This sermon tackles the difficult and sensitive topic of divorce and remarriage as addressed by Jesus in Mark 10. The sermon highlights that Jesus's teaching is not a set of general rules but a lesson in discipleship, calling followers to pursue God's design for marriage. Jesus points back to the beginning of creation, reaffirming that marriage is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, and that a follower of Christ should tenderheartedly pursue their spouse’s flourishing. The sermon acknowledges that we all have a story of divorce and offers specific guidance for those who are single, divorced, or married, emphasizing that Jesus offers grace and wholeness to all. It concludes with a powerful illustration of communion as a marriage covenant offered by Jesus.I unpack:The context behind the Pharisees' question about divorce, revealing it as a test for Jesus rooted in their hard-heartedness.How Jesus reorients the conversation back to God's original design for marriage as a lifelong covenant, not a contract to be broken for any reason.The high calling for all believers—single, married, or divorced—to tenderheartedly pursue marital flourishing, whether in their own relationships or in supporting others.📖 Key Passage: Mark 10:1-12🎧 Listen and reflect: A married congregant once said that marriage may not always be happy, but it can always be redemptive. What is one way you can be redemptive in your relationships this week?
This lecture, from the "Belong" core class, traces the meaning of hope from Genesis to the modern day, explaining what it means for the church to embody hope and be the hope of the world. The lecture defines Christian hope as a confident expectation rooted in the faithfulness of God. It contrasts this with worldly expectations, which are often based on past experiences. The lecture demonstrates how this type of hope has been present throughout the history of God's people, from Abraham's unwavering belief in God's promises to the people of Israel's confident expectation of a Messiah. This hope finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus and is now a "living hope" for the church, empowering us to become a safe refuge for the world.I unpack:The distinction between worldly expectation and biblical hope, defining Christian hope as confidence in God's faithfulness.How God's people in the Old Testament expected hope, while those in the New Testament experienced it through Jesus.How the church today is called to embody a living hope and become a safe refuge for the weary and oppressed.📖 Key Passage: Romans 4:17-21🎧 Listen and reflect: The sermon challenges us to consider what we would do differently if we had radical hope in God's promises. What is one tangible action you can take tomorrow that demonstrates this kind of hope?
This episode introduces the "Belong" core class with a biblical theology of belonging rooted in the Trinity. The lecture explains that the church family is a community devoted to one another in love, meeting regularly to encourage unity, support, and good works. This devotion and love find their ultimate expression in the Trinity, where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have existed in a triune fellowship of love from all eternity. The sermon argues that God, out of the abundance of this love, created humanity to share in that relationship and calls the church to be a reflection of that love. Viewing community through this Trinitarian lens redeems our sense of significance, peace, work, and relationships.I unpack:A definition of Christian community as a place of mutual devotion and love, which serves to foster unity, support, and good works.How the Triune God's perfect fellowship of love is the foundation and model for human belonging and community.The four areas of life—significance, peace, work, and relationships—that are redeemed when we view our lives and community through a Trinitarian lens.📖 Key Passage: John 17:20-23🎧 Listen and reflect: The lecture asks if your community is so powerful that the world can see the glory of Christ through your unity and love for one another. What is one way you can actively demonstrate this love in your own community this week?
This sermon, Case Law, preached on August 3, 2025 at Christ Community's Olathe Campus, examines Exodus 21-24 with a focus on 21:1-11. It's the tenth message in the "Exodus: Yahweh Rescues" series, addressing challenging laws for human flourishing in a broken world.I unpack:The difference between apodictic (absolute) and case laws (conditional), showing these as responses to poverty, not endorsements of slavery.How Yahweh's rules dignify the vulnerable, promote justice patiently, and point to redemption in Christ.Practical wisdom like "do for one what you wish for everyone" for pursuing proximate justice today.This message, a tough topic at a new campus, taught me to confront cultural tensions head-on, influencing how I now prepare for sensitive biblical issues. I hope it equips you to read hard passages with hope, seeing God's care for justice and dignity.📖 Key Passage: Exodus 21:1–11 🎧 Listen and reflect: How can I pursue proximate justice for the vulnerable in my own community today?
