“Sharing God”
Today we wrap up our six-week series, Established in the Love of God. Over the past several Sundays, we’ve talked about knowing God, hearing from Him, talking with Him, serving Him, and walking with Him. Now we come to the final and essential step: Sharing God.
Jesus’ final words to His disciples in Matthew 28 weren’t a suggestion—they were a charge:
“Go and make disciples of all nations…”
The Church—you and me—is God’s plan to change the world one life at a time. Sharing the love we’ve received is not optional; it’s our mission. The same love that saves us is the love that sends us.
And what perfect timing to be reminded of this mission! Next Sunday is Palm Sunday, and the following is Easter Sunday—two of the best opportunities all year to invite someone to hear the Good News of Jesus.
As we wrap up this series, let’s not just be established in His love—let’s be empowered by it. Let’s live out our G-O-O-D Mission by loving God, loving Others, loving One another, and making Disciples.
Who will you invite to hear the hope of the Gospel this Easter?
– Preacher Chad
“Walking with God”
Good morning, Church Family!
Today, as we continue our series “Established in the Love of God,” we’re going to talk about something incredibly important—not just for Sunday mornings, but for everyday life: what it means to walk with God.
This year, our theme is Revival—but real revival is not just about spiritual moments; it’s about everyday movement. It’s about choosing, day by day, to walk in step with the One who leads us in love. As Paul reminds us, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).
In this morning’s message, we’ll look at a powerful section of Scripture in 1 Peter 5 that teaches us how to walk with God in a way that’s steady, strong, and spiritually grounded—especially when life feels uncertain.
Walking with God is not a sprint—it’s a lifelong journey. And it’s not always easy, but it is always worth it. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).
My prayer is that this message challenges and encourages you to keep moving forward—not in your own strength, but rooted and established in His love.
Let’s walk with Him together,
– Preacher Chad
“Serving God”
This morning, we continue our sermon series, “Established in the Love of God,” by turning our focus to what it means to truly serve God. If we want to be established in a relationship with the God who loves us, we must understand that serving God begins with allowing Jesus to serve us.
In John 13, Jesus, the King of Kings, took on the role of a servant and washed the feet of His disciples. When Peter resisted, Jesus told him, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me” (John 13:8). Before we can serve, we must first receive. The Christian life is built on receiving the grace, mercy, and love of Jesus—only then can we pour it out to others.
But receiving is not enough—we are called to serve like Jesus. He told His disciples, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). Jesus didn’t come to be served but to serve and give His life (Mark 10:45), and we are called to do the same.
Living a life of service is not an option—it’s part of our identity as followers of Christ. We are God’s handiwork, created to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). If we want to be established in the love of God, we must live in service to Him and others.
– Preacher Chad
“Talking With God”
It’s a joy to be back with you today as we continue our sermon series, “Established in the Love of God.” This morning, we focus on one of the most essential aspects of our faith—Talking With God. Prayer is more than just a routine or religious obligation; it is an invitation to a deep and personal relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Jesus teaches us how to pray in Matthew 6:9, beginning with “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” This reminds us that prayer starts with reverence and recognition of who God is. But it doesn’t stop there. Prayer is also about aligning our hearts with His will, presenting our needs before Him, seeking forgiveness, and staying in constant connection with Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 encourages us to “pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
If you’ve ever struggled with prayer—feeling like you don’t know what to say, wondering if God is listening, or facing seasons of silence—today’s message is for you. My hope is that we all leave here encouraged to grow in our conversations with God, knowing that He not only hears us but desires to speak into our lives as well.
May we all be reminded today that prayer isn’t just something we do—it’s the foundation of an established relationship with God.
Preacher Chad
A Sunday of Blessings and Anticipation
Happy Sunday, everyone! Christine and I are out of town this morning, celebrating the incredible blessing of meeting our brand-new granddaughter. Our hearts are overflowing with joy and gratitude for this precious addition to our family. Psalm 127:3 reminds us, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” We give thanks to God for this beautiful gift of life!
While we are away, I know you will be blessed by the message brought by one of our Shepherds, Bob. I encourage you to open your hearts and minds to what God has in store for you today.
