Gooch Lane Church of Christ Podcast

“You don’t control me.” 

It’s the cry of an angry teen… a frustrated spouse… a heart pushing back against authority. But while it may win an argument, it doesn’t reflect reality. The truth is simple: everyone is controlled by something. The only question is—what? 

Writing to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul points us to a different kind of control—the control of Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:14). It is a control unlike any other: given to One who has nothing to gain, yet gives everything to save and bless those who will surrender to Him. 

We will explore this idea in this sermon. We will also see what happens when we give control to things far less worthy.

A sermon given by Greg Chandler on April 12, 2026.

This "Question & Answer" sermon focused on three questions submitted by attendees in the past few months.

A sermon given by Greg Chandler on April 5, 2025

Where does a Christian go when he or she dies? This question has long been discussed and debated as the people of God contemplate the life to come. The Bible is not silent on this topic; it offers a number of descriptions that help form an answer. Location, however, is not of primary importance, as indicated in one of Jesus’ final prayers to His Father.

This sermon will focus on Jesus’ view of eternal life, as well as what it means to know and be known by Him. 

A sermon given by Greg Chandler on April 5, 2026.

Suffering for Jesus is not unexpected, yet it can leave one spiritually diminished if one is not careful. As the Thessalonian saints faced persecution, Paul wrote words of encouragement, reminding them that those who cause their suffering will face God in judgment, while those who remain faithful in suffering will receive the reward promised by God.

We will explore this passage in this sermon. Paul’s language concerning eternal destruction is sobering for those who have rejected God, yet deeply encouraging for those who faithfully pursue Him. Both aspects will be considered.

A sermon given by Greg Chandler on March 29, 2026.

There’s something especially surprising about eating what you expect to be sweet, only to discover too late that it’s bitter. Interestingly, the Bible uses this idea of bitterness to describe an attitude that has turned away from joy and hope because of real or perceived hardships in life.

This sermon will explore what Scripture teaches about the problem of bitterness—what causes it and how citizens of the kingdom are called to put it away.

A sermon given by Greg Chandler on March 22, 2026.

After teaching His followers not to worry about food, drink, or clothing, Jesus offers a strong admonition and promise: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” But what, exactly, will be added? This question will be explored in this sermon. The study will focus on what God has promised, His timing in fulfilling those promises, and what this means for the lives of kingdom citizens.

A sermon given by Greg Chandler on March 15, 2026.

Jesus spoke often about entering His kingdom, but one statement in particular must have startled His disciples: “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it” (Mark 10:15). In a world that values independence and self-sufficiency, Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God is received in a very different way — with the simple trust of a child. What did Jesus mean by such a surprising statement? This sermon will explore this teaching and consider what it means for us today.

A sermon given by Greg Chandler on March 8. 2026.

Almost every parent can relate to making a child apologize by requiring an “I’m sorry” to pass from the offender’s lips. Rarely is this heartfelt; however, it does illustrate that we often link the request for forgiveness with the spoken word. While this is important, Scripture also highlights another major (yet often neglected) aspect of biblical forgiveness: honor. 

This sermon will explore this sometimes overlooked dimension of forgiveness in our relationship with God.

A sermon given by Greg Chandler on March 1, 2026.

Cain and Abel may be the best-known brothers in human history; however, they are remembered not for their brotherly bond, but for murder. When jealousy flared over their sacrifices to God, Cain let emotion rule over humility. Though this happened long ago, the account of Cain still helps every person see the dangers of allowing sin to be master. This sermon will explore the ancient story of Cain and Abel, applying its lessons to the principles we must embrace to overcome temptation through God’s help and strength.

A sermon given by Greg Chandler on February 22, 2026.

It is essential that we never lose sight of Jesus’ identity and the power He holds. The Apostle Matthew certainly reinforces this idea in his Gospel account by devoting a great deal of attention to revealing Jesus as the Messiah with the power to heal. In one block of his Gospel account (4:23–9:35), he records the entirety of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount along with numerous healings to help readers understand the Savior they serve. This sermon will present an overview of this section of the book of Matthew. The purpose of this study is to help develop a greater appreciation for the King and what is expected of His kingdom citizens.

A sermon given by Greg Chandler on February 15, 2026.