This sermon, Plagues and Confrontation, preached on June 22, 2025 at Christ Community's Shawnee Campus, delves into Exodus 4:27-10:29 with a focus on 6:1-11. It's the fourth message in the "Exodus: Yahweh Rescues" series, examining God's mighty acts against oppression.I unpack:How the plagues reveal Yahweh's personal, limitless power—unlike human or natural forces—to judge evil and redeem His people.The pattern of confrontation, warnings, and Pharaoh's hardened heart, showing God's sovereignty.Parallels to Jesus' signs and wonders, culminating in the cross as ultimate judgment and rescue.This message, drawing from personal reflections on earthquakes and Marvel films, helped me appreciate God's patient power, shaping how I now encourage hope amid modern injustices. I hope it strengthens your faith in a God who hears cries and acts decisively.📖 Key Passage: Exodus 6:1–11 🎧 Listen and reflect: In what areas of my life do I need to trust God's power for judgment and redemption?
This sermon, Becoming Together, preached on May 25, 2025, at Christ Community's Olathe Campus, explores 2 Peter 1:10-15. It's the fifth and final message in the "Becoming" series on virtue and spiritual formation, emphasizing how we grow in Christlike character.I unpack:Why pursuing virtue isn't a solo journey but requires community to confirm our calling and avoid stumbling.How Peter's reminders about diligence, knowledge, and brotherly love foster bonds that motivate transformation.The role of examples like Martin Luther King Jr. and personal friends in modeling Jesus' virtues.This message, my 16th residency sermon, challenged me to integrate personal stories like the CrossFit community into preaching, influencing how I now blend cultural analogies with biblical truth. I hope it inspires you to pursue Christlikeness not alone, but together in faith.📖 Key Passage: 2 Peter 1:10–15 🎧 Listen and reflect: Am I pursuing Christlike virtues in community, or trying to go it alone?
This sermon, The Way of Becoming, preached on May 11, 2025 at Christ Community's Shawnee Campus, dives deep into 2 Peter 1:5–9. It’s the third message in the five-part "Becoming" series, exploring the spiritual formation of Christlike character.I unpack:How the eight virtues listed by Peter are not a checklist, but a pathway of transformation.Why becoming like Jesus requires both effort and grace.The difference between a fruitless faith and a fruitful one.This message also reflects my own experience preaching back-to-back Sundays for the first time, shaping how I now approach sermon prep. I hope this helps you not just believe in Jesus—but become like Him.
Preached on May 4, 2025 at Christ Community’s Shawnee Campus, this sermon explores the deep question at the heart of the Christian life: What does it mean to be a good person—and how do we actually become one? Drawing from 2 Peter 1:1–4, I invite you to consider not only what virtue is, but how the beauty and power of Christ form us into good people.📖 In this message, I unpack:Why modern definitions of goodness fall short.How God’s divine power gives us everything we need for life and godliness.The difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him (epignōsis).How beholding Christ’s beauty transforms us into His image.We don’t become like Jesus by accident. We become what we behold. So the Christian call is not just to obey rules—but to be captivated by the glory and goodness of Christ.📖 Key Passage: 2 Peter 1:1–4 🎧 Listen and reflect: Am I captivated by Jesus in a way that’s actually changing me?
This lecture, "An Eschatology of Hope, delivered as part of the Believe Core Class at Christ Community’s Shawnee campus, reframes the study of the end times through the lens of hope. Rather than focusing narrowly on debates about hell or the timing of Christ’s return, this session presents a broad biblical vision of God’s unfolding plan from Genesis to Revelation.I unpack:What eschatology really means and why it matters for today. How the Bible’s storyline is a story of hope from beginning to end. Why fear-based approaches to end-times theology miss the point. How a hopeful eschatology shapes daily Christian life.📖 Key Resource: Evangelical Convictions (2nd Edition) 🎧 Listen now: How can hope in Christ's victory transform your life today?👉 Share this episode with someone needing encouragement about the future.
