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In this episode, we sit down with Brian Recker to talk about his story of leaving the world of fundamental Christianity.Brian grew up deep in the culture of fundamentalism. He eventually became a full–time vocational pastor and gave his life to ministry. But over time… questions he wasn't allowed to ask… pain he couldn't ignore… and theological systems that could not stand up to honest scrutiny… led him down a long and winding journey of deconstruction.In this conversation, Brian shares honestly about what led him to step away from vocational ministry, how his understanding of God and Scripture unraveled, and what it felt like to walk away from the only version of Christianity he had ever known.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.
This September, a team of women from Christ Community Church traveled to Santiago, Chile, to serve alongside local churches and missionaries from the International Mission Board. From hosting women's teas and teaching English to serving in the shanty towns, our team saw God move in powerful ways, stretching comfort zones, building friendships, and opening hearts to the Gospel.Their stories remind us that faith grows when we say “yes” to God's call, even when it's uncomfortable.
Welcome to Christ Community Church of Wilmington NC. We are committed to teaching the Bible, transforming lives, and touching our world.
Thank you for joining us. Here is our praise & worship portion of our service with the praise team at Christ Community Church, Murphysboro, Illinois on November 2, 2025. Come be a part of our service every Sunday at 8:30 and 10am on 473 West Harrison Road (on the corner of Route 127 and Harrison Road. Our Website: www.cccmurphy.com/ Our Facebook: facebook.com/cccmurphysboro/ Our Vimeo: vimeo.com/cccmurphysboro Our YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCwSw0gd--EvGp15v7g-KZEw Our Soundcloud: @cccmurphy We truly appreciate all your support. If you would like to give a donation, here is a link to our website to do so: cccmurphy.churchcenter.com/giving
Here is our sermon "Undeniable Love" with Pastor Rick McNeely at Christ Community Church, Murphysboro, Illinois on November 2, 2025. Come be a part of our service every Sunday at 10am on 473 West Harrison Road on the corner of Route 127 and Harrison Road. Our Website: www.cccmurphy.com/ Our Facebook: facebook.com/cccmurphysboro/ Our YouTube: www.youtube.com/@christcommunitychurch8257 Our Soundcloud: @cccmurphy We truly appreciate all your support. If you would like to give a donation, here is a link to our website to do so: cccmurphy.churchcenter.com/giving
This week, we explore how coffee became more than a drink—how it shapes our culture, our rituals, and even our discipleship. From caffeine addiction to church hospitality, we ask what our morning brew reveals about the modern Christian soul.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.
We live in a world that never seems to slow down. Deadlines, family demands, and constant notifications all compete for our attention.But what if God designed rest—not just work—as being essential to our flourishing? Today, we're talking with Tom Nelson about the Sabbath, why it matters, and how it can transform the way we live and trust God.Dr. Tom Nelson is the President of Made to Flourish and has served as the Senior Pastor of Christ Community Church, a multi-site congregation across Kansas City, for over 30 years. He is also the author of Why Your Work Matters: How God Uses Our Everyday Vocations to Transform Us, Our Neighbors, and the World.God's Design for Both Work and RestFrom the very first pages of Scripture, we see that God's creation design includes both work and rest. These are not competing ideas but complementary rhythms woven into what it means to bear God's image. Yet in our culture, it's easy to emphasize one and neglect the other. We celebrate hard work—and rightly so—but often ignore the equally important gift of rest.Genesis 2 begins not with human work, but with divine rest. “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested” (Genesis 2:2). God didn't rest because He was weary. He rested to delight in His creation and to model for us a rhythm of life that mirrors His own.Sabbath is a gift. It's not an obstacle to productivity but an invitation to communion with our Creator. From the Garden of Eden to the Ten Commandments, from Jesus' ministry to the promise of the new creation, the thread of Sabbath runs through the entire story of Scripture.When we honor that rhythm—six days of labor and one day of holy rest—we experience an echo of Eden and a foretaste of eternity, when we will work and rest in perfect harmony with God.Rediscovering Sabbath as a GiftGod designed us for a relationship with Himself and with one another. Sabbath helps us recalibrate those relationships. It reorders our hearts around love, not accomplishment. The Triune God invites us to rest so that our hearts might be re-centered on intimacy with Him rather than on our own achievements.That's what Sabbath is really about: not simply stopping our work, but remembering who sustains it. It reminds us that the primary calling of our lives is not to do for God, but to be with God.For many of us, we