The Backpack

Join us for a powerful exploration of Judges 4 and 5 in our “We Need a King” series. In this sermon, Pastor Blake uncovers how God transforms our weaknesses into strength and positions us for His purposes—even when freedom seems to enslave us. Through the stories of Deborah, Barak, and Sisera’s defeated chariots, discover five key observations about leadership, limits, and coming together in faith.

Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they are taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. This week, Maeghan Adams shares her journey as a mother navigating the challenges and joys of raising a child with DeSanto-Shinawi Syndrome. From moments of uncertainty to discovering a life-changing community at Barron Heights, Maeghan reflects on God’s guidance through life’s twists and turns. Tune in as she shares how faith, resilience, and the right support system transformed her family's experience and gave her a renewed sense of purpose.

Are you struggling to fully obey God? In this episode,The Courage to Obey the King, Pastor Blake dives into Judges 3 to explore how the Israelites forgot God, fell into sin, and cried out for deliverance. Through the stories of Othniel and Ehud, we see how God raises up leaders, empowers His people, and calls us to a life of faithfulness.

This message challenges us to remember God's promises, trust in His power, and find the courage to walk in obedience to our true King—Jesus Christ.

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the idea that faith isn’t just about what God did in the past—it’s about what He is still doing today. Featuring an insightful discussion with Nik Ripken, we challenge the mindset that sees the Bible as a historical record rather than an active, living testimony of God’s ongoing work.

Ripken emphasizes that we do not serve a “past-tense” God. The miracles, movements, and messages of the Bible are still unfolding in the present, and the same power that shaped the New Testament Church is available today. However, this truth also means that the trials and challenges of the Old Testament remain part of the faith journey.

Are we truly embracing an active, present-tense faith? Or are we stuck believing in a God of the past rather than walking in His power today?

In this episode, Pastor Blake explore the recurring "sin cycle" as described in Judges 2:6-3:6, reflecting on how it resonates with our own struggles to remain faithful to God. Drawing parallels between the Israelites' journey and modern challenges, Pastor Blake discuss the consequences of abandoning God, the hope found in His mercy, and the ultimate salvation brought through Jesus Christ. Whether you're grappling with life's cycles or seeking inspiration to deepen your faith, this message offers encouragement to break free from the patterns of sin and embrace the redemptive power of Christ.

Tune in for thought-provoking insights and practical takeaways to strengthen your walk with God.

In this week’s sermon, Pastor Blake Lawyer dives into the opening chapters of Judges, introducing the series "We Need a King." Explore the Israelites' quest for leadership and their struggle to fully trust in God’s plan. Pastor Blake challenges us to reflect on our own lives: Who or what are we letting lead us? Discover why Jesus is the King we need—a leader who is never satisfied with "good enough" but lovingly pursues us even in our darkest moments.

Listen in to find hope, encouragement, and practical steps to live by God’s power, not your own.

On this special end-of-year episode, we explore Genesis 12 and reflect on what truly matters as we prepare for 2025. Journey with us as we unpack Abram's story, his call to leave behind the familiar, and his unwavering obedience to God's promise of a new identity and purpose. We'll discuss the values of obedience over convenience, worship over work, and courage over compromise, challenging ourselves to seek God's city rather than settling for comfort. Whether you're setting goals for the new year or navigating life's milestones, this episode will inspire you to prioritize what matters most. Join us as we embrace the call to shine bright and live courageously for God's glory!

In this heartfelt episode, we delve into the miraculous birth of John the Baptist as told in Luke 1, exploring the themes of joy and sorrow intertwined in the Christmas story. Pastor Blake reflects on how God's promises bring hope and lasting joy, even amidst life's deepest disappointments and challenges. Drawing from the lives of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and John, we discuss the transformative power of faith, the role of the Holy Spirit, and how aligning ourselves with God's truth can lead to true joy. Tune in for an inspiring message about the joy that overcomes fear and sorrow, the contagious nature of sharing it with others, and the ultimate source of joy—Jesus Christ.

Perfect for the season, this episode invites listeners to rediscover the profound joy of Christmas and share it with the world.