Epiclesis

God can use odd times and even pagan places of danger and difficulty to protect, provide for, and renew His people? Just ask Joseph. Actually, there are two Josephs you could ask about that.

In this final sermon of Christmastide, Pastor Chris examined why Joseph and Mary fled with the infant Jesus to Egypt. Drawing comparisons to the story of the Old Testament Joseph, he explored how Egypt protected Jesus from Herod's relentless violence and provided sustenance and refuge for Joseph and his little family of three.

The sermon challenged listeners to consider what their own personal "Egypt" may be-- difficult times or places that feel hostile but where God safeguards and equips believers. Joseph's example of faithfulness, courage, and openness to God's voice was remarkable. Pastor Chris concluded by asking folks to gauge their own willingness to obey, whether to leave a place of comfort (or at least familiarity), return to past hardship, or to remain steadfast where they're planted.

Are we really supposed to rejoice always? On this third Sunday of Advent, Pastor Chris talked about how to rejoice, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances, as Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Along the way, we used Mary as an example of someone who perfectly embodied Paul's instructions despite facing immense challenges. Have you ever thought about the many things Mary had to face-- including a full onslaught by our shared ancient enemy? Join us as we look to Mary for a stunning role model of rejoicing in God's purposes, being in close relationship with Jesus, and giving thanks in all circumstances by remembering God's saving acts and deeds.

In this sermon on the second Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of Love, Pastor Chris challenged the congregation to tune out the noise and competing voices in today's world in order to hear God's Gospel song of love. Drawing from the Gospel reading about John the Baptist, he called people to use their "spiritual ears" to listen for God's melody of salvation that has been playing since the Garden of Eden. How can you faithfully hear and "sing the gospel song" in your daily life and relationships?

Did you know that your emotional and relational health are directly linked to your gratitude? On this Sunday we looked at 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, and discover the "gratitude loop" and how it builds connection and hope in our lives-- especially during this Advent season.

What does it mean that belong to the king? And what kind of a king do we serve, anyway?

Christ the King Sunday is the summation of the whole Christian year: A rising crescendo of story where all of the components of God's saving acts and deeds come together in one beautiful phrase: Jesus Christ is King!

In this sermon, Pastor Chris takes a close look at Revelation 1:4-8 which reveals some priceless truths about, and precious titles of, our sovereign King.

What does the Bible say (and not say) about Christ's second coming? Is there a rapture of the church? And what has the Christian Church held about these matters for most of its history?

The truth is, most of what is debated in the church these days about these matters does not rise to the level of essential tenets. Yet what we believe about Jesus' coming again can affect how we live our lives for Him in the meantime.

Join Pastor Chris for part two in a mini series about the return of Christ as we prepare for "Christ the King Sunday" in one week.

Along the way we looked closely at the "Olivet Discourse" to discover what Jesus had to say about the destruction of the Temple, and what He said about the second coming. Join us!

Author and passionate genealogist William "Bill" Cole was in the Chapter House studio to talk more about his latest book, Puritans, Plagues, and Promises. You'll want to listen to our part 1 podcast and part 2 podcast if you haven’t already.

That conversation covered Bill’s ancestors and their involvement in the Puritan Movement, which was an important piece of Christian history. Along the way, we also talked about King Henry VIII, the Church of England, the dreaded "Star Chamber," and religious freedom.

Here in Part 3, we talk about his ancestors in the families Cole, Clarke, and Collier. Bill describes his ancestors’ lives in Southwark, where London Bridge meets the south bankside of the River Thames. Bill’s 9th great-grandmother, born Jane Yates in 1587, survived 4 plagues and 17 childbirths. William Collier, Jane’s husband, was a successful merchant who invested in the Mayflower and supported Plymouth Colony. Bill describes Mayflower’s troubled voyage and his two ancestors on the ship who helped establish Plymouth Colony. This offers a rare glimpse of the Mayflower story from of two sides: the passengers and the investors. His two Mayflower ancestors, Stephen and Constance Hopkins, were joined by the Collier family and the Cole brothers in Plymouth Colony in the 1630s. Trials, tribulations, political turmoil, economic incentives including land ownership, and religious freedom all intersect with the promises offered by life on a pristine continent.

It’s a story that’s both personal and yet sweeping in the scope of English and American history. Join us!

What does the Bible say (and not say) about Christ's second coming? Is there a rapture of the church? And what has the Christian Church held about these matters for most of its history?

The truth is, most of what is debated in the church these days about these matters does not rise to the level of essential tenets. Yet what we believe about Jesus' coming again can affect how we live our lives for Him in the meantime.

Join Pastor Chris for part one in a mini series about the return of Christ as we prepare for "Christ the King Sunday" in two weeks. Along the way, we talked about Dispensationalism and its history in America in particular, and we took a very close look at a very famous passage in 1 Thessalonians to discover what God's word says (and what the Church from the beginning has believed).

Here is a pdf copy of the handout/homework sheet that Pastor Chris referred to.

What were the 3 defining actions of the religious leaders Jesus warned his disciples about? Join us as we explore Matthew 23 and reflect on Jesus' warning for our own lives.

Pastors Chris Alford and Carl Peters are producing a series of conversations about their recent trip the Holy Land. They jointly led, along with colleague Dr. Teresa Gardner, a two-week tour of some of the most glorious sites in Israel. Here's the second episode: They talk about the Sea of Galilee, Magdala, Capernaum, the Mount of Beatitudes, The Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter, Tabgha, Caesarea Philippi, and the Golan Heights. Join us!