Christ Community Church - Downtown Campus - SUNDAY MESSAGES

Romans: Free for Life [Romans: 07]

Romans 8:1-5  // Nydiaris Hernandez Santos Planet Fitness has an interesting tagline: “Welcome to the judgement free zone.” Where else can we find that? It’s rare, isn’t it? Much more common is constant criticism. Rampant negativity. Harsh condemnation. We see and experience this, both from others, and from ourselves. The truth is, some of us are our worst critics. And yet, in Romans 8:1, the Apostle Paul writes, “There is now NOW condemnation…” Incredible! How is this possible? E...

Romans: Fighting for Life

Easter Sunday - Jesus Came Back to Life for Your Life

Matthew 28:1-20 // Gabriel Coyle Jesus’ resurrection is the most history altering action in the world, and yet it is not merely history. It is not only something that impacted the past. Jesus’ resurrection validates and reveals Jesus’ current authority of the present. So if you’re looking for the leading authority on life, look no further than Jesus, the Son of God.  But what does that mean for my life? For our life? Join us this Easter to explore together what fullness means with...

Romans: No, the Law Did Not Take Your Life [Romans: 05]

Romans 7:7-13 // Gabriel Coyle One of the ironic dynamics of God’s law is that the more we know, the more we feel and recognize brokenness in our lives. With the grace of the gospel in Jesus, what value does God's law bring? Are we supposed to feel guilt and shame when we hear the law? What is God’s law for anyway if it's not very effective at restraining unrighteousness and injustice? Join us as we continue through the book of Romans where we’ll see the role of God’s law for us t...

Romans: Belonging to Jesus Bears Life [Romans: 04]

Romans 7:1-6 // Caleb Jenkins What we belong to gives us an identity, sense of community, and even drastically affects our self-worth. Whether we find our belonging in sports, career, family, romantic relationships, or even religious observance, there are many good things that we are tempted to worship as ultimate things, but each leaves us restless and empty inside. Join us as we continue to see in the book of Romans why our ultimate belonging is to Jesus and how that is such goo...

Romans: Eternal Life [Romans: 03]

Romans 6:15-23 // Nydiaris Hernández-Santos Life is full of paradoxes that make our life either run or crash, depending on how you look at it. Humans are full of contradictions and God knows it! He has chosen many paradoxes to reveal who he is and to show us what it looks like to follow him. Would you join us as we study one of the biblical paradoxes? Dive deep with us into the paradox of grace SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49214771 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://c...

Romans: Offer Your Life to God [Romans: 02]

Romans 6:12-14 // Gabriel Coyle One of the greatest battles of history is not “out there,” but rather, is “in here.” Herein lies a crucial insight as to why following Jesus can be so hard. There is a battle being waged not just with our bodies but in our bodies.  Join us as we continue to see in the book of Romans what Jesus has rescued you and me for, and how we can actually live this out.  SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49214771 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://cce...

Romans: Rescued for New Life [Romans: 01]

Romans 6:1-11 // Gabriel Coyle When we think of rescue, it’s natural to ask: “Rescue from what?” But with Jesus, rescue is more! When God sought to rescue creation from brokenness, injustice, sin and death, he always planned to save us “for” a more beautiful, good, and true way of being.  Jesus didn’t just save us from sin but for life—with him—now and forever. But how is life with God different from life without God? And why would anyone actually want that kind of life? Join us a...

But What About Hell?

But What About Suffering? [But What About? 06]

Psalm 13:1-6; Mark 15:33-39 // Caleb Jenkins “I used to go to church and pray, and then my best friend got sick and died… How can I believe in God when that happened?” My friend told me this in 7th grade, and it would be the first but not last time I would hear what I would later learn that theologians and philosophers call “the problem of evil”. Why does an all good and all powerful God permit evil and suffering? While God does not give us an answer to our “why” question, he does...

But What About Christianity and Politics? [But What About? 05]

Matthew 22:15-22 & Titus 3:1-3 // Gabriel Coyle How should Christians relate to politics and the government? No doubt you have some negative examples of what Christians should NOT do, but what is the Christian calling in our political environment? Thankfully God’s word and Christians throughout history have wrestled through this very question. Join us as we continue to explore difficult questions aimed at the Christian faith and specifically seek clarity of faithful and fruitful p...

But What About Christian Sexual Ethics? [But What About? 04]

If you are not a Christian and the Christian sex ethic has seemed despairing or if you’re a Christian who is wrestling with how to understand the Christian sex ethic, you’re not alone. What if this disorientation comes from something deeper? Join us as we walk through another frequent question raised in our world where the church can offer hope.  Matthew 5:27-30; Hebrews 10:22-23 // Gabriel Coyle 24.01.28 SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://www.bible.com/events/49198315 PRAYER REQ...

