The Chapel Sermon Podcast

The Conversion of Saul | Glory to Glory | Part 1 | Scott Chapman

Happy Father’s Day, Chapel family!

This week, Scott kicked off a new series on the life of Paul. Formerly known as Saul, Paul was a fierce persecutor of the early Christian church. Saul's life took a dramatic turn on his way to Damascus, where he was planning to arrest more believers. A light from heaven struck him, and he heard Jesus say, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” Trembling and blinded, Saul was led by his companions into Damascus, where he waited, fasting and praying.

Meanwhile, God appeared to Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, and told him to visit Saul. Despite knowing Saul's reputation, Ananias obeyed God's command, laid hands on Saul, restored his sight, and baptized him. Saul was then filled with the Holy Spirit. Immediately, he began preaching in the synagogues, proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God, completely shocking all who heard him. The Jews in Damascus were amazed at Saul's complete transformation from a persecutor to a preacher of Christ.

Saul was headed full steam in the wrong direction—he couldn't have been on a worse path. Yet, God's response wasn't to strike him down, confuse him, or torment him. Instead, God met Saul right where he was, entering his world, addressing him by name, and showing him that He longed for Saul to know him personally.

Saul’s story is our story. God can completely change your life and transform any situation you're in. He can enter your world, make his presence known, and instantly alter your circumstances—this is the beauty, greatness, and goodness of God.

God deeply loves and values you. He treasures you, cares for you, and is interested in every aspect of your life. God is with you even when you make mistakes or face difficult circumstances. His love can transform any situation, no matter how hopeless it seems.

God as Our Faithful Provider | Behold | Part 4 | Ricky Carlson

In Matthew 14:13-21, after hearing about John the Baptist's death, Jesus seeks solitude but is followed by a large crowd. Moved by compassion for the people, he heals their sick. As evening approaches, the disciples worry about feeding the crowd and suggest sending them away to buy food. Jesus instead instructs the disciples to feed the people. They bring Jesus all that they have—five loaves and two fish. Jesus gives thanks, breaks the loaves, and miraculously provides enough food for everyone, with twelve baskets of leftovers collected. This incredible story highlights God’s abundant provision and faithfulness in meeting the needs of his people.

Are you currently facing a scary situation? Whatever it is, God has a solution. What does it look like to give God the little you have and trust him to provide what you need? When you give what little you have to Jesus, you will find that he is more than enough. He doesn’t want you to walk alone. He wants to join you, bring the power of heaven, and make the impossible possible in your life!

God as Our Supernatural Deliverer | Behold | Part 3 | Scott Chapman

Have you ever felt stuck? Maybe you have been relationally stuck, caught in cycles of conflict where nothing seems to go right. Financially stuck, with debt growing beyond what you can afford, stripping away your freedom. Or emotionally stuck, haunted by past events, or trapped in cycles of anxiety, fear, self-doubt, or depression.In Mark 5:1-20, Jesus encounters a man who is profoundly stuck. In the region of the Gerasenes, a man possessed by a legion of demons lives among the tombs, exhibiting uncontrollable and violent behavior. When he sees Jesus, he runs to him, and the demons beg not to be tormented. They request to be sent into a nearby herd of pigs, and Jesus consents. The demons enter the pigs, which then rush into the sea and drown. The herdsmen report the incident to the town, and the townspeople arrive to find the formerly possessed man clothed and in his right mind, sitting with Jesus. Jesus’ complete transformation of the man illustrates that Jesus is both great and good. He is ready and willing to deliver you from whatever holds you captive. Freedom comes from emptying yourself and surrendering to his power and love. No matter how stuck you feel, Jesus will meet you right where you are with hope, power, and unconditional love.

God as Our Divine Healer | Behold | Part 2 | Denvil Lee

Whatever you behold, you become. 

Beholding Jesus and how he lived his life is the first step toward being transformed into his likeness. This transformation happens when we go beyond simply studying who Jesus is and allowing his life to shape us. Jesus' life shows us that healing is possible and compels us to pray for healing and miracles. Praying for miracles can sometimes feel risky, especially when we don’t always see those prayers answered. This is where faith comes in. Faith is a conduit between this world and God's kingdom, connecting us to his will and power. Is it God’s will that people be free, healed, and have joy. Therefore, we can pray with boldness for these things. Even when healing and miracles don’t occur as we pray, we can be confident that every prayer makes an impact and brings God’s kingdom to earth.

God as Our Loving Father | Behold | Part 1 | Jamie Wamsley

This week, Jamie kicked off a new series, Behold. In this series, we will examine Jesus’s miracles and explore what they reveal about who God is, what he cares about, and what moves him to action. This week, we looked at John 8, where Jesus is confronted by the scribes and Pharisees with a woman caught in adultery. They try to trap Jesus by asking if she should be stoned according to the Law of Moses. Jesus responds, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” One by one, they leave. Jesus, left alone with the woman, asks her, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

We learn here that God’s posture towards us, even in sin, is not one of condemnation but compassion. Condemnation causes us to turn away from God, whereas compassion causes us to turn towards God. God sees you and every mistake you have ever made and still loves you. When you turn towards God, you will see he hasn't left you for even one moment. He is actively making a way forward for you and is consistently and passionately for you.

