Shows
Manchester Church of ChristJoy in Knowing ChristPaul’s words in Philippians 3:1-11 cut through the noise of our performance-driven world with stunning clarity: knowing Christ is worth more than everything else combined.
The apostle warns against those who would add unnecessary barriers between people and God—the “Judaizers” who insisted Gentiles must follow Jewish customs to truly belong. These legalists were creating a spiritual caste system, making faith about human achievement rather than God’s grace.
Paul demolishes this thinking by showcasing his own impressive credentials. As a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee, and zealous persecutor of the church, he had more relig...
2025-07-2739 minManchester Church of ChristJoy in Christ’s ExampleOften called the “Christ Hymn,” Philippians 2:5-18 reveals a remarkable truth about the nature of true joy – it flows not from personal achievement or recognition, but from following Christ’s example of humble, sacrificial love. This beloved passage shows us that our deepest satisfaction comes from embracing the same mindset that Jesus demonstrated during his earthly ministry. Paul paints a vivid picture of Christ’s journey from glory to suffering and back to exaltation. Jesus willingly “emptied himself” of his divine privileges, taking on human flesh and embracing the role of a servant. He didn’t cling to his rightful positio...
2025-07-2039 minManchester Church of ChristJoy in Christian Unity“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” Paul’s words in Philippians 2:1-2 reveal something profound about the nature of Christian joy—it’s deeply connected to unity within the body of Christ. Writing from his Roman imprisonment, Paul doesn’t merely suggest that the Philippians pursue unity; he pleads with them to “make my joy complete” through their togetherne...
2025-07-1334 minManchester Church of ChristJoy in Suffering for ChristJoy in Suffering for Christ
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” These words from Philippians 1 are perhaps some of the most famous words ever penned by the Apostle Paul. What’s fascinating is the context in which Paul wrote them: being imprisoned in Rome. Not entirely sure of how his situation is going to shake out, Paul admits to the church in Philippi that he is torn. If he is to be released from imprisonment, Paul knows that “to live is Christ.” Paul knows that he will seize this second chance (or, more r...
2025-07-0642 minManchester Church of ChristJoy in PartnershipJoy in Partnership
This week, we’re beginning our new series Joy in All Circumstances, so we can make sure we understand what the Bible is talking about when Christians are called to be joyful. There is perhaps no better place to start than in the book of the Philippians. When Paul wrote to the Philippians, he couldn’t contain his excitement. “I thank my God every time I remember you,” he says, “always praying with joy because of your partnership in the gospel.” Every single time these believers came to mind, Paul felt grateful, genuinely joyful. That’s convi...
2025-06-2234 minManchester Church of ChristTensionTension: Stand Alone Sermon
This coming Sunday marks the beginning of our year-long journey exploring faith and mental/emotional health. This topic emerged from our congregation survey a couple of years ago as a pressing need, and for good reason—it’s a complex area where two extremes often dominate the conversation. One extreme suggests that true faith eliminates struggles with depression, anxiety, or despair, making professional help unnecessary or even sinful. The other extreme dismisses faith entirely, claiming only the secular world can address mental health concerns. We’re pursuing a third way: affirming that seeking help f...
2025-06-0140 minManchester Church of ChristMan of GodMan of God: Foundations of Faith Series
There are some titles that are used rarely and, because of this, they carry immense weight. One of these titles is Man of God. It is a select company that’s had this title bestowed upon them. Moses. Samuel. David. Elijah. Elisha. Select prophets who boldly stood up to corrupt kings. It’s not just the individuals in this company that catch my attention but also the names not given this honor. Not Noah. Not Abraham. Not Joshua. No, to be branded a Man of God is reserved for only a selec...
2025-05-2539 minManchester Church of ChristTrue RichesTrue Riches: Foundations of Faith
In a world obsessed with material success, Paul’s letter to Timothy offers timeless wisdom about the true nature of wealth. In 1 Timothy 6, Paul draws a stark contrast between those who pursue godliness for financial gain and those who recognize that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” Paul warns against false teachers who view religion as a pathway to prosperity. “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing.”. Such teachers spark “envy, strife, malicious talk...
2025-05-1837 minManchester Church of ChristEngraved on Divine PalmsHappy Mother’s Day weekend!
Engraved on Divine Palms, Mother’s Day 2025
This weekend, our cities and towns buzz with restaurant reservations and florist deliveries. But this Sunday, I invite you to look beyond the cards and celebrations to a profound truth: God’s nurturing heart, revealed in Isaiah 49:13-16 and Luke 13:34.
Scripture asks, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast?” (Isaiah 49:15). The answer seems obvious—no. Yet God declares, “Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” This isn’t casual remem...
2025-05-1125 minManchester Church of ChristLiving in God’s HouseholdLiving in God’s Household: Foundations of Faith
In our world of performance metrics and efficiency goals, relationships often become transactional. We evaluate connections based on what we receive rather than who we serve. But Paul’s instructions to Timothy offer a refreshingly different vision for community.
