Weekly teaching from Salem Chapel, a church in Winston-Salem, NC who's mission is to glorify God by making and mobilizing disciples who represent the gospel to every man, woman and child.
Jesus Is the Hero of the Story – Week 2From Pit To Purpose (Genesis 37–50)What others meant to break you, God will use to build you. In Joseph's story, we see how betrayal, brokenness, and burdens can become the very places where God works out His greater purpose. Even when life feels out of control, God's hand is steady, His grace is present, and His story is still being written—one that ultimately points us to Jesus, who redeems what was meant for harm and turns it into hope.
Jesus Is the Hero of the Story – Week 1The Grace That Provides Faith (Genesis 22:1–14)When your faith is tested, how do you trust in the grace God provides? In this message, we see how Abraham's obedience points us to a greater truth: God doesn't just require faith—He provides the grace to walk in it. As we release what we're gripping, respond when it's grueling, and rely on God's provision, we're reminded that Jesus is the Lamb God provided at just the right time.
In the final message of our Wisdom From Above series, James 5:13–20 shows us what real faith looks like when life hits hard. Faith doesn't fold under pressure—it shows up. Whether it's through prayer in pain, partnership in struggle, or pursuing those who have drifted, true wisdom leads us to live out our faith with boldness and compassion. Listen as we discover how the gospel empowers us to walk with strength, honesty, and love—no matter what comes our way.
James 5:12 calls us out of dishonesty and into a life of honesty shaped by the gospel. Dishonesty often stems from a desire to protect ourselves, control outcomes, or manage how we're perceived—but it ultimately robs us of freedom, intimacy, transformation, and joy. The gospel confronts and exposes our dishonesty, but it also empowers us to live with integrity and truth. Listen as we learn how to let our "yes" be yes and our "no" be no in a way that reflects a heart changed by Christ.
In the eleventh message of our Wisdom From Above series, James 5:1-11 reminds us that impatience can stir up strife, but patience shapes us into people of strength. Impatience corrupts our perspective, fuels fear, and often hurts others, while patience builds endurance and trust in God's unseen work. Like the bamboo tree that grows strong beneath the surface before it's ever seen, God is growing something in us as we wait. Listen as we learn to trust God's timing and let patience take root.
In the tenth message of our Wisdom From Above series, James 4:13-17 reminds us of the danger of making plans without God. When we schedule God out of our plans, we often schedule regret into our future. James challenges us to pause our presumptions, pursue God's purpose, and practice what we know to be true. Listen as we learn how to live with humility, dependency, and obedience in every decision we make.
In the ninth message of our Wisdom From Above series, James 4:1-12 uncovers the root of our conflicts—with others, within ourselves, and with God. Our selfish desires and pride drive division, but James also shows us the way to healing through humility, repentance, and surrender to God's grace. Join us as we learn eight practical steps to overcome conflict and walk in the peace and power that come from a life fully yielded to Jesus.
This Easter, we're reminded that Jesus doesn't ask questions to confuse or frustrate us—He asks because He's inviting us into something deeper. In John 20:11–18, Jesus tenderly asks Mary, “Why are you crying? Who is it you're seeking?”—questions that echo into our lives today.In this Easter message, Pastor Johnny unpacks three powerful questions Jesus is still asking each of us:Why are you grieving?Who are you seeking?What are you doubting?These aren't meant to shame us—but to meet us in our grief, longing, and doubt with the hope and power of His resurrection. The empty tomb isn't just a moment in history—it's an invitation to believe that Jesus is alive and that He is exactly who He says He is.
In the eighth message of our Wisdom From Above series, James 3:13-18 reveals that not all wisdom is worth following. The way you live reflects the kind of wisdom you're following—either earthly wisdom rooted in envy and selfish ambition, or heavenly wisdom marked by purity, peace, and humility. True wisdom from above produces a life of gentleness, mercy, and righteousness. Listen as we learn to discern the difference and follow the path that leads to lasting peace.
In the seventh message of our Wisdom From Above series, James 3:1-12 reminds us that our words carry significant power to impact the people around us. James gives three strong warnings: our words can control us, consume others, and compromise our character. Whether building up or tearing down, what we say reveals the condition of our hearts. Listen as we explore how a faith-driven discipline, decision-making, and determination can help us speak life instead of destruction.
In the sixth message of our Wisdom From Above series, James 2:14-26 challenges us to evaluate the authenticity of our faith. Genuine faith isn't just belief—it's belief in action. Faith without works is pointless, powerless, and passive, but true faith works in us and through us. Join us as we explore what it means to live out the gospel with a faith that moves, serves, and reflects the heart of Jesus.
In the fifth message of our Wisdom From Above series, James 2:1-13 challenges us to confront favoritism in our lives. Faith in the gospel contradicts our tendency to judge others based on status, personality, or possessions. By recognizing God's perspective, remembering His command to love others, and reflecting His mercy, we can overcome favoritism and live out the love and grace of Christ. Listen as we learn how to treat others with the same mercy God has shown us.