Next Sunday, we will continue our sermon series, “Established in the Love of God,” with our third message: “Talking With God.” Prayer is not just a duty; it is a privilege and a vital connection to our Heavenly Father. Philippians 4:6 urges us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” I encourage you to reflect on your prayer life and prepare for this powerful message.
Also, I’m excited to announce that this Wednesday at 7 PM, we will begin our study of the Book of Ephesians during our Mid-Week Bible Study. This letter reminds us of our identity in Christ and how to walk in His grace. Join us as we grow in faith together!
Preacher Chad
Tuning In to the Shepherd’s Voice
Good morning and welcome to worship at Ham Lane Church of Christ!
Last week, we were blessed to hear a powerful message from our guest speaker, Doug Peters, about being an “All In Every Day Church.” Today, we are excited to pick back up in our sermon series, Established in God’s Love with our second message: “Hearing from God.”
One of the most important questions we can ask in our faith journey is: How do I hear God’s voice? Jesus answers this in John 10:27, where He says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
God is not silent. He speaks through His Word, His Spirit, His people, and His creation—but are we listening? In a world filled with noise and distractions, we must learn to recognize His voice, respond in faith, and remain in close relationship with Him.
This morning, we’ll explore what it means to truly hear from God, how to tune our hearts to His leading, and why listening to our Shepherd changes everything.
I pray this message encourages you to seek His voice daily and grow deeper in your walk with Him.
I’m excited to dive into this together—let’s open our ears and our hearts to what God has to say!
Preacher Chad
“All In, Every Day!”
Good morning and welcome to worship at Ham Lane Church of Christ! Today, we are taking a short break from our Established sermon series, but for a great reason—we are blessed to have a special guest speaker with us. Doug Peters from Heritage 21 will be bringing this morning’s message, “The All In Every Day Church.”
Doug has a heart for church renewal and revival, and I know his message will encourage and challenge us. Being the church isn’t just about what happens on Sundays—it’s about living for Christ every day, in every way. As Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Let’s open our hearts today to what God wants to teach us through His Word and through our time of worship together.
Next Sunday, we will jump back into our Established series with our second message, “Hearing from God.” How do we recognize His voice in the midst of life’s noise? How does God speak to us today? I can’t wait to dive into these questions with you as we continue learning what it means to be truly rooted in a deep, lasting relationship with Him.
Let’s worship together!
– Preacher Chad
“Revival Starts with Knowing God”
Over the past several weeks, we’ve explored what it means to experience revival—how God stands ready to make us stronger than ever. But revival isn’t just a sermon series. It’s not just our theme for the year. Revival isn’t just a moment—it’s a foundation. It’s not only about reigniting our faith; it’s about being ESTABLISHED in a deep, lasting relationship with God.
This morning, we begin a brand-new sermon series: “Established in God’s Love.” Too often, people think of Christianity as a set of rules to follow or a way to earn God’s favor. But Jesus calls us into something much greater—a personal, life-changing connection with the Father. Do you truly know God? Do you walk with Him daily, listen to His voice, and grow in His presence?
Jesus tells us in John 17:3 that eternal life isn’t just about heaven someday—it’s about knowing God right now. That’s where we begin today with Message One: “Knowing God.” Together, we’ll explore what it means to truly know God—not just know about Him.
Over the next several weeks, we’ll discover how to hear from God, talk with Him, serve Him, walk in His will, and share His Gospel. My prayer is that we won’t just learn these truths—we will live them.
Let’s take this next step together.
Preacher Chad
The Revival Continues
This morning, we wrap up our Revival: Stronger Than Ever series by looking at The Book that Changed Nations—the Word of God. In 2 Chronicles 34-35, King Josiah led a revival that began when the people rediscovered God’s Word. The power of Scripture sparked repentance, renewed commitment, and the restoration of true worship among God’s people.
As we reflect on this journey, we must remember: revival doesn’t end with this series. Revival is not a one-time event but a continuous desire to grow closer to God, hear His voice, and live according to His will. It’s about letting His Word shape our lives, our families, and our church.