When addressing the church in Ephesus, Paul doesn’t outline an organizational flowchart. Instead, he describes a household where every relationship reflects divine love. Older men aren’t just respected elders—they’re fathers deserving gentle guidance. Young men aren’t subordinates—they’re brothers walking alongside us. Older women carry th...
2025-05-0528 minManchester Church of ChristLiving Out LoudLiving Out Loud
In his letter to young Timothy, Paul doesn’t mince words about what makes a worthy servant of Christ. He’s not talking theory or theology as an academic exercise. No, this is life-and-death practical stuff. When Paul tells Timothy to “train yourself to be godly” (4:7), he’s not suggesting a casual stroll through spiritual disciplines. He’s talking about the kind of sweaty, intentional workout that changes who you are from the inside out. “Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the lif...
2025-04-2729 minManchester Church of ChristPeace!Peace!: Easter 2025
In the thin light before dawn, Mary Magdalene made her way to the tomb, grief hanging heavy on her shoulders. Death seemed to have had the final word. But what she discovered was the first whisper that death’s verdict was being overturned. What unfolds next in John’s account is holy commotion—disciples running, burial cloths abandoned, angels appearing. The garden where death appeared to triumph now blossoms with new life. Meanwhile, behind locked doors, the disciples huddle together. These men who once walked dusty roads with audacious hope now breathe the stale air of dread...
2025-04-2000 minManchester Church of ChristHosanna!Hosanna!
Have you ever prayed for something, only to get something COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than what you expected? That’s exactly what happened in John 12:12-19. The crowds were excitedly shouting “Hosanna!” which literally means “Save us now!” Yet, these people had specific expectations. They wanted Jesus to overthrow Rome, to be their political savior. They were waving palm branches—symbols of victory and nationalism—essentially saying, “Come be our conquering king!” But here’s the truth: Jesus had a much bigger plan than they could imagine. While they were thinking of temporary political freedom, Jesus was orchestrating eternal spiritual lib...
2025-04-1332 minManchester Church of ChristUnholy MoralityUnholy Morality: Foundations of Faith
Ever notice how some of the most religious people can be the most miserable? There’s a reason for that. In his letter to Timothy, Paul drops a truth bomb that should make us all stop and think: “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” Here’s the twist—these demonic teachings weren’t pushing people toward wild living in Ephesus (which was basically the Vegas of the ancient world). Instead, they were pushing extreme religious rules: “Don’t get marr...
2025-04-0633 minManchester Church of ChristThe Right StuffThe Right Stuff: Foundations of Faith
In a world obsessed with climbing ladders and collecting titles, God’s economy turns our assumptions upside down. Leadership in the kingdom isn’t about who sits at the head of the table, but who serves the meal. Paul’s words to Timothy about deacons crack open this counter-cultural reality. He doesn’t begin with skills or talents, though those matter. Instead, he starts with character—the invisible architecture of a person’s life. A deacon isn’t merely someone who can manage church resources or organize events. They’re individuals whose lives have b...
2025-03-1636 minManchester Church of ChristModeling the MessageModeling the Message
In a world that often prizes power, position, and profit, the church’s leadership model stands in stark contrast. Our go-get-it culture frequently values leadership traits that clash with God’s design for shepherding His people. Paul’s instructions in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 outline what authentic spiritual leadership embodies. Unlike worldly leadership, the qualifications focus less on charisma or administrative skill than on character formed by the gospel. These traits—being above reproach, faithful, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and able to teach—reveal something profound: church leaders must incarnate the message they proclaim. What strikes me is how...
2025-03-0927 minManchester Church of ChristKingdom PostureKingdom Posture: Foundations of Faith
We’re experts at striking poses. Selfie poses. Power poses. Instagram poses. But what if the posture God calls us to looks nothing like the stances our culture celebrates? Paul writes to Timothy about kingdom posture—and it starts with bent knees. Praying for emperors and officials, even ones like Nero whose name made the early church tremble. Not because they deserve our prayers, but because this is how citizens of heaven influence kingdoms of earth. This upside-down influence creates space for the gospel to breathe and move without obstruction. We’ve turned...
2025-03-0241 minManchester Church of ChristMirror and MercyMirror and Mercy
Ever notice how the best stories get told over and over? Not because they’re new, but because they’re true. Deep down, innately true. The kind of truth that helps us make sense of our own scattered stories. That’s what Paul is doing in his letter to Timothy. He’s not just reminiscing about his glory days of persecution and conversion. No, he’s holding up his life like a well-worn map, saying “Look here – this is where mercy found me. And if mercy could find me there, it can find anyone, anywhere.” The...
2025-02-2332 min
Woodbury Church of Christ SermonsQuestion | Part Four -The "Greatest" Question - Caleb McCaughanWe like to compare ourselves to one another, especially when it makes us look good. We might not call ourselves "the greatest" but that's essentially what we're fighting for. Jesus has something to say about that mentality.
2020-07-2616 min