Chestnut Mountain Church Sermons

Paul is writing the letter to the Colossians from a place of love because he loves the bride of Christ. Paul wants the Colossians to know that he has been praying for them and specifically wants them to know what he's been praying over them. The pulse of this prayer is all about unity. Paul is praying for this idea of togetherness. He consistently prayed for the church's protection, the church's unity, and the church's strength. Any church, any local body of believers who are preaching and teaching the gospel is a high-value target for the enemy. Paul didn't view the churches as competitors but as partners. As the church, we are not in competition but in a partnership to see people come to know Jesus Christ. Not only that, but it is imperative that we do life with people and surround ourselves with other believers because God didn't create us to do life alone. Listen to this sermon about living in unity and in partnership in the fourth part of our In The Word series, walking through the book of Colossians.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/iit4prVDDGISubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Paul begins to talk about the mindset of “no pain, no gain” and how he has embraced the battle and responsibility of being a disciple of Christ. In Colossians 1:24-29, he shares his testimony to build credibility and inspire the Colossians, teaching that salvation is not the finish line but the starting line for a mission with God. Salvation means we have not only been saved from something, but we have been saved for something. Salvation marks the beginning of discipleship and the responsibility to proclaim, warn, and teach. Paul shows us that while our insecurities may make us hesitant, we must strive with God's strength and not let them rob us of our obedience. Even in suffering, Paul reminds us to trust God's plan and see our struggles as opportunities to know Him deeper. What has God saved you for? Listen to this sermon about in the third part of our In The Word series, walking through the book of Colossians.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/ZP4VuIU7k0oSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Paul's prayer for the Colossians is that they would be controlled by things of the Lord—by the beauty of who Jesus is. False teachings had infiltrated the church, but Paul begins with, “See Jesus.” He dwells on Jesus before addressing the false teaching. So, who is Jesus? Jesus is the image of the invisible God. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all. Everything is His. He sees you, He knows you, and He holds it all together. Everything exists for the praise and glory of Christ. There's not even a single molecule outside of His control—and if He cares about a molecule, how much more does He care about you? Jesus is the true and only Redeemer because He is the only perfect sacrifice. It's not your goodness—it's Jesus' sacrifice on your behalf. We were once separated from Him, but Christ reconciled you and justified you before God Almighty. Jesus is supreme. He is preeminent. See Jesus. Be reminded of who He is and what He's done. Do everything you cannot to forget Him as you go throughout your day. See Jesus. Listen to this sermon about seeing Jesus for who He is in the second part of our In The Word series, walking through the book of Colossians.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/xuxMvDGEOAgSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Paul writes to the church of Colossae—a group of new believers who have embraced the gospel, but false teachings have clouded the truth and simplicity of it. Paul reminds them of what they already know: salvation is through Jesus and Jesus alone. He encourages them to be filled with the knowledge of God's Word, because whatever you're filled with is the very thing that will control you. If you aren't filled with the Word of God, you will be tossed around. There's a world waiting to fill the empty spots. When you are filled with truth, you will walk worthy, please Him, grow, be strengthened, have endurance, and give thanks. True salvation is life change. Be filled with the Truth. Listen to this sermon about being filled with the Truth in the first part of our In The Word series, walking through the book of Colossians.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/rJtJ1GDJwMUSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Mother's Day is a day we set aside to celebrate some of God's strongest creation. When we think about moms, we think about comfort, courage, and consistency. But we also know this day comes with a heaviness for many—loss, longing, or weariness. In 1 Kings 17, we meet a widow—gathering sticks, with just enough for one last meal. She felt like she had nothing to offer. But Elijah gave her a word from God: The flour jar will not become empty, and the oil jug will not run dry. The Bible says: She proceeded. She stepped out in faith—and God proved His faithfulness through her and to her. God has uniquely created every woman to reflect Him. And when we trust how He's designed us, He can use what we offer to make a lasting impact. Listen to this Mother's Day sermon about how women are designed to display God and how He can use you.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/Tn-LIht3sC4Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Are you wrestling with doubts? You're not alone—and you're not disqualified. Thomas had seen Jesus' miracles, eaten at His table, and still doubted. Abraham doubted. Moses doubted. David doubted. Doubt isn't new—and it doesn't push God away. The enemy wants to use your doubts to isolate you. But Jesus moves toward you in your doubts, not away from you. He knows your questions, your struggles, your “unless you do this, God” moments—and He still says, “Peace be with you.” Faith isn't about having all the answers. Faith is believing what we can't see but know is true. Your doubts don't disqualify you. They're part of the journey—and Jesus is right there in the middle of them. Take a step toward Him. You don't have to have it all figured out. Just worship Him—even with your doubts. Listen to this sermon about wrestling with doubts. Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/i82_GgFxyyYSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

