The Backpack

What does true significance look like in the eyes of God? In this powerful message from Luke 21, Jeff Bracken explores the story of the poor widow who gave all she had—and how her quiet act of sacrifice echoes louder than the grandest temple or the loudest offering. We’re reminded that while the world chases status, beauty, and certainty about the end times, Jesus values a heart fully surrendered to Him. Whether you feel overlooked, underqualified, or unsure of your place, this sermon encourages you to see yourself the way Christ does: chosen, seen, and significant.

When the religious leaders challenged Jesus’ authority, He responded with a parable that exposed their insecurity and pointed to Himself as the true cornerstone. In this powerful sermon, we explore Luke 20 and the question: What are you holding onto for security? Through vivid illustrations—including the story of a geode and the mighty Hibernia oil platform—we're invited to throw ourselves on Jesus, the solid rock, and allow Him to break away our pride, appearance, greed, and insecurity. You’ll be challenged to:

• Lasso the “icebergs” of insecurity in your life
• Build your identity on the unshakeable foundation of Christ
• Lead others to lasting security by modeling surrendered faith.

Join Dr. Ron Boyd as he shares a powerful and personal message from Luke 19, exploring the emotional life of Jesus during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This sermon highlights three key emotional responses—joy, sorrow, and righteous anger—and challenges us to think like Jesus thought, feel like Jesus felt, and live as Jesus lived.

Whether you're searching for lasting joy, healing from sorrow, or wondering how to handle anger biblically, this message invites you to surrender your whole heart to Christ and experience transformation through Him.

As we continue our journey through the Gospel of Luke, this message from Luke 19 reminds us that while we long to see Jesus, the real transformation begins when we realize He sees us. Through the story of Zacchaeus and the parable that follows, we’re challenged to move from behavior-based faith to heart-level belief. Join us as we refocus on Christ and let Him reshape our lives from the inside out.

Ashley Murphy shares her powerful testimony of finding hope in Christ after losing her identity through injury, isolation, and personal trials. From varsity basketball dreams to spiritual awakening, her story is one of resilience, faith, and learning to trust God in every season.

In this powerful conclusion to our series in the book of Ruth, we explore what it means to live from redemption, not just toward it. Through personal stories, deep biblical insight, and the climactic moment of Ruth’s redemption, this sermon challenges us to worship not just on Sundays—but in the middle of our Mondays.

Kenny reminds us that like Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, we are invited to live redemptively in every season—whether we feel forgotten or fulfilled. Discover how worship is not just a song, but a lifestyle; not just the overflow of being redeemed, but the rhythm that shapes how we live. Whether you’re feeling lost, bitter, hopeful, or waiting, this message reminds us: The Lord has not left you without a redeemer.

In this heartfelt Mother's Day sermon, Pastor Blake Lawyer takes us into Ruth chapter 3, exploring how God's blessings often arrive in unexpected ways—through imperfect plans, vulnerable moments, and courageous obedience. With honesty and humor, we see how Ruth and Boaz’s midnight encounter on the threshing floor becomes a powerful reminder that the Lord has not left us without blessing. Whether you're feeling empty, tempted, or stuck in a bad plan, this message is a call to come hungry for God's righteousness—because He is always ready to fill.

What happens when someone’s character reflects the redeeming love of God? In this message from Ruth 2, worship leader D.J. Williams unpacks how one encounter with a worthy man—Boaz—begins to transform the lives of Ruth and Naomi. Through his radical generosity, protection, and faithful obedience, Boaz models the heart of God and foreshadows the greater Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Join us as we explore what it looks like to be a person of noble character in today’s world, how to notice and serve those often overlooked, and why trusting God's providence in the mundane can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Whether you're new to the Bible or seeking fresh insight, this message is a powerful reminder: an encounter with the right person can change everything.

In this week's message, Pastor Blake Lawyer opens the story of Ruth 1 and shows us how God's loyal love clings to us even when our hearts are famished and broken.

Through Naomi’s deep pain, Ruth’s steadfast commitment, and the hope of a returning harvest, we are reminded that God's love does not let go — even when life feels hopeless. Blake challenges us to embrace God's faithful love and to embody it in our relationships with others through shared direction, shared struggle, shared culture, shared faith, and shared commitment.

When bitterness tempts us to push others away, Christ invites us to see that we are never truly alone. His love holds fast — through every famine, failure, and fear.

In this weeks story, members of our Christ Community Church family share powerful stories from their spring break mission trips to Honduras and the GAP distribution center in Kentucky. Hear from Katie, Isaiah, Patrick, and Crystal as they talk about why they said "yes" to the trip, how they saw God move, and how their experiences are impacting their everyday lives back home.From worshipping in two different languages to launching a Bible study in a high school cafeteria, these testimonies show how stepping out in faith can lead to incredible transformation — not just abroad, but right here in Shelbyville.