Christ Community Sunday - Olathe Campus

So what Jesus is saying is  If you remain connected to me. If you abide in me. If you rest in me. If you remain in me. If you intentionally cultivate intimacy with me. In the quiet places. Where no one is watching. In prayer. In meditation on my words. Then you will bear fruit.Because to be connected to the true vine also means that we are connected to the other branches. There is no such thing as an isolated Christian without community in the New Testament.Jesus says If you remain connected to my people. If you come to church. If you meet in small groups. If you pray and worship together. If you bear each other’s burdens. Then you will bear fruit.Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49018550Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new23.02.05

If Jesus knows where we are going, that means He literally has forever to answer my prayers, and somehow, in some way, what I’ve asked for will eventually be satisfied. Maybe not tomorrow. Maybe not even for 10,000 years. But it will come.And if Jesus knows that ultimately, He is everything I need -- the way, the truth, and the life -- then every prayer we pray in His name, is actually a request for more of Him. Isn’t it? Whether we realize it or not. And church, the longer I’ve followed Him, the more I’ve realized and even experienced that that actually is what I want. More than anything else. That prayer is much less about getting stuff from God. And much more about reorienting my dependence and my attention on receiving more of God. More of His presence, more of His comfort, seeing more of His love. Even when it feels like He’s not answering me in the way that I want.Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49014837Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new23.01.29

John tells us about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It’s a biography of the most influential and important person who ever lived. And John wrote this not because he thought it was interesting. But because he believed that trusting in Jesus, that Jesus’ offer to follow him in all that we do, was the most important invitation of all time. And that to miss out on that offer would be the most tragic, heartbreaking, but avoidable mistake any person could ever make. And this passage we just read is the warning. It’s the thing we wish we had AFTER we make a mistake. But we have it now. On the cross, Jesus proves that whatever the cost may be for following him, his cost to find you was higher. Don’t say no to him. Don’t. Even if you are here and you don’t yet know what to make of all of this. Don’t close yourself to it. Don’t walk away. Don’t say no to the one who does not say no to you.Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49014829 Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/respons

We should be known by our love. And that love is defined as a basin and towel of humble service, even to those who would deny us and betray us.He washed us clean of our guilt and shame. And we still deny Him. We still betray Him. Even so, He loves us like this. Let Him wash you. Let Him serve you. And then join Him in doing the same.And when we do? Just think of the impact we can have. Social historians point out this is one of the primary reasons the Christian movement grew in the first centuries. We actually loved like this. Across ethnic lines. Across socio-economic lines. Even towards our enemies. And it literally changed our world.Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49007532Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new23.01.15

Well, I’ve got some good news and some bad news. The good news is, you don’t have to wonder. Jesus tells us right up front what He wants from us. He’s very clear about the cost of following Him. There’s nothing hidden here. No fine print. That’s the good news.The bad news is (depending on your perspective), He wants it all. Everything. He wants your family, reputation, that relationship, finances, and success. He wants your health, your work, your sex life, and your lifestyle.The good news is, you don’t have to guess. The hard news is, He wants your very life. But. You will never get a better offer than His. Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49004674Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new23.01.08

A common cliche today is “I’ll believe it when I see it,” but when we come with the posture of faith we say, “I believe it, so I see it.” This is because the Truth is a person to trust, not an argument to defend. Jesus is our King, and he needs no defending.  Join us as allow our hearts to begin to soften by the faith-building narrative of Christ’s final week on earth, and to truly see our King for who he is. As we do this, we’ll come to learn together that, when it comes to the crucified Christ, you have to believe him to truly Behold Your King. Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49002182Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new23.01.01

It’s one thing to ponder gift ideas for people we love. It’s a totally audacious task to wonder what God wants for Christmas. Or is it?  Join us this Christmas as we look at what God wants from us and for us as we celebrate the birth of our King and Savior Jesus Christ!Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/48999989Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new22.12.25

You need a “Who” more than you need a “Why.” And you have one. His name is Jesus. So what does the Psalmist do? As dark as this Psalm is, he erupts into praise, and he tells his friends. This is who our God is!But I’m guessing, not all of us are there yet. I know Christmas can be a really hard time of year for many of us. We feel all this pressure to be happy. And we believe God is with us. But perhaps you still feel so alone.Have you told Him how you feel? You don’t have to hide it or sugarcoat it or pretend it isn’t true. But you do have to bring it to Him. He can take it. Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/48992865Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new22.12.18

Christmas always comes with its fair share of surprises, but advent is meant to cultivate anticipation. Throughout the history of the church, Advent has been a time to return to practices of anticipating our promised King’s return. But the question remains: What will this coming king do? How will he relate with and act toward his people? Join us as we seek to not forget all the King’s benefits in the matchless chapter of Psalm 103.Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/48992859Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new22.12.11

THIS is the King we need. The fulfillment of Psalm72, and every earthly ruler. This One knows the needy. This One finds us precious. This One is with the needy now and forever. He is with us both now and forever.He actually knows what it’s like to be in need. Entering our world as a helpless baby. No less a King and yet still so vulnerable. For He sympathizes with our weakness. He longs to sit with us in them. And went to a cross to overcome them.Are you expecting your King to join you in your need? Not just fix it. Sometimes that’s not what’s best. But to join us in it.   And your need is all you need to bring Him.Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/48991414Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new22.12.04

Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/48977464Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new22.11.20

You’re NOT strong enough to withstand the storm. No one is. Not alone. And this armor metaphor was never meant to be taken alone. Paul is writing this in a Roman prison. He can look over and examine his guards' armor. He knows the strength of the Roman Empire. And that one of the things that made them so strong was their ability to stand together.Their armor was interlocking. So they could form a sort of wall. Their strength was their togetherness. That’s how they could stand. And if you want to stand firm against the lies, you need to surround yourself with the truth, and with a community of people who will help you keep believing the truth. We need to train for the real battle.Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/48977451Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new22.11.20

Paul doesn’t only address bondservants, he addresses those who are in power over them. And he says that the masters should “do the same” to the bondservants? That the masters should serve the bondservants and do good to them, not as people-pleasers, but with sincerity!  I am confident that none of you who hears this sermon is a “master”, but I think there are many of you to whom this text is quite relevant.  There are people here who are in positions of authority, who have the power to either exploit or enrich the lives of the people over whom you have authority. In our modern world and economy, I think it is likely that most people find themselves in something (very roughly) equivalent to one of these circumstances every day. Prayer Requests:https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/newSermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/4897744222.11.13

God’s goal for the family is that we’d learn the way of Jesus together. It’s meant to be like a little church. And just like the church, God’s goal for the family is that we’d learn the way of Jesus together.Parenting is a full-time job and then some, and while there are a ton of things on a parent’s job description, at the top of the list is this: learn the way of Jesus together. But is that at the top of our lists? We might say it is…but in the way we actually live, how we prioritize our time, the way we interact with one another. What do you hope most for our children? Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/48977432Prayer Requests: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new

Marriage is not about you. Aren’t you glad? The greatest things in life are the things that are NOT ABOUT YOU. This is about Jesus. The greatest love story of all time. God as our husband. And we run from Him. We hide from Him. We cheat on Him. But He pursues us. He wants to be with us. To cherish us. You are God’s beloved.And this is good news if you’re single. It’s good news if you’re in a bad marriage. It’s good news if you’re in a great marriage!Jesus is your Husband. We are His beloved bride. And our marriage will never end. And with our earthly marriages, we get to tell that story to our watching world.Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/4897395722.10.30

Chances are good the majority of people don’t think they are engaged in “dishonest” work on a daily basis, but are you so sure? What if the problem has less to do with what you consider “dishonest” and more about a robust framework of “honest” work? Join us as we continue our journey in Ephesians of reconstructing a faith that actually blossoms into honest work, and therefore generates a more meaningful life.Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/4897058722.10.23

Because loved people love people. And we need a community that reinforces that and reminds us. And we need it all the time.Because we forget how loved we are. We so quickly go back to thinking we need to take in order to feel, and so we settle for sex over love. Or lust over intimacy. Or we feel unsafe and afraid, so we keep hiding in our shame in the dark, and we settle for isolation over vulnerability and community. We forget.You are God’s beloved! So much so that He sent His Son to rescue us. He offers us forgiveness for when we fail. You are the object of His desire and affection and provision. And if that’s true! Then we are truly free to love others!Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/4896701922.10.16

If you don’t know WHO you are. You won’t know what your life is for. You won’t know the best way to live. So we make it up as we go. And hope for the best. It’s exhausting and it’s isolating. Who are you? God, in His Word, is about to answer that question. If you are a Christian, you never have to wonder who you are or why you exist. Because God tells us. And maybe that sounds bossy. Like, what gives Him the right? But listen: would you rather muddle through, struggling to answer that question on your own? Or let the God who made you. Who sees you. And loves you fiercely. Who knows why He made you. Will you let Him tell you who you are?Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/4896328922.10.09

The word saint simply means Christians. If you are a Christian, Paul calls you a saint. And ministry simply means service. So our job as church leaders is to equip you to help others. Let me tell you, one of the best pathways to your own growth. One of the best pathways towards greater oneness and teamwork within the church. Is when you help others grow. It’s when you serve.The church is not a spectator sport. It is not for consumers. And it is not for wimps. It is for those who actually want this Body to look like Jesus. Yes, the church is very flawed. We have a long way to go. But Jesus gave His life for her. What is He asking from us?Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/4895964022.10.02

Whatever you expect from God. It’s not enough. He wants to give you more. And ultimately, He wants to give you more of Himself and more of His love.He will never walk out on you. He will not leave you. He’s never disappointed in you. He sees all of you, everything about you, and loves you far more abundantly than we can even ask or think…Yeah, that sounds great, but how do we experience it? Especially when things feel really hard right now.Mostly through one another. Church, we need one another to know and experience God’s love. We feel it at church when someone remembers our name. Or when their face lights up when they see you. We feel it when someone recognizes you’re hurting and encourages you or prays with you.Sermon Notes: https://bible.com/events/4895582622.09.25