But what about women in the church? 03

Genesis 1:26-28; Luke 10:38-42 // Gabriel Coyle Whether through painful experiences within the church or hearing of the mistreatment of women by certain Christians, the question can arise: Is Christianity Good for Women? Join us as we explore hard questions and see what God has to say about women's experiences in his church. Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new Sermon Notes: https://bible.com/events/49198309 24.01.21

But What About the Bible? [But What About? 02]

Luke 24:13-35; 2 Tim. 3:16-17 // Nydiaris Hernández-Santos The Bible is an ancient collection of writings that tells a unified, coherent story about God’s salvation plan. But if it was written and compiled thousands of years ago, why should we trust it today? Why should it guide our lives?  Join us as we explore why the Bible is trustworthy and why it should inform how we live our lives in today’s world. Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49193351 Prayer Requests: https:...

But What About the Church? [But What About? 01]

Matthew 16:17-19; Ephesians 3:20-21 // Gabriel Coyle Disagreement, hurt, frustration, and abuse. There are a lot of reasons to dismiss the church, but there may very well be more reasons to give her a second look. What if there is a more enchanting story of the church and Jesus? Join us as we begin a new series exploring some of the sincere questions and frustrations we have with the Christian faith, the “But what about…” questions of faith. Together we may find a both/and rather ...

The Wise Men [Christmas Through the Eyes of Faith 5]

Matthew 2:1-12 // Caleb Jenkins It’s all too easy to skim through the Christmas narrative and miss out on key aspects of that story. The three Wise Men are some of the most misremembered and misunderstood characters of Christmas, and yet their story teaches us a crucial lesson about Christmas and its relevance for life today. Join us as we look at Christmas through the eyes of the Wise Men, and see who is the True King we should worship. Sermon Notes: https://bible.com/events/491...

Joseph (Christmas Through the Eyes of Faith)

Mary [Christmas Through the Eyes of Faith 3]

Luke 1:26-45 // Gabriel Coyle Christmas is a massive celebration the world over, but why? If we merely look with human eyes, this should have never lasted. But when we look at Christmas through the eyes of Mary, we see the impossible made possible.  If you need to remember that the impossible can show up in the ordinary, then join us as we look at what God has for us today in the story of Mary in Luke 1.  Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49180492   Prayer Requests: ht...

Christmas Through the Eyes of Zechariah

Ruth [Christmas Through the Eyes of Faith 1]

Ruth 1:1-22 // Caleb Jenkins As we journey through this Advent season as a church, we are looking at characters who looked at the brokenness, uncertainty, and suffering in their life and saw something different. They looked through the lens of trusting God, through the eyes of faith, and saw Christmas. They saw God breaking in to intervene in the world and make things right, even when externally, there was plenty in their lives to argue differently.  Join us as we are looking at R...

The Representative Who Can Rescue [Romans 15]

Romans 5:15-21 // Nydiaris Hernández-Santos Do you ever feel like evil has finally won? That is a pressing question for followers of Jesus who are socially and culturally aware. Listening to the news and reading the newspapers can easily send one into despair. But the gospel has a different answer! The grace of God offers a different outlook.  Join us as we continue studying Romans and discover how followers of Jesus look at the world through the lens of grace.   Sermon Notes: ht...

The Representative Who Wrecked It All [Romans 14]

Romans 5:12-14 // Gabriel Coyle We’ve all had that moment when who you want to be and who you are is met with frustration. Where does that frustration come from? You can’t help but be hopeful that there’s more but we often experience our helplessness in our inability to change. Is this a me problem or something more? Join us as we continue our journey through the Book of Romans and see what’s really going on in the world and in us in this world.  Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.c...

The Result of Rescue: Reconciliation [Romans 5:5-11]

Romans 5:5-11 // Gabe Coyle We’ve all been “had” before, and some of us would describe most of our relationships as places where people want something from us. But what about God? What if God really is different? What if he has proven he is different? That might open us up to a new way of being in his world, with him, and with others. Join us as we continue our journey through the Book of Romans and see what it really means to be a friend of God.  Sermon Notes: https://www.bible....