Our prayer at Ham Lane Church of Christ is that we continue seeking the Lord with hearts wide open. Let us never lose sight of our need for spiritual renewal and transformation. Let’s remain grounded in God’s promises, courageous in confronting sin, and faithful in worship and obedience.
As we conclude this series, we invite you to continue this journey with us throughout the year as we pursue a deeper walk with the Lord, both individually and as a congregation. May His Word remain at the center of everything we do, shaping us into the people He has called us to be.
Let’s keep seeking, keep growing, and trust that through God’s power, we will be stronger than ever!
—Preacher Chad
Chad’s Corner – Sunday, February 2, 2025
The War in Heaven
As we continue our journey through Revival: Stronger Than Ever, this week we turn to a sobering and dramatic period in the history of Judah as told in 2 Chronicles 21-23. These chapters reveal a fierce spiritual battle—one that unfolded not just on earth, but in the realm of heaven as well.
King Jehoram, unlike his father Jehoshaphat, chose a path of corruption and idolatry. He led the nation astray, causing devastation and moral decay. Yet even in the darkest of times, God was working to preserve His people and His promises. Ultimately, through the bravery of individuals like Jehoiada the priest, revival and restoration were made possible.
This powerful narrative reminds us that the battles we face are often spiritual as much as physical. The apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
As a church, we may face discouragement or challenges that seem overwhelming. But God is faithful. He is always at work, guiding, restoring, and fighting for us. Let us remember that revival starts when we return to the Lord with hearts fully committed to His will. Trust in God’s victory over the battles in your life today. He reigns supreme, both in heaven and on earth!
Preacher Chad
Seeking God First: A Path to Revival
In life, we all face moments of uncertainty, fear, and darkness—times when we don’t know what to do or where to turn. As we continue our Revival: Stronger Than Ever series, this morning we focus on King Jehoshaphat and the lessons from 2 Chronicles 17-20. Jehoshaphat was a man who sought after God, yet he also made mistakes along the way. Despite his failures, he knew where to turn in his darkest moments—straight to the Lord in prayer and dependence.
One of the most powerful verses in this passage comes from 2 Chronicles 20:12: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” What a profound declaration of faith! When faced with overwhelming odds, Jehoshaphat didn’t rely on his own strength; instead, he turned to God in prayer and led the people in seeking divine guidance.
This morning, we’ll explore how a foundation of faithful obedience, a willingness to learn from failure, and a commitment to prayer can lead us to victory in life’s darkest moments. The truth is, revival happens when we shift our focus away from our struggles and place our trust fully in God’s power and promises.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, remember—God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Let’s stand firm, seek Him first, and watch Him work in mighty ways in our lives!
Preacher Chad
Revival: Increasing God’s Power in Your Life
As we continue our journey into 2025, our theme of Revival challenges us to seek God’s presence, power, and purpose in every area of our lives. This week, we’re diving into the story of King Asa from 2 Chronicles 14-16 to explore how we can experience God’s power at work in and through us.
King Asa’s reign provides a powerful illustration of how faith, humility, and obedience invite God’s power into our lives. In chapter 14, Asa led Judah to rely on God during a time of crisis, demonstrating that God’s power increases when we trust Him completely. In chapter 15, we see how spiritual renewal and a renewed covenant with God brought revival to the land. However, chapter 16 reveals a sobering truth: relying on our own strength instead of God’s leads to loss and defeat.
The story of Asa reminds us that revival isn’t just about experiencing God’s power—it’s about aligning our lives with His will, depending on Him wholeheartedly, and maintaining that dependence even when life seems to be going well. As Psalm 147:10-11 reminds us: “His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man; but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.”
This morning, as we explore these lessons, let’s commit to seeking God’s power through faith and reliance on Him. Revival begins with surrender, grows through trust, and is sustained by His strength.
Preacher Chad
Revival: The Gift of Wisdom
We are two weeks into 2025, and our focus on Revival is taking shape. As a church, we are committed to growing stronger in faith, deeper in love, and closer to God than ever before. Revival is more than a theme—it’s a call to renewal and transformation, both individually and as a community.