The stone in front of Jesus' tomb wasn't just to keep Him in—it was meant to keep people out. It shut out the light, blocked the disciples, and stamped a seal on what looked like the end. But what if that stone could talk? It would tell the story of a battle between good and evil, life and death, darkness and light. It would tell you about the moment Jesus gasped for air and woke up—and how nothing could stop Him from coming for you. The enemy has made a career out of putting things between Jesus and the people He loves. But the stone didn't roll away so Jesus could get out. It rolled away so we could see He's not there. What's the stone standing in your way? Your past? Addiction? Shame? Fear? Whatever it is—Jesus doesn't need it gone to get to you. He'll walk through anything to meet you right where you are. That's the kind of Savior He is. Are you living like the tomb is still sealed…or like it's already empty?Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/YPVNryQQhNoSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Have you ever thought about how Jesus chose to enter the most important week of His life? What kind of king rides in on a donkey? What kind of Savior weeps over a city? In Luke 19, Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem sets the stage not with fanfare and dominance, but with gentleness, tears, and truth. In this Palm Sunday message, we see four powerful traits in Jesus—His pursuit, gentleness, humility, and victory—and the peace they make possible for us today. This Palm Sunday, we're invited to follow His example. “If God in flesh, the King of kings and Lord of lords, can empty Himself and choose the humble way… so can we.”Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/g6hINUbqE9sSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Have you ever wondered how God really feels about you? Do you feel like God loves you, accepts you, is angry with you, is disappointed with you, ashamed of you, etc? In Zephaniah 3, Zephaniah tells the remnant, the ones who have turned back to God, how God really feels about them. Focusing on Zephaniah 3:17, we see five implications of how God feels about us. Through Zephaniah's words of delivering God's message to His people, we are reminded that God is with us, He fights for us, He rejoices over us, He quiets us with His love, and He delights in us. We see these five things not only stated by Zephaniah but we see these five implications all throughout Scripture and applicable to us today. No matter the circumstance, no matter what we have done, no matter our current condition, God loves us and longs for us to turn back to Him. God will always welcome you home. Listen to this sermon about how God really feels about us in the sixth part of our Return series. Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/YQ9cqPgsUeYSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Waiting is never easy. It tests our patience, challenges our faith, and often leaves us wondering if God is even listening. In the book of Zephaniah, the prophet delivers powerful warnings to the people of God and the nations surrounding them. He pleads with them to turn from idolatry, to repent, and to return to the Lord before it's too late. And yet, after the warnings and discipline, God calls the faithful remnant to do something most of us struggle with—He says, “Wait for me.” What do we do when we're surrounded by chaos? When evil seems to be winning and everything inside us wants to quit? The remnant in Zephaniah's day had to make a choice—to give in or to keep trusting that God was still working, even in the waiting. Listen to this sermon about embracing the wait in the fifth part of our Return series.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/S9HrMCabSCMSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

