Some conversations don’t end in a breakthrough. But that doesn’t mean they’re wasted. In Acts 25–26, Paul finds himself standing before King Agrippa. Surrounded by power, politics, and skepticism, Paul doesn’t flinch. He doesn’t pull back. He shares the gospel with clarity and compassion, even though Agrippa walks away unmoved. Why? Because Paul understood that the outcome is God’s job. Ours is to speak, invite, and obey. This message reminds us of the power of a persistent invitation. Whether you're sharing your faith, inviting someone to church, or planting a seed of hope in someone’s heart, you never know what God is setting up on the other side of your ask. Don't take someone's first “no” as final. God writes long stories, and sometimes your faithfulness is the chapter that sets up their breakthrough.
For centuries, God was silent. The world groaned under fear, emptiness, and disappointment. Herod ruled with paranoia. Rome ruled with power, and hope felt like fiction. But then, joy broke through. Matthew 2 tells us the story of the Magi, seekers from the east, whose joy began not with arrival but with longing. When they finally encountered Jesus face to face, joy exploded. And that joy didn’t just comfort; it changed them. They worshiped. They gave. And they took a different road home. That’s the power of joy—not happiness based on what’s happening, but the unshakable presence of Christ Himself. Joy threatens every false king. Joy grows as Jesus becomes clearer. And joy changes everything. Especially us.
When the angel announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, the world was anything but peaceful. Rome was ruled by violence. God had been silent for 400 years. And the people of Israel were weary with waiting. Yet into that very darkness came a declaration: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy.” But notice that Jesus didn’t come to bring peace to the world as a condition. He came as peace in the world as a Person. The same is true today. Peace doesn’t mean everything around you is calm. Peace means Jesus has stepped into your chaos. And when you let Him take the center, your heart can rest even when the world doesn’t.
Simeon waited, not for days or months, but likely for decades. Rome occupied his homeland. God's voice felt distant. Yet Simeon clung to a promise: he would see the Messiah before he died. And then, one day, Jesus was placed in his arms. His waiting wasn’t wasted. God’s silence was not His absence. It never is. In seasons when heaven feels quiet and prayers go unanswered, the temptation is to give up. But silence is often the space where trust is tested, and hope is refined. Just because God isn’t speaking doesn’t mean He’s not working. Just because you don’t see movement doesn’t mean He’s forgotten you. Simeon waited in the silence, but never strayed from the promise. And because of that, he didn’t miss the moment of fulfillment. So today, in your silence, remember that God’s silence is not God’s absence, sufficient grace is still present grace, and hope still overflows through the Holy Spirit, even when the answer hasn’t come yet.
This week, we didn’t preach a sermon; we hosted a conversation. Apologist and author Abdu Murray joined us live to tackle some of the most pressing, complex, and emotionally charged questions facing followers of Jesus today. From gender ideology to unanswered prayer, from Islamic extremism to spiritual deception, Abdu brought biblical clarity, cultural wisdom, and a posture of grace. He reminded us that truth and compassion are not enemies, that the gospel still speaks powerfully to modern questions, and that our faith must be both intellectually credible and deeply personal. Whether we’re responding to injustice, explaining suffering, or wrestling with spiritual questions ourselves, this conversation helped us think more critically, love more courageously, and stand more confidently in a confused world.
Few topics create more confusion and division in the Church than this one. Why does one church celebrate women leading and preaching, while another says it’s forbidden? And more importantly, what does Scripture actually say? This week, we’re leaning into both the tension and the truth. From Genesis to Revelation, God never designed hierarchy; He designed harmony. Yes, there are difficult verses. But when we read the Bible responsibly, within context, culture, and covenant, we see a clearer picture: Jesus empowered women, the Spirit equipped them, and the early Church released them. God’s design doesn’t erase distinction; it restores it. And when men and women lead together under the lordship of Christ, the Church reflects His image more fully.