This sermon, "Jesus Invites, preached on April 13, 2025, at Christ Community’s Shawnee campus, marks the climax of the "Who Do You Say That I Am? series on the Gospel of Mark. Preaching from Mark 8:27–9:1, the message focuses on Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Christ and Jesus’ invitation to take up the cross, lose our lives for His sake, and find true life in Him.I unpack:The pivotal moment when Jesus is first confessed as the Messiah. The shocking call to follow Jesus through death to true life. What it means to lose your life for Christ’s sake. How discipleship reshapes our hopes, dreams, and identities.📖 Key Passage: Mark 8:27–9:1 🎧 Listen now: What does it mean to accept Jesus’ invitation to the cross?👉 Share this episode with someone ready to explore true discipleship.
This lecture, "The Doctrine of the Church (God’s People), delivered as part of the Believe Core Class at Christ Community’s Shawnee campus, explores the identity and mission of the church. Using a surprising illustration from the TV show House*, the session challenges cultural cynicism and calls believers to embrace their role as part of God’s redeemed and sent community.I unpack:What the Bible teaches about the church’s identity and mission. How the church reflects God's character to the world. Why cynicism and isolation distort the church's beauty. How belonging to God’s people shapes everyday life.📖 Key Resource: Evangelical Convictions (2nd Edition) 🎧 Listen now: What does it mean to truly belong to the people of God?👉 Share this episode with someone who needs a fresh vision of the church.
This sermon, "Jesus Provides, preached on March 23, 2025, at Christ Community’s Shawnee campus, displays Jesus' compassion and miraculous provision. Preaching from Mark 6:31–52 as part of the "Who Do You Say That I Am? series, the message highlights how Jesus meets physical and spiritual needs and calls His followers to trust His sufficiency.I unpack:Jesus' compassion for the hungry and weary. How the feeding of the 5,000 reveals the heart of God. Jesus’ power over nature through walking on the sea. Trusting God's provision in seasons of exhaustion and fear.📖 Key Passage: Mark 6:31–52 🎧 Listen now: Where do you need to trust Jesus' provision today?👉 Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to trust God's care.
This lecture, "The Doctrine of Christ’s Atonement and Our Response, delivered as part of the Believe Core Class at Christ Community’s Shawnee campus, unpacks the central Christian teaching of the cross. Focusing on how Christ’s atoning sacrifice brings unexpected victory, the message calls students not just to understand the cross intellectually but to respond to it with their lives.I unpack:What Christ accomplished through His death on the cross. Why the cross looked like defeat but was actually victory. The meaning of substitution, sacrifice, and victory in atonement. How we are called to respond to the atonement with faith and worship.📖 Key Resource: Evangelical Convictions (2nd Edition) 🎧 Listen now: How should you respond to Christ’s victory on the cross?👉 Share this episode with someone needing a fresh look at the hope of the gospel.
This sermon, "Jesus Liberates," preached on March 2, 2025, at Christ Community’s Shawnee campus, proclaims Jesus’ unrivaled authority to free people from evil. Preaching from Mark 5:1–20 as part of the "Who Do You Say That I Am?" series, the message highlights Jesus’ power to liberate even the most hopeless cases and restore dignity and purpose.I unpack:Jesus' supreme authority over demonic forces. The compassion of Christ for the isolated and tormented. The complete transformation that comes from encountering Jesus. Our mission to proclaim the freedom Jesus gives.📖 Key Passage: Mark 5:1–20 🎧 Listen now: How does Jesus' authority bring liberation into your life?👉 Share this episode with someone seeking hope and deliverance.