You're either being influenced, or you are being the influencer. For Judah, their position was in the center of nations and kingdoms that were fully worshiping false gods. While Judah was in a position to influence the people surrounding them, they were allowing themselves to be influenced by idolatry. Zephaniah gathers the people together to warn them and tell them to return back to God. You may find yourself in the middle of negative influence and surrounded by darkness. Because of this, have you ever prayed for your position to be changed, thinking that it would be easier if God changed your place? We don't need a change of position but a change of perspective. Oftentimes, God wants us to embrace our position so that we can discover our purpose. The dark and lost world that we are placed right in the middle of is the dark and lost world that we are called to be a light to. Are we going to allow the world to influence us, or are we going to influence the world? Listen to this sermon about embracing our position and influencing the world in the fourth part of our Return series. Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/-1mYGFvS_NkSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Zephaniah calls the Israelites together not to celebrate them but to give them a harsh label. He warns them of the consequences are coming if they do not turn back to God. As they have been claiming to worship God while worshiping idols, Zephaniah tells them to stop living this way and turn back to God. Zephaniah says not only to stop and turn away but to seek and turn towards the one who loves you. He is calling the children of God back to say that the only way you can hide and be concealed from the wrath and judgment of God is to place our faith in the concealment of Jesus Christ and what He has done. In the same way, we must quit living for ourselves and seek God. Once we realize we are concealed in Him, it compels us to live differently. It's a response. Listen to this sermon about not living for ourselves and instead turning back to God in the third part of our Return series.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/OvgyzsvAVQwSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Do you have things in your life that are irreplaceable? Do you have things in your life that you can't imagine life without? In the time of Zephaniah, the Israelites would carve out idols to worship as false gods. They said they worshiped God and yet they still made these false gods above God. While you may not carve out actual idols to worship, you carve out other things such as wealth, success, careers, time, etc. that we place above God and make these things irreplaceable in our lives. If you have something in your life that is so important that if it leaves you have no reason to live, you're building your life on the wrong thing. The problem is not that these irreplaceable things are bad; the problem is that you have made them irreplaceable. The problem is making replaceable things irreplaceable. There's only one that's meant to be irreplaceable and that's God. Turn to Him, build your life on Him, and worship Him. Listen to this sermon about building your life on the irreplaceable one in the second part of our Return series.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/zFQrIza0OH4Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

The book of Zephaniah is a small book in the Old Testament that we often might overlook. While this was a prophecy given to the children of Israel at the time and a warning given to them by the prophet Zephaniah, this message is still applicable to us today. Zephaniah was bold to call out the Israelites for their idol worship. If they don't return to God, Zephaniah lets them know the consequences if they don't turn to God. Zephaniah called them out, warned them, but He also calls God's children higher. We have to stop apologizing for raising the standard. It's not our opinion but what God's Word commands us to do. We are a reflection of God's redeeming glory. Does our lifestyle show that? Zephaniah reminds them of what victory looks like if they will just turn back to God. God loves us enough that he gave us victory over His judgment through Jesus. We just have to boldly return back to God. Listen to this sermon about boldly turning to God in the first part of our Return series.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/EBTGKLoEJlESubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

God will lead us to do things that seem impossible. When we step out in obedience, in that obedience, we will always face opposition because the enemy wants to keep us from walking in obedience. In this, we will feel unequipped or qualified and like we don't have the ability to do what God has called us to do. Through the story of Jake and Diane Spengler, we see God's unconditional love and how He equips those He calls. Jake and Diane share their story of being foster parents and adopting their daughter. Looking at their story and Jonah's story in the Bible, we see that obedience is never to get something from God; obedience is a response to knowing God. Just as Jesus modeled, our compassion, pursuit, provision, and possession are what motivate us to be obedient. In the fourth and final part of our Beauty for Ashes series, listen to this sermon about how we can find the motivation to be obedient in response to God's unconditional love for us. Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/b5ZYuyQ19cASubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Rollercoasters are full of inconsistencies; similarly, life is full of ups and downs. We long for consistency and stability in life. While the circumstances of life are always changing, the thing that never changes is the goodness of God. Through the story of Doug and Karen Banks, we see how the goodness of God shows up through the Word of God, the people of God, and the supernatural peace of His presence. As Doug describes, “Until you experience the presence of God, you can't fully understand and even when you experience it you can't explain.” Through their story and David's words in Psalm 23, we're reminded we see God's peace and the rest that only He can provide. In the third part of our Beauty for Ashes series, listen to this sermon about how we can find rest and peace in the middle of life's inconsistencies. Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/b5ZYuyQ19cASubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

As we continue our Beauty for Ashes series, we hear the story of Kylen. Throughout facing multiple physical and mental health struggles for most of her life, Kylen shares how God placed Coach Thomas, her high school basketball coach, and Kelsi, her school's FCA missionary to walk with her in her journey. Seeing how Coach Thomas and Kelsi were living out their faith, Kylen wanted to know more of how to grow in her faith. Through Kylen's story, we see the importance of doing life with others as followers of Christ and also how God can use our pain to reflect His glory. In the second part of our Beauty for Ashes series, listen to this sermon about doing life with others and God using us in the midst of our pain.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/30mLqaktVDcSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

