Today, we conclude Advent by looking at the genealogy of Christ. We see that this genealogy is unique among genealogies of the day for its inclusion of women and non Jews. What does this mean for us? Pastor Scott shows us by highlighting some of the more interesting people found in Jesus' family tree.

#advent #christmas #sermon #cbclr

Today we continue our Advent journey by looking at the biblical theme of peace. In the Bible peace means something that is complete, or as it should be. Christ has come to establish peace in our lives but also in the world at large. In this sermon, we see how we can find peace in Christ even when our lives are far from peaceful. We also see that the Church has a vital role to play in making peace by caring for the marginalized.

#advent #peace #justice

This week we are kicking off Advent by looking at Psalm 130, a passage that emphasizes waiting on the Lord with deep longing.

We see that biblical hope is rooted in tension and waiting, not mere optimism. Scripture uses the language of anticipation, holding onto God’s promises even when circumstances feel dark or uncertain. Because of Christ’s coming, believers can anchor their hope in God’s character, His steadfast love, and His abundant redemption.

#advent #hope #cbclr

In this week’s conversation on Revelation 18, Scott and Garrett explore the fall of Babylon and what it reveals about unjust economic systems, cultural blind spots, and Christian responsibility.

They discuss how Babylon represents oppressive empires—like ancient Rome—and how its downfall exposes the dangers of excessive wealth, greed, and exploiting others for profit. The episode focuses especially on:

Key Themes

Cultural vs. personal sin: How entire societies can participate in harmful practices without realizing it.

Unjust economic systems: Revelation 18’s critique of luxury built on the backs of exploited workers.

Fair trade: What it means, why it matters, and how Christians can be more aware of their purchasing habits.

Modern examples: From clothing and coffee to Amazon, Nestlé, and Coca-Cola, the hosts reflect on ethical ratings and consumer responsibility.

Practical steps: Shopping locally, buying secondhand, researching companies, and taking small steps toward more ethical consumption.

People as commodities: A discussion on how college athletics—and even the workplace—can treat people as products rather than image-bearers of God.

Christian leadership: How employers and church leaders can model dignity, fairness, and care in the way they treat workers.

This episode invites Christians to reflect on where their money goes, how they benefit from unjust systems, and how they can begin making small but meaningful changes that align with God’s heart for justice and human dignity.

In this message, we continue the study of Revelation 18 and explore God’s judgment on “Babylon the Great”—a symbol of corrupt, oppressive empires marked by arrogance, immorality, idolatry, persecution, and especially greed. Pastor Scott unpacks how Babylon’s economic sins affected the world, drawing attention to the three accomplices who benefited from her excess: the kings of the earth, the merchants, and the mariners. All mourn her downfall—not out of compassion, but because their wealth disappears with her.

This passage warns believers: “Come out of her, my people.” We’re called to avoid participating in systems of exploitation and to guard our hearts from placing hope in earthly wealth.

Key Takeaways:

Babylon represents evil empires—historically Rome, prophetically any future kingdom opposed to God.

God’s judgment exposes the dangers of greed, luxury, and economic injustice.

Humans must never be treated as commodities—ancient slavery, modern trafficking, and other exploitative systems still grieve God.

Believers are responsible not only for what we do, but for what we condone, support, or benefit from.

Our hope must rest in God, not wealth—echoing Jesus’ teachings and Paul’s warnings in 1 Timothy 6.

As God ultimately destroys evil and vindicates His people, we’re reminded to pursue justice, generosity, and faithful obedience—storing up treasures in heaven and living the “life that is truly life.”

In this week’s episode, we return to Revelation as Scott and Garrett unpack the imagery of Babylon and its four defining sins—sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, and the persecution of Christians.

The discussion begins with how sexual immorality has become pervasive in today’s culture and within the church, including the dangers of pornography, its addictive nature, and how parents can wisely talk to their kids about purity and God’s design for sex.

From there, they move into the dangers of greed and the love of wealth—how our obsession with material success can distract us from compassion, generosity, and dependence on God. They also explore modern idolatry, revealing how even good things like family, careers, and relationships can become idols when they take God’s place in our hearts.

Finally, they reflect on the persecution of Christians around the world and what faithfulness looks like for believers today, even in places where following Jesus comes with little cost.

This conversation challenges listeners to identify the “Babylon” in their own lives and live faithfully in a culture that often pulls in the opposite direction.

#Revelation #BiblePodcast #FaithAndCulture #ChristianLiving #Babylon #SpiritualGrowth

Today, we dive into Revelation 17 and John’s striking vision of “Babylon the Great” — a beautiful yet corrupt woman symbolizing the world’s evil empires and spiritual deception. Pastor Scott unpacks how this image connects to the Roman Empire of the first century and the recurring pattern of pride, idolatry, and persecution throughout history.

This message challenges believers to remain faithful to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and resist the temptations of modern-day Babylon — sexual immorality, love of wealth, idolatry, and spiritual compromise.

We’re reminded: if you make a deal with the devil, you’ll have to deal with the devil — and he’s a liar, thief, and murderer. Yet, Christ’s victory is sure. The Lamb triumphs, and those who are called, chosen, and faithful will stand with Him in the end.

In Revelation 16, we see the Bowl Judgments — God’s final cycle of judgment at the end of the last days. These events parallel the plagues of Egypt, reminding us that God’s judgments in history are always righteous, always purposeful, and always perfectly just. But they also show us God’s heart — even in the very last moments, He is still calling people to repentance.

Peter tells us (2 Peter 3) that the only reason Jesus has not returned yet is because God is patient — He desires that more people come to salvation. But there will come a day when God’s patience runs out, and judgment will finally come. Revelation 16 also reminds us that Jesus will return unexpectedly “like a thief,” so believers must stay faithful, prepared, and uncompromised.

Armageddon (mentioned only here in Scripture) represents the final overthrow of evil. However it unfolds, Scripture is clear: God will defeat Satan, evil will be judged, and believers will dwell with Christ in the new heavens and the new earth.

So what kind of people should we be? Peter answers it clearly: we should live holy and godly lives as we wait for the return of Christ — and we should urgently bring the gospel to the lost.