may see Sabbath as optional—something good in theory but impossible in practice. However, neglecting rest affects our spiritual formation, our relationships, and even our physical and emotional health.Sabbath is not a duty; it's a grace. It's not legalism; it's life. Sabbath is God's way of teaching us to steward not just our resources, but our time. We often speak of stewarding our time, talent, and treasure, yet forget that time itself is one of God's greatest gifts.We may think of Sabbath as “rest from work,” but we should really view it as “work from rest.” Our week should flow out of the rest we receive—not the other way around.Guarding Against the Idolatry of WorkOur work matters deeply to God. But like all good things, it can become disordered. When we place our identity, meaning, or security in what we accomplish, work becomes an idol. Sabbath protects us from that idolatry.By resting, we declare that God—not our productivity—sustains the world. Sabbath breaks the cycle of self-reliance and teaches us to trust the One who never sleeps. It frees us to delight in beauty, to nurture relationships, and to experience renewal in body and soul.Many people say, “That sounds wonderful, but you don't know my schedule.” Between raising children, leading organizations, and building businesses, the idea of a day of rest can feel unrealistic.But Sabbath is not a test of devotion—it's an act of grace. Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). God gives us this rhythm for our good. So start small. Begin with an afternoon. Disconnect from technology. Step away from the endless noise and hurry. Give your soul permission to breathe.As you do, you'll find that rest becomes not a luxury, but a necessity. You'll also discover that Sabbath rhythms bear witness to a watching world—an act of quiet evangelism declaring that our trust is in God's provision, not our own effort.A Practical Picture of SabbathFor many, Sunday naturally serves as a Sabbath—a day centered on corporate worship and community. Begin the day in God's Word. Gather with your church family to worship and remember the gospel. Then build the rest of the day around delight: time with loved ones, enjoying nature, sharing meals, or simply slowing down.Sabbath isn't about inactivity; it's about being present—to God, to others, and to the world He made. It's a day of delight, not productivity—a time to remember that we are human beings, not human doings.Without Sabbath, those we love often receive only our leftovers—whatever energy remains after six days of striving. But when rest becomes part of our rhythm, our relationships deepen. We offer the people closest to us not exhaustion, but joy.Sadly, when people face burnout or relational breakdown, Sabbath is almost always missing. Rest is essential to wholeness.Ultimately, Sabbath points us to Jesus Himself—the Lord of the Sabbath. He invites us, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). That invitation is not just for a day each week—it's for every day of our lives.When we rest, we remember that the world is not upheld by our effort but by His grace. True rest is not found in the absence of work but in the presence of Christ.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:Our new community ministry is only about 25% funded right now, but we'd really like to launch it in a biblically sound way. As a leadership team, how should we move forward with that?A debt settlement counselor is offering to settle $36,000 of debt for $29,000, with monthly payments of $575 over 52 months. That adds up to just $29,000 total. Is this legitimate—or does it sound like a scam?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Made to FlourishWhy Your Work Matters: How God Uses Our Everyday Vocations to Transform Us, Our Neighbors, and the World by Dr. Tom NelsonChristian Credit CounselorsWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Sermons from Christ Community Church, Crawford, Nebraska. Pastor Steve Mallery
Will There Be a Christian Super Bowl Halftime Show? … GUEST Kelsey Kramer McGinnis … worship correspondent for Christianity Today … coauthor of “The Myth of Good Christian Parenting” and writes broadly on Christian music and the intersection of American Christianity and popular culture. A Biblical Response to the Immigration Crisis … GUEST Dr Richard Gamble … professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (RPTS), Point Breeze. The Way of the Prophet … GUEST Rev Terry Timm … Christ Community Church of the South HillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Will There Be a Christian Super Bowl Halftime Show? … GUEST Kelsey Kramer McGinnis … worship correspondent for Christianity Today … coauthor of “The Myth of Good Christian Parenting” and writes broadly on Christian music and the intersection of American Christianity and popular culture. A Biblical Response to the Immigration Crisis … GUEST Dr Richard Gamble … professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (RPTS), Point Breeze. The Way of the Prophet … GUEST Rev Terry Timm … Christ Community Church of the South HillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to Christ Community Church of Wilmington NC. We are committed to teaching the Bible, transforming lives, and touching our world.