During our Beauty for Ashes series, you're going to be introduced to four different families from our church that have extended an invitation for you to step into their lives and for you to be a part of the things they have walked through. Today, we hear the story of Brandon, Lauren, and Brooklyn Bridgefarmer. You'll see in this story how Brandon and Lauren found hope, strength, and peace, not necessarily with the circumstances getting better or by avoiding the tragedy, but they were able to find it in the middle of it. God is our refuge and strength and a helper who is always found in the midst of the trouble and the middle of the storm. When the struggles and tragedies of life show up unexpectedly, where do you run? In the first part of our Beauty for Ashes series, listen to this sermon about finding refuge in the middle of life's storms featuring the Bridgefarmers' story about the loss of their daughter, Brooklyn.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/OiGLVYfYQdISubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

We can often think of prayer as being intimidating because we don't think we know how to pray. However, prayer is simply a conversation with God and us being close to Him. The one thing that the disciples asked Jesus to teach them was how to pray. To His disciples and those listening to the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches not only how not to pray but also how to pray. Through the Lord's Prayer, Jesus gives an outline of how to pray. This outline includes five things we can pray about when we have a conversation with our Heavenly Father: trust, worship, surrender, dependence, and repentance. Listen to this sermon about how to pray in the final part of our SEEK series.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/qNjoId2gGYcSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

When we talk about prayer, prayer can sometimes be very misunderstood and seem very intimidating and it sometimes seems pointless to us. Prayer is a conversation between you and the Father. Looking to Jesus' life on earth, we see that prayer was His lifeline and He was persistent about praying to God during His ministry. We must be persistent in prayer. Even when it seems like God is not doing what we want, when we want it, and how we want it, we must trust God and submit to His plan, even in the waiting. It's all about the motive of our prayer and being close to Him. Keep asking, seeking, and knocking. Listen to this sermon about praying persistently in the third part of our SEEK series. Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/dfSRQ2wCEQ8Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

If you are genuinely going to pursue the Lord and experience a closeness with Him, it is imperative that you do it by being in the Word of God. In addition to fasting and praying, we must focus on God's Word. In Paul's letter to the Thessalonians, we see how God's Word came to them, worked in them, and worked through them. Upon salvation, we have to continue to examine God's Word, continue to be in God's Word, and continue to read God's Word. Salvation is the starting line of where to become a mature disciple begins. We can't pursue God the way He desires without being in The Word of God and without submitting to Scripture. When we do this, we see the Word of God work through us. Just as the Word of God was ringing out those around the Thessalonians, the impact of the Word should be ringing out in our workplace, in our school hallways, grocery stores, and should definitely begin in your home. When we hear, read, and do the Word of God, it influences everyone around us. Listen to this sermon about seeing the Word of God work in and through you in the second part of our SEEK series. Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/e-nrHFDPwgoSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

It's a new year, and with a new year comes new goals, new resolutions, and new commitments. As we enter 2025, has it crossed your mind to pursue God like you never have before? In 2025, we are praying that you and we, as a church, pursue God and see God move in a way that we never have before. Just as Jesus teaches in Matthew 7, if we want to see God and pursue God like never before, we have to commit to ask, to seek, and to knock. To pursue this commitment, we look to Scripture, prayer, and fasting. Fasting is one of the overlooked practices of the Christian faith because of the commitment and discipline it takes. However, it allows us the opportunity to align our hearts with God's heart. Therefore, we are challenging our church family to a fast in January 2025. What would the Lord have you give up that hinders your closeness with Him? Ask, seek, and knock. Listen to this sermon as we begin our SEEK sermon series and prepare for our fast in January 2025. Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/8-Frk6m8liASubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

As we enter the end of 2024, we have all of these expectations of what a new year will bring. Maybe there are new habits or new resolutions you want to start in 2025. What if we challenged ourselves to truly see Jesus in 2025? you to see Jesus in 2025. When we see Jesus, everything changes. As we behold (see or observe) King Jesus, it will produce a reaction in us. To do this, we must first remember our salvation. Then beholding will produce holiness and will produce worship in song. When we behold Him, we will seek Him and we will find Him. Be expectant for what God will do. Listen to this sermon about seeing Jesus in the final sermon of 2024. Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/ylq-NKI1zgcSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

