Christ Church Evangelical Covenant

Who is the Church (Pastor Vann Trapp)

Last week, we asked, “What is the Church?” This week, we are asking, “Who is the Church?” How do I become a citizen of God’s realm? And once I do, what is my part in doing the business of His kingdom in this world? Because, as the Church, we are called, reborn, transformed, equipped, and empowered to do the work of heaven.

Ekklesia (Pastor Vann Trapp)

God’s Church. It’s more than just a building or a place. It’s more than just a bunch of people who believe the same things. It’s more than just coffee and a sermon on Sunday. The Church is the group of people that God calls together in various places and various arrangements to figure out and do the business of the kingdom of heaven together. He has called us, equipped us, and brought us together for that purpose. So, what does it look like for us to be the Church?

Ambassadors of Grace (Ken Bell)

How might the story of the Magi help us understand God's grace and our response? The gifts they present to Jesus symbolize his kingship, as well as our worship and the mission that God has asked us to fulfill. How are we, as Christ Church, a part of that mission?

Love - The Embodiment of Victory (Pastor Vann Trapp)

Love. Sometimes, it doesn’t look so big and strong. But sometimes, it’s the small things that make the biggest difference. When God talks about His kingdom breaking in, He talks about mustard seeds, hidden yeast, and little children. And when He demonstrates it, He comes as a newborn baby. But that baby was God’s greatest victory. It would just take some time for us to see it. But that’s usually how God works.

The Expression of Victory (Pastor Cheryl Lavornia)

Do you ever feel disconnected from the "joy" that is supposed to be part of the Christmas season? Where does that disconnect come from? Pastor Cheryl shares what it takes to find that sense of joy again.

The Evidence of Victory (Pastor Vann Trapp)

Peace. We look for it. We hope for it. We pray for it. No one wants to live in a war zone, whether that war is outside your home. or within it. But it ends up that peace doesn’t just happen in a broken, fearful, selfish world. You have to work for it, build it, and even fight for it at times. But that sounds like a contradiction: fight for peace. That depends on how and who you’re fighting. But make no mistake, peace is the evidence of victory in a hard-fought battle to gain it. God fought that battle for us. Jesus is His victory. Peace is now ours in Him. And we go into this world to continue that same mission of peace.

The Expectation of Victory (Pastor Vann Trapp)

Hope. It’s an essential part of our lives because hope is all about the promise of something better than what we see. And who doesn’t long for something better than what we see? But hope is also about the ability of the one who promises it to pull off what has been promised. At Christmas, God brought His promised victory into this world. Some missed it because of the wrapping God’s victory gift came in. (How can a baby save the world?) But those who know the rest of the story understand that Jesus was God’s greatest sign of victory… and promise of an even greater future hope.

Victory Shouts (Pastor Cheryl Lavornia)

What is the true meaning of Advent? Does it have anything to do with my life today? Let's delve into the mystery of Jesus' second coming and explore how it can help us radically shift our perspective, understand the importance of using our spiritual gifts in community, and lead us toward the joyous and fulfilling life that God has for us.

Home Field Advantage (Pastor Vann Trapp)

So, where is this battle fought? On our knees. In prayer. In praise and worship. Prayer is where we enter the fray and speak with confidence about our victory. This is where we bind the evil one. This is where we claim God’s victory for those bound in chains of deceit, fear, and shame. Prayer is the power that God has given us. We suit up, and we pray.

On Good Authority (Pastor Vann Trapp)

God has commissioned us to do His business in this world in Jesus’ name. But what is the sign that we have the authority to do that? What is the proof of that commission? The word of God. But not just the act of quoting verses from the Bible. Instead, when we speak God’s Word straight from scripture or out of the wisdom of His Spirit for the circumstance, He backs it up. Those words become divinely powerful for tearing down spiritual strongholds, breaking through spiritual darkness, and defeating enemies far stronger and more numerous than we. By the power of the Spirit, the words we speak in Jesus’ name into and over people’s lives become effective. And He wants us to use those words to speak into all kinds of situations.