This Sunday, we continue our sermon series, Revival: Stronger Than Ever, by looking at the importance of wisdom in experiencing true revival. Our text comes from 2 Chronicles 1:7-12, where Solomon is given a remarkable opportunity: God tells him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon’s request for wisdom and knowledge reveals a heart aligned with God’s will. He understood that leading God’s people required more than power or wealth—it required divine insight.
Revival begins when we prioritize God’s wisdom over our own desires. James 1:5 encourages us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Like Solomon, we must seek God’s guidance to navigate life’s challenges and fulfill His purposes. As we explore this powerful story, let us reflect on how we can seek God’s wisdom in our lives. Revival is not just about change; it’s about transformation through God’s Word and Spirit.
Preacher Chad
Revival: Stronger Than Ever!
Welcome to a new year at Ham Lane Church of Christ! As we step into 2025, our focus is clear: REVIVAL. This year, we’ll explore what it means to be spiritually revived, to seek renewal in our walk with God, and to grow stronger in our faith than ever before. We echo the prayer of Psalm 85:6: “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”
We begin this journey with a powerful sermon series from the Old Testament book of 1 Chronicles, titled “Revival: Stronger Than Ever.” This morning, in Week 1, we will explore the story of David in chapter 21. Here, we’ll see how revival begins with humility and repentance and leads to worship and restoration. Just as David called on the Lord, built an altar, and experienced God’s mercy, we too can experience spiritual renewal when we return to Him with open hearts.
Let’s start 2025 with a commitment to personal and congregational revival. May this be the year we grow closer to God, deepen our love for one another, and make a lasting impact in our community.
Join us each Sunday as we discover the strength and hope that revival brings. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of revival!
In Him,
Preacher Chad
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Welcome to the final service of 2024 at Ham Lane Church of Christ! As we gather this morning, I want to take a moment to thank you for being part of this church family. Each of you plays a vital role in making this congregation a place of love, faith, and hope, and I am so grateful for the ways God has worked through us this past year.
Today’s service is going to be something very special. We’ll take time to reflect on where we’ve been, celebrating God’s faithfulness in the milestones and moments that have shaped our journey as a church. We’ll pause to consider where we are now, grounding ourselves in gratitude for His provision and presence. And then, with hopeful hearts, we will prayerfully look ahead to what God has in store for 2025.
This morning, I will also be introducing our theme for the new year—a focus that I believe will inspire, challenge, and unite us as we grow deeper in faith and mission together. I can’t wait to share more about it and how I believe it will guide us in the year ahead.
Thank you for ending 2024 with us in worship. Let’s make this a meaningful and memorable service as we look back, look inward, and look forward with anticipation for all that God will do in and through us in 2025. May this time together stir your heart to rejoice in the Lord and renew your commitment to Him.
Preacher Chad
Merry Christmas, Ham Lane family!
As we gather for the final Sunday before Christmas, I want to take a moment to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas from my family to yours. Today, we conclude our series, The Best Christmas Ever, with a message about Love—the greatest gift of all. My hope and prayer are that these messages have helped you not only embrace the true meaning of Christmas but also experience the joy, peace, hope, and love that Christ brings into our lives.
As we look forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior in just a few days, I want to encourage you to take these truths to heart and carry them with you into the new year. God’s love is real, and His gift of Jesus is for all of us.
I also want to invite you back next Sunday for a special service and sermon as we reflect on where we’ve been as a church this past year and look ahead, by God’s grace, to all that He has in store for 2025. It will be a time of celebration, vision, and hope—one you won’t want to miss!
May your Christmas be filled with love, joy, and the light of Christ. Thank you for being part of this church family. We are truly blessed to walk this journey together.
In His love,
Preacher Chad
Joy That Transforms
When you think of joy, what comes to mind? Is it a fleeting happiness tied to good news, a celebration, or a special gift? While those moments bring smiles and cheer, biblical joy goes far beyond temporary emotions.