One of the biggest parts of how we celebrate Christmas is through gifts. While we can recall some of our favorite gifts we have received throughout our lives, the greatest gift is the birth of our Savior. The greatest gift ever is defined by the Savior, Messiah, and Lord. Looking at the announcement of the birth of Jesus from the angel to the shepherds, we see God choosing society's most unlikely to go and share the news of Jesus' birth, this gift that is for all people. Listen to this sermon about The Gift in the final part of our Dwell: God With Us series this Christmas season.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/Y7XDGoxX98MSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Looking at the Christmas story from the lens of Joseph, we see the forgiveness, obedience, and trust that he displayed from discovering that Mary was with child to hearing from the angel that the child was from God and He would be called Jesus. Before knowing that the child was from God, Joseph was ready to forgive Mary and to set her free to withhold her from public shame and penalty because of what the public perception of her pregnancy would be. When the angel appeared to Joseph to tell him who this baby would be, we see the power of resting, giving God our yes, and trusting Him with our tomorrow. What do you need to say yes to? What do you need to be obedient with? How do you need to trust God? Listen to this sermon about The Commitment in the third part of our Dwell: God With Us series this Christmas season.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/MTEwXNoK5_MSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Mary was a young lady, and she was engaged to be married. In this season of Mary's life, there was so much anticipation. Then, out of nowhere, a messenger from God shows up and absolutely turns her plans upside down. As the angel delivered the message from God that Mary would carry and deliver Jesus, the relationship between God's promises and your obedience is seen. At the time of her being deeply troubled by the angel's appearance, you too can be reminded of the angel's words that, as a child of God, you are favored by God; God is with you; do not be afraid. Similarly, there are things that God is going to call you to do in life that are going to be troubling for you because of how impossible it seems, but be reminded that nothing is impossible with God. Like Mary, we must exercise faith over fear. We must surrender and make ourselves available to Him. When we do, we see God use your yes as an opportunity for others to say yes to Him. Listen to this sermon about The Promise in the second part of our Dwell: God With Us series this Christmas season.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/H-O9bpOYMUUSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

When the people of Judah were in their darkest valley, overwhelmed by their own failures and external attacks, God sent a message of hope through the prophet Micah: Help is on the way. This promise would be fulfilled through the birth of Jesus. While Micah delivered this message of hope to hurting people, they would have to wait for the coming of this Shepherd, but God continued to walk with them and be with them in their valley. He may not have delivered the promise when and how they wanted God to, but He was with them and delivered the ultimate hope, Jesus. Similarly, when we face tough seasons and valleys in life, we cry out to God for help, but He doesn't always show up when and how we want Him to. However, He is always with us, protecting us, and providing for us because that's what the Shepherd does. We must trust Him with the when and how. Listen to this sermon about The Hope in the first part of our Dwell: God With Us series this Christmas season.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/LPR6DtJLCQwSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

While we think about all the things that we have to be thankful for, there's nothing that should surpass the thankfulness of the life, the death, and the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As we're coming up on a busy season in our lives with holidays, traveling, etc., it's so easy to get distracted. We must remember, though, that Jesus has to stay central to anything and everything that we do. To do this, we take time to give thanks and remember Jesus' life and sacrifice through partaking in the Lord's Supper. Remembering the price that was paid for us is all that really matters. Listen to this sermon about remembering who Jesus is and what He did on our behalf as we take time to give thanks, remember, and partake in communion together as a church family.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/CrgTkkP_xtUSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

