Gooch Lane Church of Christ Podcast

This study will explore the meaning and biblical usage of the word disciple, ultimately relating it to Jesus’ statement, “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples.”

A sermon given by Greg Chandler on February 5, 2023.

In a growing number of religious settings, there is not much stomach for discussions on the wrath of God. Fearing this as a “turn-off” for those who are seeking salvation or who are new in the faith, the subject is ignored and replaced with an emphasis on His love. This, however, is problematic since the Bible is replete with discussions on God’s wrath, with even Jesus Christ spending much time in public teaching on the matter. It is also problematic when His wrath is viewed as the opposite of His love. This study will focus on what must be understood about God’s nature and how that real love cannot exist without wrath.

A sermon given by Greg Chandler on February 5, 2023.

 Few passages in the Bible have been as influential as Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In fact, even those with little Bible training have enough familiarity with the teaching to quote phrases such as, “Judge not that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). However, for those serious about spiritual things, the impact of this sermon is beyond description. Some have entitled it the “constitution of the kingdom” and, in fact, it does aptly describe the attitude a kingdom citizen is to have toward the King and fellow citizens. Yet, there is another extremely important view that must be taken of this sermon; it is the call to familial loyalty. Within the sermon, there are fourteen occasions where Jesus directs attention to the Father. As the faithful Son, He teaches other sons of the Father what is expected within the family of God. Continuing our thoughts from last week, this study will focus exclusively on Jesus’ teachings relating to the Father as found in the Sermon on the Mount. 

A sermon given by Greg Chandler on January 29, 2023.

Studies continue to bear out the need for fathers in the lives of children. A good father can have a monumental impact on the success of his children for years to come. However, even as wonderful as an earthly father can be, none can rival the goodness of the Father in Heaven. From both testaments of the Bible, key insight is given into the love He has for His children and the great desire He has for their success. This study will trace the image of God as Father through the Bible, noting what He has done for His people and what this entails for those who are His children. It will show the genuine love of God.

A sermon by Greg Chandler on January 22, 2023.

When history records the story of the “great” monarchs of the past, rarely are these men and women described in humble terms. Typically, their notoriety springs from a military victory, the capture of plunder, or intense cruelty. Through His servant Malachi, God stated, “I am a great King!” While the pages preceding Malachi’s prophecies bear out this claim, the pages that follow demonstrate a King who left royal surroundings, died for His subjects, and rose again to offer them the opportunity to share in His glory. This study will primarily trace the story of the Great King through the Gospel of Matthew and reveal the confidence one can have in bowing the knee to Him. 

A sermon given by Greg Chandler on January 15, 2023.

As the 118th Congress is seated this week, it is a reminder of the strong republican (small r) values that allow the governed to choose those who will govern. This, however, is somewhat of an anomaly in world history; for most of the world’s existence, many nations have been led by monarchs. It is within this monarchical framework that God chooses to describe Himself. Though the terminology might be the same, the “King of the Earth” is far different than the kings of the nations and offers His subjects far more love than even the best of the earthly regents. The purpose of this study is to continue identifying the genuine love of God and the great promise this great King makes for those who trust in Him.

A sermon given by Greg Chandler on January 8, 2023.

Investors must be very careful! There are many who have been led to believe they have the opportunity to buy a rare work of art or a pure gold coin or a first-edition book only to learn they have been conned. The claim “genuine” must be backed up with proof that it is, indeed, not a knock-off imitation. As Paul wrote to the Romans, he admonished them with the statement, “Let love be genuine” (I Corinthians 12:9). What exactly does this mean? How does one authenticate love to make sure it is genuine?

A sermon given by Greg Chandler on December 1, 2023.

In 1857, John Henry Hopkins penned the words to the famous song, “We Three Kings of Orient Are” to describe the journey of the wise men to see the newly born Jesus. There are just a few problems with the song; we don’t know how many wise men there were, they were not kings, and they were likely not from the Orient. Still, their importance in the storyline of Jesus is essential. Through them, we find both fulfillment of ancient prophecy as well as a striking contrast with a foolish leader who rejected God’s gift to humanity. This study will focus on Matthew’s unique perspective of events following the birth of Jesus and demonstrate the choice that must be made concerning one’s view of Jesus.

A sermon given by Greg Chandler on December 25, 2022.

The concept of love can, at times, be rather hard to pin down. We use the word rather flippantly (“I love ice cream”) and rather oddly (“I fell in (or out) love”). While this may be the case in our culture, the Bible clearly explains what love is and what it entails. It also plainly states that a spiritual community must be animated with love for God and for one another. Using I Corinthians 13 as the primary text, this study will not only focus on what is meant by this concept but also how it must animate any group of God’s people. 

A sermon given by Greg Chandler on December 11, 2022.

This study will explore the meaning and purpose of intercession by exploring the idea through both the Old and New Testaments. We will not only see the blessing in Christians interceding for one another but also see the greatest blessing of heavenly intercession on our behalf.

A sermon given by Greg Chandler on December 4, 2022.