Podcasts about pastor zach

Today's sermon is Grace In Christmas by Zach Adams Find more teaching from Pastor Zach at www.zachadams.org

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach examines the rise of abortions in the U.S. since the overturning of Roe v. Wade and highlights how telehealth is changing access to abortion. He challenges Christians to engage—through prayer, support, and action—in protecting life and supporting vulnerable mothers, reminding listeners that the fight for life is ongoing and personal.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores a new poll showing declining interest in marriage among America's youth and asks: are we failing the next generation? He dives into how young men and women are being shaped by culture, the media, and lack of guidance, and challenges the church to cast a compelling biblical vision for both young men and women to help lead families, communities, and future generations well.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this message, Pastor Zach Backues explores biblical joy as rooted in the person of Jesus Himself, not in circumstances. Drawing from experiences in persecuted churches in Pakistan, Pastor Zach illustrates how deep suffering can coexist with profound joy when believers fix their eyes on Christ's smiling face and approval. Joy is presented as Jesus' own anointing that He shares with us, enabling endurance through trials and inviting us into a side-by-side relationship with Him.

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks: are colleges done with brainwashing? He breaks down a new curriculum flowchart at Texas Tech University designed to keep classes focused on their subjects, not professors' personal ideologies. Pastor Zach explores why colleges should teach students how to think—not what to think—and why parents, churches, and students all have a role in guiding young minds wisely.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks: do we need government to raise our kids? Using Australia's new law restricting social media for children under 16, he highlights the dangers of screens on kids' mental health and development—and challenges parents to step up with intentional guidance and discipline. Ultimately, Pastor Zach reminds us that protecting the next generation starts at home, not with laws.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

As we continue our Advent series on Joy, Pastor Zach walks us through the story of the wise men in Matthew 2, showing how even the most familiar Christmas passages still hold surprising depth. He explores the source, the reach, and the path of true joy as revealed in their journey to Jesus. This message reminds us that joy begins when we see Jesus clearly, respond in worship, and let his story reshape our own.

Empowering people to live unto Jesus. To learn more about our heart to steward the presence of God and all other things His House, join us on a Sunday Morning or visit our website www.hishouse.co Prayer Times Locations Vary Monday Nights (6:30p - 8:00p) Tuesday Afternoons (12p - 1:30p) Saturday Mornings (9a - 12p) Sunday Mornings (9a - 9:45a)

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach dives into the question: is your news a false prophet? Using the story of Dan Bongino as an example, he explores how media can spread lies to cater to what people want to hear, and how we must discern truth in a culture full of echo chambers. Ultimately, Pastor Zach reminds us that the standard for truth is found in God, not in the headlines.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

Jesus Lived the Ordinary Pastor Zach Fontaine

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on a recent Wall Street Journal article about elite colleges requiring students to engage with opposing viewpoints and challenges the church to do the same. He emphasizes Matthew 5:9, calling Christians to be peacemakers who prioritize understanding people over “winning” arguments. Pastor Zach encourages listeners to practice listening, validating others' perspectives, and building meaningful dialogue while standing firm in the truth.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on the story of Ohio State coach Ryan Day and the power of second chances, urging listeners not to be quick to write people off. He connects this to James 1:19, emphasizing patience, listening, and the possibility of redemption, both in personal relationships and in culture. Pastor Zach challenges us to reconsider who we may have prematurely judged or “canceled” and encourages reaching out to restore connection and potential.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the hidden dangers of social media and how foreign actors and divisive content can manipulate and divide us. He reminds listeners, drawing on 1 Peter 5:8, that the true enemy is spiritual, and urges discernment, prayer, and reflection before engaging online. Pastor Zach encourages turning our focus toward God and restoration in our relationships rather than being consumed by the toxicity of the Internet.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of the Outlaw Radio Show, Pastor Zach and The Boys discuss three women in the Genealogy of Jesus.

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the pressure of perfection in our culture and how it stifles growth, creativity, and personal progress. Drawing on Matthew 11:28, he reminds listeners that Jesus offers rest from cultural expectations and the need for validation, freeing us to embrace the messiness of life. Pastor Zach encourages us to lean into God's voice, take risks, and grow without fear of imperfection.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

Wrestling with Appetites – Genesis 25:19–34 | Pastor Zach Terry In this message from Genesis 25, Pastor Zach Terry unpacks the story of Jacob and Esau and shows how unchecked appetites can cost us far more than we ever intended to pay. From Esau trading his birthright for a bowl of stew to the spiritual battle happening long before the twins were even born, Scripture gives us a powerful warning: if you don't control your appetites, your appetites will control you. Using vivid illustrations, from competitive eating legends to the struggles of emotional fatigue, Pastor Zach demonstrates how the enemy hijacks our desires, distorts our perception, minimizes consequences, and ultimately leads us toward foolish decisions.  You'll learn: Why appetites aren't sinful but can become spiritually dangerous How impact bias and focalism distort your judgment How Esau lost everything for a moment of comfort How to break the power of destructive appetites Why big decisions must be made from a place of spiritual and emotional health  How to "reframe your future" the way Jesus did in Gethsemane If you've ever felt pulled by temptation, worn down by craving, or overwhelmed by desire, this message will help you see your choices clearly and walk in wisdom.  Subscribe for more messages through Genesis and the "We Who Wrestle" series.