God is faithful. Since the beginning of time, God has remained faithful to His promises and in His pursuit of us. Even though we may have questions, doubts, and frustrations about our lives, God is faithful. Through how He took on the promise and the curse of the covenant to reconcile His people back to Him, we see how God is faithful to His promises, and He is faithful to His promises through Jesus. Even in our failures, Jesus still died in our place, and God still loves us, pursues us, and is faithful. Because He is faithful, we should be faithful. Listen to this sermon about how He is faithful in the tenth and final part of our He Is series.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/GvW8e0bNGXwSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Lighting is important. In photography, for example, lighting can be the difference between a breathtaking photo and a terrible one. In the context of a human being, a life is only as beautiful as the light that illuminates it. In the Sermon on the Mount, in addition to Jesus calling believers to be the salt of the earth, He also commands believers to light their shine in the world. As followers of Christ, we are called to be the light in a dark world. Jesus is the Light of the World, and He changes everything. Light always changes the environment it's in because it exposes the darkness. Because we are an extension of Jesus' ministry as followers of Him, our responsibility is to be the light in the darkness. Our responsibility is to let His light shine through us, but the reality is that there is sin in us that affects the brightness of the light that shines through us. As the light shines through us, it is going to expose the very things that dim the light that shines through us and around us. Our conviction of our sin must lead to confession because sin can dim the brightness of how the light shines in our life. The light in us never changes because Jesus never changes, but the sin in our lives can affect the brightness of the light shining through us. Let your light shine in the darkness, and let it shine bright. Listen to this sermon about how He Is Light and how we are to let the light shine in the ninth part of our He Is series.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/ZZ7HJc-jSEsSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

We face choices and opinions where we are forced to pick sides. Often, these choices lead to clear division and separation. Similarly, there would be a dividing line in the room, a clear separation; before we place our faith in Jesus, there is a clear dividing line between us and God. God sent His only Son to provide a way for that gap to be closed so that we would be unified in Him, in Him alone. Therefore, He is unity. Not only was Jesus sent to be united, but Jesus also exhausted Himself modeling unity and how to achieve unity. We look to how Jesus modeled unity with his disciples to see how we, too, can model unity in a divided world. Through finding common ground, meeting people right where they are, and seeing others' potential, we can be imitators of Christ to model unity and live it out. Listen to this sermon about He is unity in the eighth part of our He Is series.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/FpmjI0wsgBYSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Jesus is patient. We think that God loves us when we are doing well and that He is disappointed when we fail. However, God loves us enormously on our best days and loves us the same on our worst days. He is patient with us. He displays His patience towards us through being a patient physician and patient shepherd. Looking at how Jesus healed people, how He led people, and who He said He was throughout His earthly ministry, we see that He wants to heal and lead us, too. Listen to this sermon about how He is patient in the seventh part of our He Is series. Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/PMEORcPxe38Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Jesus always led and loved with generosity. As an imitator of Christ, because Christ is generous, we are to be generous too. Looking to Jesus' teaching in the parable of the Good Samaritan, we see how being generous involves putting others' agendas before our own, having compassion that leads to action, and being open-handed with what God has given us. We are generous because He was first generous to us. How do we need to be generous today? Listen to this sermon about He is generous in the sixth part of our He Is series.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/tQoVtgt6dAASubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

As followers of Christ, we are called to be authentic imitators of Him, not just in words but through our actions. Everything Jesus commands us to do, He has modeled it. Through this, we see, that He is authentic by how He loved, served, forgave, and was just real. How much different would our church, our homes, and our workplaces look if we were authentic through our love, service, forgiveness, and being real with one another? Listen to this sermon about He is authentic in the fifth part of our He Is series.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/tW5GTtIR0FsSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

On Jesus' way to Jerusalem, as He approached what He knew would be the crucifixion, He had to Jericho. Through His journey to Jericho, he encountered Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector hated among the people, in a sycamore tree. Despite being hated, being in a hard-to-see place amidst the crowd, and Zacchaeus not really knowing Jesus but curious enough to catch a glimpse of Him, Jesus called Zacchaeus by name and invited Himself to Zacchauses' house to dine with him. Through this encounter and dining with what the community deemed as the worst of these, we see how Jesus is welcoming. Jesus wanted to display that anyone, including the worst of the worst, who will seek Him and will find Him and He will welcome them in. Jesus will welcome anyone, and in the same way, so should we. Listen to this sermon about He is welcoming in the fourth part of our He Is series.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/SY5YFKzJV_cSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