This Sunday, as we continue our series, The Best Christmas Ever, we’ll reflect on the joy that entered the world with the birth of Jesus. Luke 2:10 reminds us of the angel’s words: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.” This joy isn’t tied to our circumstances but is rooted in God’s faithfulness and His gift of salvation through Christ.
True joy isn’t dependent on life’s ups and downs. As James 1:2 teaches, we can “consider it pure joy” even in trials because joy flows from knowing God’s presence and promises. It is a fruit of the Spirit, evidence of God working within us (Galatians 5:22).
But joy is also a choice. Paul encourages us in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” This isn’t a shallow command to “just be happy.” Instead, it’s a call to anchor ourselves in the truth that God is with us, and His love sustains us.
This Christmas, let’s reflect on the deep, abiding joy we have in Christ, a joy that carries us through every season and reminds us that, in Jesus, we have the best gift ever.
Preacher Chad
The Gift of Peace
This week, as we continue our sermon series, The Best Christmas Ever, we reflect on the incredible gift of peace. During this time of year, peace often seems elusive. Our calendars fill up, traffic slows down, and the world feels anything but calm. But the peace Jesus brings is not just the absence of chaos; it’s something far deeper—a peace that transcends our understanding and anchors our hearts no matter the circumstances.
Isaiah 9:6-7 calls Jesus the “Prince of Peace,” a title that promises a kingdom where peace is not just a fleeting feeling but an eternal reality. Jesus doesn’t simply give us peace—He is our peace. Through His sacrifice, we have peace with God, as Paul reminds us in Romans 5:1: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
This peace is not limited to our relationship with God. It transforms our relationships with others and calms the storms within us. Philippians 4:7 describes it perfectly: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This Christmas season let’s pause to receive this peace anew. Let’s thank God for the Prince of Peace, who makes the Best Christmas Ever possible—not just because He came, but because He remains with us always.
Preacher Chad
The Best Christmas Ever!
Welcome to the Christmas season at Ham Lane Church of Christ! This is one of my favorite times of the year as we come together to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
When we think about Christmas, so many traditions come to mind: decorating the tree, exchanging presents, enjoying time with family, and even the excitement of Santa and snow (if we drive up to the mountains). But while these traditions are special, they aren’t what make Christmas truly extraordinary.
This December, we’re diving into a new sermon series, The Best Christmas Ever, where we’ll explore the incredible gifts God gave us through Jesus. These gifts—Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love—are what Christmas is all about. They aren’t wrapped in shiny paper or found under the tree, but they are far more valuable and life-changing than anything we could ever imagine.
As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:15, “Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!” God’s love for us was displayed in the gift of His Son, who brings hope to the hopeless, peace to the weary, joy to the brokenhearted, and love that never ends.
Join us this morning and throughout this Advent season as we unpack these gifts and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Let’s make this The Best Christmas Ever by focusing on the One who makes it all possible.
Preacher Chad
A Heart of Thanksgiving and the Best Christmas Ever
Good morning and welcome to Ham Lane Church of Christ! I am so glad you’re here with us today as we come together to worship our great God.
As we approach Thanksgiving this week, I want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a joyful and blessed holiday. Thanksgiving is a special time to reflect on the countless ways God has been faithful and to express our gratitude to Him. This morning, I am thrilled to share a special Thanksgiving message from Psalm 100, titled “Give Thanks to Him.” Together, we’ll explore how our thanksgiving flows from God’s goodness, faithfulness, and steadfast love.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to announce that next Sunday we’ll begin our new Christmas sermon series: “The Best Christmas Ever.” Sometimes the best things about the Christmas season are the most basic truths—the hope, peace, joy, and love that came with the very first Christmas when God came near to us. This series will be a reminder of why Christmas is such a special season and how these gifts can transform our lives today.
May today’s worship uplift your spirit, and may the coming week fill your heart with gratitude. Let’s give thanks to Him!
In His Love,
Preacher Chad
What a Beautiful, Wonderful, Powerful Name It Is!
