Gourley
Text: John 13:1–20In this powerful message on John 13:1-20, we step into the Upper Room where Jesus, fully aware of His betrayal, kneels to wash the feet of His disciples—including Judas. Religion shames dirty feet, but Jesus kneels to cleanse them.We explore the battle of promptings—between the whisper of the enemy and the call of the Holy Spirit. Judas was prompted by a spirit, but it wasn’t holy. His betrayal shows how wounded hearts and hard heads can be manipulated. Yet even in the face of betrayal, Jesus responds with radical humility and unwavering love.From the mystery of God's sovereignty to the call to humility and holiness, this episode reminds us: Jesus still kneels. He still serves. And He still calls us to do the same.Key Themes:🧼 Humility that kneels before betrayal🔥 The unseen battle of spiritual promptings🧡 The difference between religion and Jesus🫶 Daily cleansing for continual fellowship📖 The blessing of living the Word, not just hearing itThis is a call to live and love like Jesus—even when it's hardest.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Weekly messages from Pastor Bobby Gourley at Christ Chapel in Florence, Alabama.Christ Chapel, our mission is to AWAKEN and EMPOWER you to live and love like Jesus. We desire to see each person experience their own spiritual awakening to the truth of the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit. We want to see every person be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live and love like Jesus in their everyday lives.Each Sunday, we spend intentional time in worship, prayer and the Word. We pray you are awakened and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live and love like Jesus today!
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Bobby Gourley - Christ Chapel
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