This sermon, "Jesus Surprises," preached on February 16, 2025, at Christ Community’s Shawnee campus, explores the shocking way Jesus redefines family and confronts religious blindness. Preaching from Mark 3:20–35 as part of the "Who Do You Say That I Am?" series, the message highlights the surprising and unsettling ways Jesus calls people into God's family.I unpack:How Jesus’ true family is marked by doing the will of God. The confrontation over the unforgivable sin—blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. How religious leaders misunderstood and opposed Jesus. What it means to be welcomed into God's surprising family.📖 Key Passage: Mark 3:20–35 🎧 Listen now: How might Jesus’ vision of family surprise you today?👉 Share this episode with someone wrestling with faith, belonging, or forgiveness.
This lecture, "The Doctrine of the Trinity," delivered as part of the Believe Core Class at Christ Community’s Shawnee campus, explores one of the most profound truths of the Christian faith. Narrowing in on the Trinity from the broader doctrine of God, this session explains why the triune nature of God is foundational for Christian belief and everyday life.I unpack:The biblical roots of the doctrine of the Trinity. Why the Trinity matters for our salvation, worship, and community. Common misunderstandings and how to avoid them. How belief in the triune God transforms how we live.📖 Key Resource: Evangelical Convictions (2nd Edition) 🎧 Listen now: How does knowing God as Trinity shape your faith?👉 Share this episode with someone curious about the heart of Christian theology.
LECTURE – Why Study Theology? Knowing God and Growing in Faith | Foundations of Christian DoctrineThis lecture, "Why Study Theology?" delivered as part of the Believe Core Class at Christ Community’s Shawnee campus, invites students to see theology as an essential part of knowing and worshiping God. Using the EFCA Statement of Faith and the book Evangelical Convictions (2nd Edition), this opening session explains what theology is, why it matters, and how it shapes every believer’s life.I unpack:The definition and purpose of theology. Why every Christian is already a theologian. How systematic theology organizes our understanding of God. How theological study deepens our worship and witness.📖 Key Resource: Evangelical Convictions (2nd Edition) 🎧 Listen now: Why is studying theology crucial for every Christian?👉 Share this episode with someone wanting to grow deeper in their faith.
This sermon, “A Shepherd King,” preached on January 26, 2025, at King’s Cross Church in Lyons, Kansas, offers a vision of comfort and hope from Isaiah 40:1–11. Preached to a small, faithful congregation during a transitional season, the message highlights the tenderness and authority of God as the Shepherd King who comes to gather, lead, and care for His people.I unpack:God’s promise to comfort the weary and brokenhearted.The strength and gentleness of the coming King.How the majesty of God gives courage to the humble.Living with hope because of God’s faithful leadership.📖 Key Passage: Isaiah 40:1–11🎧 Listen now: How can you find comfort under the care of the Shepherd King?👉 Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.
This sermon, _“Jesus Arrives,”_ preached on January 5, 2025, at Christ Community’s Shawnee campus (during a weekend snowstorm!), launches the new series _“Who Do You Say That I Am?”_ on the Gospel of Mark. Preaching from Mark 1:1–13, it traces the beginning of Jesus’ ministry—the fulfillment of God’s promises, the preparation by John the Baptist, and Jesus’ baptism and testing in the wilderness.I unpack:The explosive announcement of the Good News.John the Baptist’s role in preparing hearts for Jesus.The significance of Jesus’ baptism and wilderness testing.How Jesus’ arrival reshapes our understanding of God’s kingdom.📖 Key Passage: Mark 1:1–13🎧 Listen now: What does it mean to welcome Jesus’ arrival today?👉 Share this episode with someone curious about who Jesus really is.
This sermon, "Waiting for a New Shepherd," preached on December 15, 2024, at Christ Community’s Shawnee campus, invites us to receive the comfort and hope of Isaiah 40. As part of the Advent series, it highlights the tenderness and power of the coming Messiah—the Shepherd who gathers and leads His people.I unpack:• God’s comfort for His weary people.• The promise of divine presence and deliverance.• A shepherd who carries the weak and leads with strength.• Finding rest in God’s unfolding plan of redemption.📖 Key Passage: Isaiah 40:1–11 🎧 Listen now: What does it mean to be shepherded by Christ this Advent?👉 Share this episode with someone needing hope and guidance.