Christ Church Evangelical Covenant

Tall Tales (Pastor Vann Trapp)

Worry. There seems to always be something to worry about; those we love, our own lives, the state of the world. But what did worry ever do for anyone except create an ulcer, send into a depression, or distract them from the important people and projects right in front of them? What is God’s recommendation for a worry-free life? (Doesn’t that sound wonderful!)

Doubtful Discernment (Pastor Vann Trapp)

How often do we find ourselves trying to establish how great we are by comparing ourselves to the shortcomings of others? And how often is that practice just a cover for the fact that we don’t feel all that great about ourselves? Jesus would love for us to become the powerful, Spirit-filled healers and comforters in this world that we are meant to be. But we first have to deal with the way we judge, belittle, and condemn others. What place do right judgment and discernment have in our lives?

A Big Blind Spot (Pastor Vann Trapp)

Clarity or confusion? Light or darkness? Jesus says that these are determined in our lives by how we see certain things… how we “behold” them. And there is one specific thing that He highlights that will either bring clarity or confusion, light or darkness to our lives. Do you know what that one thing is? Because it is a big part of every one of our lives!

Ponder (Lyle Mook)

I (Lyle) am glad to be with you to preach on a topic that will tie in with the current series on the Sermon on the Mount. The focus will be on a Word — a Practice — that is indispensable, and desperately needed in every age and among all ages. It’s a Discipline that is a starting point for the transformation God’s Spirit works in us through the Scriptures and seeing of God “in the ordinary.” It’s a practice modeled by Christian disciples living in every distracting age. It’s central to prayer, wisdom, caring for others and fruitful action of all kinds. Oh ya — the word is, “PONDER!"

 

Is that too much hype?  Maybe it’s because this is where God is at work in my personal and work life over the last few years. I’m eager to share it. Let’s pray for attentive hearts and faithful feet that walk in the way of Jesus!

Making Details Pop (Pastor Vann Trapp)

Sometimes, with a puzzle, one piece will cause a whole section to make sense. And somehow, with the commandments of the Old Testament and the writings of the Prophets, Jesus said that this one “golden rule” was the key to better understanding them, as well as beginning to see the depth of God’s heart for us.

A Rehabbed Heart (Pastor Vann Trapp)

What does it mean to be God’s message of hope to the people of today’s world? What does it take to be God’s influence of peace in our current culture? How can we look, speak, and act more like Jesus in this world and have the same kind of transformational impact on the lives around us? That’s what the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 is all about. And this is what we are called to.

Sure Footing (Pastor Vann Trapp)

To build a good house, you need solid footings. Otherwise, it will come crashing down. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. But you can be sure it will come down. And likely at the worst possible moment. Same with building a good life. You will need a solid foundation. But what is a good foundation for a meaningful life? Jesus had something to say about that.

The Root of Jesse (Pastor Vann Trapp)

A Christmas Eve message from Pastor Vann.

The Tree of Life (Pastor Vann Trapp)

In the garden of Eden, there was a tree called the tree of life. After disobeying God, Adam and Eve were cut off from that tree and us with them. However, in God’s new kingdom, we find that same tree, available again to us all. It brings life and healing and provision for every season. So, what is this tree? And how did it become available to us again? And what does any of this have to do with Christmas?

The Trees of the Field (Pastor Vann Trapp)

Christmas is a time of joy... but even for Creation? How good are times when even the mountains, hills, and trees start cheering? So what is Isaiah talking about? Where are we “going out” from? Where are we being “led forth” to? What is all creation so excited about?