The CCUPC Cutting Room Floor

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 transforms how we approach entertainment, relationships, and daily choices. Rather than seeing God as a strict rule-giver, Pastor James reveals Him as the ultimate life-giver who designed us for genuine fulfillment. Don't miss this fresh perspective on living authentically for Christ in a pleasure-seeking world—watch now to discover how God's goodness can reshape your understanding of true enjoyment. Sermon 10-5-25

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 whispers—we see how corruption runs deeper than we think. But there's hope: Christ's sacrificial love shows us a better way. This transformative message reveals how renewed minds create renewed communities, offering practical wisdom for building the supportive, Christ-centered church we're meant to be. Don't miss this challenging call to examine our hearts and embrace authentic Christian community. Sermon 9-28-25

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 examples—from reflexive "I'm fine" responses to unread terms and conditions—he shows how normalized dishonesty undermines the authentic relationships Jesus died to create. This timely message offers practical wisdom for cultivating truthful speech and managing righteous anger in ways that reflect Christ's character. Don't miss this challenging exploration of how everyday choices can powerfully display God's truth and grace to our world. Sermon 9-21-25

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 between following rules and being transformed by Christ's love. This message challenges us to examine what "spills out" when life bumps our cup—is it frustration and fear, or the fruit of the Spirit? Discover how renewing your mind in Christ leads to authentic life change. Don't miss this powerful exploration of genuine transformation versus mere behavior modification. Sermon 9-14-25

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 transformation isn't about trying harder, but receiving an incredible gift that changes everything. Whether you're feeling spiritually stuck or simply curious about God's grace, this message reveals how divine love reaches into our darkest places to offer new life. Don't miss this fresh look at how God's free gift can revolutionize your story today. Sermon 9-7-25

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 stories from Genesis to Mark's Gospel, they reveal that even biblical heroes struggled with belief, showing how honest prayer welcomes both our certainty and our questions. Their fresh perspective on prayer as relationship rather than ritual offers hope for anyone seeking deeper connection with God. Don't miss this encouraging message about finding strength in both faith and fellowship. Sermon 8-31-25

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 despite his anguish, while Cain's unprocessed anger led to devastating consequences. This powerful message offers fresh insight into navigating our deepest hurts while staying anchored in faith. Whether you're wrestling with unanswered prayers or life's painful mysteries, discover how to bring your authentic emotions to God. Don't miss this transformative exploration of anger, faith, and the God who can handle our hardest questions. Sermon 8-24-25

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 unfiltered anguish before the throne—no polite spiritual facades required. Whether you're wrestling with depression, doubt, or life's darkest valleys, this powerful message reveals how God's unwavering presence, not our perfect prayers, is our ultimate hope. Don't miss this honest exploration of authentic faith that could revolutionize your prayer life and deepen your relationship with a God who welcomes all of who you are. Sermon 8-17-25

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 topic profoundly significant in our daily lives. Drawing wisdom from Scripture, particularly Matthew 6 and Psalms 135 and 150, Pastor James illustrates how praise frames our prayers, enhances our relationships with God, and resets our hearts to recognize His goodness. He invites us to move beyond a transactional view of God and to cultivate a heartfelt relationship filled with awe and respect. As he weaves personal anecdotes, like the unforgettable encounter with the renowned Yo-Yo Ma, he emphasizes that sharing our joy and gratitude transforms our spiritual journey. This sermon encourages each of us to find three specific blessings this week to lift up in praise, reshaping our perspective and deepening our faith. Don’t miss the chance to reignite your prayer life and embrace a joyous connection with the Creator—join us in watching or listening to this inspiring message! Sermon 8-3-25

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, caregiving, and faith, highlighting how God’s peace can surpass our understanding during life’s storms, urging us to bring our requests to Him with thankful hearts. She reveals how her moments of vulnerability have allowed her to connect authentically with God, emphasizing that true prayer is more than just words; it’s a heartfelt communion with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that cultivates profound peace and contentment. As Kathy reminds us that we are all on a journey of faith together, she invites us to focus on whatever is true, noble, and praiseworthy, drawing from her personal experiences to illustrate the presence of God even in the darkest times. Embrace this message of hope and growth, and discover how engaging with this sermon can deepen your relationship with God. Don’t miss the chance to lean into this beautiful message—listen now and be inspired! Sermon 7-27-25