Result of Rescue: Hope

Result of Rescue: Hope [Romans 12]

The Silent Sovereignty of God

Esther 4:11-17 // Johannes Gebhardt Have you ever wondered where God is in spaces, cities, or situations where there are no obvious signs of His presence? Listen to pastor Johannes as he invites us to see God at work in subtle ways in places where He is seemingly absent. Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49156853   Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new 23.10.29

Rescued Apart from Earning [Romans 11]

Romans 4:1-25 // Gabriel Coyle If there’s a current in the stream of our world, it’s doubt, and it's pulling on the hearts of minds of believers and unbelievers alike. How do we make our way through a disorienting world of doubt? Join us as we explore the ancient and proven guidance of God’s word as we continue to walk through Romans.  Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49153299   Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new 23.10.22

Rescued through Faith [Romans 10]

Romans 3:1-20 // Jarrett Meek Have you ever heard yourself bragging about being a Christian? Have you caught yourself boasting about all the things you “do for God”? In this sermon, we explore why such bragging is inappropriate for a Christian. On the contrary, our salvation as a gracious gift from God should produce in us humility.   Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49146486   Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new 23.10.15

We Need Rescue From Sin [Romans 09]

Romans 3:1-20 // Caleb Jenkins If there’s nothing we can do to save ourselves, why does it matter if I still try to obey God? Why does God tell me what to do when he knows I can’t do it? Isn’t he just setting me up for failure?  Too often we answer this question with one of two insufficient answers. We either say there’s no point in trying to obey God because we can’t and he’ll just forgive us anyways, or we assume we must be able to do what is right from our own power without God...

Rescued by Grace [Romans 08]

Romans 3:21-26 // Gabriel Coyle There are few questions that are quite as loaded and comforting as “Are you okay?” The range of responses could be “Sure” to “Not even close.”  What God has to offer us in this space is the answer we long for, but without him we don’t have the eyes to see. Join us as we continue our rescuing journey in the book of Romans and learn how we can be okay today…and forever.  Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49139442   Prayer Requests: https:/...

We Need Rescue From Hypocrisy [Romans 07]

Romans 2:17-29 // Gabe Coyle The #1 barrier for anyone from following Jesus is NOT the claims of the gospel or the person of Jesus. Rather, it is the hypocrisy of Christians.  Why is this such a persistent issue, and is there an alternative? Join us as we continue to unpack God’s heart for rescue in Romans.  Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49139433   Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new 23.09.24

We Need Rescue From Religion [Romans 06]

Romans 2:1-16 // Gabe Coyle The verdict is that judging someone makes you the worst. Wait? I guess I’m not allowed to say that. But at least it's not as bad as some people. Oh boy, I did it again.  Everyone hates a judgy posture, even Jesus and Paul, but why? Christians answer this question differently than the rest of the world, and the reason may surprise even the most faithful of followers. Join us as we continue to unpack God’s heart for rescue in Romans.  Sermon Notes: https...

We Need Rescue From Death [Romans 05]

Romans 1:24-32 // Gabe Coyle What would a world without God look like? What would we be like? How would we show up in such a world? What is its end or trajectory?  Join us as we continue to see how deep God’s rescue runs for all who call on the name of Jesus.  Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49132473   Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new 23.09.10

We Need Rescue From Idolatry [Romans 04]

Romans 1:18-25 // Nydiaris Hernández-Santos Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49128952   Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new 23.09.03

Not Ashamed of the Rescue [Romans 03]

Caleb Jenkins // Romans 1:16-17 It is so easy to feel shame for being a follower of Jesus in our day. In our broader cultural imagination, following Jesus is associated with, at best, being weird, and at worst, being the villain. If it is hard to be bold as a Christian today, it would have been almost impossible for the Apostle Paul in his time. Yet, he is eager to preach the good news because he is not ashamed of the gospel. Join us as we learn why we too can be proud of the good...

The Rescued Family [Romans 02]

Romans 1:8-15 // Gabe Coyle Every letter written has an audience for which it is written. The letter to the Romans is no different. While that principle may not surprise you, what may surprise you is how similarly divided we are today as they were then, and while the particulars are nuanced, the same avenue for peace is the only hope for today.  Join us as we continue our extended journey in the book of Romans, where the apostle Paul prays his way toward a new community. Sermon N...

The King Who Rescues [Romans 01]

Romans 1:1-7 // Gabe Coyle Whenever we hear a story of rescue something within us is awakened. It moves the depths of our being. Our full-bodied response to these stories echoes what the Christian story declares: We all need to be rescued. But by whom? How? In what way? Join us as we begin an extended journey in the book of Romans, where the apostle Paul unpacks the greatest news of rescue this world has ever known: the gospel.  Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49117554...