Thank you for joining us. Here is our praise & worship portion of our service with the praise team at Christ Community Church, Murphysboro, Illinois on October 26, 2025. Come be a part of our service every Sunday at 8:30 and 10am on 473 West Harrison Road (on the corner of Route 127 and Harrison Road. Our Website: www.cccmurphy.com/ Our Facebook: facebook.com/cccmurphysboro/ Our Vimeo: vimeo.com/cccmurphysboro Our YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCwSw0gd--EvGp15v7g-KZEw Our Soundcloud: @cccmurphy We truly appreciate all your support. If you would like to give a donation, here is a link to our website to do so: cccmurphy.churchcenter.com/giving
Here is our sermon "Don't Stop Now" with Pastor Rick McNeely at Christ Community Church, Murphysboro, Illinois on October 26, 2025. Come be a part of our service every Sunday at 10am on 473 West Harrison Road on the corner of Route 127 and Harrison Road. Our Website: www.cccmurphy.com/ Our Facebook: facebook.com/cccmurphysboro/ Our YouTube: www.youtube.com/@christcommunitychurch8257 Our Soundcloud: @cccmurphy We truly appreciate all your support. If you would like to give a donation, here is a link to our website to do so: cccmurphy.churchcenter.com/giving
This week, we pull back the curtain as Jarrett and Bryce join Eric and Jess as guests to unpack what it really takes to make an episode—from idea to upload —before diving into culture talk on The Louvre Heist, OpenAI's Sora, and the No Kings protests. We wrap with ChatGPT taking over and interviewing us.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.
Jeremy Walters. John's Gospel sermon series. Oct. 12, 2025. Christ Community Church: https://www.cccfamily.org. Watch online: https://www.youtube.com/user/CCCFamilyArlingtonTX
Bob Strader. John's Gospel sermon series. Oct. 19, 2025. Christ Community Church: https://www.cccfamily.org. Watch online: https://www.youtube.com/user/CCCFamilyArlingtonTX
Bob Strader. John's Gospel sermon series. Oct. 5, 2025. Christ Community Church: https://www.cccfamily.org. Watch online: https://www.youtube.com/user/CCCFamilyArlingtonTX
n John 13:6–11, Jesus kneels to wash the disciples' feet—a moment that shows us what love really looks like. We all know Peter's resistance: “You shall never wash my feet.” But what if letting Jesus serve us is the beginning of real healing?In this message from Christ Community Church in Ardmore, discover:Why grace begins with being seen, not performingHow surrender heals shameWhy control and communion can't coexistWhat it means to truly receive God's loveThis isn't about perfection—it's about presence. Every morning, the basin still waits, and the towel still hangs over Christ's arm.Join us this week as we learn to rest in His love.Call to ActionSubscribe for weekly messages from Christ Community Church. Learn more: https://ardmoreccc.com Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/ardmoreccc YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ardmoreccc Instagram: https://instagram.com/ardmoreccc#ardmorechurch #churchinardmore
Sermons from Christ Community Church, Crawford, Nebraska. Pastor Steve Mallery
Welcome to Christ Community Church of Wilmington NC. We are committed to teaching the Bible, transforming lives, and touching our world.