When you think of kindness, you think of someone being nice to you or pleasant, gentle, patient, offering a helpful gesture. However, kindness is not just about being positive, helpful, and gentle, but it's also acting on what someone needs. The kindness of God is one of the most fascinating and mind blowing qualities of God, that he, who is Yahweh, is kind. Looking to accounts of people being healed by Jesus throughout Scripture, we see how God's kindness acts, goes first, and is selfless, ultimately, giving us a model that we can embody and emulate. Listen to this sermon about how He is kind in the third part of our He Is series.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/V7ExhGcSAu4Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Looking at the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4, we see how He is and still is intentional. Despite being despised by Jews and Samaritans, Jesus was still intentional in His interaction with the woman and provided true satisfaction to her thirst through a relationship with Him. This intentionality even compelled her to tell others, causing more to believe in Jesus. As imitators of Christ, we must live out this same intentionality to carry out the message of reconciliation to lost people. Listen to this sermon about Jesus' intentionality in the second part of our He Is series. Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/UPbBdakjANYSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

We are called to be imitators of Christ, and it's a responsibility of being a follower of Christ. Upon salvation, God not only calls you a child of God and calls you redeemed, but He also calls you an ambassador for Him. As an ambassador for Christ, we are given the message and ministry of reconciliation. Carrying this message and living out this ministry is the goal; how we accomplish this goal is the strategy. To learn how to accomplish the goal, we'll look to Jesus and who He is throughout this new series entitled “He Is.” Listen to this sermon about being an ambassador for Christ in the first part of our He Is series.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/oz9RheNW1LsSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

We never know what we're going to face every day. We will face unexpected, unwanted, and uncomfortable pain and circumstances in life. When it seems like life is falling apart, God is working on the brokenness. Looking at the parable of the hidden treasure in Matthew 13, Jesus teaches that unexpected blessings are often found in unexpected events. God will never waste the unexpected, but are we willing to surrender the very thing that is causing pain in our lives so that He can cover it with His grace and love? God wants to use your circumstances and He wants to use you to bring His Kingdom here to earth. Listen to this sermon about unexpected blessings in unexpected circumstances in the third and final part of our Stories series.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/dkFbcySVaZMSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

God has a plan for you in His family and in His mission. While He has proven His power through speaking everything into creation, making a way for His people, and wiping out evil in the great flood, He chose to expand His Kingdom differently through His people, including you. Looking to Jesus sharing the parable of the mustard seed and the leaven, be reminded that you are a seed in the hand of an ever-faithful Farmer. You are a seed and leaven in the world. Remember that God sees you, has a plan for you, and has an assignment for you. Listen to this sermon about God's unthinkable plan to expand His family from small beginnings person to person in the second part of our Stories series.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/zjTMY7Ck2oISubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

In Luke 6, Jesus is speaking to His disciples and a crowd of people, and He shares the parable of the house built on the rock versus the house built on the sand. In His message, Jesus shares that the man with the house on the rock stood firm when the storm came, while the house on the sand was destroyed by the storm. Looking at this message shared to believers by Jesus, we see the importance of applying this to our own lives. We are going to face storms in our lives, whether we believe in Jesus or not. How is our foundation, though? Are we digging deep to make the foundation secure, or is there no foundation? If our lives are not built on Jesus, we will withstand the storms we face in live. Do you know Jesus? Listen to this sermon about checking the foundation of our lives in the first part of our Stories series. Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/0dLziyeS6WQSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

When we belong to God, our salvation represents a brick in the Kingdom of God. It is our responsibility to go and gather more bricks to place in the Kingdom of God. What does it look like practically to build the Kingdom of God? Look to the children of Israel in the book of Ezra, whom God freed to build His temple; we see how we must keep building His Kingdom, even in the face of the enemy's disruptions. Listen to this sermon about building the Kingdom of God in the third part of our Belong, Become, Build series, walking through how we seek to accomplish the mission God has called us to at Chestnut Mountain Church.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/qbWJBqmCFtkSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

While the heart of the church is always going to be that we want people to belong to God and belong here, we have to have the same burning passion to want you to become a mature disciple of Christ. We want you to belong to Him, we want you to belong here, and we want you to mature and become a mature disciple of Jesus Christ. Why is it so important? We're doing exactly what Jesus commanded us to do. Looking at Jesus' model of invitation and discipleship, we see how we can fulfill the Great Commission He has commanded us to go and make disciples. Listen to this sermon about becoming a mature disciple of Christ in the second part of our Belong, Become, Build series walking through how we seek to accomplish the mission God has called us to at Chestnut Mountain Church. Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/4UwE70DDQfQSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Our mission here is to saturate the world by making disciples. We have three strategies, which are how we are going to accomplish saturating the world by making disciples, and these three strategies are belong, become, and build. We desire for people to belong to God and to belong to the family of God. The word belong embodies the heart of God. Looking back to Adam and Eve and how God desired for them to belong to Him, we see that God continues to pursue us and desires for us to belong to Him despite our sin. God wants you to belong to Him. Listen to this sermon about belonging to God and to the family of God in the first part of our Belong, Become, Build series walking through how we seek to accomplish the mission God has called us to at Chestnut Mountain Church. Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/R0IC0z5fdgESubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