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 challenges us to confront our hidden sins and the corrosion they cause in our lives, reminding us that confession is the vital act that allows the Holy Spirit to transform us into the likeness of Christ. The pastor deftly connects this message to our everyday struggles, shedding light on how ignoring our spiritual "junk" leads to chaos in our relationships and within ourselves. Emphasizing God’s grace, he reassures us that confession doesn’t lead to condemnation but restoration and healing, likening the process to reclaiming a corroded battery. Through a call to engage in honest self-reflection, Pastor James encourages us to embark on a transformative journey toward spiritual renewal. Dive into this powerful message that promises to reshape your understanding of confession and deepen your relationship with God. Don’t miss out; take a moment this week to listen and ignite your heart toward restoration! Sermon 7-20-25

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 Scripture and the essence of prayer, she emphasizes that just as we connect deeply with loved ones, we are called to nurture a rich, ongoing relationship with our Heavenly Father. Pastor Dena shares that our prayer life should not merely serve as a list of requests, but rather as a continuous conversation reflecting our knowledge of God’s character revealed in Scripture. By taking each thought captive to Christ and praying continually—even through silence—we can develop a vibrant communion with Him. This transformative journey encourages us to view prayer as a lifestyle rather than a task, enhancing our understanding of ourselves and the divine presence in our lives. As you engage with this sermon, prepare to deepen your prayer practice and embrace the comfort of God’s unending love. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the depths of your relationship with God—watch or listen now! Sermon 7-13-25

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 experiences, Pastor James illuminated how prayer serves as a transformative response to God, helping us become more like Him. He emphasized that prayer is not merely a checklist of requests but a profound journey of relationship and openness to God’s work in our lives. Through engaging passages from Matthew and Psalms, he underscored that genuine connection with God offers rest for our weary souls. As we ponder our spiritual journeys, Pastor James encouraged us to embrace vulnerability, knowing that our struggles with becoming are a shared experience—one that calls for grace and persistence. Inviting us all to deepen our prayer lives, he reminded us that true fulfillment lies in seeking God for who He is, not just what He can give. Don't miss this opportunity to explore your own journey of becoming—watch or listen to this compelling message that promises to inspire and uplift your heart.

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 prayer as our initiation into a divine conversation, feeling lost without the right words. However, Pastor James invites us to flip this notion on its head, emphasizing that prayer is fundamentally a response to God’s continual communication with us. As illustrated in John 1:1-14, God's Word has been present since the beginning, a testament to His desire for relationship. This summer, as our church dives into the complexities of prayer, Pastor James encourages us to embrace scripture as our starting point, allowing God’s Word to shape our dialogue with Him. He challenges us to bring our whole selves—mind, body, and spirit—to our prayers, moving beyond obligation into a joyful response of gratitude and connection with the divine. Join us in this transformative journey of prayer—watch or listen to the full sermon and discover the refreshing perspective that awaits. Sermon 6-29-25

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 spiritual journeys. Using the metaphor of a road trip, he reminded the congregation that the quest for maturity is ongoing and requires active engagement with one another. Ultimately, he encouraged everyone to view spiritual growth as moving towards Christlikeness, rather than merely measuring success by attendance or contributions. Sermon 6-15-25

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 is a gift from the Holy Spirit that requires commitment and relationship. Pastor James encourages the congregation to actively make connections with one another and to live out Scripture, promoting not just knowledge but a deep relational understanding of Jesus. As the sermon closes, he invites everyone to reflect on how they can grow and engage in their faith, culminating in communion that serves as spiritual nourishment for the journey ahead. Sermon 6-8-25

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. Pastor Dena explores various gifts within the church, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers, and underscores the need for diverse talents to strengthen the community. Ultimately, she calls on everyone to seek out their unique gifts and build relationships within the church to collectively fulfill their calling and share the Gospel. Sermon 6-1-25

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 lives. Pastor James also underscores the importance of understanding the roles of various leaders within the church while challenging the traditional views shaped by cultural influences like consumerism. Ultimately, he encourages each individual to recognize their role in the ministry and actively engage in fulfilling the Great Commission as representatives of Jesus in the world. Sermon 5-25-25

In his sermon, Pastor James emphasizes that every believer is uniquely gifted by Christ for the purpose of advancing His mission in the world. Drawing from Ephesians 4:7-10, he explains that these gifts are not limited to a select few, but are given to all who are in Christ, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the church. Pastor James challenges the congregation to identify, hone, and actively use their gifts, warning that neglecting this responsibility may lead to a loss of those gifts. Ultimately, he calls on everyone to embrace their role as ministers of the gospel and participate in God’s redemptive work, encouraging them to seek guidance as they discover how to fulfill their calling. Sermon 5-18-25

Unity is not a common word around church circles, and disunity is often the punchline from those outside the church. What does this mean, and what needs to happen? Pastor James and Pastor Dena discuss this and more in today's episode.