Reach one more

Have you ever felt stuck in a situation that felt too big to handle? Like you were facing something overwhelming—something impossible? Maybe it was a financial burden, a health diagnosis, a family issue, or a decision that felt way too heavy.

At Christ Community Church, missions have always been at the core of who we are. As part of the Christian & Missionary Alliance, we are committed to seeing lives transformed as people in every nation, tribe, and language experience the hope of Jesus. This Missions Sunday, we take a deeper look at what it truly means to do missions well.

Are you tired? Not just sleepy-tired, but worn out by life? Maybe it’s the demands of parenting, the stress of bills, health struggles, or just the heaviness of trying to keep up in a world that never slows down. The message of Isaiah 40 is for those who feel worn out—and it offers real hope.

Isaiah’s prophecies serve as a bridge between his present and the future, both for his audience and for us today. Many of his words were fulfilled in the near future, but many still point to what is ahead. Understanding Isaiah through this framework brings clarity to his messages and reveals the depth of his insights into God’s plan.

Life often moves forward with little awareness of what is happening behind the scenes. We go about our days, making plans, meeting people, and tackling challenges, often unaware of how God is orchestrating events for our good and his purposes.

Throughout Scripture, vineyards serve as powerful metaphors for God’s work among his people. This week, we explored three vineyards—two from Isaiah and one from the Gospels—each revealing deep truths about expectation, failure, judgment, and ultimate redemption. These passages challenge us to examine the fruit our lives produce and to embrace the hope of restoration through Jesus.

Life can feel overwhelming. The unexpected struggles, the heartbreaks, and the moments when there seems to be no way forward can leave anyone feeling lost. Yet, in the face of impossible circumstances, the way through is found in thanksgiving. Gratitude is more than a passive response to favorable conditions—it is an active stance of faith, a deliberate choice to trust in the goodness of God even when nothing makes sense.

We have begun a journey through the book of Isaiah, a prophet who spoke with piercing clarity about judgment and hope, justice and mercy. This series is not just about Isaiah—it is about Jesus. Among the books Jesus quoted most were Deuteronomy, Psalms, and Isaiah. The prophecies of Isaiah point directly to the coming Messiah, making this a Jesus series in disguise

Worship is the culmination of our series on Soul Rhythms. We have explored breathing, examining, confessing, trusting, forgiving, and now, worship. Worship aligns us with the creator of the universe, allowing his life to flow through us. We worship because it honors him, but an amazing byproduct is that we, too, are blessed in the process

Picture a day where everything goes wrong. Your spouse rushes out the door without a word, leaving behind a "special delivery" from the dog. The news blares another political scandal, your barista messes up your coffee, and then—just to top it off—you spill that coffee on your white shirt. Oh, and it’s your birthday… but no one remembers.

What if you could take a step today to grow in trust and experience greater peace in your life? Trusting God and managing anxiety are vital rhythms for a healthy soul, and they offer hope and strength for navigating life’s challenges.

Psalm 25 declares, “In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. My hope is in you all day long.” Trust, at its core, is belief in the reliability, truth, or strength of someone or something. It shapes our decisions, words, and actions. Anxiety, on the other hand, often stems from potential threats rather than real ones, and it can disrupt our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Imagine a life where you’re deeply connected to God—where bitterness, guilt, and anxiety no longer weigh you down. Picture yourself as someone resilient in setbacks, calm in conflict, and hopeful for the future. This isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s what God desires for us. Through spiritual practices like daily time with God and the often-overlooked discipline of confession, this kind of life is within reach.

In the journey to cultivate a healthy soul rhythm, one of the most profound and transformative questions we can ask ourselves is: “Where are you?” Inspired by God’s question to Adam in Genesis 3, this reflection invites us to pause, examine, and step into deeper alignment with him.

Have you ever felt like your brain was stuck in overdrive? Or maybe, after a holiday season full of sweets, travel, and disrupted routines, you find yourself feeling sluggish—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The Oxford English Dictionary named "Brain Rot" as its Word of the Year for 2024, and it’s fitting. Brain rot reflects the mental fog that creeps in when we over consume social media, binge content, or numb ourselves with endless distractions.

The Hebrew Bible ends with Chronicles, not Malachi, leaving the story unfinished. Tim Mackie from The Bible Project notes it ends like a cliffhanger: “Go on up…” To where? For what? Your Bible might say:

• “Let him go up” (NIV)

• “Move forward!” (MSG)

After this, there are 400 years of silence before Matthew introduces Jesus. Let’s explore that blank page between the Old and New Testaments.

From the very first words of Scripture, light emerges as a central theme—a radiant thread weaving through the story of creation and redemption. Genesis introduces us to a God who brings order out of chaos, speaking light into existence as his first creative act. In John’s gospel, we see this theme echoed as Jesus, the Word, is revealed as the true Light that shines in the darkness.