John was writing his letter to believers because many believers had doubts. In 1 John 5, John writes that we can know that we will have eternal life because of how we are saved and the evidence of salvation. As believers, we may be through seasons of doubt as well. In these doubts, how can we know that we are saved, and what is the evidence of salvation? We are saved only by trusting in Jesus. God puts down the hand of grace while we put up the hand of faith. When we're saved, our salvation compels us to love God, have a desire to keep His commands, and love others. We don't have to live in doubt; we can live in victory because of Jesus. Listen to this sermon about the evidence of salvation in the final part of our In The Word series, walking through the book of 1 John.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/zxvodOO3pcASubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

What is love? If you're looking for what love is or about to give up on love, don't give up on love, and John is showing us what love is in 1 John. God is love. Through Scripture, we see that God's love is show and tell, God's love is strong enough for the unlovable, and the presence of God is marked by love. Understanding what love is allows us to be loved and go out and share love by loving one another as we have been commanded. Listen to this sermon about what love is in the fifth part of our In The Word series, walking through the book of 1 John.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/ttO8373JAOISubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

As followers of Christ, how do we live in the love of God? We need to embrace the world we live in and love people no matter what. What does it look like to live the way God wants us to? We look to Christ and His love for us; this is the same love we should show others. You can love people well, like Jesus, wherever you are or whatever you're doing. It requires us to lay down our life. Listen to this sermon about how to live in the love of God in the fourth part of our In The Word series, walking through 1 John.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/ezH6U6JN_XASubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

As followers of Christ, how can we know who we are, and how can we be sure of this? If you are in Jesus, you are a son or daughter of the King. If we are born-again believers, this is our new identity. If we could focus and grasp the love of God, our lives would look vastly different. This is how we can be sure of our identity. We will be known by what we do and by how we love. Not only can you see that you are born again based on how you love others, but the people around you can, too. Listen to this sermon about our identity in Christ and being sure of it in the third part of our In The Word series, walking through 1 John.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/bs8i3kcSLuESubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

If you have a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ, you will look different than you did before you met Him. In his letter, John is saying it's not enough for us just to have Jesus all to ourselves. But our joy is ultimately made complete when we get the opportunity to tell others about the experience that we have. As a child of God, if you have truly experienced a relationship with Jesus Christ, it is not enough for you to keep it to yourself. You are commanded by the Word of God that once you have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, it is your responsibility to tell others about Him. Listen to this sermon about joy-giving principles in the first part of our In The Word series, walking through the book of 1 John.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/xXCfIvHV6yYSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

If you have a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ, you will look different than you did before you met Him. In his letter, John is saying it's not enough for us just to have Jesus all to ourselves. But our joy is ultimately made complete when we get the opportunity to tell others about the experience that we have. As a child of God, if you have truly experienced a relationship with Jesus Christ, it is not enough for you to keep it to yourself. You are commanded by the Word of God that once you have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, it is your responsibility to tell others about Him. Listen to this sermon about joy-giving principles in the first part of our In The Word series, walking through the book of 1 John.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/2sOPakirMcASubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Looking to Adam and Nehemiah, the importance of men taking a stand is seen. The devil will wait for the opportune time to step in and turn your life upside down. There is a danger in being only physically present but not emotionally or spiritually present. God has called you to lead your home, to love your home, to lead your spouse, to love your children. If He calls you away from doing that, it's not of God. Don't be lured away or distracted. Before you can lead your family, you've got to learn to lead yourself. Before you can lead yourself, you've got to learn to follow Jesus. Listen to this Father's Day sermon about dads and husbands taking a stand. Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/3-B8k5gEDf4Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.