David and the Census [David 13]

2 Samuel 24 // Gabe Coyle What will be the final words spoken over your life? David’s story ends with a story plucked from a moment in his life, but it is the final note the author of Samuel wants to leave. Why end with a story about a census? Why end with a sacrifice? Why end there out of all moments in David’s life?  Join us as we hear how the final words of David’s life offer hope for the final words over our own lives.  Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49115209   ...

David and Absalom [David 12]

2 Sam 16:5-14 // Gabriel Coyle Whenever we go through suffering or a challenging season, we become radically aware of our surroundings. Simultaneously, we can completely lose sight of what’s most important to our deepest needs. Join us as we learn from David in his moment of desperation on how to see our own suffering and address some of our deepest needs. Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49111477   Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/respons...

David and His Children [David 11]

2 Sam 13:1-22 // Nydiaris Hernandez-Santos Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49108758   Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new   23.07.23

David and Nathan [David 10]

2 Sam 12:1-14 // Caleb Jenkins In this sermon, we explore the story of David and Nathan from 2 Samuel 11-12. We see the shocking nature of David's actions and how the Bible portrays the reality of dark chapters in our lives that we all too often seek to hide and ignore. Hidden sin leads to death and destroys our relationships with God, others, and ourselves. However, when our sins are exposed, it becomes a display of God's grace. It may be uncomfortable and unwanted, but it is wha...

David and Bathsheba [David 09]

2 Samuel 11:1-27 // Gabe Coyle Not everyone knows who they want to be, but many of us can think of examples of who we do NOT want to be. No one wants to be a villain in their own story, and yet, anyone can be the villain. Anyone. Join us as explore one of the most well-known stories of horrendous failure in the Life of David, and walk through how God wants something different for us.  Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49098926   Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch...

David and Mephibosheth [David 08]

2 Samuel 9:1-13 // Darrion Walker Have you ever wondered what the grace of God looks like? If you were to explain grace to someone, to whom would you point them? Join us as we explore how King David embodies the grace of God.   Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49095506   Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new 23.07.02

David and the Promise [David 07]

2 Samuel 7 // Gabriel Coyle Everyone is searching for rest, but not everyone knows how to find it. Some of us think we have to conjure it up or ensure its existence. Others have given up on rest altogether. But God has another way.  Join us as we continue in the life of David as we see how God’s promises long ago are related to our rest today.  Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49092151   Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new   23....

David and The Ark [David 06]

The authors of Scripture present to us a picture of God more real and unruly than we’d care to admit. Simultaneously, we all hunger for a real God who is this involved and…well…real. The war within every human being is between wanting God to be this real and wanting this real God to get with our program.  Join us as we continue in the life of David as we learn where and how we try to manage God in our lives and a hopeful alternative to the norm.   Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.c...

David and Saul [David 05]

1 Samuel 24 // Gabriel Coyle We ask a lot of questions. Some of the usual suspects are “what,” “why,” or “how.” But maybe one of the most important questions in our lives will wrestle with “when.”  Join us as we continue in the life of David as we learn why waiting on God is not only essential but good for our lives.  Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49088647   Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new   23.06.11

David and Jonathan [David 04]

1 Samuel 18: 1-9; 19:1 // Caleb Jenkins As we explore the story of David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel, we’ll consider three myths in our culture about friendship that prevent us from experiencing friendship the way it’s meant to be, and more than that, keep us from being the kind of friend that others need. As we consider the kind of friend that Jonathan is, we’ll see three truths from this story that counter our culture’s myths, and also point beyond friendship to a deeper human need ...

David and Goliath [David 03]

1 Samuel 17:1-58 / Karis Walker Have you ever faced an impossible challenge? Have you ever encountered what seemed like a hopeless situation because you had to face it with perceivably inadequate human and material resources? In studying David’s encounter with Goliath we learn about the nature of the faith that facing such challenges demands Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49081663 Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new 23.05.28 ...

Hannah [David 01]

1 Samuel 1-2:10 // Gabe Coyle When pain, heartache, and social stigma come, we often long for God to show up, but what if he’s already there. What if God isn’t merely just an observer of our difficult situations but has a hand in it? What do we do with our heartbreak then? Join us as we enter the unusual beginning of the story of King David, which is neither about a king or David, and yet it shows how God works in the world.  Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49071052 P...

Go in His Name [Now What? 04]

Acts 1:1-11 // Gabe Coyle While some may wrestle with Jesus’ death and others Jesus’ resurrection, one of the central aspects to understanding Jesus and the Christian life now has to do with where Jesus is right now. The ascension of Jesus is crucial to how we understand our world and everyday lives. Join us to learn how Jesus’ ascension brings power to show up differently in your everyday life.  Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49067540   Prayer Requests: https://cce...