Thank you for joining us. Here is our praise & worship portion of our service with the praise team at Christ Community Church, Murphysboro, Illinois on October 19, 2025. Come be a part of our service every Sunday at 8:30 and 10am on 473 West Harrison Road (on the corner of Route 127 and Harrison Road. Our Website: www.cccmurphy.com/ Our Facebook: facebook.com/cccmurphysboro/ Our Vimeo: vimeo.com/cccmurphysboro Our YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCwSw0gd--EvGp15v7g-KZEw Our Soundcloud: @cccmurphy We truly appreciate all your support. If you would like to give a donation, here is a link to our website to do so: cccmurphy.churchcenter.com/giving
Here is our sermon "The Making of Heroes" with Pastor Rick McNeely at Christ Community Church, Murphysboro, Illinois on October 19, 2025. Come be a part of our service every Sunday at 10am on 473 West Harrison Road on the corner of Route 127 and Harrison Road. Our Website: www.cccmurphy.com/ Our Facebook: facebook.com/cccmurphysboro/ Our YouTube: www.youtube.com/@christcommunitychurch8257 Our Soundcloud: @cccmurphy We truly appreciate all your support. If you would like to give a donation, here is a link to our website to do so: cccmurphy.churchcenter.com/giving
This week, we unpack why outrage has become our default emotion and how curiosity can interrupt the cycle. From cancel culture to church culture, we explore what it means to follow Jesus with emotional intelligence, humility, and restraint in an age of reaction.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.
Connor Johnson, Deacon and Worship Leader at Christ Community Church, continues our study of the more unfamiliar extra-biblical works that Jude references in his letter. In this chapter of Footnotes, we begin looking at the Book of Enoch. Join us!
In John 13, Jesus shows us what real love looks like. Before going to the cross, He takes up a towel and washes His disciples' feet. This act of humility reveals the heart of God—love that doesn't quit, power that serves, and glory that kneels.Join Christ Community Church in Ardmore as we explore what it means to love to the very end. Learn how true strength comes from serving others and how every small act of hidden kindness reflects the character of Christ.If you've ever wondered how to love when it's costly or how to find peace through humility, this message is for you. Christ Community Church in Ardmore is a place where we seek to be true to Christ, kind to all people, and the body of Christ in our community and beyond.
John 12:37–50 | Pastor Artie | Christ Community Church Ardmore
Sermons from Christ Community Church, Crawford, Nebraska. Pastor Steve Mallery
Welcome to Christ Community Church of Wilmington NC. We are committed to teaching the Bible, transforming lives, and touching our world.
Christ Community Church (formerly ECC)
Thank you for joining us. Here is our praise & worship portion of our service with the praise team at Christ Community Church, Murphysboro, Illinois on October 12, 2025. Come be a part of our service every Sunday at 8:30 and 10am on 473 West Harrison Road (on the corner of Route 127 and Harrison Road. Our Website: www.cccmurphy.com/ Our Facebook: facebook.com/cccmurphysboro/ Our Vimeo: vimeo.com/cccmurphysboro Our YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCwSw0gd--EvGp15v7g-KZEw Our Soundcloud: @cccmurphy We truly appreciate all your support. If you would like to give a donation, here is a link to our website to do so: cccmurphy.churchcenter.com/giving
Here is our sermon "Too Big for My Hands" with Pastor Rick McNeely at Christ Community Church, Murphysboro, Illinois on October 12, 2025. Come be a part of our service every Sunday at 10am on 473 West Harrison Road on the corner of Route 127 and Harrison Road. Our Website: www.cccmurphy.com/ Our Facebook: facebook.com/cccmurphysboro/ Our YouTube: www.youtube.com/@christcommunitychurch8257 Our Soundcloud: @cccmurphy We truly appreciate all your support. If you would like to give a donation, here is a link to our website to do so: cccmurphy.churchcenter.com/giving
Jeremy Walters. John's Gospel sermon series. Sept. 21, 2025. Christ Community Church: https://www.cccfamily.org. Watch online: https://www.youtube.com/user/CCCFamilyArlingtonTX
Bob Strader. John's Gospel sermon series. Sept. 28, 2025. Christ Community Church: https://www.cccfamily.org. Watch online: https://www.youtube.com/user/CCCFamilyArlingtonTX
This week, we grapple with why empathy is being branded as a weakness in political and religious spaces, even as science and scripture highlight its power. From brain science to cultural critiques, we explore how empathy can both strain and sustain us, and what it takes to turn it into compassion guided by truth.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.