Good morning, Ham Lane Church Family! Today’s message holds a special place in my heart, and I’m excited to share it alongside a friend and co-laborer, Andy, who many of you have come to know. Together, we’ll be speaking on “The Name of Jesus”—a name that holds unmatched power, purpose, and promise. Philippians 2:9-11 reminds us, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…”
This morning, we’ll look at three key aspects of Jesus’ name: how we can call on it in our times of need, how we’re empowered to preach it as His followers, and how His name alone holds the gift of salvation. My prayer is that through this message, each of us will feel renewed in our commitment to live out and proclaim the name of Jesus.
Whether you’ve called on Jesus for a lifetime or are exploring His name for the first time, this message is for you. We hope you’ll feel encouraged, challenged, and filled with a fresh sense of purpose by the power of His name. Join us as we dive into this life-changing truth and lift high the name that is above every other name—Jesus.
Preacher Chad
Honoring Service and Sacrifice: A Veterans Day Reflection
This weekend, we honor Veterans Day, a time to recognize and express gratitude for the service and sacrifices of our nation’s veterans. Veterans Day was originally established to mark the end of World War I, “the war to end all wars,” which formally concluded on November 11, 1918. Now, it serves as an annual day to honor all who have served in our nation’s armed forces, protecting our freedoms and security.
The Bible teaches us to “give honor to whom honor is owed” (Romans 13:7), and today we say “thank you” to the veterans in our congregation. We’re deeply grateful for your service, and we keep in prayer those in our church family who are currently serving.
This morning, I will be preaching a special message prepared just for this occasion, where we’ll reflect on the biblical call to service and sacrifice, looking to Jesus as the ultimate example.
If you’re able, I invite you to join us again tomorrow, on Veterans Day, for a community service at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church here on Ham Lane. Our praise team and I will be participating, and we would love to see you there as we continue to honor those who have served.
Thank you to all who have served. We appreciate and pray for you.
Preacher Chad
Reflecting, Honoring, and Giving Thanks: A Season of Faith and Gratitude
Good morning, Ham Lane family! Though I’m out of town this weekend, I’m excited to share that Nick Smith will be delivering the final message in our “God, Politics, and the Church” series. Nick is sure to provide a powerful close to this thought-provoking series, encouraging us to live out our faith as we approach Election Day. Don’t forget, all previous messages in this series are available to watch on demand on the HLCC YouTube page!
Next Sunday, we’ll gather to honor and celebrate our veterans. On Veterans Day weekend, we’ll have a special message recognizing the sacrifices of those who have served and reflecting on our own call to serve God and others.
As we move into Thanksgiving, I’ll be sharing a message on gratitude and exploring what it means to “enter His gates with thanksgiving” (Psalm 100:4). In this busy season, it’s a beautiful reminder of the countless reasons we have to thank God.
And soon, we’ll be welcoming the Christmas season, a time of hope, peace, and joy. This is a busy yet blessed season here at Ham Lane, and as we prepare to close out the year, let’s do so with grateful hearts and anticipation for all that God has in store for us in 2025.
Preacher Chad
Engaging Without Dividing
As we continue our sermon series, God, Politics, and the Church, I want to focus on something that can be challenging in today’s polarized climate: engaging in conversations about politics without causing division. In our world, it’s easy to let differing political views separate us from one another. But as Christians, we’re called to something higher. We’re called to love, unity, and peacemaking.
In Romans 12:18, Paul encourages us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” This is a powerful reminder that we have a responsibility to pursue peace in all our relationships, even when we disagree. Politics should never divide the body of Christ, because our unity comes from something far greater—our shared faith in Jesus.
This week, we’ll explore how we can preserve unity, put on love, and pursue peacemaking in our interactions with others. It’s important to place people over politics and seek to reflect Christ’s character in all we do. In Colossians 3:12-14, we are called to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience—and above all, to put on love, which binds everything together in perfect unity.
Let’s be reminded that our ultimate allegiance is to God’s Kingdom, and our political differences should never compromise the love and unity we are called to share as His followers.
