Christ Church Evangelical Covenant

Playing It Safe (Pastor Vann Trapp)

There are times when we sense God calling us… maybe into a location for ministry, or with a group of people that He has made us aware of. But it feels uncomfortable, even unsafe. So, we move to a different place, or into a different group with which we are more comfortable, and ask God to use us there instead. The problem is that going where God has not called can often cause as many problems as not going at all. Learning to live a life of faith is learning that the best place to be is where God is and where He calls us, not the place that looks the easiest for us.

Stacking the Deck (Pastor Vann Trapp)

There are times when we sense God calling us. It may be into an area of ministry or to meet a need that He has made us aware of. But when that happens, how often do we feel inadequate? So, we gather people around us who we think can help us. But God hasn’t always called them to do the work to which He has called us. And sometimes, by pulling them in, we set them up for a really tough time. Part of growing into a life of faith is letting God break the fear of failure and inadequacy in us so that we are content and confident to work with as little or as much as God gives us.

One Plan (Pastor Vann Trapp)

We love personalized plans. We also love that God is so personal in how He loves and pursues us. But we are mistaken in those times that we think God’s personal love means He will always adapt His plan to our personal preferences. And we all do this at times. The issue is that God knows; He knows what we need even better than we do. So, He doesn’t adapt His plan to our current whims. His One Plan is that we would not be saved simply as individuals to do our own thing, but rather as one body, one church, one ekklesia who learn to live in the love and unity that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have shared for eternity. That is God’s one and only plan: the Church.

Support the Work (Pastor Vann Trapp)

“Important task.” That doesn’t sound so spiritual. Doing miracles. Spiritual warfare. Teaching the truths of God’s Word. Sharing the gospel. Those sound spiritual. But often, getting to the spiritual work requires supporting that work with the necessary “important tasks.” That’s what the early church discovered when some of those who needed food the most weren’t getting the attention they needed. Ends up that things like setting up rooms, cleaning up messes, setting calendars, planning events, serving on teams, giving time, giving money, and even waiting on tables may not sound or feel all that spiritual, but they are the important tasks that provide essential support to the work of the kingdom. So, what are some of the important tasks to which God is calling us? Let’s talk about it this Sunday.

Do the Work (Pastor Vann Trapp)

So, again, what is the church? It is the group of people who have been called together as God’s people by God’s Spirit to do the work of God’s kingdom. So, what is the work of the kingdom? What are the things that are so important that God feels that He needs to call His people together so that they will get done? Well, engaging God’s Word so that it can change us. Caring for each other. Honoring Jesus in worship. Praying together. And, of course, going out into the world to show and tell others about Jesus. He says that when we do these five things, we shake the heavens and change the world. So, let’s not just talk about it. Let’s do the work!

What Makes us the Church? (Pastor Vann Trapp)

So, if the church is more than a building, a program, or even a group of people who believe the same things, what makes us a church? We are a church when we gather to do the business of God’s kingdom. But we are only able to do His business when His Spirit leads us and empowers us to do things that are way beyond our own abilities and understanding. The church is the gathering of those reborn in the Spirit, filled with the Spirit, led by the Spirit, and following the Spirit as He trains us to be partners with God in transforming the world.

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.