Let’s be honest, when it comes to giving, most people wrestle with the same tension: “Why should I give part of my income to the church when I already feel stretched thin?” Between debt, bills, hobbies, and the pull to upgrade our lives, generosity can feel impossible or even optional. But Scripture paints a different picture. From the tithe of Abraham to the generosity of the early church, giving has never been about what God wants from you. It’s always been about what He wants for you. Giving isn’t loss, it’s sowing. And when we give, God multiplies, not just to meet needs, but to grow our hearts in trust, obedience, and freedom. The point isn't pressure. The point is partnership. Because when the people of God give faithfully, the Kingdom of God advances powerfully.
Brokenness isn’t the end of your story; it’s where God begins. In 1 Kings 17, Elijah finds himself in a famine, a widow faces starvation, and a boy dies unexpectedly. But in every moment of desperation, God moves. He provides when the jar is empty. He heals when hope seems gone. And He speaks, not through fire or thunder, but in a whisper. Over and over, we see the thread: when life falls apart, God steps in. Not to shame your weakness, but to rebuild you with greater glory. Like Kintsugi—the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold—God doesn’t hide your cracks. He fills them with grace. Because every miracle starts with a moment that feels like the end. But in Jesus’ name, brokenness becomes breakthrough.
You’re building your life on something. The question is, will it hold when the storm hits? Jesus said those who build on His words are like wise builders who dig deep and anchor their lives to the Rock. Everything else? Sand. This message is a call back to the foundation: Christ alone. We build our lives on His love, not our performance. On His Word, not our emotions. On His trustworthiness, not our understanding. It’s not hype or inspiration. Instead, it’s surrender. True discipleship is built on three pillars: love, foundation, and trust. And when those are in place, you will not be shaken.
Peace doesn’t come from the absence of storms; it comes from the presence of Jesus. In Mark 4, the disciples found themselves overwhelmed by chaos, drowning in fear, and questioning whether God even cared. But while the storm raged, Jesus was sleeping, not because He was distant, but because He was in control. And when they cried out, He spoke one word: “Peace.” The wind died down. The waves grew still. And the disciples saw something they had never seen before: power, authority, and presence all wrapped in a Person. That same voice still silences fear today. In every storm you face, He’s not absent. He’s right there in the boat with you. So call on His name. Pray through the fear. Worship in the wind. Because even the wind and the waves still know His name.
Every one of us is thirsty for something. We chase success, people, and possessions—hoping they’ll fill the ache in our soul. But no matter how much we drink, it’s never enough. That’s because our souls weren’t designed for substitutes. They were designed for Jesus. Psalm 63 says, “I thirst for You… my whole being longs for You.” And in John 4, Jesus tells us that only His living water can truly satisfy. Everything else—our achievements, relationships, even good things—are broken cisterns that can’t hold what we’re desperate for. So what do we do? We seek Him before anything else. We name the empty wells we’ve been running to. And we make space for His voice. Because the truth is simple: Jesus satisfies what success, stuff, and people never will.
The Kingdom of God doesn’t advance by consumers—it advances by co-laborers. You weren’t created just to show up—you were designed to make an impact. Every person has a unique role to play in the mission of God, and when we step into that role, the Church becomes more than a building—it becomes a movement. From serving on a team to leading a group to using your gifts to build up others, impact isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you’re becoming. As 1 Corinthians 3 reminds us, we plant, we water, but God makes it grow. So the question is: are you planting? Are you watering? Or are you just watching? The harvest is ready. The workers are few. And now is the time to say yes to the calling on your life.
Freedom isn’t just a personal breakthrough; it’s a shared journey. In Hebrews 10, we’re reminded that spiritual growth was never meant to happen in isolation. Freedom grows when we move forward together. That’s why groups matter. That’s why relationships matter. And that’s why so many people at CCC have found real healing, accountability, and breakthrough the moment they stopped walking alone. Whether it’s through Life Groups, mentoring relationships, or just showing up to the table, lives are being changed because people are choosing to belong. You weren’t meant to carry the weight of life by yourself. There is freedom on the other side of connection, and the next step is simple: join a group.