Preacher Chad
“Living Water, Lasting Hope”
What an incredible day we had yesterday at our 6th Annual Walk 4 Water! I want to extend a huge “thank you” to everyone who walked, volunteered, donated, and prayed to make the event such a success. Your generosity and dedication will help bring the life-saving gift of clean water to communities in desperate need. And while the walk may be behind us, our mission continues. If you weren’t able to participate or still want to contribute, it’s not too late—funds are still being accepted, and every dollar helps us get closer to our goal of building new wells.
This morning, I’m excited to share the stage with Sean Judge from Healing Hands International as we wrap up our Cultivate sermon series with Week 4: “Cultivating Hope and Transformation.” Just as physical water transforms lives, we’ll be talking about how the “living water” Jesus offers brings eternal hope and spiritual renewal. In John 4:14, Jesus says, “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” We’ve seen how generosity can make a tangible difference, and today we’ll reflect on how we can continue to cultivate hope in our world.
Thank you again for being a part of this life-changing effort. Together, we are making an impact that will be felt for years to come!
Preacher Chad
Generosity in Action: A Heart for Giving and Walking
Welcome to Week 3 of our Cultivate series! Today’s message is titled “Cultivating a Spirit of Generosity,” and I’m excited to explore what it means to live with a generous heart. Generosity isn’t just about giving; it’s about reflecting God’s abundant grace and love in every aspect of our lives. We’ll be talking about how God’s generosity towards us motivates our generosity towards others, how it glorifies God, blesses others, and even blesses us in return. Most importantly, we’ll see how living generously makes us more like Jesus.
This week is especially important because we’re now just six days away from our annual Walk 4 Water event! On Saturday, October 5th, we’ll be gathering to raise funds and awareness to provide clean water for communities in need around the world. It’s not too late to get involved—whether by signing up to walk, volunteering, or making a financial pledge. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference in someone’s life.
I encourage everyone to join us on Saturday and to invite your friends and family to participate. Let’s make this year’s event the best one yet as we put our faith into action and share God’s love through this vital ministry. I hope today’s message inspires you to think about how you can cultivate a spirit of generosity in your life—and I look forward to seeing you at Walk 4 Water!
Preacher Chad
Cultivate: Let’s Grow Together – Week 2: Cultivating a Heart of Compassion
Good morning, church family! Today, we continue our Cultivate sermon series with Week 2, titled “Cultivating a Heart of Compassion.” Last week, we focused on the importance of connection. This week, we dive into Jesus’ call to serve “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). Compassion is more than a feeling—it’s seeing people the way God sees them and taking action to meet their needs. Jesus is our perfect model of compassion, and as He said in John 13:15, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” As His followers, we are called to reflect His heart in our everyday lives.
As we explore how to develop a heart of compassion, we’re reminded of our upcoming Walk 4 Water event on Saturday, October 5, 2024. This event is a tangible way for us to live out our faith by helping those in need around the world gain access to clean water. Your participation—whether by walking, donating, or volunteering—will make a real difference in someone’s life. Mark your calendars and be sure to sign up today!
Let’s continue to grow together as we cultivate compassion in our hearts and actions. I’m excited to see how God will use each of us to share His love in both our community and around the world.
Preacher Chad
Growing Together: A Journey of Connection and Impact
Welcome to Ham Lane Church of Christ! We’re so glad you’re here today for our special Bring A Friend to Church Sunday. A very warm welcome to our honored guests—if you were brought here by a friend this morning, please know how much we value your presence. You’re part of something special today!
We are also excited to begin a new sermon series today called Cultivate: Let’s Grow Together. This is a four-part series leading up to our Walk 4 Water event on Saturday, October 5th, and Walk 4 Water Sunday on October 6th. Over the next four weeks, we’ll explore what it means to grow together as a community, to cultivate deeper connections, and to live out our mission as followers of Christ.
Our Walk 4 Water event is more than just a walk—it’s an opportunity to make a real impact by helping communities in need of clean water. We encourage you to join us, invite others, and consider donating to this life-changing cause. Jesus said, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward” (Matthew 10:42).
I hope you’ll be with us for each message in this series, and I’m excited to see how we can grow together in our faith and service.
Preacher Chad
