The Backpack

This week, Pastor Blake wrapped up our two-week series from 2 Peter 1 and reminded us that comfort is a poor compass. God calls every believer not just to follow Jesus, but to join Him in making disciples.

When we forget the gospel, life brings us to pinch points, moments of pressure, decision, and growth. The gospel isn’t just the way into God’s kingdom; it’s the way through life’s hardest places.

Key takeaways: - Be more than a believer, be a disciple maker.

- Live on mission where you live, work, and play.

- The reverberations of your faith can last for generations.

Ryan & Maeghan Adams share their story about how God is calling them to start a new community group; one designed especially for families with unique challenges, including children with special needs.

Their heart is to remove barriers, provide a safe place, and create deep, Christ-centered connections for those who may have felt left out of church life.

Listen in to hear how you can be praying for them, share in their vision, and connect families who could be blessed by their group.

As we prepare for a new school year, Christ Community Church had the honor of welcoming Dr. Matthews, Superintendent of Shelby County Public Schools, to share his story and heart for servant leadership.

In this powerful moment of prayer and reflection, Pastor Blake leads a conversation about:

- The role of faith in leadership.

- How the church can serve and support local schools.

- The beauty and challenges of our Shelbyville community.

- A special prayer over students, teachers, and administrators as school begins.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, student, or community member, you’ll be inspired by Dr. Matthews’ passion, humility, and Christ-centered leadership.

In this honest and heartfelt story, Rebecca Boyd shares about the ups and downs of her faith journey - growing up in a large family, dealing with her father’s incarceration, and facing grief and loss. Through years of trying to stay strong and in control, she eventually reached a point where she realized she couldn’t carry it all on her own.

Rebecca’s story is a reminder that surrendering to God doesn’t always come with clear answers, but it can bring peace even in the middle of pain. If you’ve ever struggled with trust, control, or feeling like you have to hold everything together, this story may speak to you in a meaningful way.

In this back-to-school message, Pastor Kenny brings a powerful, honest, and sometimes hilarious word about the importance of biblical community and discipleship, especially as our lives get busy.

Teaching from 2 Peter 1:3–8, Kenny challenges us to:

- Recognize the spiritual drift that happens when we fill our lives with good things but miss the God things.

- Embrace community as a place of growth, accountability, and formation.

- Say yes to discipleship that’s more than friendship, it’s transformation.

- Reframe our fall schedules to prioritize what leads us to become more like Christ.

Don’t settle for shallow connections. You were made to grow in Christ, with others. This message will stir your heart and help you reset your priorities for a new season.

In this powerful conclusion to our long-running series through the Gospel of Luke, we are taken to the foot of the cross with one question echoing from Scripture: What do you see? Pastor Blake invites us to look past the pain, the shame, and the brokenness of the crucifixion and instead see the beauty of forgiveness, the wonder of God’s love, and the invitation to trust our spirits into His hands.

Drawing parallels to Magic Eye images, drywall dust, and eye exams, this sermon challenges us to see the cross with clarity - not as a symbol of guilt, but as the ultimate display of God’s grace. Whether you're overwhelmed by your own sin or just beginning to consider who Jesus really is, this message is for you.

Join us as we reflect on the burden of brokenness, the beauty of redemption, and the clear vision that comes when we fix our eyes on Jesus.

In this powerful message from Luke 22–23, Pastor Blake unpacks the unfair trial of Jesus and reveals how the clarity of who Christ is exposes the truth about our own commitment to Him. Through the lens of prophet, priest, and king, we see Jesus not only endure injustice but embody grace, authority, and sacrifice.

This sermon challenges us to evaluate our own patterns of waffling, avoiding, or rebelling—and invites us into a deeper, more transformative commitment to Christ. If Jesus is clearly the Messiah, what does that reveal about our devotion to Him? Listen in and imagine a city where commitment to Christ matters most.

In this powerful message from Luke 22, Pastor Blake Lawyer guides us through Jesus’ time in the Garden of Gethsemane—a moment where both divinity and humanity come into full focus. As Jesus kneels in anguish and prays, we’re reminded of our own limitations and the spiritual battles we face daily.

This sermon challenges us to make prayer our “red bandana”—our go-to, our ethos—just as it was for Jesus. With reflections on our human weakness, temptation, and the mercy of Christ, we’re invited to prepare today for the temptations we might face tomorrow.

Don’t miss this honest, hope-filled teaching that will deepen your dependence on Jesus and inspire a more prayerful life.

In this powerful message from Luke 22, we step into the Upper Room and discover the heart of Jesus on the night before His crucifixion. Pastor Blake unpacks the meaning behind the Last Supper—not just as a historical event, but as an invitation for every believer to see more clearly the grace and intentionality of Christ. Through the betrayal of Judas, the pride of the disciples, and Peter’s coming denial, we’re reminded that Jesus knew it all—and still chose to share the table with them. Why? Because the Lord's Supper is more than a meal. It reminds us that:

- God is intimately involved in the details of our lives

- Jesus deeply desires to be with His people

- We're invited to examine our hearts for faith, service, repentance, and commitment

This sermon challenges us to slow down and examine ourselves before we take communion. Are we walking in faith? Are we serving others? Are we ready to turn back where we’ve fallen short? And are we truly committed to following Jesus, no matter the cost?

Pull up a chair. There’s room at the table.

In this powerful testimony, Peter Roloson shares his journey from upstate New York to Kentucky—and from spiritual skepticism to deep faith. Raised in a good home without a church background, Peter once resented religion and was determined to keep his Sundays for hunting, not hymns. But God had other plans.

Through the persistent witness of his now-wife Molly, the mentorship of “Bible-thumping Larry,” and the warmth of a welcoming church community, Peter’s heart was transformed. From piggybacking on someone else’s faith to owning his walk with Christ, Peter's story is a moving example of what happens when someone embraces the gospel, steps into biblical community, and follows God into the unknown.

Hear how obedience led to unexpected blessings, how baptism became a turning point, and how Christian community gave Peter and his family a sense of belonging they never expected to find.