But what does this mean for us today? How does this ancient story of light and creation speak into the chaos and darkness of our own lives?

The story of Zedekiah, the final king of Judah, is one of heartbreak and reflection. As we examine his reign and the broader narrative of the kings of Judah, we uncover profound lessons about faith, leadership, and God’s ultimate plan for humanity.

In 2 Chronicles 35, we are drawn into one of the most remarkable moments of biblical history—the reinstitution of the Passover under King Josiah. This wasn’t just a festival; it was a restoration of worship, identity, and purpose for God’s people. Josiah’s story is rich with lessons that challenge and inspire us to honor God with our whole hearts and live fully into our identity as his people.

Have you ever met someone so passionate, so full of life, that their energy inspires you to think and live differently? That’s the story of King Josiah. This remarkable figure from the Old Testament lived with a passion and clarity that continues to inspire, challenge, and teach us today. His name, which means "Yahweh heals" or "fire of God," perfectly encapsulates his life and leadership. Let’s explore what we can learn from Josiah’s story and how it applies to our lives.

Imagine being 12 years old today. Maybe you're mastering the latest video game, binge-watching your favorite series, or trying to keep up with school and friends. Now, let's flip the scene back in time—imagine being 12 years old in ancient Judah. Your father is the king, and you've just witnessed three miraculous events: his sudden recovery from a near-deadly illness, a miraculous defeat of an invading army, and even the sun’s shadow moving backward as a sign. But then, your father says, “Son, it's time for you to rule alongside me.”

This was the reality for Manasseh, who became co-ruler with his father, King Hezekiah, at just 12 years old.

Have you ever noticed how your phone’s photo rotation feature can feel like a time machine? Every time I unlock mine, I'm greeted with a different snapshot—a cherished memory with my family, a laugh shared with friends, or a breathtaking moment on vacation. Each photo isn’t just a captured moment but a story, reminding me that life is made up of millions of these moments—some small and seemingly insignificant, others monumental.

But here's the thing: moments aren't just memories—they're catalysts of momentum. They can shift the trajectory of our lives, for better or worse. And that’s what I want to explore today as we look at the life of King Hezekiah.

In our journey through 2 Chronicles, a powerful theme emerges: kings and leaders come and go, but the Lord remains. This truth, reinforced throughout the chronicles, is a call to trust not in fragile systems like government, military, or economy but in God, who reigns above all. We’re focusing on King Hezekiah, a leader who stands out for his bold decisions and commitment to spiritual renewal, despite inheriting a kingdom marred by brokenness and idolatry.

in 2 Chronicles 28, we explore one of the Bible’s more unsettling stories – the reign of King Ahaz. It’s a story that isn’t for the faint-hearted, as it dives deep into the harsh realities of idol worship, child sacrifice, and the spiritual decay of a king who took his people down a dark path. But there’s a reason to look closely at Ahaz’s choices, especially in a world where our own modern idols may be less visible but no less real.

Friends, today we dive into the story of three generations, an evil queen, two heroes, and a boy king from 2 Chronicles 21. If you’ve been following our series, I hope you're telling your friends how rich these stories from the Chronicles of Judah are—filled with life lessons and deep history that are still relevant today. Today’s message might just be the most intense yet.

Have you ever heard someone exclaim, “Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat!”? If you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered what in the world that phrase means. It turns out, it was a “substitute cuss word” people used back in the 1800s. Just like we say, “gosh” instead of “God” or “freakin’” as a mild replacement for more intense words, folks back then used “Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat!” to express frustration or shock.

But Jehoshaphat is more than just an old-timey exclamation. He’s a real king from the Bible, and his story gives us some powerful lessons about compromise and courage.

Why dive into 2 Chronicles? Because the Bible is a treasure on every page, and there’s always something new to discover! Today, we’re focusing on King Asa, the first ‘good king’ of Judah mentioned in this book. Asa's story shows us the power of fully committing to the Lord and the consequences when we rely on anything other than him.

2 Chronicles is a book rich in history and spiritual lessons. Written around 450 BC, it recounts the journey of the Jewish people during a time of division, exile, and return. Let’s explore some key points and how they relate to our lives today.

The study of The Chronicles of Judah offers much more than ancient history. It takes us through a fascinating journey filled with palace intrigue, power struggles, and lessons about faith that resonate deeply in our lives today. Through its chapters, we encounter heroes and villains, moments of triumph and failure, and we witness the unfolding story of a nation in decline. Yet, beneath the surface, these stories provide profound lessons that continue to shape our understanding of leadership, faith, and our relationship with God.