Wrestling with Appetites – Genesis 25:19–34 | Pastor Zach Terry In this message from Genesis 25, Pastor Zach Terry unpacks the story of Jacob and Esau and shows how unchecked appetites can cost us far more than we ever intended to pay. From Esau trading his birthright for a bowl of stew to the spiritual battle happening long before the twins were even born, Scripture gives us a powerful warning: if you don't control your appetites, your appetites will control you. Using vivid illustrations, from competitive eating legends to the struggles of emotional fatigue, Pastor Zach demonstrates how the enemy hijacks our desires, distorts our perception, minimizes consequences, and ultimately leads us toward foolish decisions.  You'll learn: Why appetites aren't sinful but can become spiritually dangerous How impact bias and focalism distort your judgment How Esau lost everything for a moment of comfort How to break the power of destructive appetites Why big decisions must be made from a place of spiritual and emotional health  How to "reframe your future" the way Jesus did in Gethsemane If you've ever felt pulled by temptation, worn down by craving, or overwhelmed by desire, this message will help you see your choices clearly and walk in wisdom.  Subscribe for more messages through Genesis and the "We Who Wrestle" series.

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach unpacks how our constant phone-checking is draining our focus and reshaping our brains in ways similar to addiction. He connects this cultural habit to the biblical practice of fasting, arguing that smartphones—not food—are the modern master we need to step away from. Pastor Zach challenges listeners to build a rhythm of “digital fasting” so we can refocus our attention on God.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

// When God Shows Up in Unlikely Ways // In the kickoff to our series “When God Shows Up,” Pastor Zach teaches from Luke 1, where the angel announces Jesus' birth in a completely unexpected way. This message reminds us that God often shows up in our own lives in the unexpected, the unlikely, and the moments we'd never predict. Zach invites students to look for God's presence in places they might normally overlook and encourages them to trust that God is at work, even when it doesn't look the way they imagined.

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks: can we stop murder before it happens? Using Baltimore's Safe Streets program as an example, he explores how “credible messengers” intervene in communities to prevent violence and break cycles of harm. Pastor Zach connects this to Jesus' call for Christians to be salt and light, showing that through neighborly love and action, we can actively push back against decay and danger in our world.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks: did we discover a cure for loneliness? Drawing on a Stanford study, he explains that loneliness often stems from cynicism about others, not a lack of people, and that highlighting kindness and empathy can help people connect. Pastor Zach challenges listeners to speak well of others and share stories of goodness, showing how Christians can be redemptive and help lonely people experience real community.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks the question: do we ever leave high school? Using the recent trend of cigarette smoking among Gen Z as a starting point, he explores how we're all influenced by culture, celebrities, and social media, often in ways that are spiritually harmful. He encourages listeners to stop chasing “cool” and instead anchor their lives in Jesus Christ, the ultimate source of guidance, purpose, and healthy influence.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of the Outlaw Radio Show, Pastor Zach and The Boys dicuss Slavery in the world, Biblically, and in the life of all men.

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks the question: who is forming our kids? He explores how our performance-obsessed culture–focused on grades, athletics, and achievement–is fueling anxiety, depression, and pressure among children, and he urges parents to instead ground their kids in God's love and inherent value. When children know their worth comes from being made in God's image, not from what they do, they can thrive spiritually, emotionally, and even academically.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach tackles the question: is gender dysphoria a fad? Using research and cultural trends, he explores how rapid shifts in identity, especially among teens, often reflect cultural influence rather than biology, and he challenges Christians to anchor themselves in Christ so they aren't swept up by every new cultural wave. This episode reminds us that true stability comes from hearing and doing God's Word, building our lives on rock instead of sand.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