In a culture steeped in outrage, vengeance, and blame, the way of Jesus is radically different. Romans 12:21 calls us to overcome evil, not by returning it, but by confronting it with goodness. Jesus didn’t respond to betrayal with bitterness. He didn’t meet violence with retaliation. He loved His enemies, prayed for His persecutors, and forgave those who didn’t even ask. That’s not weakness. It’s power under control. So how do we live that way in a broken world? We grieve with hope instead of fear. We repent and realign when our hearts drift. And we choose to meet hatred with compassion, injustice with mercy, and sin with truth and grace. Because if we’re going to reflect Jesus, we have to see lives, not labels. And we have to stop mirroring the culture and start revealing the Kingdom.
Church isn’t just something we attend; it’s a movement we join. In this launch to our Forward series, we’re calling our church family to reimagine Sunday morning as more than a service. It’s the place where stories change, hearts open, and lives are transformed by the power of Jesus. From skeptics to stalled believers, from families to mature disciples, everyone belongs here. But the Word only transforms when it takes root. Jesus’ parable of the sower reminds us that not every heart receives the Word the same way. That’s why our mission matters: we exist to help people move forward in faith, freedom, purpose, and impact. So what’s your role in the movement? Invite someone. Join a new community. Share your story. Because the Church doesn’t grow by accident. It grows when people bring people to Jesus.
So many believers live stuck in a cycle of self-effort, shame, and uncertainty, trying hard to be “good Christians” while quietly asking, Am I doing this right? But willpower was never the path to transformation. That’s the good news of Romans 8. We’ve been set free, not to strive harder, but to walk in step with the Spirit. There’s no condemnation for those in Christ, because the Spirit leads us into life, peace, and purpose. Living by the flesh leads to exhaustion, confusion, and defeat. But living by the Spirit is rooted in God, fueled by faith, and aimed at His glory. You are not who you used to be. You’ve been made new, filled with the Spirit, and called to walk in that identity. The question isn’t Are you doing this right? It’s Are you letting Him lead?
You can’t win a spiritual battle with natural weapons. That’s why Paul doesn’t just tell us to stand; he tells us how. Last week, we suited up with truth, righteousness, and peace. This week, we finish the armor: the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and the power of prayer. Why? Because the enemy’s strategy is subtle: whispers of fear, lies, condemnation, distraction, and despair. But God has given you everything you need to stand strong, move forward, and fight the right fight. Faith extinguishes the lies. Salvation secures your mind. God’s Word cuts through confusion. And prayer keeps you rooted in His presence. Don’t retreat. Don’t collapse. Stand firm. You’ve been equipped.
Do you ever find yourself constantly agitated, on edge, or easily frustrated by the people and circumstances around you? It often feels like we're in a constant fight, but what if we've misidentified the real enemy? In this message, we dive into Ephesians 6 to uncover the true nature of our spiritual battle. Learn how to stop fighting against flesh and blood and start preparing for the real fight by putting on the armor of God, so you can stand firm and walk in peace, even in a chaotic world.
Life can often feel like walking a tightrope, especially when it comes to raising a family. How do we stay balanced when the unpredictable winds of adversity, trials, and temptation begin to blow? God provides the plan in His Word. Join us for this message with Joy Gruits, as we unpack the powerful and practical instructions for parents and children found in Ephesians 6. This sermon offers a guide to building a Christ-centered home where faith isn't just inherited, but has the deep spiritual roots necessary to thrive and bear fruit. Learn how to apply God's timeless wisdom to create a family that is balanced, blessed, and strong
Have you ever struggled with the Bible's teachings on marriage? The passage in Ephesians 5 is often seen as controversial, but what if we've been starting in the wrong place all along? Join us as we explore how this single verse transforms our understanding of relationships. Learn what it truly means to be a "servant leader" and how the model of Christ's sacrificial love for the church provides the ultimate blueprint for a healthy, loving, and fulfilled marriage. Whether you are single, have lost a spouse, or have been married for decades, this message reveals a profound mystery that can revolutionize how we practice a life of love in all our relationships.