Revive My Hope | Revive Me | Part 6 | Tammy Chapman

The world offers us many things to connect our hope to—political parties, the number of likes and followers, the jobs and positions we hold, and more. Yet, none of these bring lasting, meaningful hope. What our hearts truly need is heavenly hope. Hope that walks with us through our pain, reminding us that God sees us and has goodness in store for each of us. Story after story in the Bible tells us how God showed up for people, came to them, revealed himself to them, spoke to them, fought their battles, forgave them, comforted them, and delivered them. What God did for them, he can do for you. God wants to give you hope you can anchor yourself to no matter your circumstances. Nothing is impossible for God. He knows what you need and loves you so much.

Revive My Purpose | Revive Me | Part 5 | Putty Putman

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10

At first glance, these verses can seem contradictory and raise a lot of questions:

If salvation is attained by grace alone, why are we called to do good works? 

If God is going to make all things right by bringing Heaven to Earth one day, why does it matter how we live today? 

How does the world we live in now connect to the world we will live in when Jesus returns?

Putty joined us from Arizona this week to look at these questions and more. It’s a common misunderstanding to think that good works unlock revival in our lives. However, scripture teaches the opposite: the outpouring of revival is good work. No matter who you are, where you have been, what your life looks like, or how messy things are for you, there is nothing you can do to earn the love of God—his love for you is already whole and unconditional. He doesn't require your good works; rather, he extends an invitation to a relationship with him, just as you are. When you experience his love and come alive, that’s revival. Revival unlocks the adventure of following Jesus, filled with the good works he’s prepared for you. And the incredible part is that these good works are not just for today – they have an impact that lasts into eternity!

Revive My Relationships | Revive Me | Part 4 | Scott Chapman

This week, as we continued in our series Revive Me, we looked at the unlikely relationship that formed between Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10. We learned that there are two keys to relationships. When utilized together, they unlock kingdom community in our lives. The first key is purpose. The purpose we are called to is to follow Jesus. When we enter into a relationship with him, we will begin to look and live like Jesus, to listen to his word, and to walk in his ways. The second key is approach. Our approach to relationships should be putting the needs of others above our own. The world teaches us to look after our own good, but the Bible teaches the opposite. Seeking to be like Jesus and prioritizing the needs of others transforms both us and our relationships. 

As we put these keys into practice, we will see our relationships fall into one of three categories: community, ministry, and civility.

Revive My Strength | Revive Me | Part 3 | Scott Chapman

This week, Scott continued our series, "Revive Me," focusing on 1 Kings 19 and the prophet Elijah. Like many of us, Elijah struggles with feelings of isolation and loneliness. Filled with despair and fear, he seeks refuge in a cave on Mount Horeb (also known as Mount Sinai, where Moses encountered the burning bush and received the Ten Commandments). God asks Elijah why he is hiding in the cave. Elijah responds by expressing his frustration and feeling like he's the only faithful person in Israel.

God then instructs Elijah to stand outside the cave because he is about to pass by. A windstorm, earthquake, and fire occur, but God is not in these powerful events. Instead, God speaks to Elijah in a gentle whisper.

The storm, earthquake, and fire would have reminded Elijah of similar events in Exodus 19 before Moses received the Ten Commandments. By coming in a whisper, God reminds Elijah that his ability to connect with God is not tied to displays of power. Instead, God desires a personal relationship with him, inviting Elijah to know him intimately and experience his deep love firsthand.

Similarly, God doesn't call us to trust in his power; He calls us to trust in him. God's power is a tool he uses to break the chains of oppression, set people free, and overcome isolation and evil in the world. God's power changes circumstances; it doesn't change hearts.

The Bible and our world are filled with stories of people who have seen God’s power on display but didn’t believe in him. It can be tempting to think the only thing we need is God’s power in our lives, but we need God himself even more than his power. We are forever changed when we enter a relationship with God, hear his voice, and experience his love for us.

Revive My Desires | Revive Me | Part 2 | Ellie Dole

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6 NIV

This week, we looked at two contrasting stories from the Old Testament: Eve, who ate from the forbidden tree and then hid from God, and Abraham, who held nothing back from God, declaring, “Here I am.” When we emulate Abraham's unwavering faith, trust in God’s provision, and stand before God with an open-heart declaring, “Here I am,” we position ourselves for revival.

When we attempt to satisfy our physical hunger with wants rather than needs, we often end up feeling unsatisfied and hungry again soon after. Similarly, our spiritual hunger can lead to a longing for purpose, contentment, joy, peace, direction, and many other things. When we turn to worldly pursuits like social media, achievements, and indulgence to fulfill these longings, we experience satisfaction that is temporary and fades quickly. Leaving us looking for something else to fill us.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled or, in some translations, satisfied. Jesus understands the spiritual hunger within each of us. So, he offers us a solution, righteousness, that will not just quench our desires but satisfy them completely. Righteousness is another way of saying being in a right relationship with God.