In the fourth message of our Wisdom From Above series, James 1:19-27 teaches that God's Word is more than something to be read—it's life-giving wisdom to be received. When we welcome it with gratitude and respond with urgency, it confronts our agenda, frees us through truth, and transforms our lives. Listen along as we discover how true spiritual maturity comes not just from hearing God's Word but by living it out.
In the third message of our Wisdom From Above series, James gives us two warnings and a promise in the midst of trials. Trials expose our false foundations and reveal where we've misplaced our trust. Temptation also lurks in every trial, seeking to weaken our relationship with God. But James reminds us that when we take sin seriously and trust God, He promises to lead us into abundant life.
In the second message of our Wisdom From Above series, we explore what we truly need in the midst of adversity—wisdom. James 1:5-8 reminds us that wisdom comes from God, who gives generously to those who ask in faith. But wisdom isn't just about knowledge—it requires obedience. Listen as we learn how trusting in God's character and applying His truth can provide stability in life's storms.
In the first message of our Wisdom From Above series, we explore how God never wastes the adversity we face. James 1 teaches us that trials, though difficult, have a purpose—they strengthen our faith and produce endurance. By shifting our perspective and embracing perseverance, we can find joy in knowing that God is at work, refining us for something greater. Listen as we discover how trusting God in the midst of trials leads to spiritual maturity and lasting hope.
In the final message of our Ruth series, we see how our ruins can lead us to redemption through our Redeemer. While we may doubt that restoration is possible, Ruth 4 reminds us that Jesus desires us, has paid the price to redeem us, and promises to restore what is broken. True redemption isn't just about resolving our circumstances—it's about deepening our relationship with Christ. Listen as we discover how trusting in our Redeemer brings lasting hope beyond the ruins.
Have you ever felt like your failure disqualifies you from following Jesus? In this message from John 21:1-19, we see that even in our greatest failures, Jesus extends grace and invites us to keep following Him.Peter's story reminds us that failure isn't the end—it's an opportunity to experience God's grace in a deeper way. We respond to this invitation by:➡ Running to Jesus – Choosing to believe He makes a difference. (v. 7)➡ Abiding with Jesus – Trusting that He provides what we need. (vv. 8-14)➡ Being Restored by Jesus – Accepting His grace and moving forward. (vv. 15-17)No matter what you've done or how far you've strayed, Jesus is inviting you back. Listen now and be reminded that His grace is greater than your failures!
In Ruth 3, we see how life's ruins can lead to a deeper relationship with our Redeemer. Ruth's bold initiative, obedience, and trust reveal what it takes to experience God's presence more fully. Through her story, we're reminded that drawing closer to God requires us to step out in faith, surrender to His will, and trust in His perfect plan. Listen along as we discover how our brokenness can become the foundation for a transformative relationship with Jesus.
In Ruth 2, we see how God provides refuge in the midst of life's ruins. Ruth's story reminds us that our refuge is not found in a place, but in a person—God Himself. By choosing faith over coincidence, grace over entitlement, and hope over cynicism, we can experience God's provision and protection in unexpected ways. Listen along as we explore how God works through our circumstances to lead us to His perfect refuge.
God is working in the midst of your despair. In the first message of our Ruth series, we explore how life's hardships can lead to despair, shaping how we see ourselves, God, and our future. Through Naomi's journey of loss and Ruth's unwavering commitment, we are reminded that God is always at work, even in our darkest moments. He sees our needs and is preparing us for something greater. Listen along as we discover how God's presence and provision bring hope and restoration in the midst of despair.
Your resolutions have ramifications for your life.
Jesus' real love gives you the motivation to pray when real life happens.
Jesus real love declares you're an overcomer when real life has you overwhelmed.
Abiding in the real love of God is the key to knowing God in my real life.
Jesus' real love for your real life is greater than any obstacles you may face.
Real love for real life is to be lived out in your relationships.
Real love for Real life is the greatest gift God has provided for you.
The assurance of God's real love changes my real life and allows me to live in the freedom of God's love.
The real love for real life that you desire is found in Jesus Christ.
Guest speaker Charlie Mitchell delivered a message from Acts 14:19-23 Keep Going. Don't Stop!
Your story of Jesus' love for you is your motivation to share His love with others.
Before you introduce the Savior, listen to who/what they are looking to as their savior.
Jesus' wish for Salem chapel is to equip you to walk with Jesus.
God saying “not now” is not God saying “never”.
Jesus desires for us to live lives that are honest and truthful
You were made for rest and rest was made for you.
Love matters because it's the indicator of our hearts motivation.
The desert places of our lives become opportunities for greater growth as we abide in Jesus.
Pastor Will Plitt from Christ Together shares a message from Acts 1:1-11
The power of the Gospel reveals to us the necessity of community, the tactics of the enemy and the beauty of the Gospel.
The power of the gospel transforms you to value unity in the church.
The power of the gospel transforms our attitudes and actions toward government.
The power of the gospel transforms how I view myself, relate to others, and face opposition as a part of Christ's Church.
The power of the gospel is the good news of God's grace.
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