November 30th, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach unpacks the growing tension between parents and grandparents over modern parenting styles. Using Scripture as a guide, he challenges both sides to honor parental roles, speak with restraint, and pursue encouragement and peace in the family. Pastor Zach reminds listeners that while grandparents can be an incredible source of love and wisdom, healthy relationships require clear communication and humility.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on Charles Murray's surprising conversion to Christianity and asks whether there's anyone we think God can't reach. Murray—an Ivy League–trained intellectual—came to faith through studying the claims of Christianity and observing the steady witness of his wife. Pastor Zach reminds us that God often reaches people through both reason and faithful example, and that no one is beyond his reach.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach breaks down the rapid rise of AI “companions” and the growing trend of people forming romantic or sexual relationships with chatbots. He explains why these synthetic relationships are spiritually and socially dangerous, distancing us from real human connection and fueling “lust without limits.” Pastor Zach urges Christians to resist this new wave of counterfeit intimacy and hold tightly to God's design for relationships.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach tackles the rise of tablets in schools and asks whether screens are quietly becoming our kids' real teachers. He explains that despite declining test scores and research showing digital learning is less effective, schools continue to rely on devices—even though parents and teachers don't want them. Pastor Zach challenges parents to take responsibility for their children's formation, prioritize real thinking over passive screen use, and choose long-term growth over short-term convenience.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach responds to the news about Larry Summers to explore the difference between shame and true repentance. He explains that while Summers expresses remorse, biblical repentance requires action and making things right, as seen in the story of Zacchaeus. Pastor Zach challenges listeners to pursue real change and transparency rather than settling for surface-level sorrow.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

Today's sermon is The Liberty Of Grace by Zach Adams Find more teaching from Pastor Zach at www.zachadams.org

There are few sounds so jarring as raucous laughter at a funeral home. When we make a house of mourning into a house of mirth, we show an unwillingness to look death in the face, and Solomon means to keep us from that foolish way of living. Listen to Pastor Zach's sermon on Ecclesiastes 6:10-7:14 for more.

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks a question that hits deeper than sports headlines: Has gambling ruined sports? After reading a recent feature in The Atlantic about the growing gambling crisis in Major League Baseball, Pastor Zach reflects on the shocking federal indictment involving Cleveland Guardians pitchers accused of manipulating pitches for prop bets — despite already earning millions.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach tackles a question many of us have been silently asking: Where has decency gone? After reading a Washington Post op-ed by former Indiana governor Mitch Daniels, he reflects on the sad reality that civility has become almost nonexistent in public life. Profanity, personal attacks, and humiliation have become political strategy — and most of us are exhausted by it.But instead of simply agreeing that things have gotten ugly, Pastor Zach offers a biblical and practical roadmap for how Christians can lead the way back to decency.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks a powerful question: Is your phone making you less human? Drawing from a New York Times opinion piece by psychoanalyst Stephen Barry Anthony, he explores how technology is reshaping the way we feel, connect, and relate — and not for the better.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of the Outlaw Radio Show, Pastor Zach and The Boys discuss the way sin is passed down from parent to child, and the ramifications of seeing your own faults in your kids and in your parents.

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach dives into the rise of emotional dependence on AI and asks a bold question: Is ChatGPT becoming a substitute for real friendship? After reviewing a Washington Post article analyzing over 47,000 conversations with ChatGPT, Pastor Zach uncovers why so many people are turning to artificial intelligence — not for information, but for connection.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Joe takes a deep look at how not all belief systems lead to the same outcomes — and why the Gospel stands out uniquely in shaping a world where every human life has dignity. Drawing from Scripture and real-world examples, he explains that every religion produces a kind of fruit, but only Jesus uses power to serve rather than dominate.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

// Prioritizing Jesus in How I Talk // In the second week of our "Prioritize" series, Pastor Zach unpacks what it looks like to put Jesus first in the way we speak. He challenges us to be people who consistently encourage others, shut down gossip instead of spreading it, and use language that reflects God's goodness and glory. It's a practical, honest look at how our words can either point people to Jesus—or pull them away.

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the rise of text-based therapy and how it's proving just as effective as traditional, in-person counseling. He reminds listeners that God deeply cares about our mental and emotional health—and often brings healing through the help of others. Pastor Zach encourages anyone who's struggling to reach out, speak up, and let God work through community to bring restoration.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach addresses how modern vices like pornography, gambling, and marijuana use have gone “invisible,” thriving in private spaces where no one can see or help until the damage is done. He warns that sin grows in darkness and calls believers to bring their struggles into the light through confession, accountability, and community. Ultimately, Pastor Zach reminds us that freedom is found when nothing masters us but Jesus Himself.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the dangers of identity politics and victim-based leadership through the lens of a recent mayoral campaign in New York City. He contrasts this with the biblical model of leadership—one rooted in humility, service, and love rather than power or fear. Ultimately, we're reminded that true identity and unity are found not in politics, but in Jesus Christ.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach tackles a tough question: Is war ever the right response to Christian persecution? Prompted by reports of violence against believers in Nigeria and the Trump administration's suggestion of military action, Pastor Zach explores how followers of Jesus should think biblically about persecution, justice, and violence. Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

As we continue our Rise Up series, Pastor Zach draws on 1 Peter 4:12-19 and reminds us that suffering is an inevitable part of life, but not all suffering is the same—some comes from our own choices, some from others, and some for the sake of our faith. He emphasizes that while suffering itself is not good, God is faithful and works through it for a greater purpose, inviting us to entrust our lives to him even in hardship.