This Sunday, we celebrated 15 years of God's faithfulness at Christ Community Church by looking forward to the city that is to come.Pastor Blake reminded us that our hope isn't in strategies or structures, but in the God who dwells with His people. As “tent dwellers,” we're called to:1. Thirst for God's presence2. Pursue holiness together3. Shine the light of Christ among the nationsFrom Revelation 21, we're reminded that God's dwelling is with humanity, His holy city is beautiful beyond imagination, and His light will never fail.
Today we celebrated the incredible story of Christ Community Church, a journey that began with a simple “yes” to God's call to go outside. Founding pastor Lee Webb sat down with missionary mentor Carl Babb to reflect on the adventure of faith that started in a living room and became a movement.From pre-marital counseling sessions to planting a church, their story reminds us that discipleship isn't about having all the answers, it's about walking with Jesus, together, one step at a time.
Sermons from Christ Community Church, Crawford, Nebraska. Pastor Steve Mallery
Welcome to Christ Community Church of Wilmington NC. We are committed to teaching the Bible, transforming lives, and touching our world.
Here is our sermon "So Close Yet So Far" with Pastor Rick McNeely at Christ Community Church, Murphysboro, Illinois on October 5, 2025. Come be a part of our service every Sunday at 10am on 473 West Harrison Road on the corner of Route 127 and Harrison Road. Our Website: www.cccmurphy.com/ Our Facebook: facebook.com/cccmurphysboro/ Our YouTube: www.youtube.com/@christcommunitychurch8257 Our Soundcloud: @cccmurphy We truly appreciate all your support. If you would like to give a donation, here is a link to our website to do so: cccmurphy.churchcenter.com/giving
Thank you for joining us. Here is our praise & worship portion of our service with the praise team at Christ Community Church, Murphysboro, Illinois on October 5, 2025. Come be a part of our service every Sunday at 8:30 and 10am on 473 West Harrison Road (on the corner of Route 127 and Harrison Road. Our Website: www.cccmurphy.com/ Our Facebook: facebook.com/cccmurphysboro/ Our Vimeo: vimeo.com/cccmurphysboro Our YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCwSw0gd--EvGp15v7g-KZEw Our Soundcloud: @cccmurphy We truly appreciate all your support. If you would like to give a donation, here is a link to our website to do so: cccmurphy.churchcenter.com/giving
This week, we examine the rise of AI-generated Bible videos and ask whether they help people engage with Scripture or risk distorting God's Word. Dr. Karl Pagenkemper joins us to weigh the promise, the pitfalls, and the guardrails churches need for faithful use.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.
Sermons from Christ Community Church, Crawford, Nebraska. Pastor Steve Mallery
Mission Sunday | Psalm 67 by Christ Community Church of Magnolia
Welcome to Christ Community Church of Wilmington NC. We are committed to teaching the Bible, transforming lives, and touching our world.
This week, we confront the realities of student dropout rates, the myths that fuel stigma, and how Omaha Street School provides hope and alternatives for at-risk youth. We see the human side behind the statistics through data, honest questions, and one student's story.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.
Sermons from Christ Community Church, Crawford, Nebraska. Pastor Steve Mallery
Welcome to Christ Community Church of Wilmington NC. We are committed to teaching the Bible, transforming lives, and touching our world.
This week we wrestle with the grief and confusion of national tragedy, from the death of Charlie Kirk to acts of senseless violence that shake our faith and our communities. We reflect on lament, leadership, and the hope of Christ in the face of suffering.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.
Welcome to Christ Community Church of Wilmington NC. We are committed to teaching the Bible, transforming lives, and touching our world.
This week Jess sits down with Kris Reece to unpack the pain of toxic relationships, the grip of narcissism, and the hope of setting healthy boundaries. Together we explore her story, biblical wisdom, and practical steps toward freedom and healing in Christ.DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the cast members and guests. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of Christ Community Church.