Check out Episode one of Leading by Following, a new podcast hosted by Pastor Jody Flowers. This podcast is for leaders, and we all are leaders. For episode one, Pastor Jody sits down with Pastor John Dukes for a conversation about transitioning to Lead Pastor at Chapin Christian, discussing John's vision, and a bit of his personal testimony. Give it a listen!

This podcast will be available on all streaming platforms as audio only.

Watch on: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvgjgkb2AR8

Pastor Jody's Blog: https://jodyflowers843.org/

Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with a parable about two builders who both heard His words but made different choices about their foundations. The wise builder constructed his house on rock through obedience, while the foolish builder chose sand by hearing without acting. When storms inevitably came, only the house built on rock remained standing. The difference wasn't in the storm's intensity but in their foundations. True hearing means more than just listening to sermons or reading scripture—it requires knowing God personally, recognizing His voice, and acting on what He says. Building on the rock means choosing obedience over convenience in daily life, while sand represents anything unstable we might build our lives on like our own strength, financial security, or religious activity without surrender.

Resources: 5 Day Devotional: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Kingdom-Stories_-Week-2_-What-Are-You-Building-Your-Life-On_-5-Day-Devo.pdf

Discussion Guide: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Kingdom-Stories_-Week-2_-What-Are-You-Building-Your-Life-On_-Disscussion-Guide.pdf

Jesus began His ministry with a powerful announcement: the kingdom of God has come near. This wasn't just another religious message, but a declaration that God's reign was breaking into our broken world through Jesus. The kingdom represents God's reality intersecting with ours, offering hope in the midst of our deepest longings. While we live in the tension between Christ's decisive victory and the final restoration to come, we're called to respond with repentance and belief. Repentance means releasing control of our lives, while belief means putting our full trust in the King. This Gospel invitation isn't just information to consider but a daily relationship with Jesus that transforms how we live.

Marriage is one of life's greatest treasures, yet only 6% of American marriages reach 50 years. The difference between thriving and surviving relationships lies in biblical love that combines agape (selfless concern), eros (romantic love), and philia (friendship). We naturally drift away from intimacy, turning covenant love into contractual arrangements. However, marriages can move from intense conflict to intimate connection through intentional and inviting communication. Five practical steps can transform relationships: give genuine weekly compliments, never resurrect forgiven offenses, dedicate two hours weekly to God, practice daily 15-5 connection time, and throw away the escape hatch mentality. The key is becoming a mercy pass-alonger, drawing from Jesus to fill others' lives with undeserved grace.

Resources:

Discussion Guide: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Becoming-One_-Week-3_-Intentional-and-Inviting-Communication-Discussion-Guide.pdf

5-Day Devotional: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Becoming-One_-Week-3_-Intentional-and-Inviting-Communication-5-Day-Devotional.pdf