https://wattsintheword.com Join me, Chris Watts, as we dig into the most amazing book ever written, and discover what it means for you and me! Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:49:48 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ 8859993 Join me, Chris Watts, as we dig into the most amazing book ever written and discover what it means for you and me! Chris Watts Copyright Chris Watts. All Rights Reserved. no Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,FaithInvestigating God's Word, Togetherchristopher.james.watts@gmail.comChris Watts https://wattsintheword.com/2026/06/08/a-new-creation/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:49:48 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4339 Continue reading A New Creation]]> 4339Chris Watts In some ways God’s work to restore creation is at the heart of the whole Bible story from the opening chapters of Genesis to the closing of Revelation. The image of the church as a new creation in Christ is a vital part of the larger story of God’s renewing work. How do we fit … Continue reading A New Creation June 7 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIn some ways God’s work to restore creation is at the heart of the whole Bible story from the opening chapters of Genesis to the closing of Revelation. The image of the church as a new creation in Christ is a vital part of the larger story of God’s renewing work. How do we fit … Continue reading A New CreationRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/06/01/the-family-of-god/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:40:42 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4334 Continue reading The Family of God]]> 4334Chris Watts When considering different images or analogies of the church, none is more common than that of a family. It is so common, in fact, that it may be inappropriate to think of it as an analogy at all; it seems to be simply the default way that the writers of the New Testament thought about … Continue reading The Family of God May 31 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhen considering different images or analogies of the church, none is more common than that of a family. It is so common, in fact, that it may be inappropriate to think of it as an analogy at all; it seems to be simply the default way that the writers of the New Testament thought about … Continue reading The Family of GodRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/05/26/the-lords-army/ Tue, 26 May 2026 13:32:23 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4328 Continue reading The Lord’s Army]]> 4328Chris Watts The metaphor of spiritual warfare is at the heart of the Christian life and our struggle with sin, the Devil, and temptation. In what way is a Christian like a soldier, and what does the image of war and fighting mean for our daily walk with Jesus? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on images of … Continue reading The Lord’s Army May 24 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe metaphor of spiritual warfare is at the heart of the Christian life and our struggle with sin, the Devil, and temptation. In what way is a Christian like a soldier, and what does the image of war and fighting mean for our daily walk with Jesus? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on images of … Continue reading The Lord’s ArmyRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/05/18/suffering-with-christ/ Mon, 18 May 2026 13:52:58 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4320 Continue reading Suffering With Christ]]> 4320Chris Watts This sermon is a little different; 38 verses on suffering in the life of the Christian, strung together back to back. Tenses and pronouns have been modified to make the entire thing seem like a continuous letter from God to his church today. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on suffering. This sermon was preached at … Continue reading Suffering With Christ May 17 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThis sermon is a little different; 38 verses on suffering in the life of the Christian, strung together back to back. Tenses and pronouns have been modified to make the entire thing seem like a continuous letter from God to his church today. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on suffering. This sermon was preached at … Continue reading Suffering With ChristRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/05/18/the-bride/ Mon, 18 May 2026 13:44:47 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4315 Continue reading The Bride]]> 4315Chris Watts The image of the church as a bride has a lot of implications: for how we think about and conceptualize our relationship with Jesus, for how Jesus thinks and feels about us, and for how seriously we treat our sin. Why has God always used this analogy with his people, and what should it mean … Continue reading The Bride May 17 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe image of the church as a bride has a lot of implications: for how we think about and conceptualize our relationship with Jesus, for how Jesus thinks and feels about us, and for how seriously we treat our sin. Why has God always used this analogy with his people, and what should it mean … Continue reading The BrideRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/05/11/real-mothers-2/ Mon, 11 May 2026 14:52:23 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4305 4305Chris Watts 1 Kings 3 contains a heart-wrenching story of loss and love centered around two mothers. Using this story as a launching point, what does a real mother look like in the Bible? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on mothers day. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on May 10, 2026.) May 10 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)no1 Kings 3 contains a heart-wrenching story of loss and love centered around two mothers. Using this story as a launching point, what does a real mother look like in the Bible? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on mothers day. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on May 10, 2026.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/05/04/an-unusual-proposal/ Mon, 04 May 2026 14:29:45 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4299 Continue reading An Unusual Proposal]]> 4299Chris Watts The third chapter of Ruth contains what is perhaps the most confusing scene in the whole story. Why does Naomi instruct Ruth to behave the way she does, and what can we learn from Ruth and Boaz’s actions in the story? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ruth. This sermon was preached at the Dewey … Continue reading An Unusual Proposal May 3 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe third chapter of Ruth contains what is perhaps the most confusing scene in the whole story. Why does Naomi instruct Ruth to behave the way she does, and what can we learn from Ruth and Boaz’s actions in the story? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ruth. This sermon was preached at the Dewey … Continue reading An Unusual ProposalRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/05/04/the-branches/ Mon, 04 May 2026 14:21:29 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4295 Continue reading The Branches]]> 4295Chris Watts The image of the church as branches of a tree or a vine is one of the less common in Scripture, but it is instructive nonetheless. What does this analogy teach us about our relationship with Jesus and our job as his followers? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church. This sermon was preached … Continue reading The Branches May 3 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe image of the church as branches of a tree or a vine is one of the less common in Scripture, but it is instructive nonetheless. What does this analogy teach us about our relationship with Jesus and our job as his followers? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church. This sermon was preached … Continue reading The BranchesRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/04/27/the-flock/ Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:30:50 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4290 Continue reading The Flock]]> 4290Chris Watts The image of the church as a flock of sheep is perhaps the least flattering one in all of Scripture. This comparison goes back a long way, to God’s relationship with the Israelites and their leaders. What can we learn from Israel’s use of this analogy, Jesus’s adoption of it, and the early Church’s continuation … Continue reading The Flock April 26 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe image of the church as a flock of sheep is perhaps the least flattering one in all of Scripture. This comparison goes back a long way, to God’s relationship with the Israelites and their leaders. What can we learn from Israel’s use of this analogy, Jesus’s adoption of it, and the early Church’s continuation … Continue reading The FlockRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/04/20/a-worthy-man/ Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:23:46 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4286 Continue reading A Worthy Man]]> 4286Chris Watts The second chapter of Ruth introduces a new pivotal character to the narrative; the wealthy and honorable Boaz, described in the ESV as “a worthy man.” What made Boaz so worthy, and what should we learn from his attitudes and behavior? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ruth. This sermon was preached at the Dewey … Continue reading A Worthy Man April 19 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe second chapter of Ruth introduces a new pivotal character to the narrative; the wealthy and honorable Boaz, described in the ESV as “a worthy man.” What made Boaz so worthy, and what should we learn from his attitudes and behavior? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ruth. This sermon was preached at the Dewey … Continue reading A Worthy ManRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/04/20/the-body-of-christ/ Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:21:00 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4282 Continue reading The Body of Christ]]> 4282Chris Watts The image of the church as a “body” is one of the most common word-pictures in the New Testament. Why is it so prevalent, and what does it mean for how we think about and act in God’s kingdom? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading The Body of Christ April 19 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe image of the church as a “body” is one of the most common word-pictures in the New Testament. Why is it so prevalent, and what does it mean for how we think about and act in God’s kingdom? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading The Body of ChristRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/04/13/loss-and-loyalty/ Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:49:19 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4277 Continue reading Loss and Loyalty]]> 4277Chris Watts Ruth 1 is a devastating chapter, as the narrative jumps right into tragedy in Naomi’s life and her response to that tragedy. What do we learn about Naomi’s mental and spiritual state, and what can we take away from her conversations with her daughters-in-law? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ruth. This sermon was preached … Continue reading Loss and Loyalty April 12 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noRuth 1 is a devastating chapter, as the narrative jumps right into tragedy in Naomi’s life and her response to that tragedy. What do we learn about Naomi’s mental and spiritual state, and what can we take away from her conversations with her daughters-in-law? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ruth. This sermon was preached … Continue reading Loss and LoyaltyRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/04/13/the-temple-of-god/ Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:40:12 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4270 Continue reading The Temple of God]]> 4270Chris Watts We begin a series on “images of the church” in the New Testament, different word-pictures or analogies for God’s people, with temple language. What is significant about the word “temple,” and how does it apply to the church? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading The Temple of God April 12 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe begin a series on “images of the church” in the New Testament, different word-pictures or analogies for God’s people, with temple language. What is significant about the word “temple,” and how does it apply to the church? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading The Temple of GodRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/04/06/justice-and-redemption-in-ruth/ Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:42:11 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4265 Continue reading Justice and Redemption in Ruth]]> 4265Chris Watts We begin our study of Ruth by considering the context in which the story takes place; the time of the judges. What were the important features of this period of Israelite history, how does the story of Ruth fit into it, and more broadly how does Ruth’s story fit into the larger context of God’s … Continue reading Justice and Redemption in Ruth April 5 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe begin our study of Ruth by considering the context in which the story takes place; the time of the judges. What were the important features of this period of Israelite history, how does the story of Ruth fit into it, and more broadly how does Ruth’s story fit into the larger context of God’s … Continue reading Justice and Redemption in RuthRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/04/06/the-importance-of-the-resurrection/ Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:37:19 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4260 Continue reading The Importance of the Resurrection]]> 4260Chris Watts It is not an understatement to say that the resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in all of history. Based on Paul’s exposition of it in 1 Corinthians 15, why is it so important, and what should it mean to you and me? Click Here to Listen. (This sermon was preached at the … Continue reading The Importance of the Resurrection April 5 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIt is not an understatement to say that the resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in all of history. Based on Paul’s exposition of it in 1 Corinthians 15, why is it so important, and what should it mean to you and me? Click Here to Listen. (This sermon was preached at the … Continue reading The Importance of the ResurrectionRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/03/30/thinking-spiritually-part-2/ Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:27:13 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4255 4255Chris Watts If spiritual thinking begins with considering eternal concerns (judgment, the character of God, “spiritual” treasure), what does it look like in practical, everyday terms? How should spiritual thinking manifest in this present, temporal life? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Luke. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on March 29, 2026.) March 29 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIf spiritual thinking begins with considering eternal concerns (judgment, the character of God, “spiritual” treasure), what does it look like in practical, everyday terms? How should spiritual thinking manifest in this present, temporal life? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Luke. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on March 29, 2026.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/03/23/thinking-spiritually-part-1/ Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:01:58 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4250 Continue reading Thinking Spiritually, Part 1]]> 4250Chris Watts Luke 12-13 form a cohesive unit of Jesus’s teaching on having a spiritual mindset. This week, we will consider the motivation and basis of spiritual thinking, and then next week look at what Jesus has to say about how such thinking manifests (or should manifest) in our worldview, emotions, and actions. Click Here to Listen. … Continue reading Thinking Spiritually, Part 1 March 22 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noLuke 12-13 form a cohesive unit of Jesus’s teaching on having a spiritual mindset. This week, we will consider the motivation and basis of spiritual thinking, and then next week look at what Jesus has to say about how such thinking manifests (or should manifest) in our worldview, emotions, and actions. Click Here to Listen. … Continue reading Thinking Spiritually, Part 1Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/03/16/babylons-fall/ Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:06:13 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4246 Continue reading Babylon’s Fall]]> 4246Chris Watts We conclude our consideration of the the church’s interaction with a hostile world the way the Bible itself does: with a vision of Babylon’s fall. What does the Babylon of Revelation represent, and what should the modern Christian learn from these ancient visions? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church in a hostile world. … Continue reading Babylon’s Fall March 15 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe conclude our consideration of the the church’s interaction with a hostile world the way the Bible itself does: with a vision of Babylon’s fall. What does the Babylon of Revelation represent, and what should the modern Christian learn from these ancient visions? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church in a hostile world. … Continue reading Babylon’s FallRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/03/16/cleaning-the-inside/ Mon, 16 Mar 2026 14:25:42 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4241 Continue reading Cleaning the Inside]]> 4241Chris Watts The middle section of Luke transitions away from being mostly stories of Jesus to being mostly the words and teaching of Jesus. In chapter 11, there is a sequence of Jesus’s teaching culminating in a condemnation of the Pharisees for having the wrong priorities in their righteousness. What can we learn from these words of … Continue reading Cleaning the Inside March 15 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe middle section of Luke transitions away from being mostly stories of Jesus to being mostly the words and teaching of Jesus. In chapter 11, there is a sequence of Jesus’s teaching culminating in a condemnation of the Pharisees for having the wrong priorities in their righteousness. What can we learn from these words of … Continue reading Cleaning the InsideRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/03/09/submission-and-suffering/ Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:19:19 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4236 Continue reading Submission and Suffering]]> 4236Chris Watts There is a tension between the concepts of holiness (remaining separate and distinct from the world) and submission (living in peace and being subject to proper authority). How should the church navigate the tension? And why does so much of the New Testament seem to assume that Christians will definitely be persecuted in the world? … Continue reading Submission and Suffering March 8 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThere is a tension between the concepts of holiness (remaining separate and distinct from the world) and submission (living in peace and being subject to proper authority). How should the church navigate the tension? And why does so much of the New Testament seem to assume that Christians will definitely be persecuted in the world? … Continue reading Submission and SufferingRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/03/09/foreshadowing-the-mission/ Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:13:34 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4231 Continue reading Foreshadowing the Mission]]> 4231Chris Watts Twice in Luke 9-10 Jesus sends out his disciples on the so-called “limited commission” – a smaller version of what he would eventually command all Christians to do. What can we learn from these preparatory missions, and how do they foreshadow the mission of the church to come? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Luke. … Continue reading Foreshadowing the Mission March 8 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noTwice in Luke 9-10 Jesus sends out his disciples on the so-called “limited commission” – a smaller version of what he would eventually command all Christians to do. What can we learn from these preparatory missions, and how do they foreshadow the mission of the church to come? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Luke. … Continue reading Foreshadowing the MissionRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/03/02/who-is-jesus/ Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:36:52 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4226 Continue reading Who Is Jesus?]]> 4226Chris Watts Twice in Luke 9 the question of Jesus’ identity is asked. Who is this man? Is he Elijah, or one of the prophets of old come back to life? The answer culminates in one of the most interesting gospel stories: the transfiguration. What should we learn from this section of Luke’s gospel? Click Here to … Continue reading Who Is Jesus? March 1 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noTwice in Luke 9 the question of Jesus’ identity is asked. Who is this man? Is he Elijah, or one of the prophets of old come back to life? The answer culminates in one of the most interesting gospel stories: the transfiguration. What should we learn from this section of Luke’s gospel? Click Here to … Continue reading Who Is Jesus?Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/02/23/the-parables-of-jesus/ Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:53:57 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4221 Continue reading The Parables of Jesus]]> 4221Chris Watts Jesus taught in many parables over the course of his earthly ministry; it is one of the most striking aspects of his teaching. What is a parables, how should we read them, and why are they such an powerful part of his message? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the Gospel of Luke. This sermon … Continue reading The Parables of Jesus Feb 22 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noJesus taught in many parables over the course of his earthly ministry; it is one of the most striking aspects of his teaching. What is a parables, how should we read them, and why are they such an powerful part of his message? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the Gospel of Luke. This sermon … Continue reading The Parables of JesusRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/02/16/responding-to-jesus/ Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:37:59 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4216 Continue reading Responding to Jesus]]> 4216Chris Watts By the seventh chapter of Luke, Jesus had already done more than enough to prove himself worthy of believing in and following, so it is worth considering how people started responding to him. What influenced people to reject or accept him, and how does this compare to our situation today? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching … Continue reading Responding to Jesus Feb 15 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noBy the seventh chapter of Luke, Jesus had already done more than enough to prove himself worthy of believing in and following, so it is worth considering how people started responding to him. What influenced people to reject or accept him, and how does this compare to our situation today? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching … Continue reading Responding to JesusRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/02/09/the-sermon-on-the-plain/ Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:03:26 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4210 Continue reading The Sermon on the Plain]]> 4210Chris Watts Jesus’s sermon in Luke 6 is very similar to another, more famous sermon of his, the sermon on the mount. What message was Jesus trying to convey to his audience, and how should this sermon affect our hearts today? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the Gospel of Luke. This sermon was preached at the … Continue reading The Sermon on the Plain Feb 8 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noJesus’s sermon in Luke 6 is very similar to another, more famous sermon of his, the sermon on the mount. What message was Jesus trying to convey to his audience, and how should this sermon affect our hearts today? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the Gospel of Luke. This sermon was preached at the … Continue reading The Sermon on the PlainRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/02/02/a-new-king-in-babylon/ Mon, 02 Feb 2026 21:00:12 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4204 Continue reading A New King in Babylon]]> 4204Chris Watts After the “return” from exile, Israel began looking for a new king, the Messiah who would fulfill the promises of the prophets of old. Jesus was that king. But when he came, basically everything he said and did was the exact opposite of what Israel expected from their savior. What did Jesus teach about his … Continue reading A New King in Babylon Feb 1 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noAfter the “return” from exile, Israel began looking for a new king, the Messiah who would fulfill the promises of the prophets of old. Jesus was that king. But when he came, basically everything he said and did was the exact opposite of what Israel expected from their savior. What did Jesus teach about his … Continue reading A New King in BabylonRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/02/02/jesus-the-rabbi/ Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:47:35 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4199 Continue reading Jesus the Rabbi]]> 4199Chris Watts The Rabbi system in first century Israel is an important piece of background information for contextualizing the story of Jesus. What was a Rabbi, and how did Jesus fit into this system? What does this mean for the modern reader? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Luke. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading Jesus the Rabbi Feb 1 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe Rabbi system in first century Israel is an important piece of background information for contextualizing the story of Jesus. What was a Rabbi, and how did Jesus fit into this system? What does this mean for the modern reader? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Luke. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading Jesus the RabbiRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/01/26/the-purpose-of-his-ministry/ Mon, 26 Jan 2026 22:38:40 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4193 Continue reading The Purpose of His Ministry]]> 4193Chris Watts (Note: This audio sounds very different because it is livestreamed from home in a snow storm.) The first few stories of Jesus’s ministry in Luke’s Gospel serve to introduce the purpose of his earthly ministry and reinforce some of the ways that Jesus might have been tempted to alter or change his purpose from the … Continue reading The Purpose of His Ministry Jan 25 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)no(Note: This audio sounds very different because it is livestreamed from home in a snow storm.) The first few stories of Jesus’s ministry in Luke’s Gospel serve to introduce the purpose of his earthly ministry and reinforce some of the ways that Jesus might have been tempted to alter or change his purpose from the … Continue reading The Purpose of His MinistryRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/01/19/living-in-babylon/ Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:29:46 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4188 Continue reading Living in Babylon]]> 4188Chris Watts When Israel failed to live as the Called-Out Kingdom God desired, he sent them back into the world, via the exiles. But God still expected holiness in their exile. What can we learn from God’s expectations for exiled Israel, and from Israel’s example of living in a nation that did not know or love Yahweh? … Continue reading Living in Babylon Jan 18 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhen Israel failed to live as the Called-Out Kingdom God desired, he sent them back into the world, via the exiles. But God still expected holiness in their exile. What can we learn from God’s expectations for exiled Israel, and from Israel’s example of living in a nation that did not know or love Yahweh? … Continue reading Living in BabylonRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/01/19/preparing-the-way/ Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:25:01 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4183 Continue reading Preparing the Way]]> 4183Chris Watts Luke chapter 3 and the beginning of chapter 4 is the last bit of set-up before the ministry of Jesus begins in earnest. What can we learn from the teaching of John the Baptist, Luke’s version of Jesus’s genealogy, and the temptation of Jesus? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the Gospel of Luke. This … Continue reading Preparing the Way Jan 18 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noLuke chapter 3 and the beginning of chapter 4 is the last bit of set-up before the ministry of Jesus begins in earnest. What can we learn from the teaching of John the Baptist, Luke’s version of Jesus’s genealogy, and the temptation of Jesus? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the Gospel of Luke. This … Continue reading Preparing the WayRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/01/12/humble-beginnings-2/ Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:15:00 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4172 Continue reading Humble Beginnings]]> 4172Chris Watts In contrast to Matthew and John, Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus and his early life emphasizes Jesus’s humble origins and submissive attitude, from the circumstances of his birth, to his parents’ obedience to the Law of Moses, to his own submission to Mary and Joseph. What should we learn from this emphasis of … Continue reading Humble Beginnings Jan 11 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIn contrast to Matthew and John, Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus and his early life emphasizes Jesus’s humble origins and submissive attitude, from the circumstances of his birth, to his parents’ obedience to the Law of Moses, to his own submission to Mary and Joseph. What should we learn from this emphasis of … Continue reading Humble BeginningsRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/01/05/the-called-out-kingdom/ Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:48:02 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4164 Continue reading The Called-Out Kingdom]]> 4164Chris Watts This is the first lesson in a series on how the church can or should interact with the world around it, in politics, culture, social pressures, communities, etc. In this first sermon we consider the way God has always called his people out of the world to be something special or different, and lay the … Continue reading The Called-Out Kingdom Jan 4 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThis is the first lesson in a series on how the church can or should interact with the world around it, in politics, culture, social pressures, communities, etc. In this first sermon we consider the way God has always called his people out of the world to be something special or different, and lay the … Continue reading The Called-Out KingdomRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2026/01/05/the-coming-savior/ Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:43:01 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4159 Continue reading The Coming Savior]]> 4159Chris Watts Over the course of this year, I will be preaching through the Gospel of Luke, mostly at a pace of one chapter per week. We will do the first half over the first three months of the year, take a break, and then finish out the year by covering the second half of Luke in … Continue reading The Coming Savior Jan 4 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noOver the course of this year, I will be preaching through the Gospel of Luke, mostly at a pace of one chapter per week. We will do the first half over the first three months of the year, take a break, and then finish out the year by covering the second half of Luke in … Continue reading The Coming SaviorRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/12/28/the-end-of-the-story/ Sun, 28 Dec 2025 20:56:20 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4154 Continue reading The End of the Story]]> 4154Chris Watts In the book of Revelation, we learn how God’s story of redemption, restoration, and reconciliation will end. We only get glimpses of what comes after, but the story of God’s plan to restore fallen creation to himself finds its climax and resolution. What will the end of the story look like, and when will the … Continue reading The End of the Story Dec 28 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIn the book of Revelation, we learn how God’s story of redemption, restoration, and reconciliation will end. We only get glimpses of what comes after, but the story of God’s plan to restore fallen creation to himself finds its climax and resolution. What will the end of the story look like, and when will the … Continue reading The End of the StoryRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/12/22/the-dark-triad/ Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:11:31 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4149 Continue reading The Dark Triad]]> 4149Chris Watts “The dark triad” is technically a term from modern psychology, but I am co-opting it as a label for John’s categorization of temptation. Throughout the Bible, in important stories of temptation, you see the same triad. What is this “dark triad” of temptation? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on temptation. This sermon was preached at … Continue reading The Dark Triad Dec 21 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)no“The dark triad” is technically a term from modern psychology, but I am co-opting it as a label for John’s categorization of temptation. Throughout the Bible, in important stories of temptation, you see the same triad. What is this “dark triad” of temptation? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on temptation. This sermon was preached at … Continue reading The Dark TriadRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/12/22/a-preachers-prayer/ Mon, 22 Dec 2025 19:45:00 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4144 Continue reading A Preacher’s Prayer]]> 4144Chris Watts There is an emotional, relational connection behind all the epistles that can be easy to overlook 2,000 years later. 1-3 John and 1-2 Thessalonians do a good job of foregrounding this connection between the writer and the reader, and inform us how church workers today should feel about the church. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching … Continue reading A Preacher’s Prayer Dec 21 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThere is an emotional, relational connection behind all the epistles that can be easy to overlook 2,000 years later. 1-3 John and 1-2 Thessalonians do a good job of foregrounding this connection between the writer and the reader, and inform us how church workers today should feel about the church. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching … Continue reading A Preacher’s PrayerRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/12/15/what-really-matters/ Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:20:01 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4140 Continue reading What Really Matters]]> 4140Chris Watts There are a lot of things that distract us from what really, eternally matters. Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus emphasize this distinction over and over, in a variety of ways. What was Paul worried would distract the church, and how do we refocus on what really matters? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through 1-2 … Continue reading What Really Matters Dec 14 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThere are a lot of things that distract us from what really, eternally matters. Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus emphasize this distinction over and over, in a variety of ways. What was Paul worried would distract the church, and how do we refocus on what really matters? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through 1-2 … Continue reading What Really MattersRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/12/15/continuing-the-story/ Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:04:23 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4135 Continue reading Continuing the Story]]> 4135Chris Watts We are coming to the end of our year-long journey through the Bible story, but the end of the Bible is not the end of God’s story. As we read 1-2 Timothy and Titus, we see that Jesus’s apostles clearly intended his story to continue in the church. How did they intend for us to … Continue reading Continuing the Story Dec 14 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe are coming to the end of our year-long journey through the Bible story, but the end of the Bible is not the end of God’s story. As we read 1-2 Timothy and Titus, we see that Jesus’s apostles clearly intended his story to continue in the church. How did they intend for us to … Continue reading Continuing the StoryRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/12/08/dont-repeat-history/ Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:36:56 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4131 Continue reading Don’t Repeat History!]]> 4131Chris Watts 2 Peter and Jude are the most similar of any two books in the Bible (yes even possibly including the Gospels). What were Peter and Jude so concerned about in the early church, and how do their warnings matter for Christians today? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on 2 Peter and Jude. This sermon was … Continue reading Don’t Repeat History! Dec 7 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)no2 Peter and Jude are the most similar of any two books in the Bible (yes even possibly including the Gospels). What were Peter and Jude so concerned about in the early church, and how do their warnings matter for Christians today? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on 2 Peter and Jude. This sermon was … Continue reading Don’t Repeat History!Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/12/08/living-in-exile/ Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:47:04 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4126 Continue reading Living in Exile]]> 4126Chris Watts This sermon is a bit of a preview of a series of lessons we will start in the new year. 1 Peter is a book addressed to “the elect exiles of the dispersion.” What does this title mean, who does it apply to, and why does it matter for the modern Christian? Click Here to … Continue reading Living in Exile Dec 7 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThis sermon is a bit of a preview of a series of lessons we will start in the new year. 1 Peter is a book addressed to “the elect exiles of the dispersion.” What does this title mean, who does it apply to, and why does it matter for the modern Christian? Click Here to … Continue reading Living in ExileRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/12/01/the-new-self/ Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:02:23 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4121 Continue reading The New Self]]> 4121Chris Watts One of the things that should become quickly apparent as one reads through the letters of the New Testament is that the new life in Christ should not look like the old life before Christ. What does it mean to “put on the new self” and how does one go about doing that? Click Here … Continue reading The New Self Nov 30 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noOne of the things that should become quickly apparent as one reads through the letters of the New Testament is that the new life in Christ should not look like the old life before Christ. What does it mean to “put on the new self” and how does one go about doing that? Click Here … Continue reading The New SelfRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/11/24/discerning-the-body/ Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:02:03 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4116 Continue reading Discerning the Body]]> 4116Chris Watts While there are a lot of different topics addressed in the letters to the Corinthians, a lot of the letters come back to the same idea; how should Christians think about each other, and their place in the body of Christ, both universally and more locally? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the New Testament. … Continue reading Discerning the Body Nov 23 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhile there are a lot of different topics addressed in the letters to the Corinthians, a lot of the letters come back to the same idea; how should Christians think about each other, and their place in the body of Christ, both universally and more locally? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the New Testament. … Continue reading Discerning the BodyRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/11/17/hope-in-a-fallen-world/ Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:51:32 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4111 Continue reading Hope in a Fallen World]]> 4111Chris Watts The middle section of Romans is a masterful treatise on the hope God gives us in the broken, fallen world we live in. Why is the world so broken, and how does God expect us to persevere in it? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Romans. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading Hope in a Fallen World Nov 16 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe middle section of Romans is a masterful treatise on the hope God gives us in the broken, fallen world we live in. Why is the world so broken, and how does God expect us to persevere in it? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Romans. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading Hope in a Fallen WorldRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/11/17/saved-by-faith/ Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:45:19 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4105 Continue reading Saved by Faith]]> 4105Chris Watts Paul’s letter to the Romans is the most “technical” of the epistles, in a sense. In it, Paul lays out a very detailed argument about righteousness, salvation, and faith that is just as applicable today as it ever was. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Romans. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading Saved by Faith Nov 16 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noPaul’s letter to the Romans is the most “technical” of the epistles, in a sense. In it, Paul lays out a very detailed argument about righteousness, salvation, and faith that is just as applicable today as it ever was. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Romans. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading Saved by FaithRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/11/10/led-by-the-spirit/ Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:39:57 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4084 Continue reading Led by the Spirit]]> 4084Chris Watts The importance of being “led by the Spirit” as a Christian cannot be understated, but the exact means by which He leads us can be confusing to many Christians. Using several stories from the latter part of Paul’s mission work in Acts, let’s consider what exactly it means to be led by the Spirit. Click … Continue reading Led by the Spirit Nov 9 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe importance of being “led by the Spirit” as a Christian cannot be understated, but the exact means by which He leads us can be confusing to many Christians. Using several stories from the latter part of Paul’s mission work in Acts, let’s consider what exactly it means to be led by the Spirit. Click … Continue reading Led by the SpiritRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/11/10/the-elementary-doctrine-of-christ/ Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:27:58 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4079 Continue reading The Elementary Doctrine of Christ]]> 4079Chris Watts One of the benefits of reading through the story in Acts relatively quickly is repeated themes and events become more obvious, specifically in regards to evangelism and how people responded. What were the essential, elementary components of the Gospel message, and how did people typically respond to its truth? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on … Continue reading The Elementary Doctrine of Christ Nov 10 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noOne of the benefits of reading through the story in Acts relatively quickly is repeated themes and events become more obvious, specifically in regards to evangelism and how people responded. What were the essential, elementary components of the Gospel message, and how did people typically respond to its truth? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on … Continue reading The Elementary Doctrine of ChristRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/11/03/what-is-the-new-testament/ Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:32:51 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4063 Continue reading What is the New Testament?]]> 4063Chris Watts How we think about the form, structure, and purpose of the New Testament will inevitably affect the way we approach, read, and interpret it. What did Jesus have to say about it, and what did its writers say about why and how it was written? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the new covenant of … Continue reading What is the New Testament? Nov 2 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noHow we think about the form, structure, and purpose of the New Testament will inevitably affect the way we approach, read, and interpret it. What did Jesus have to say about it, and what did its writers say about why and how it was written? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the new covenant of … Continue reading What is the New Testament?Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/11/03/the-end-of-the-law/ Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:28:25 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4058 Continue reading The End of the Law]]> 4058Chris Watts One of the main points of conflict in the early Church was the question of how to handle or relate to the Law of Moses. This is still a question many people wonder about today. How did Jesus and his apostles intend for Christians to think about the Law of Moses? Click Here to Listen. … Continue reading The End of the Law Nov 3 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noOne of the main points of conflict in the early Church was the question of how to handle or relate to the Law of Moses. This is still a question many people wonder about today. How did Jesus and his apostles intend for Christians to think about the Law of Moses? Click Here to Listen. … Continue reading The End of the LawRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/10/27/the-early-church/ Mon, 27 Oct 2025 14:29:40 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4047 Continue reading The Early Church]]> 4047Chris Watts The first part of Acts is the first stage in the growth and the expansion of Jesus’s church, first in Jerusalem but then to the surrounding regions of Judea and Samaria. What kinds of struggles did the early church face, how did they overcome, and which of their attitudes and characteristics should we be emulating? … Continue reading The Early Church Oct 26 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe first part of Acts is the first stage in the growth and the expansion of Jesus’s church, first in Jerusalem but then to the surrounding regions of Judea and Samaria. What kinds of struggles did the early church face, how did they overcome, and which of their attitudes and characteristics should we be emulating? … Continue reading The Early ChurchRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/10/13/are-the-gospels-reliable/ Mon, 13 Oct 2025 13:48:35 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4022 Continue reading Are the Gospels Reliable?]]> 4022Chris Watts A basic apologetic consideration of the historical reliability of the Gospels (and indeed the broader New Testament) breaks down into two main lines of reasoning: arguments based on history and how we know things, and arguments based on psychology and human nature. This is a very brief overview of a defense of the Gospel accounts, … Continue reading Are the Gospels Reliable? Oct 12 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noA basic apologetic consideration of the historical reliability of the Gospels (and indeed the broader New Testament) breaks down into two main lines of reasoning: arguments based on history and how we know things, and arguments based on psychology and human nature. This is a very brief overview of a defense of the Gospel accounts, … Continue reading Are the Gospels Reliable?Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/10/13/the-common-gospel-2/ Mon, 13 Oct 2025 13:41:29 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4016 Continue reading The Common Gospel]]> 4016Chris Watts Mark’s Gospel is a good one to use as a base for digging down to the core Gospel story; the part of the good news of Jesus’s life that all four Gospel writers included in their accounts. The list is surprisingly short, and while everything each writer wrote is essential for all Christians, considering the … Continue reading The Common Gospel Oct 12 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noMark’s Gospel is a good one to use as a base for digging down to the core Gospel story; the part of the good news of Jesus’s life that all four Gospel writers included in their accounts. The list is surprisingly short, and while everything each writer wrote is essential for all Christians, considering the … Continue reading The Common GospelRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/10/06/the-kingdom-of-heaven/ Mon, 06 Oct 2025 19:05:02 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4011 Continue reading The Kingdom of Heaven]]> 4011Chris Watts The “kingdom” is an especially important theme in Matthew’s version of the Gospel story. Jesus’s work was not disconnected from the story of Israel in the Old Testament; it was a fulfillment and continuation of God’s plan to establish his eternal kingdom, promised to David and Daniel. How does Matthew explore the importance of the … Continue reading The Kingdom of Heaven Oct 5 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe “kingdom” is an especially important theme in Matthew’s version of the Gospel story. Jesus’s work was not disconnected from the story of Israel in the Old Testament; it was a fulfillment and continuation of God’s plan to establish his eternal kingdom, promised to David and Daniel. How does Matthew explore the importance of the … Continue reading The Kingdom of HeavenRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/10/06/the-culmination-of-prophecy/ Mon, 06 Oct 2025 18:56:50 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=4006 Continue reading The Culmination of Prophecy]]> 4006Chris Watts Matthew’s gospel is the most closely connected to the Israelite story in the Old Testament. He connects these stories in two main ways: the fulfillment of prophecy, and the continuation of the kingdom. First, we will consider how Matthew addresses prophecy in the life of Jesus. How does Jesus fulfill all the promises of God … Continue reading The Culmination of Prophecy Oct 5 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noMatthew’s gospel is the most closely connected to the Israelite story in the Old Testament. He connects these stories in two main ways: the fulfillment of prophecy, and the continuation of the kingdom. First, we will consider how Matthew addresses prophecy in the life of Jesus. How does Jesus fulfill all the promises of God … Continue reading The Culmination of ProphecyRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/09/29/god-with-us/ Mon, 29 Sep 2025 18:28:16 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3988 Continue reading God With Us]]> 3988Chris Watts We begin our foray into the New Testament with the Gospel of John; not the first gospel in most English Bibles, but the one that most closely parallels the beginning of the Bible in Genesis. What is different about John’s version of Jesus’s story, and what does he emphasize more than the other authors? Click … Continue reading God With Us Sep 28 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe begin our foray into the New Testament with the Gospel of John; not the first gospel in most English Bibles, but the one that most closely parallels the beginning of the Bible in Genesis. What is different about John’s version of Jesus’s story, and what does he emphasize more than the other authors? Click … Continue reading God With UsRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/09/22/the-coming-messiah/ Mon, 22 Sep 2025 15:06:18 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3977 Continue reading The Coming Messiah]]> 3977Chris Watts For a word that carries such importance in modern Christianity, the word “Messiah” appears astonishingly little in the Bible. Why is that? Aside from the quirks of translations and transliterations, why is this such an important prophetic title, and how did the intertestamental Israelites begin to think about it, leading to the arrival of Jesus? … Continue reading The Coming Messiah Sep 21 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noFor a word that carries such importance in modern Christianity, the word “Messiah” appears astonishingly little in the Bible. Why is that? Aside from the quirks of translations and transliterations, why is this such an important prophetic title, and how did the intertestamental Israelites begin to think about it, leading to the arrival of Jesus? … Continue reading The Coming MessiahRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/09/15/intertestamental-prophecy/ Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:31:42 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3962 Continue reading Intertestamental Prophecy]]> 3962Chris Watts While there are no narrative parts of the Bible that describe the 400 years between Nehemiah and Jesus, the Bible is not silent about that era of history; Daniel had a string of visions describing that time. How do Daniel’s visions guide us through this era and bring us to the arrival of the “Son … Continue reading Intertestamental Prophecy Sep 14 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhile there are no narrative parts of the Bible that describe the 400 years between Nehemiah and Jesus, the Bible is not silent about that era of history; Daniel had a string of visions describing that time. How do Daniel’s visions guide us through this era and bring us to the arrival of the “Son … Continue reading Intertestamental ProphecyRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/09/15/god-is-in-control/ Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:18:50 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3956 Continue reading God is in Control!]]> 3956Chris Watts As we wrap up our reading through the Old Testament with 2 Chronicles, it is important to consider if God still interacts with the world, nations, and geopolitics today in the same way that the Chronicler emphasizes. Even though God isn’t as explicit or clear with us today in how he is working, how can … Continue reading God is in Control! Sep 14 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noAs we wrap up our reading through the Old Testament with 2 Chronicles, it is important to consider if God still interacts with the world, nations, and geopolitics today in the same way that the Chronicler emphasizes. Even though God isn’t as explicit or clear with us today in how he is working, how can … Continue reading God is in Control!Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/09/08/the-purpose-of-existence/ Mon, 08 Sep 2025 15:07:49 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3950 Continue reading The Purpose of Existence]]> 3950Chris Watts The turn from 1 to 2 Chronicles focuses on David’s and Solomon’s efforts in building the temple, but during this process both David and Solomon recognize a puzzling aspect to their work; God doesn’t actually need a temple, everything that they used to build it came from him, and a temple can’t contain him anyway. … Continue reading The Purpose of Existence Sep 7 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe turn from 1 to 2 Chronicles focuses on David’s and Solomon’s efforts in building the temple, but during this process both David and Solomon recognize a puzzling aspect to their work; God doesn’t actually need a temple, everything that they used to build it came from him, and a temple can’t contain him anyway. … Continue reading The Purpose of ExistenceRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/09/01/but-you-say/ Mon, 01 Sep 2025 13:57:31 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3944 Continue reading “But You Say”]]> 3944Chris Watts A simple way to study a book of the Bible is to make note of repeated words or phrases; this is often the easiest way to identify the theme of a book! In Malachi, that phrase is “but you say”, which appears frequently in just four chapters. Why does the prophet use this phrase so … Continue reading “But You Say” Aug 31 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noA simple way to study a book of the Bible is to make note of repeated words or phrases; this is often the easiest way to identify the theme of a book! In Malachi, that phrase is “but you say”, which appears frequently in just four chapters. Why does the prophet use this phrase so … Continue reading “But You Say”Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/08/25/valuing-gods-word/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 13:49:09 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3939 Continue reading Valuing God’s Word]]> 3939Chris Watts The return from exile involved a lot of rebuilding; the temple in the book of Ezra, the wall in the book of Nehemiah, and generally they would have had to rebuild homes, farms, roads, etc. But perhaps the most important rebuilding was the people’s relationship with God’s word. How did Nehemiah help restore Israel’s knowledge … Continue reading Valuing God’s Word Aug 24 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe return from exile involved a lot of rebuilding; the temple in the book of Ezra, the wall in the book of Nehemiah, and generally they would have had to rebuild homes, farms, roads, etc. But perhaps the most important rebuilding was the people’s relationship with God’s word. How did Nehemiah help restore Israel’s knowledge … Continue reading Valuing God’s WordRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/08/18/a-call-to-repent/ Mon, 18 Aug 2025 15:02:11 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3934 Continue reading A Call to Repent]]> 3934Chris Watts Zechariah, like most of the post-exilic prophets, urged Israel to return and repent by reminding them exactly why they had been sent into exile in the first place. What can we learn about God’s desire for repentance by considering how God dealt with people in times past? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the return … Continue reading A Call to Repent Aug 17 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noZechariah, like most of the post-exilic prophets, urged Israel to return and repent by reminding them exactly why they had been sent into exile in the first place. What can we learn about God’s desire for repentance by considering how God dealt with people in times past? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the return … Continue reading A Call to RepentRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/08/18/returning-rebuilding-restoring/ Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:56:35 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3929 Continue reading Returning, Rebuilding, Restoring]]> 3929Chris Watts Israel’s return from exile was a long process of rebuilding and restoring what had been lost, starting with the temple in the book of Ezra. But beyond rebuilding the physical buildings and towns, Israel needed to restore their relationship and obedience to God, a task that Ezra was well suited for. What can we learn … Continue reading Returning, Rebuilding, Restoring Aug 17 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIsrael’s return from exile was a long process of rebuilding and restoring what had been lost, starting with the temple in the book of Ezra. But beyond rebuilding the physical buildings and towns, Israel needed to restore their relationship and obedience to God, a task that Ezra was well suited for. What can we learn … Continue reading Returning, Rebuilding, RestoringRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/08/11/christianity-in-the-age-of-artificial-intelligence/ Mon, 11 Aug 2025 22:24:52 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3906 Continue reading Christianity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence]]> 3906Chris Watts This post contains a sermon, but the subject of artificial intelligence deserves more than can be said in one 35 minute sermon. And, honestly, the sermon came across a bit more pessimistic and a bit less nuanced than I would have liked. I have included below some much longer thoughts on the nature of artificial … Continue reading Christianity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Aug 10 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThis post contains a sermon, but the subject of artificial intelligence deserves more than can be said in one 35 minute sermon. And, honestly, the sermon came across a bit more pessimistic and a bit less nuanced than I would have liked. I have included below some much longer thoughts on the nature of artificial … Continue reading Christianity in the Age of Artificial IntelligenceRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/08/11/from-death-to-life/ Mon, 11 Aug 2025 21:25:32 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3901 Continue reading From Death to Life]]> 3901Chris Watts The vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 epitomizes one of the main themes of the Bible: God’s power to bring life from death, through his Spirit. Using Ezekiel 37 as a launching point, how does this power of God manifest in his promises through Jesus and his apostles? Click Here to … Continue reading From Death to Life Aug 10 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 epitomizes one of the main themes of the Bible: God’s power to bring life from death, through his Spirit. Using Ezekiel 37 as a launching point, how does this power of God manifest in his promises through Jesus and his apostles? Click Here to … Continue reading From Death to LifeRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/08/04/a-new-israel/ Mon, 04 Aug 2025 13:55:21 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3895 Continue reading A New Israel]]> 3895Chris Watts This sermon is only tangentially related to our journey through the story of the Bible together this year, but it is a topic I get asked about a lot. How should Christians think about Israel today? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises made to Israel. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading A New Israel Aug 3 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThis sermon is only tangentially related to our journey through the story of the Bible together this year, but it is a topic I get asked about a lot. How should Christians think about Israel today? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises made to Israel. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading A New IsraelRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/08/04/failed-leadership-failed-nation/ Mon, 04 Aug 2025 13:47:10 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3890 Continue reading Failed Leadership, Failed Nation]]> 3890Chris Watts The book of Ezekiel has a lot to say about how the failure of Israel’s leaders led Israel into destruction. The book still has much to teach modern readers about the importance of righteous leadership today. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the exile of Israel. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading Failed Leadership, Failed Nation Aug 3 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe book of Ezekiel has a lot to say about how the failure of Israel’s leaders led Israel into destruction. The book still has much to teach modern readers about the importance of righteous leadership today. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the exile of Israel. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading Failed Leadership, Failed NationRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/07/29/stories-of-exile-sermon/ Tue, 29 Jul 2025 13:59:54 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3885 Continue reading Stories of Exile (Sermon)]]> 3885Chris Watts The stories of Daniel and Esther take place outside of Israel, a hundred years apart. What can we learn from God’s people as they continued to live faithfully in the midst of ungodly people? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the exile of Israel. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading Stories of Exile (Sermon) June 27 Breakout(1) infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe stories of Daniel and Esther take place outside of Israel, a hundred years apart. What can we learn from God’s people as they continued to live faithfully in the midst of ungodly people? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the exile of Israel. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading Stories of Exile (Sermon)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/07/21/overview-of-the-exile-sermon/ Mon, 21 Jul 2025 18:36:25 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3863 Continue reading Overview of the Exile (Sermon)]]> 3863Chris Watts The Babylonian exile is one of the most complicated narrative backdrops in the Old Testament, spanning many prophetic and historical books in Scripture. Understanding the scope of the exile and the return will inform our reading of dozens of Old Testament books, and help us gain a better understanding of the story of God’s people … Continue reading Overview of the Exile (Sermon) July 20 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe Babylonian exile is one of the most complicated narrative backdrops in the Old Testament, spanning many prophetic and historical books in Scripture. Understanding the scope of the exile and the return will inform our reading of dozens of Old Testament books, and help us gain a better understanding of the story of God’s people … Continue reading Overview of the Exile (Sermon)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/07/21/a-lament-for-the-lost/ Mon, 21 Jul 2025 18:25:09 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3857 Continue reading A Lament for the Lost]]> 3857Chris Watts Lamentations might be the hardest book to read in the Bible; not because it’s obscure or overly intellectual, or because it is simply a compilation of census data, but because it’s extremely heavy and emotional. Why was it written, and why is still just as valuable for modern readers? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through … Continue reading A Lament for the Lost June 20 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noLamentations might be the hardest book to read in the Bible; not because it’s obscure or overly intellectual, or because it is simply a compilation of census data, but because it’s extremely heavy and emotional. Why was it written, and why is still just as valuable for modern readers? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through … Continue reading A Lament for the LostRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/07/14/overview-of-jeremiah-sermon/ Mon, 14 Jul 2025 18:55:53 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3847 Continue reading Overview of Jeremiah (Sermon)]]> 3847Chris Watts Jeremiah is a hard book for modern readers to understand (like many of the Israelite prophetic books). What are some of the factors that contribute to this difficulty, and how can modern readers understand the book in its own context while also making application for ourselves? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the prophets of … Continue reading Overview of Jeremiah (Sermon) July 13 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noJeremiah is a hard book for modern readers to understand (like many of the Israelite prophetic books). What are some of the factors that contribute to this difficulty, and how can modern readers understand the book in its own context while also making application for ourselves? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the prophets of … Continue reading Overview of Jeremiah (Sermon)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/07/14/letter-to-the-exiles/ Mon, 14 Jul 2025 18:50:59 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3841 Continue reading Letter to the Exiles]]> 3841Chris Watts The book of Jeremiah is not arranged chronologically, so in our reading through the Bible our text for this week comes a little out of historical order. Jeremiah 29 is addressed to people living in exile after Babylon had come against Israel and carried many of them away. What did Jeremiah have to say to … Continue reading Letter to the Exiles July 13 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe book of Jeremiah is not arranged chronologically, so in our reading through the Bible our text for this week comes a little out of historical order. Jeremiah 29 is addressed to people living in exile after Babylon had come against Israel and carried many of them away. What did Jeremiah have to say to … Continue reading Letter to the ExilesRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/07/07/the-prophets-call/ Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:19:13 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3830 Continue reading The Prophet’s Call]]> 3830Chris Watts Most of the prophetic books of Israel simply record the oracles of the prophets, without revealing much about the prophets themselves. However, the books of Jeremiah and Isaiah begin with the call of the prophet and God’s intent for their ministries. What can we learn from the call of these two men, their responses, and … Continue reading The Prophet’s Call June 6 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noMost of the prophetic books of Israel simply record the oracles of the prophets, without revealing much about the prophets themselves. However, the books of Jeremiah and Isaiah begin with the call of the prophet and God’s intent for their ministries. What can we learn from the call of these two men, their responses, and … Continue reading The Prophet’s CallRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/06/30/hope-in-isaiah/ Mon, 30 Jun 2025 19:50:26 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3806 Continue reading Hope in Isaiah]]> 3806Chris Watts Where the first half of Isaiah is mostly judgment punctuated by promises of restoration, the second half is primarily hopeful promises with occasional reminders of judgment. What kind of hope does Isaiah offer to Israel, and how does he expect the hope to be accomplished for God’s people? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the … Continue reading Hope in Isaiah June 29 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhere the first half of Isaiah is mostly judgment punctuated by promises of restoration, the second half is primarily hopeful promises with occasional reminders of judgment. What kind of hope does Isaiah offer to Israel, and how does he expect the hope to be accomplished for God’s people? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the … Continue reading Hope in IsaiahRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/06/23/judgment-in-isaiah/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 15:10:09 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3802 Continue reading Judgment in Isaiah]]> 3802Chris Watts The first half of Isaiah primarily consists of God’s judgment on Israel and the nations. Why did Isaiah prophesy so much judgment, and how might we be in danger of the same denunciations today? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the prophets. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on June 22, … Continue reading Judgment in Isaiah June 22 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe first half of Isaiah primarily consists of God’s judgment on Israel and the nations. Why did Isaiah prophesy so much judgment, and how might we be in danger of the same denunciations today? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the prophets. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on June 22, … Continue reading Judgment in IsaiahRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/06/16/wrestling-with-god/ Mon, 16 Jun 2025 15:01:20 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3790 Continue reading Wrestling with God]]> 3790Chris Watts It is easy to put the prophets of Israel on a pedestal and think they were so much higher or better than we are, but the prophets were just regular people. The stories of Elijah and Habakkuk highlight this truth well; how did they struggle with the frailty and weakness of humanity, how did God … Continue reading Wrestling with God June 15 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIt is easy to put the prophets of Israel on a pedestal and think they were so much higher or better than we are, but the prophets were just regular people. The stories of Elijah and Habakkuk highlight this truth well; how did they struggle with the frailty and weakness of humanity, how did God … Continue reading Wrestling with GodRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/06/16/overview-of-the-prophets/ Mon, 16 Jun 2025 14:55:02 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3784 Continue reading Overview of the Prophets]]> 3784Chris Watts The “Prophets” is the largest section of the English Old Testament, and there are a lot of prophets whose work is primarily found in the narrative sections of the Bible. The prophets clearly played a vital role in God’s connection with Israel. What was their job, how should we think about them, and how does … Continue reading Overview of the Prophets June 15 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe “Prophets” is the largest section of the English Old Testament, and there are a lot of prophets whose work is primarily found in the narrative sections of the Bible. The prophets clearly played a vital role in God’s connection with Israel. What was their job, how should we think about them, and how does … Continue reading Overview of the ProphetsRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/06/02/overview-of-the-divided-kingdom/ Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:18:17 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3775 Continue reading Overview of the Divided Kingdom]]> 3775Chris Watts We begin our foray into the era of Israel’s divided kingdom with an overview of the entire period, from the division after Solomon’s death to the eventual exile of Judah. What patterns repeated themselves throughout this part of Israel’s history, and what should modern readers glean from this section of the Bible? Click Here to … Continue reading Overview of the Divided Kingdom June 1 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe begin our foray into the era of Israel’s divided kingdom with an overview of the entire period, from the division after Solomon’s death to the eventual exile of Judah. What patterns repeated themselves throughout this part of Israel’s history, and what should modern readers glean from this section of the Bible? Click Here to … Continue reading Overview of the Divided KingdomRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/05/26/the-search-for-meaning/ Mon, 26 May 2025 14:35:31 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3770 Continue reading The Search for Meaning]]> 3770Chris Watts We end our journey through the wisdom literature of Israel with Ecclesiastes, one of the strangest books in the Bible. The book is an exploration of some of life’s deepest questions: what is the point of it all? Did anything I do matter? Does anything have meaning and value? What can we learn from the … Continue reading The Search for Meaning May 25 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe end our journey through the wisdom literature of Israel with Ecclesiastes, one of the strangest books in the Bible. The book is an exploration of some of life’s deepest questions: what is the point of it all? Did anything I do matter? Does anything have meaning and value? What can we learn from the … Continue reading The Search for MeaningRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/05/19/awakened-love/ Mon, 19 May 2025 14:51:19 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3754 Continue reading Awakened Love]]> 3754Chris Watts The Song of Solomon (or “Song of Songs” in many translations) is I suspect among the least-taught books in the Bible. Sex makes many people feel awkward or uncomfortable. But should it? What is a book like Song of Solomon meant to teach the reader? Why is it in the Bible? How should we approach … Continue reading Awakened Love May 18 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe Song of Solomon (or “Song of Songs” in many translations) is I suspect among the least-taught books in the Bible. Sex makes many people feel awkward or uncomfortable. But should it? What is a book like Song of Solomon meant to teach the reader? Why is it in the Bible? How should we approach … Continue reading Awakened LoveRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/05/19/rules-for-the-good-life/ Mon, 19 May 2025 14:37:33 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3749 Continue reading Rules for the Good Life]]> 3749Chris Watts The Proverbs of Israel are wide-ranging in their subject matter, but there are several frequent themes. If we want to live purposeful, meaningful, righteous lives, what kind of rules might we glean from this ancient wisdom? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the wisdom literature of Israel. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading Rules for the Good Life May 18 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe Proverbs of Israel are wide-ranging in their subject matter, but there are several frequent themes. If we want to live purposeful, meaningful, righteous lives, what kind of rules might we glean from this ancient wisdom? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the wisdom literature of Israel. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading Rules for the Good LifeRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/05/12/the-beginning-of-wisdom/ Mon, 12 May 2025 14:59:39 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3733 Continue reading The Beginning of Wisdom]]> 3733Chris Watts The stated intent of the book of Proverbs is to provide wisdom and insight to the reader. How does Proverbs specifically, and the Wisdom literature of Israel more generally, help the reader approach life more wisely? What are the key components of wisdom, and how can we avoid the pitfalls of being “simpleminded”? Click Here … Continue reading The Beginning of Wisdom May 11 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe stated intent of the book of Proverbs is to provide wisdom and insight to the reader. How does Proverbs specifically, and the Wisdom literature of Israel more generally, help the reader approach life more wisely? What are the key components of wisdom, and how can we avoid the pitfalls of being “simpleminded”? Click Here … Continue reading The Beginning of WisdomRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/05/12/the-wisest-fool-who-ever-lived/ Mon, 12 May 2025 14:53:45 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3727 Continue reading The Wisest Fool Who Ever Lived]]> 3727Chris Watts Solomon presided over the absolute height of the kingdom of Israel, because God granted his request for wisdom in addition to giving him wealth and power. But Solomon’s great wisdom did not prevent him from falling into the same kinds of temptations that face every human. How did a man whose reign started off so … Continue reading The Wisest Fool Who Ever Lived May 11 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noSolomon presided over the absolute height of the kingdom of Israel, because God granted his request for wisdom in addition to giving him wealth and power. But Solomon’s great wisdom did not prevent him from falling into the same kinds of temptations that face every human. How did a man whose reign started off so … Continue reading The Wisest Fool Who Ever LivedRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/05/05/righteousness-in-psalms/ Mon, 05 May 2025 15:44:39 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3720 Continue reading Righteousness in Psalms]]> 3720Chris Watts One of the main themes in the Psalms is righteousness: God’s attitude toward the righteous and unrighteous, contrasts between the behavior of the righteous and the wicked, and warnings and promises for certain kinds of actions and attitudes. What do the Psalmists consider to be “righteousness,” and why is it so important? Click Here to … Continue reading Righteousness in Psalms May 4 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noOne of the main themes in the Psalms is righteousness: God’s attitude toward the righteous and unrighteous, contrasts between the behavior of the righteous and the wicked, and warnings and promises for certain kinds of actions and attitudes. What do the Psalmists consider to be “righteousness,” and why is it so important? Click Here to … Continue reading Righteousness in PsalmsRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/05/05/teaching-with-psalms/ Mon, 05 May 2025 15:39:15 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3714 Continue reading Teaching With Psalms]]> 3714Chris Watts Songs have a complex relationship with culture; music is both shaped by, and also shapes, the culture in which it is written, and serves as a vehicle for transmitting the norms, values, and ideals of a culture to the next generation. Viewed in this light, it is no wonder that we are instructed to teach … Continue reading Teaching With Psalms May 4 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noSongs have a complex relationship with culture; music is both shaped by, and also shapes, the culture in which it is written, and serves as a vehicle for transmitting the norms, values, and ideals of a culture to the next generation. Viewed in this light, it is no wonder that we are instructed to teach … Continue reading Teaching With PsalmsRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/04/28/the-kindness-and-severity-of-god/ Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:28:44 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3708 Continue reading The Kindness and Severity of God]]> 3708Chris Watts The latter part of David’s life is marked by civil war, conflict, strife, and a lot of pain, stemming from David’s poor choices and God’s discipline. But in the midst of all his sorrow, we also see God’s grace and mercy toward David. How do the kindness and severity of God weave together at the … Continue reading The Kindness and Severity of God April 27 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe latter part of David’s life is marked by civil war, conflict, strife, and a lot of pain, stemming from David’s poor choices and God’s discipline. But in the midst of all his sorrow, we also see God’s grace and mercy toward David. How do the kindness and severity of God weave together at the … Continue reading The Kindness and Severity of GodRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/04/21/a-clean-heart/ Mon, 21 Apr 2025 15:28:41 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3703 Continue reading A Clean Heart]]> 3703Chris Watts 2 Samuel 11-16 are the low points of David’s life: sinning with Bathsheba followed by several devastating consequences and the fallout of family discord and civil war. But out of this terrible time comes one of the most powerful Psalms. What can we learn from Psalm 51 and how can we read it prophetically as … Continue reading A Clean Heart April 20 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)no2 Samuel 11-16 are the low points of David’s life: sinning with Bathsheba followed by several devastating consequences and the fallout of family discord and civil war. But out of this terrible time comes one of the most powerful Psalms. What can we learn from Psalm 51 and how can we read it prophetically as … Continue reading A Clean HeartRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/04/14/reading-the-psalms-prophetically/ Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:43:12 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3676 Continue reading Reading the Psalms Prophetically]]> 3676Chris Watts The book of Psalms has a complicated relationship with foretelling. Some parts of it clearly tell the future in the vein of one of the prophets like Isaiah or Jeremiah, but a lot of the prophecy in the book is more subtle. The Psalms are full of “dual prophetic fulfillment” – prophecy that meant one … Continue reading Reading the Psalms Prophetically April 13 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe book of Psalms has a complicated relationship with foretelling. Some parts of it clearly tell the future in the vein of one of the prophets like Isaiah or Jeremiah, but a lot of the prophecy in the book is more subtle. The Psalms are full of “dual prophetic fulfillment” – prophecy that meant one … Continue reading Reading the Psalms PropheticallyRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/04/14/the-kingdom-covenant/ Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:07:20 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3670 Continue reading The Kingdom Covenant]]> 3670Chris Watts 2 Samuel 7 is one of the key chapters of the Bible, akin to Abraham’s call in Genesis 12 or the beginning of the gospels. The promise made to David is a recurring theme throughout the rest of the story of Israel. Why is this chapter so pivotal, and how does it connect to the … Continue reading The Kingdom Covenant April 13 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)no2 Samuel 7 is one of the key chapters of the Bible, akin to Abraham’s call in Genesis 12 or the beginning of the gospels. The promise made to David is a recurring theme throughout the rest of the story of Israel. Why is this chapter so pivotal, and how does it connect to the … Continue reading The Kingdom CovenantRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/04/07/overview-of-the-psalms/ Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:26:33 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3663 Continue reading Overview of the Psalms]]> 3663Chris Watts The book of Psalms spans a thousand years of Israelite history, and is the greatest collection of songs and prayers to Yahweh ever assembled. How was this collection assembled, why was it structured the way it was, and how can we begin to use this incredible resource in our own lives? Click Here to Listen. … Continue reading Overview of the Psalms April 6 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe book of Psalms spans a thousand years of Israelite history, and is the greatest collection of songs and prayers to Yahweh ever assembled. How was this collection assembled, why was it structured the way it was, and how can we begin to use this incredible resource in our own lives? Click Here to Listen. … Continue reading Overview of the PsalmsRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/04/07/a-man-after-gods-own-heart-2/ Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:17:35 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3659 Continue reading A Man After God’s Own Heart]]> 3659Chris Watts After Saul’s rebellion and rejection, God told Samuel he would choose a new king after his own heart. What did God mean by this, what made David such a person, and how can we emulate the heart of David? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on this history of early Israel. This sermon was preached at … Continue reading A Man After God’s Own Heart April 6 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noAfter Saul’s rebellion and rejection, God told Samuel he would choose a new king after his own heart. What did God mean by this, what made David such a person, and how can we emulate the heart of David? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on this history of early Israel. This sermon was preached at … Continue reading A Man After God’s Own HeartRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/03/31/the-first-king/ Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:24:20 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3647 Continue reading The First King]]> 3647Chris Watts Israel’s first king arrived at the tail end of a sequence of bad leadership in Israel. But while things started out well for Saul, they quickly devolved into similar patterns of failed rule. What can we learn from the first king’s successes and failures, and how much should we relate to his struggles? Click Here … Continue reading The First King March 30 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIsrael’s first king arrived at the tail end of a sequence of bad leadership in Israel. But while things started out well for Saul, they quickly devolved into similar patterns of failed rule. What can we learn from the first king’s successes and failures, and how much should we relate to his struggles? Click Here … Continue reading The First KingRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/03/24/rebellion-and-redemption/ Mon, 24 Mar 2025 14:48:56 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3632 Continue reading Rebellion and Redemption]]> 3632Chris Watts The period of the judges lasted for more than three centuries between Joshua’s death and the anointing of Saul as the first king. During this time, the pattern of human rebellion and God’s redemption was solidified in Israel, and stands as an example to Christians today. What can we learn about the cycle of rebellion … Continue reading Rebellion and Redemption March 23 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe period of the judges lasted for more than three centuries between Joshua’s death and the anointing of Saul as the first king. During this time, the pattern of human rebellion and God’s redemption was solidified in Israel, and stands as an example to Christians today. What can we learn about the cycle of rebellion … Continue reading Rebellion and RedemptionRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/03/17/the-angel-of-yahweh/ Mon, 17 Mar 2025 15:16:47 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3627 Continue reading The Angel of Yahweh]]> 3627Chris Watts There is a mysterious recurring figure in the Old Testament: “The Angel of Yahweh” appears at several critical points in the narrative to guide, support, and direct the people of Israel. What is so special about the angel, and what distinguishes him from other angels in the Bible? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the … Continue reading The Angel of Yahweh March 16 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThere is a mysterious recurring figure in the Old Testament: “The Angel of Yahweh” appears at several critical points in the narrative to guide, support, and direct the people of Israel. What is so special about the angel, and what distinguishes him from other angels in the Bible? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the … Continue reading The Angel of YahwehRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/03/17/be-strong-and-courageous/ Mon, 17 Mar 2025 15:03:45 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3622 Continue reading Be Strong and Courageous]]> 3622Chris Watts The story of Joshua is full of war, conflict, and strife. As Israel was about to cross the Jordan and enter the promised land, Joshua was repeatedly told to “be strong and courageous.” What reasons did God give him to be so, and how does Joshua’s need for strength and courage mirror our own? Click … Continue reading Be Strong and Courageous March 16 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe story of Joshua is full of war, conflict, and strife. As Israel was about to cross the Jordan and enter the promised land, Joshua was repeatedly told to “be strong and courageous.” What reasons did God give him to be so, and how does Joshua’s need for strength and courage mirror our own? Click … Continue reading Be Strong and CourageousRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/03/10/entering-canaan/ Mon, 10 Mar 2025 14:59:30 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3602 Continue reading Entering Canaan]]> 3602Chris Watts (Note: you can find links for the maps mentioned in this sermon below.) As we transition from the Pentateuch to the so-called books of history in the Old Testament, Israel is transitioning from their wilderness wanderings into the promised land. How did they enter, how did their early encounters with the inhabitants go, and how … Continue reading Entering Canaan March 9 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)no(Note: you can find links for the maps mentioned in this sermon below.) As we transition from the Pentateuch to the so-called books of history in the Old Testament, Israel is transitioning from their wilderness wanderings into the promised land. How did they enter, how did their early encounters with the inhabitants go, and how … Continue reading Entering CanaanRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/03/03/you-have-heard-that-it-was-said-2/ Mon, 03 Mar 2025 16:34:40 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3590 Continue reading You Have Heard that it was Said]]> 3590Chris Watts Jesus, immediately after claiming that he came not to abolish, but fulfill the law of Moses, proceeded to make what seems to be pretty major alterations to the law in Matthew 5-6. What did he mean by claiming to “fulfill” the law, and how should we understand his teaching about the things that were told … Continue reading You Have Heard that it was Said March 2 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noJesus, immediately after claiming that he came not to abolish, but fulfill the law of Moses, proceeded to make what seems to be pretty major alterations to the law in Matthew 5-6. What did he mean by claiming to “fulfill” the law, and how should we understand his teaching about the things that were told … Continue reading You Have Heard that it was SaidRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/03/03/keeping-covenant-with-god/ Mon, 03 Mar 2025 16:28:58 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3585 Continue reading Keeping Covenant With God]]> 3585Chris Watts Deuteronomy, in addition to being a summary and recap of the law given through Moses, serves as Moses’s farewell address to Israel. At the end of his life, Moses was predominantly concerned with how Israel would keep God’s covenant after he was gone. Deuteronomy contains his admonition and encouragement for Israel to keep the covenant. … Continue reading Keeping Covenant With God March 2 Breakout infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noDeuteronomy, in addition to being a summary and recap of the law given through Moses, serves as Moses’s farewell address to Israel. At the end of his life, Moses was predominantly concerned with how Israel would keep God’s covenant after he was gone. Deuteronomy contains his admonition and encouragement for Israel to keep the covenant. … Continue reading Keeping Covenant With GodRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/02/24/the-struggle-to-obey/ Mon, 24 Feb 2025 15:22:05 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3568 Continue reading The Struggle to Obey]]> 3568Chris Watts While there certainly are a lot of numbers in the book of Numbers, a better title for the book might be the Jewish one: In the Desert. The narrative sections focus on Israel’s struggles to obey the Law they had just received through Moses, and their journeys in the desert as a result. But our … Continue reading The Struggle to Obey Feb 23 Wordpres infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhile there certainly are a lot of numbers in the book of Numbers, a better title for the book might be the Jewish one: In the Desert. The narrative sections focus on Israel’s struggles to obey the Law they had just received through Moses, and their journeys in the desert as a result. But our … Continue reading The Struggle to ObeyRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/02/17/why-then-the-law/ Mon, 17 Feb 2025 16:06:52 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3563 Continue reading Why Then The Law?]]> 3563Chris Watts This is the second part of our consideration of how the modern Christian should relate to the law of Moses. If there is so much difference between the laws of Moses and Christ, why was the law of Moses given at all? If Christ was always the plan, why didn’t God just jump straight to … Continue reading Why Then The Law? Feb 16 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThis is the second part of our consideration of how the modern Christian should relate to the law of Moses. If there is so much difference between the laws of Moses and Christ, why was the law of Moses given at all? If Christ was always the plan, why didn’t God just jump straight to … Continue reading Why Then The Law?Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/02/17/gods-character-in-the-law/ Mon, 17 Feb 2025 16:00:56 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3557 Continue reading God’s Character in the Law]]> 3557Chris Watts It’s important that modern Christians do not neglect a study of the Law of Moses, for in it we learn much about the character and nature of the God we serve. What can we learn about God from a study of Leviticus, and how should such a study affect us today? Click Here to Listen. … Continue reading God’s Character in the Law Feb 16 Wordpres infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIt’s important that modern Christians do not neglect a study of the Law of Moses, for in it we learn much about the character and nature of the God we serve. What can we learn about God from a study of Leviticus, and how should such a study affect us today? Click Here to Listen. … Continue reading God’s Character in the LawRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/02/10/the-law-of-moses-vs-the-law-of-christ/ Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:44:16 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3543 Continue reading The Law of Moses vs The Law of Christ]]> 3543Chris Watts Inevitably as a person reads through the Law of Moses in Exodus-Deuteronomy, the many, many differences between that law and what would later come through Jesus and his apostles become glaring. How can we explain and understand the differences between God’s expectations for the Israelites, and his expectations of his people today? And why do … Continue reading The Law of Moses vs The Law of Christ Feb 9 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noInevitably as a person reads through the Law of Moses in Exodus-Deuteronomy, the many, many differences between that law and what would later come through Jesus and his apostles become glaring. How can we explain and understand the differences between God’s expectations for the Israelites, and his expectations of his people today? And why do … Continue reading The Law of Moses vs The Law of ChristRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/02/10/the-ten-commandments/ Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:38:23 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3538 Continue reading The Ten Commandments]]> 3538Chris Watts While there are literally hundreds of laws in the Law of Moses, the first ten are called out as especially significant. What makes them so special, and how have they continually resonated with God’s people over the course of millennia? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the Law of Moses. This sermon was preached at … Continue reading The Ten Commandments Feb 9 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhile there are literally hundreds of laws in the Law of Moses, the first ten are called out as especially significant. What makes them so special, and how have they continually resonated with God’s people over the course of millennia? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the Law of Moses. This sermon was preached at … Continue reading The Ten CommandmentsRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/02/03/that-you-may-know/ Mon, 03 Feb 2025 15:46:21 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3533 Continue reading That You May Know]]> 3533Chris Watts In our journey through the story of the Bible we have come to Exodus. The first half of the book is God’s grand revealing of his name, character, and power – not just to the Israelites, but to the world. In this revealing, God establishes patterns that will reoccur throughout the rest of the Bible … Continue reading That You May Know Feb 2 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIn our journey through the story of the Bible we have come to Exodus. The first half of the book is God’s grand revealing of his name, character, and power – not just to the Israelites, but to the world. In this revealing, God establishes patterns that will reoccur throughout the rest of the Bible … Continue reading That You May KnowRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/01/27/the-problem-of-pain-part-2/ Mon, 27 Jan 2025 15:57:23 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3528 Continue reading The Problem of Pain, Part 2]]> 3528Chris Watts The second in our two-part lesson on the problem of pain approaches the problem in a more traditional, critical way: given the nature of God, his power, love, and knowledge, how can evil and suffering still exist? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the problem of evil. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading The Problem of Pain, Part 2 Jan 26 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe second in our two-part lesson on the problem of pain approaches the problem in a more traditional, critical way: given the nature of God, his power, love, and knowledge, how can evil and suffering still exist? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the problem of evil. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading The Problem of Pain, Part 2Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/01/27/the-problem-of-pain-part-1/ Mon, 27 Jan 2025 15:50:55 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3522 Continue reading The Problem of Pain, Part 1]]> 3522Chris Watts This is the first of a two-part lesson on the problem of suffering and pain in the world. This first part comes from Job: what can we learn about suffering and the problem of pain in our lives from Job and his discussion with his friends? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Job. This sermon … Continue reading The Problem of Pain, Part 1 Jan 26 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThis is the first of a two-part lesson on the problem of suffering and pain in the world. This first part comes from Job: what can we learn about suffering and the problem of pain in our lives from Job and his discussion with his friends? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Job. This sermon … Continue reading The Problem of Pain, Part 1Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/01/13/overview-of-the-bible/ Mon, 13 Jan 2025 16:16:56 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3501 Continue reading Overview of the Bible]]> 3501Chris Watts As we begin our journey through the Bible, it might be helpful to consider some broad ideas about the Bible: it’s composition, structure, themes, and genres. How can we become more “acquainted with the sacred writings” (2 Timothy 3:15)? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the story of the Bible. This sermon was preached at … Continue reading Overview of the Bible Jan 12 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noAs we begin our journey through the Bible, it might be helpful to consider some broad ideas about the Bible: it’s composition, structure, themes, and genres. How can we become more “acquainted with the sacred writings” (2 Timothy 3:15)? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the story of the Bible. This sermon was preached at … Continue reading Overview of the BibleRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/01/13/the-patriarchs/ Mon, 13 Jan 2025 16:02:20 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3496 Continue reading The Patriarchs]]> 3496Chris Watts The grouping of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob appears around 20 times throughout the Bible, often called “the fathers.” As we read through their stories in Genesis, what made them the kind of people God could use to put his great plan of redemption into motion? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the story of the … Continue reading The Patriarchs Jan 12 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe grouping of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob appears around 20 times throughout the Bible, often called “the fathers.” As we read through their stories in Genesis, what made them the kind of people God could use to put his great plan of redemption into motion? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the story of the … Continue reading The PatriarchsRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2025/01/06/order-and-chaos/ Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:34:48 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3490 Continue reading Order and Chaos]]> 3490Chris Watts This year we are reading through the Bible in a year, and the sermons each week will go along with the reading. We begin with the first 11 chapters of Genesis, the “introduction” or “prologue” to the story of the Bible before the narrative thread begins with Abram’s call in Genesis 12. How do these … Continue reading Order and Chaos Jan 5 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThis year we are reading through the Bible in a year, and the sermons each week will go along with the reading. We begin with the first 11 chapters of Genesis, the “introduction” or “prologue” to the story of the Bible before the narrative thread begins with Abram’s call in Genesis 12. How do these … Continue reading Order and ChaosRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/12/30/jesus-the-christ/ Mon, 30 Dec 2024 15:14:02 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3482 Continue reading Jesus the Christ]]> 3482Chris Watts We conclude our series on the work and identity of Jesus with one of the most used, and perhaps most misunderstood, titles of Jesus – the Christ. What does “Christ” mean, and why is it so important? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the work and identity of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the … Continue reading Jesus the Christ Dec 29 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe conclude our series on the work and identity of Jesus with one of the most used, and perhaps most misunderstood, titles of Jesus – the Christ. What does “Christ” mean, and why is it so important? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the work and identity of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the … Continue reading Jesus the ChristRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/12/22/jesus-the-intercessor/ Sun, 22 Dec 2024 22:22:38 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3458 Continue reading Jesus the Intercessor]]> 3458Chris Watts We have talked a lot about who Jesus was, but we also need to consider who Jesus is. That is to say, what is Jesus doing right now, as you read this? What is his current identity and work? And how should we be thinking about Jesus, our Savior in the present tense? Click Here … Continue reading Jesus the Intercessor Dec 22 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe have talked a lot about who Jesus was, but we also need to consider who Jesus is. That is to say, what is Jesus doing right now, as you read this? What is his current identity and work? And how should we be thinking about Jesus, our Savior in the present tense? Click Here … Continue reading Jesus the IntercessorRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/12/16/jesus-the-risen/ Mon, 16 Dec 2024 16:37:02 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3454 Continue reading Jesus the Risen]]> 3454Chris Watts Paul calls the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus “of first importance” in the gospel message. Why is the resurrection so important? What does it do and mean for us? What would the life and teaching of Jesus be without it? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the work and life of Jesus. This sermon … Continue reading Jesus the Risen Dec 15 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noPaul calls the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus “of first importance” in the gospel message. Why is the resurrection so important? What does it do and mean for us? What would the life and teaching of Jesus be without it? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the work and life of Jesus. This sermon … Continue reading Jesus the RisenRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/12/09/the-valley-of-dry-bones/ Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:09:33 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3449 Continue reading The Valley of Dry Bones]]> 3449Chris Watts Note: There was a lot of trouble with the recording equipment during this sermon – sorry.Ezekiel 37 is one of the most vivid word-pictures of God’s redemptive and transformative work in the whole Bible. What does Ezekiel’s vision tell us about God’s power and work, and how does this vision apply to the modern reader? … Continue reading The Valley of Dry Bones Dec 8 Wordpess infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noNote: There was a lot of trouble with the recording equipment during this sermon – sorry.Ezekiel 37 is one of the most vivid word-pictures of God’s redemptive and transformative work in the whole Bible. What does Ezekiel’s vision tell us about God’s power and work, and how does this vision apply to the modern reader? … Continue reading The Valley of Dry BonesRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/12/09/jesus-the-sacrifice/ Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:03:36 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3444 Continue reading Jesus the Sacrifice]]> 3444Chris Watts No study of the life, work, and identity of Jesus can be complete without considering the central work of his life – his sacrifice. Why did he sacrifice himself, what made him the ideal and necessary sacrifice for our sins, and what did his sacrifice do for us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the … Continue reading Jesus the Sacrifice Dec 8 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noNo study of the life, work, and identity of Jesus can be complete without considering the central work of his life – his sacrifice. Why did he sacrifice himself, what made him the ideal and necessary sacrifice for our sins, and what did his sacrifice do for us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the … Continue reading Jesus the SacrificeRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/12/02/the-soul-who-sins-shall-die/ Mon, 02 Dec 2024 14:28:08 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3439 Continue reading The Soul Who Sins Shall Die]]> 3439Chris Watts Ezekiel 18 is one of the most concentrated sections of teaching on personal responsibility and accountability in the whole Bible. How does it fit into the context of the Israelite covenant with God, and how does it connect with the vital truths of the gospel? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ezekiel. This sermon was … Continue reading The Soul Who Sins Shall Die Dec 1 Wordpess infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noEzekiel 18 is one of the most concentrated sections of teaching on personal responsibility and accountability in the whole Bible. How does it fit into the context of the Israelite covenant with God, and how does it connect with the vital truths of the gospel? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ezekiel. This sermon was … Continue reading The Soul Who Sins Shall DieRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/12/02/jesus-the-servant/ Mon, 02 Dec 2024 14:24:38 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3434 Continue reading Jesus the Servant]]> 3434Chris Watts Given Jesus’s awesome power and authority on display all throughout his ministry, in miracles and his teaching, it would be easy to come away with the wrong idea about his purpose on earth, as his disciples did. Why did Jesus claim to be a servant? What made him such a servant, despite his power and … Continue reading Jesus the Servant Dec 1 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noGiven Jesus’s awesome power and authority on display all throughout his ministry, in miracles and his teaching, it would be easy to come away with the wrong idea about his purpose on earth, as his disciples did. Why did Jesus claim to be a servant? What made him such a servant, despite his power and … Continue reading Jesus the ServantRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/11/25/jesus-the-bridegroom/ Mon, 25 Nov 2024 15:18:21 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3430 Continue reading Jesus the Bridegroom]]> 3430Chris Watts The word “bridegroom” is only used to describe Jesus a couple times in the Gospels, but the analogy of marriage describing our relationship to God is used throughout the Bible. In what way is Jesus like a bridegroom, and what does this mean for us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the work and identity … Continue reading Jesus the Bridegroom Nov 24 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe word “bridegroom” is only used to describe Jesus a couple times in the Gospels, but the analogy of marriage describing our relationship to God is used throughout the Bible. In what way is Jesus like a bridegroom, and what does this mean for us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the work and identity … Continue reading Jesus the BridegroomRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/11/18/jesus-the-healer/ Mon, 18 Nov 2024 15:49:08 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3426 Continue reading Jesus the Healer]]> 3426Chris Watts Healing was by far the most common miraculous work of Jesus. Why did he heal, what did it mean to the people of his day, and what does his healing power mean for us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the work and identity of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading Jesus the Healer Nov 17 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noHealing was by far the most common miraculous work of Jesus. Why did he heal, what did it mean to the people of his day, and what does his healing power mean for us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the work and identity of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading Jesus the HealerRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/11/11/profaning-yahweh/ Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:27:58 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3421 Continue reading Profaning Yahweh]]> 3421Chris Watts Ezekiel, like most of the prophetic books, is full of Yahweh’s judgment and condemnation of Israel. What exactly were they doing that profaned his holy name so much? And how might we be in danger of the same kinds of actions and attitudes? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching in Ezekiel. This sermon was preached at … Continue reading Profaning Yahweh Nov 10 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noEzekiel, like most of the prophetic books, is full of Yahweh’s judgment and condemnation of Israel. What exactly were they doing that profaned his holy name so much? And how might we be in danger of the same kinds of actions and attitudes? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching in Ezekiel. This sermon was preached at … Continue reading Profaning YahwehRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/11/04/they-will-know-that-i-am-yahweh/ Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:21:44 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3416 Continue reading They Will Know that I Am Yahweh]]> 3416Chris Watts One of the central themes in the book of Ezekiel is the need to have a reverent regard for God’s particular specialness, expressed in the twin ideas of glory and holiness. How do these ideas intertwine in Ezekiel to help us understand why the book was even written at all? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching … Continue reading They Will Know that I Am Yahweh Nov 3 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noOne of the central themes in the book of Ezekiel is the need to have a reverent regard for God’s particular specialness, expressed in the twin ideas of glory and holiness. How do these ideas intertwine in Ezekiel to help us understand why the book was even written at all? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching … Continue reading They Will Know that I Am YahwehRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/11/04/jesus-the-teacher/ Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:17:30 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3410 Continue reading Jesus the Teacher]]> 3410Chris Watts The word “teacher” had a special meaning in first-century Israel, beyond our normal everyday use of the word. It was the third most common title for Jesus in the gospels, indicating its significance to the people around him. In what way was Jesus “the Teacher” and why is it so important for us? Click Here … Continue reading Jesus the Teacher Nov 3 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe word “teacher” had a special meaning in first-century Israel, beyond our normal everyday use of the word. It was the third most common title for Jesus in the gospels, indicating its significance to the people around him. In what way was Jesus “the Teacher” and why is it so important for us? Click Here … Continue reading Jesus the TeacherRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/10/28/jesus-the-word/ Mon, 28 Oct 2024 14:02:11 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3405 Continue reading Jesus the Word]]> 3405Chris Watts John opens his gospel with a peculiar title for Jesus: “the Word.” John repeats this title toward the end of the New Testament, in Revelation. What does this title of Jesus mean, and how does it relate to his work and authority? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the work and identity of Jesus. This … Continue reading Jesus the Word Oct 27 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noJohn opens his gospel with a peculiar title for Jesus: “the Word.” John repeats this title toward the end of the New Testament, in Revelation. What does this title of Jesus mean, and how does it relate to his work and authority? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the work and identity of Jesus. This … Continue reading Jesus the WordRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/10/21/jesus-the-son/ Mon, 21 Oct 2024 14:52:15 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3398 Continue reading Jesus the Son]]> 3398Chris Watts “The Son” is a complicated title of Jesus, a shortening of two separate titles, each of which is used in a variety of ways throughout the Bible. How does “Jesus the Son” apply to our own lives? What can we learn from this part of Jesus’s identity? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the identity … Continue reading Jesus the Son Oct 20 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)no“The Son” is a complicated title of Jesus, a shortening of two separate titles, each of which is used in a variety of ways throughout the Bible. How does “Jesus the Son” apply to our own lives? What can we learn from this part of Jesus’s identity? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the identity … Continue reading Jesus the SonRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/10/14/the-watchman-in-exile/ Mon, 14 Oct 2024 15:09:14 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3394 Continue reading The Watchman in Exile]]> 3394Chris Watts Ezekiel contains many memorable analogies, symbols, and word-pictures, but perhaps none of them is so applicable to the modern Christian as the watchman analogy in Ezekiel 3 and 33. What was this analogy used for in Ezekiel, and how does it apply to us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ezekiel. This sermon was preached … Continue reading The Watchman in Exile Oct 13 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noEzekiel contains many memorable analogies, symbols, and word-pictures, but perhaps none of them is so applicable to the modern Christian as the watchman analogy in Ezekiel 3 and 33. What was this analogy used for in Ezekiel, and how does it apply to us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ezekiel. This sermon was preached … Continue reading The Watchman in ExileRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/10/14/jesus-the-jew/ Mon, 14 Oct 2024 15:05:01 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3387 Continue reading Jesus the Jew]]> 3387Chris Watts Having just finished a series on “Developing an Identity in Christ”, we transition to thinking about Christ – who was he? Who is he? Like anyone else, the identity of Jesus is composed of many different facets. We will begin with the most basic part of the identity of Jesus – his Jewishness. Click Here … Continue reading Jesus the Jew Oct 13 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noHaving just finished a series on “Developing an Identity in Christ”, we transition to thinking about Christ – who was he? Who is he? Like anyone else, the identity of Jesus is composed of many different facets. We will begin with the most basic part of the identity of Jesus – his Jewishness. Click Here … Continue reading Jesus the JewRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/10/07/introduction-to-ezekiel/ Mon, 07 Oct 2024 20:46:54 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3360 Continue reading Introduction to Ezekiel]]> 3360Chris Watts We begin our study of Ezekiel (as we usually begin book studies) by examining the historical and political context of Ezekiel’s life and visions. What was going on at the time Ezekiel prophesied, and who was his original audience? How does this matter for the modern reader? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ezekiel. This … Continue reading Introduction to Ezekiel Oct 6 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe begin our study of Ezekiel (as we usually begin book studies) by examining the historical and political context of Ezekiel’s life and visions. What was going on at the time Ezekiel prophesied, and who was his original audience? How does this matter for the modern reader? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ezekiel. This … Continue reading Introduction to EzekielRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/09/30/who-am-i-personally/ Mon, 30 Sep 2024 14:25:34 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3356 Continue reading Who Am I Personally?]]> 3356Chris Watts As we develop our identity in Christ, there is room for us to maintain our unique personality and to develop individual identities as followers of the master. How can we maintain the core of discipleship to Christ while retaining the things that make us who we are? And how does God want to use us … Continue reading Who Am I Personally? Sept 29 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noAs we develop our identity in Christ, there is room for us to maintain our unique personality and to develop individual identities as followers of the master. How can we maintain the core of discipleship to Christ while retaining the things that make us who we are? And how does God want to use us … Continue reading Who Am I Personally?Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/09/23/who-am-i-aesthetically/ Mon, 23 Sep 2024 15:19:00 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3352 Continue reading Who Am I Aesthetically?]]> 3352Chris Watts We make a lot of decisions about how we present ourselves to the world that we might describe as aesthetics, or style, or a vibe. Does God care how we present ourselves to the world? What role do our aesthetic choices play in cultivating a holy identity in Christ? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on … Continue reading Who Am I Aesthetically? Sept 22 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe make a lot of decisions about how we present ourselves to the world that we might describe as aesthetics, or style, or a vibe. Does God care how we present ourselves to the world? What role do our aesthetic choices play in cultivating a holy identity in Christ? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on … Continue reading Who Am I Aesthetically?Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/09/16/an-israel-without-yhwh/ Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:58:19 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3348 Continue reading An Israel Without YHWH]]> 3348Chris Watts The last five chapters of the book of Judges doesn’t really seem to fit with the rest of the book. There are no judges, and the stories exist seemingly devoid of context. But these chapters serve as a conclusion that reinforces and solidifies the main themes of the book as a whole. What can we … Continue reading An Israel Without YHWH Sept 15 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe last five chapters of the book of Judges doesn’t really seem to fit with the rest of the book. There are no judges, and the stories exist seemingly devoid of context. But these chapters serve as a conclusion that reinforces and solidifies the main themes of the book as a whole. What can we … Continue reading An Israel Without YHWHRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/09/09/a-study-of-strength/ Mon, 09 Sep 2024 15:51:08 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3344 Continue reading A Study of Strength]]> 3344Chris Watts The story of Samson is both heroic and tragic. Samson’s supernatural strength creates several memorable moments, but his lack of any other kind of strength led him into sorrow, anger, and despair. What can we learn from this tragic judge? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Judges. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading A Study of Strength Sept 8 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe story of Samson is both heroic and tragic. Samson’s supernatural strength creates several memorable moments, but his lack of any other kind of strength led him into sorrow, anger, and despair. What can we learn from this tragic judge? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Judges. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading A Study of StrengthRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/09/09/who-am-i-relationally/ Mon, 09 Sep 2024 15:40:39 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3340 Continue reading Who Am I Relationally?]]> 3340Chris Watts In many ways humans are defined by their relationships to others. It can be easy to allow our individual identities to be subsumed by these connections. How does God expect our relationships to influence our identities, and how can we develop an identity in Christ while also righteously connecting with others? Click Here to Listen. … Continue reading Who Am I Relationally? Sept 8 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIn many ways humans are defined by their relationships to others. It can be easy to allow our individual identities to be subsumed by these connections. How does God expect our relationships to influence our identities, and how can we develop an identity in Christ while also righteously connecting with others? Click Here to Listen. … Continue reading Who Am I Relationally?Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/09/02/a-failed-judge/ Mon, 02 Sep 2024 14:09:09 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3336 Continue reading A Failed Judge]]> 3336Chris Watts The story of Judges is one of a steady decline in Israel away from God and further into unrighteousness. The judges themselves were not exempt from this digression. The sequence of Gideon-Jephthah-Samson highlights how even the leaders in Israel fell further and further from God. What can we learn from Jephthah’s failure? Click Here to … Continue reading A Failed Judge Sept 1 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe story of Judges is one of a steady decline in Israel away from God and further into unrighteousness. The judges themselves were not exempt from this digression. The sequence of Gideon-Jephthah-Samson highlights how even the leaders in Israel fell further and further from God. What can we learn from Jephthah’s failure? Click Here to … Continue reading A Failed JudgeRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/09/02/who-am-i-politically/ Mon, 02 Sep 2024 14:01:48 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3331 3331Chris Watts Politics dominates modern discourse, but what exactly are politics. What makes something political? And, most importantly, what does God expect of the Christian in regards to politics? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on developing an identity in Christ. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on September 1, 2024.) Sept 1 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noPolitics dominates modern discourse, but what exactly are politics. What makes something political? And, most importantly, what does God expect of the Christian in regards to politics? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on developing an identity in Christ. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on September 1, 2024.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/08/26/who-am-i-professionally/ Mon, 26 Aug 2024 14:01:51 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3327 Continue reading Who Am I Professionally?]]> 3327Chris Watts Most adults spend most of their waking hours at work, so it’s not surprising that working or professional identity becomes a central part of our sense of self. But what is the point of work in the Bible? What does God have to say about the role of work in our identity? Click Here to … Continue reading Who Am I Professionally? August 25 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noMost adults spend most of their waking hours at work, so it’s not surprising that working or professional identity becomes a central part of our sense of self. But what is the point of work in the Bible? What does God have to say about the role of work in our identity? Click Here to … Continue reading Who Am I Professionally?Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/08/19/who-am-i-sexually/ Mon, 19 Aug 2024 15:11:35 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3319 Continue reading Who Am I Sexually?]]> 3319Chris Watts It’s not saying anything special to note that sexuality is at the heart of a lot of modern life, from advertising to politics to entertainment and culture. What does God have to say about human sexuality and gender, and how can we fit our sense of self into God’s design for humanity? Click Here to … Continue reading Who Am I Sexually? August 18 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIt’s not saying anything special to note that sexuality is at the heart of a lot of modern life, from advertising to politics to entertainment and culture. What does God have to say about human sexuality and gender, and how can we fit our sense of self into God’s design for humanity? Click Here to … Continue reading Who Am I Sexually?Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/08/12/a-bramble-among-trees/ Mon, 12 Aug 2024 14:43:34 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3315 Continue reading A Bramble Among Trees]]> 3315Chris Watts The story of Abimelech in Judges 9 is really the conclusion to Gideon’s story, and brings up many of the themes we have seen throughout our study of Judges: foreshadowing against kings, the rule of God versus the rule of men, and the tension between boldness and arrogance, insecurity and humility. Click Here to Listen. … Continue reading A Bramble Among Trees August 11 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe story of Abimelech in Judges 9 is really the conclusion to Gideon’s story, and brings up many of the themes we have seen throughout our study of Judges: foreshadowing against kings, the rule of God versus the rule of men, and the tension between boldness and arrogance, insecurity and humility. Click Here to Listen. … Continue reading A Bramble Among TreesRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/08/12/who-am-i-spiritually/ Mon, 12 Aug 2024 14:39:53 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3311 Continue reading Who Am I Spiritually?]]> 3311Chris Watts We continue our study on identity by considering the difference between the word “Christian” and “disciple” – which word did the early Christians use to identify themselves? How does our spirituality relate to our self-formulation of identity? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on identity. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading Who Am I Spiritually? August 11 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe continue our study on identity by considering the difference between the word “Christian” and “disciple” – which word did the early Christians use to identify themselves? How does our spirituality relate to our self-formulation of identity? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on identity. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading Who Am I Spiritually?Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/08/05/a-reluctant-leader/ Mon, 05 Aug 2024 14:57:37 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3307 Continue reading A Reluctant Leader]]> 3307Chris Watts Many (if not most) Christians are familiar with the first two-thirds of Gideon’s story, with good reason. It’s full of great lessons and easy-to-remember events. But to fully situate Gideon in the context of Judges, we need to consider his whole story. How did Gideon’s success and failures echo down to Israel after his death? Click Here … Continue reading A Reluctant Leader August 4 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noMany (if not most) Christians are familiar with the first two-thirds of Gideon’s story, with good reason. It’s full of great lessons and easy-to-remember events. But to fully situate Gideon in the context of Judges, we need to consider his whole story. How did Gideon’s success and failures echo down to Israel after his death? Click Here … Continue reading A Reluctant LeaderRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/08/05/who-am-i/ Mon, 05 Aug 2024 14:52:24 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3303 Continue reading Who Am I?]]> 3303Chris Watts Questions of personal identity have become endemic to modern politics and culture, from the way we teach our children to the way we vote for president. How does the Bible talk about identity, and how can we righteously consider the question “who am I”? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on personal identity. This sermon was … Continue reading Who Am I? August 4 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noQuestions of personal identity have become endemic to modern politics and culture, from the way we teach our children to the way we vote for president. How does the Bible talk about identity, and how can we righteously consider the question “who am I”? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on personal identity. This sermon was … Continue reading Who Am I?Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/07/29/if-the-lord-wills/ Mon, 29 Jul 2024 15:27:49 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3299 3299Chris Watts James gives an interesting take on our attitude toward the future when he instructs the reader to say “if the Lord wills.” What does an “if the Lord wills” attitude look like, and why is it important? Click Here to Listen. (This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 28, 2024.) July 28 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noJames gives an interesting take on our attitude toward the future when he instructs the reader to say “if the Lord wills.” What does an “if the Lord wills” attitude look like, and why is it important? Click Here to Listen. (This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 28, 2024.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/07/22/the-man-in-the-mirror/ Mon, 22 Jul 2024 18:31:49 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3295 3295Chris Watts What is the point of reading or studying the Bible at all? James uses a particularly striking analogy to both consider the importance of the question, and to answer it. Click Here to Listen. (This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 21, 2024.) July 21 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhat is the point of reading or studying the Bible at all? James uses a particularly striking analogy to both consider the importance of the question, and to answer it. Click Here to Listen. (This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 21, 2024.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/07/15/a-womans-triumph/ Mon, 15 Jul 2024 15:54:37 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3284 Continue reading A Woman’s Triumph]]> 3284Chris Watts The story of Deborah, Barak, and Jael gives us a little bit more insight into the actual day-to-day job of a Judge in Israel, as well as reminding us what exactly God is looking for in His servants. (Click Here to Listen.) (Preaching through Judges. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ … Continue reading A Woman’s Triumph July 14 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe story of Deborah, Barak, and Jael gives us a little bit more insight into the actual day-to-day job of a Judge in Israel, as well as reminding us what exactly God is looking for in His servants. (Click Here to Listen.) (Preaching through Judges. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ … Continue reading A Woman’s TriumphRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/07/08/introduction-to-judges-part-2/ Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:49:05 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3279 Continue reading Introduction to Judges, Part 2]]> 3279Chris Watts We wrap up our introduction to the book of Judges by considering the variance in detail between each judge’s story, and some of the reasons why the cycle of evil persisted as it did throughout the book. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Judges. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading Introduction to Judges, Part 2 July 7 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe wrap up our introduction to the book of Judges by considering the variance in detail between each judge’s story, and some of the reasons why the cycle of evil persisted as it did throughout the book. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Judges. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading Introduction to Judges, Part 2Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/07/08/the-faithfulness-of-god/ Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:39:06 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3275 Continue reading The Faithfulness of God]]> 3275Chris Watts In times of turmoil and instability, we need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness, and what exactly it is about God that makes Him so faithful. James wrote to people in such instability, and made sure that they knew how God was faithful, and why. Click Here to Listen. (This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading The Faithfulness of God July 7 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIn times of turmoil and instability, we need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness, and what exactly it is about God that makes Him so faithful. James wrote to people in such instability, and made sure that they knew how God was faithful, and why. Click Here to Listen. (This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading The Faithfulness of GodRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/07/01/discovering-discernment/ Mon, 01 Jul 2024 17:50:48 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3270 Continue reading Discovering Discernment]]> 3270Chris Watts “Discernment” can be one of those specialized religious words that we don’t use very much, but the concept of discernment is one used rather often in the Bible. What is discernment, why does it matter, and how can we develop it? Click Here to Listen. (This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ … Continue reading Discovering Discernment June 30 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)no“Discernment” can be one of those specialized religious words that we don’t use very much, but the concept of discernment is one used rather often in the Bible. What is discernment, why does it matter, and how can we develop it? Click Here to Listen. (This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ … Continue reading Discovering DiscernmentRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/06/17/the-value-of-fathers/ Mon, 17 Jun 2024 15:43:32 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3265 Continue reading The Value of Fathers]]> 3265Chris Watts This father’s day, I want to consider the value of fathers. What does God say about the importance of fathers, and how should we as children respond to and treat them? Click Here to Listen. You can find more information on fatherless statistics here, here, and here. (This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading The Value of Fathers June 16 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThis father’s day, I want to consider the value of fathers. What does God say about the importance of fathers, and how should we as children respond to and treat them? Click Here to Listen. You can find more information on fatherless statistics here, here, and here. (This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading The Value of FathersRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/06/10/introduction-to-judges/ Mon, 10 Jun 2024 13:56:48 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3261 Continue reading Introduction to Judges]]> 3261Chris Watts We begin our study of Judges by setting the stage in Israel and asking the question: is Israelite history one of mostly faithfulness with occasional bouts of rebellion, or one of mostly faithlessness with occasional instances of repentance? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Judges. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ … Continue reading Introduction to Judges June 9 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe begin our study of Judges by setting the stage in Israel and asking the question: is Israelite history one of mostly faithfulness with occasional bouts of rebellion, or one of mostly faithlessness with occasional instances of repentance? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Judges. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ … Continue reading Introduction to JudgesRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/06/10/the-schemes-of-the-devil/ Mon, 10 Jun 2024 13:52:20 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3257 Continue reading The Schemes of the Devil]]> 3257Chris Watts We are in a war, but it’s not against another nation, or other people, or “culture” or whatever else. The only way to win is to understand the terms of engagement, the enemy, and his strategy. How does Satan wage war against our souls, and how can we fight back? Click Here to Listen. (This … Continue reading The Schemes of the Devil June 9 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe are in a war, but it’s not against another nation, or other people, or “culture” or whatever else. The only way to win is to understand the terms of engagement, the enemy, and his strategy. How does Satan wage war against our souls, and how can we fight back? Click Here to Listen. (This … Continue reading The Schemes of the DevilRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/06/03/emotional-evangelism/ Mon, 03 Jun 2024 15:06:58 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3252 Continue reading Emotional Evangelism]]> 3252Chris Watts Evangelism is a difficult proposition for many, due to a confluence of relational and experiential factors, but a common struggle for Christians is motivation. What should motivate our evangelism, and how do we bring ourselves into alignment with God’s motivations? Click Here to Listen. (This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading Emotional Evangelism June 2 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noEvangelism is a difficult proposition for many, due to a confluence of relational and experiential factors, but a common struggle for Christians is motivation. What should motivate our evangelism, and how do we bring ourselves into alignment with God’s motivations? Click Here to Listen. (This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading Emotional EvangelismRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/05/27/deeper-spirituality/ Mon, 27 May 2024 19:52:24 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3241 Continue reading Deeper Spirituality]]> 3241Chris Watts One way to think about Christian growth is through the lens of spirituality. To grow is to become “more spiritual” but what exactly does it mean to be spiritual? How can someone deepen their spirituality? Click Here to Listen (Preaching on Christian growth. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on May 26, 2024. … Continue reading Deeper Spirituality May 26 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noOne way to think about Christian growth is through the lens of spirituality. To grow is to become “more spiritual” but what exactly does it mean to be spiritual? How can someone deepen their spirituality? Click Here to Listen (Preaching on Christian growth. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on May 26, 2024. … Continue reading Deeper SpiritualityRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/05/19/breathing-deeper/ Sun, 19 May 2024 21:03:04 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3237 Continue reading Breathing Deeper]]> 3237Chris Watts Breathing is an essential part of life, but one that we can get better at. Athletes training for endurance learn to breathe deeper, and their bodies learn to process the oxygen more efficiently. Two spiritual disciplines serve as breathing for the Christian – Bible reading and prayer. How can we learn to breathe deeper, and … Continue reading Breathing Deeper May 19 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noBreathing is an essential part of life, but one that we can get better at. Athletes training for endurance learn to breathe deeper, and their bodies learn to process the oxygen more efficiently. Two spiritual disciplines serve as breathing for the Christian – Bible reading and prayer. How can we learn to breathe deeper, and … Continue reading Breathing DeeperRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/05/13/the-promise-of-eternal-life/ Mon, 13 May 2024 14:27:25 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3233 Continue reading The Promise of Eternal Life]]> 3233Chris Watts We conclude our study of the promises of God by considering what might be the most-repeated promise of the New Testament: the promise of eternal life. Why is this promises repeated so often, and why is it so important? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises of God. This sermon was preached at the … Continue reading The Promise of Eternal Life May 12 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe conclude our study of the promises of God by considering what might be the most-repeated promise of the New Testament: the promise of eternal life. Why is this promises repeated so often, and why is it so important? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises of God. This sermon was preached at the … Continue reading The Promise of Eternal LifeRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/05/06/the-promise-of-return/ Mon, 06 May 2024 14:47:50 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3216 Continue reading The Promise of Return]]> 3216Chris Watts The promise of Jesus’s return was literally the first thing God told humanity after Jesus ascended. Why is this promise so important, and what makes it so hard to keep this promise in mind? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises of God. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading The Promise of Return May 5 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe promise of Jesus’s return was literally the first thing God told humanity after Jesus ascended. Why is this promise so important, and what makes it so hard to keep this promise in mind? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises of God. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading The Promise of ReturnRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/05/06/deeper-into-pain/ Mon, 06 May 2024 14:44:55 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3212 Continue reading Deeper into Pain]]> 3212Chris Watts We have probably all heard the expression “no pain, no gain.” This is not just a term for athletes and weightlifters, but simply expresses an important concept for Spiritual growth. What kind of pain is necessary for Christian growth, and what does that mean for how we think about the suffering of life? Click Here … Continue reading Deeper into Pain May 5 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe have probably all heard the expression “no pain, no gain.” This is not just a term for athletes and weightlifters, but simply expresses an important concept for Spiritual growth. What kind of pain is necessary for Christian growth, and what does that mean for how we think about the suffering of life? Click Here … Continue reading Deeper into PainRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/04/29/deeper-honesty/ Mon, 29 Apr 2024 14:24:12 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3208 Continue reading Deeper Honesty]]> 3208Chris Watts Confession is a vital part of Christian growth, but it can be easy to emphasize confession to God at the expense of the importance of confessing to other Christians. How can we grow in the discipline of confession, and what does it do for us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Christian growth. This sermon was … Continue reading Deeper Honesty April 28 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noConfession is a vital part of Christian growth, but it can be easy to emphasize confession to God at the expense of the importance of confessing to other Christians. How can we grow in the discipline of confession, and what does it do for us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Christian growth. This sermon was … Continue reading Deeper HonestyRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/04/22/deeper-into-justification/ Mon, 22 Apr 2024 14:04:04 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3204 Continue reading Deeper into Justification]]> 3204Chris Watts Justification is one of those big religious-sounding words that we don’t use very often outside of a church setting, but it is one of the most vital components of Christian growth. What does it mean to be justified, and how does it contribute to our continual growing? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Christian growth. This sermon … Continue reading Deeper into Justification April 21 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noJustification is one of those big religious-sounding words that we don’t use very often outside of a church setting, but it is one of the most vital components of Christian growth. What does it mean to be justified, and how does it contribute to our continual growing? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Christian growth. This sermon … Continue reading Deeper into JustificationRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/04/15/the-promise-of-rest/ Mon, 15 Apr 2024 15:13:16 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3200 Continue reading The Promise of Rest]]> 3200Chris Watts Rest is a prominent theme throughout the Bible, from the seventh day of creation to some of Jesus final promises in Revelation. Why is rest so important, and what does God’s promise of it entail? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises of God. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading The Promise of Rest April 14 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noRest is a prominent theme throughout the Bible, from the seventh day of creation to some of Jesus final promises in Revelation. Why is rest so important, and what does God’s promise of it entail? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises of God. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading The Promise of RestRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/04/15/deeper-love/ Mon, 15 Apr 2024 15:00:47 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3196 Continue reading Deeper Love]]> 3196Chris Watts God’s love for us never changes; it fundamentally cannot change, because God’s love is so baked into who He is as a Being. Our appreciation of and experience of God’s love is the only thing that can change as we grow as Christians. How can we move deeper into the love of God? Click Here to Listen. … Continue reading Deeper Love April 14 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noGod’s love for us never changes; it fundamentally cannot change, because God’s love is so baked into who He is as a Being. Our appreciation of and experience of God’s love is the only thing that can change as we grow as Christians. How can we move deeper into the love of God? Click Here to Listen. … Continue reading Deeper LoveRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/04/08/the-promise-of-comfort/ Mon, 08 Apr 2024 14:31:52 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3192 Continue reading The Promise of Comfort]]> 3192Chris Watts We all need comfort at times. One of the most basic promises of God, found in some of the most famous passages in the Bible, is to comfort us. How does He promise to do so, and what should that look like in our lives? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises of God. … Continue reading The Promise of Comfort April 7 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe all need comfort at times. One of the most basic promises of God, found in some of the most famous passages in the Bible, is to comfort us. How does He promise to do so, and what should that look like in our lives? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises of God. … Continue reading The Promise of ComfortRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/04/08/deeper-unity/ Mon, 08 Apr 2024 14:24:33 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3188 Continue reading Deeper Unity]]> 3188Chris Watts When did you become united with Christ? Unity, as a subject of Christian growth, exemplifies the idea that growth is about become more of what we already are in Christ. How can we deepen our unity with him? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Christian growth. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on April 7, … Continue reading Deeper Unity April 7 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhen did you become united with Christ? Unity, as a subject of Christian growth, exemplifies the idea that growth is about become more of what we already are in Christ. How can we deepen our unity with him? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Christian growth. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on April 7, … Continue reading Deeper UnityRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/04/01/the-providence-of-the-resurrection/ Mon, 01 Apr 2024 15:37:14 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3183 3183Chris Watts The resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in history; what makes it so important? What does the resurrection provide for the world and the Christian? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the resurrection. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on March 31, 2024.) March 31 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in history; what makes it so important? What does the resurrection provide for the world and the Christian? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the resurrection. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on March 31, 2024.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/03/25/what-is-a-deacon/ Mon, 25 Mar 2024 15:28:27 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3179 3179Chris Watts What is a “deacon” in the church? To answer this, we survey the use of the word throughout the New Testament, and consider a few examples of early church life. Click Here to Listen. (Preparing for the church appointing new deacons. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on March 24, 2024.) March 24 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhat is a “deacon” in the church? To answer this, we survey the use of the word throughout the New Testament, and consider a few examples of early church life. Click Here to Listen. (Preparing for the church appointing new deacons. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on March 24, 2024.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/03/18/the-promise-of-answers/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:16:46 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3175 Continue reading The Promise of Answers]]> 3175Chris Watts Almost everyone has felt the urge to question God at some point: why did this bad thing happen, why is that horrible person doing well, why can’t I do this thing? What kind of answers does God promise us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises of God. This sermon was preached at the … Continue reading The Promise of Answers March 17 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noAlmost everyone has felt the urge to question God at some point: why did this bad thing happen, why is that horrible person doing well, why can’t I do this thing? What kind of answers does God promise us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises of God. This sermon was preached at the … Continue reading The Promise of AnswersRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/03/18/deeper-into-despair/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:11:11 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3171 Continue reading Deeper into Despair]]> 3171Chris Watts It might seem odd to talk about despair and grief in a study of Christian growth, but growth requires a catalyst, a motivator. For the Christian, when we lose or ignore the despair caused by our sin, we lose one of the engines of growth. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Christian growth. This sermon … Continue reading Deeper into Despair March 17 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIt might seem odd to talk about despair and grief in a study of Christian growth, but growth requires a catalyst, a motivator. For the Christian, when we lose or ignore the despair caused by our sin, we lose one of the engines of growth. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Christian growth. This sermon … Continue reading Deeper into DespairRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/03/11/the-promise-of-wisdom/ Mon, 11 Mar 2024 15:38:14 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3167 3167Chris Watts God’s promise of wisdom is perhaps the simplest, most explicitly stated promise in the New Testament. What does this promise entail, and how can we take hold of it? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises of God. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on March 10, 2024.) March 10 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noGod’s promise of wisdom is perhaps the simplest, most explicitly stated promise in the New Testament. What does this promise entail, and how can we take hold of it? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises of God. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on March 10, 2024.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/03/11/deeper-in-jesus/ Mon, 11 Mar 2024 15:30:59 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3163 Continue reading Deeper in Jesus]]> 3163Chris Watts Christian growth never happens independently from Christ. Why is that, and what attributes, qualities, and works of Jesus directly and indirectly contribute to our growth? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Christian growth. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on March 10, 2024. The outline for this series was adapted from the book … Continue reading Deeper in Jesus March 10 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noChristian growth never happens independently from Christ. Why is that, and what attributes, qualities, and works of Jesus directly and indirectly contribute to our growth? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Christian growth. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on March 10, 2024. The outline for this series was adapted from the book … Continue reading Deeper in JesusRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/03/04/the-promise-of-his-presence/ Mon, 04 Mar 2024 15:28:59 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3159 Continue reading The Promise of His Presence]]> 3159Chris Watts The promise of God’s presence, like many of God’s promises, is a vow to return us to some perfect or beautiful state that we lost or broke. How does God’s presence manifest throughout the Bible, and what does He promise to the modern Christian? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises of God. This … Continue reading The Promise of His Presence March 3 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe promise of God’s presence, like many of God’s promises, is a vow to return us to some perfect or beautiful state that we lost or broke. How does God’s presence manifest throughout the Bible, and what does He promise to the modern Christian? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises of God. This … Continue reading The Promise of His PresenceRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/03/04/deeper-a-study-of-christian-growth/ Mon, 04 Mar 2024 15:22:45 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3155 Continue reading Deeper: A Study of Christian Growth]]> 3155Chris Watts How do Christians grow? It is a question that can elicit despair, confusion, arrogance, or cynicism, depending on how we think our spiritual walk is progressing (or not progressing). Why is growth so important, and how should we even define growth? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on growth. This sermon was preached at the Dewey … Continue reading Deeper: A Study of Christian Growth March 3 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noHow do Christians grow? It is a question that can elicit despair, confusion, arrogance, or cynicism, depending on how we think our spiritual walk is progressing (or not progressing). Why is growth so important, and how should we even define growth? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on growth. This sermon was preached at the Dewey … Continue reading Deeper: A Study of Christian GrowthRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/02/19/the-promise-of-peace/ Mon, 19 Feb 2024 16:31:52 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3151 Continue reading The Promise of Peace]]> 3151Chris Watts Many of the promises of God can been seen as promises to return or restore creation to what God originally intended to be. How does this concept inform our understanding of God’s promise of peace, and how should we expect that promise to be fulfilled in our lives? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the … Continue reading The Promise of Peace Feb 18 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noMany of the promises of God can been seen as promises to return or restore creation to what God originally intended to be. How does this concept inform our understanding of God’s promise of peace, and how should we expect that promise to be fulfilled in our lives? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the … Continue reading The Promise of PeaceRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/02/19/encountering-jesus-on-the-road/ Mon, 19 Feb 2024 16:20:03 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3147 Continue reading Encountering Jesus on the Road]]> 3147Chris Watts Jesus makes a few appearances in the Bible after the ascension at the beginning of Acts. The first of these is on the road to Damascus. What can we learn from this encounter with Jesus? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ … Continue reading Encountering Jesus on the Road Feb 18 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noJesus makes a few appearances in the Bible after the ascension at the beginning of Acts. The first of these is on the road to Damascus. What can we learn from this encounter with Jesus? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ … Continue reading Encountering Jesus on the RoadRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/02/12/the-promise-of-the-spirit/ Mon, 12 Feb 2024 20:14:10 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3143 Continue reading The Promise of the Spirit]]> 3143Chris Watts One of the primary manifestations of God’s promise of grace is the promise of Holy Spirit. As we trace this promise through the Bible, we will see just how foundational the promise of the Spirit is. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises of God. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading The Promise of the Spirit Feb 11 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noOne of the primary manifestations of God’s promise of grace is the promise of Holy Spirit. As we trace this promise through the Bible, we will see just how foundational the promise of the Spirit is. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises of God. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading The Promise of the SpiritRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/02/12/encountering-jesus-after-death/ Mon, 12 Feb 2024 20:06:06 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3138 Continue reading Encountering Jesus After Death]]> 3138Chris Watts The gospels do not spend a lot of ink covering the time between Jesus’s resurrection and ascension, which makes their choice of stories in that timeframe especially interesting. What can we learn from this selection of encounters with the disciples? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. This sermon was preached at … Continue reading Encountering Jesus After Death Feb 11 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe gospels do not spend a lot of ink covering the time between Jesus’s resurrection and ascension, which makes their choice of stories in that timeframe especially interesting. What can we learn from this selection of encounters with the disciples? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. This sermon was preached at … Continue reading Encountering Jesus After DeathRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/02/05/the-promise-of-grace/ Mon, 05 Feb 2024 15:58:04 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3134 Continue reading The Promise of Grace]]> 3134Chris Watts It is not an understatement to say that the entire Bible narrative tells the story of God making and fulfilling the promise of grace. Why is this promise so important, and what does it mean for us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises of God. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading The Promise of Grace Feb 4 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIt is not an understatement to say that the entire Bible narrative tells the story of God making and fulfilling the promise of grace. Why is this promise so important, and what does it mean for us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises of God. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading The Promise of GraceRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/02/05/encountering-jesus-on-the-cross/ Mon, 05 Feb 2024 15:54:42 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3130 Continue reading Encountering Jesus on the Cross]]> 3130Chris Watts In a series on “encountering Jesus,” no encounter is so important as the cross, where Jesus is laid bare and his deepest values and priorities are exposed. What do we see in this tragic encounter? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ … Continue reading Encountering Jesus on the Cross Feb 4 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIn a series on “encountering Jesus,” no encounter is so important as the cross, where Jesus is laid bare and his deepest values and priorities are exposed. What do we see in this tragic encounter? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ … Continue reading Encountering Jesus on the CrossRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/01/29/encountering-jesus-in-the-garden-part-2/ Mon, 29 Jan 2024 15:49:59 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3126 Continue reading Encountering Jesus in the Garden, Part 2]]> 3126Chris Watts Jesus’s confrontation with Judas in the garden has some of the most variation between gospel accounts of any story in his life. Nonetheless, there is a common theme underwriting each story. What should we learn from this momentous betrayal? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the life of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the … Continue reading Encountering Jesus in the Garden, Part 2 Jan 28 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noJesus’s confrontation with Judas in the garden has some of the most variation between gospel accounts of any story in his life. Nonetheless, there is a common theme underwriting each story. What should we learn from this momentous betrayal? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through the life of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the … Continue reading Encountering Jesus in the Garden, Part 2Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/01/22/the-promise-of-justice/ Mon, 22 Jan 2024 16:15:37 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3089 Continue reading The Promise of Justice]]> 3089Chris Watts In some ways, all of the promises of God rest on the promise of justice. What does it mean that God is just, and why does it matter so much in considering all the promises of God? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises of God. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading The Promise of Justice Jan 21 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIn some ways, all of the promises of God rest on the promise of justice. What does it mean that God is just, and why does it matter so much in considering all the promises of God? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the promises of God. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading The Promise of JusticeRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/01/22/encountering-jesus-in-the-garden-part-1/ Mon, 22 Jan 2024 16:05:24 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3085 Continue reading Encountering Jesus in the Garden, Part 1]]> 3085Chris Watts In the garden we see Jesus at his most vulnerable and human. Why was he so troubled, what did he do about it, and what should we learn from this deeply emotional story? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on January … Continue reading Encountering Jesus in the Garden, Part 1 Jan 21 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIn the garden we see Jesus at his most vulnerable and human. Why was he so troubled, what did he do about it, and what should we learn from this deeply emotional story? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on January … Continue reading Encountering Jesus in the Garden, Part 1Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/01/15/encountering-jesus-with-dirty-feet/ Mon, 15 Jan 2024 15:40:23 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3081 Continue reading Encountering Jesus With Dirty Feet]]> 3081Chris Watts Jesus’s act of washing the disciples feet is a powerful example of service and love. What should we learn from this encounter with Jesus, and how should we put it into practice? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on January 14, … Continue reading Encountering Jesus With Dirty Feet Jan 14 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noJesus’s act of washing the disciples feet is a powerful example of service and love. What should we learn from this encounter with Jesus, and how should we put it into practice? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on January 14, … Continue reading Encountering Jesus With Dirty FeetRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/01/08/the-promises-of-god/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 16:10:21 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3077 Continue reading The Promises of God]]> 3077Chris Watts We begin a series on the promises of God by considering some top-level ideas. Why should we study God’s promises? What are some potential pitfalls and common misunderstandings about God’s promises? And, ultimately, what should we gain from such a study? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the the promises of God. This sermon was … Continue reading The Promises of God Jan 7 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe begin a series on the promises of God by considering some top-level ideas. Why should we study God’s promises? What are some potential pitfalls and common misunderstandings about God’s promises? And, ultimately, what should we gain from such a study? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the the promises of God. This sermon was … Continue reading The Promises of GodRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/01/08/encountering-jesus-with-zacchaeus/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 15:56:11 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3073 Continue reading Encountering Jesus with Zacchaeus]]> 3073Chris Watts The story of Zacchaeus is one of the more instantly recognizable stories in the Gospels. Why is that? What should we learn from Zacchaeus and Jesus in this story, and what about all the other people in the crowd? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the … Continue reading Encountering Jesus with Zacchaeus Jan 7 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe story of Zacchaeus is one of the more instantly recognizable stories in the Gospels. Why is that? What should we learn from Zacchaeus and Jesus in this story, and what about all the other people in the crowd? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the … Continue reading Encountering Jesus with ZacchaeusRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2024/01/02/encountering-jesus-with-wealth/ Tue, 02 Jan 2024 16:09:04 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3069 Continue reading Encountering Jesus With Wealth]]> 3069Chris Watts Jesus’s encounter with a rich young ruler can seem quite harsh, depending on the perspective of the reader. But the encounter should force the reader to reconsider their perspective: who exactly is Jesus talking about, and how does his teaching apply to each of us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. … Continue reading Encountering Jesus With Wealth Dec 31 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noJesus’s encounter with a rich young ruler can seem quite harsh, depending on the perspective of the reader. But the encounter should force the reader to reconsider their perspective: who exactly is Jesus talking about, and how does his teaching apply to each of us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. … Continue reading Encountering Jesus With WealthRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/12/26/encountering-jesus-with-a-dead-man/ Tue, 26 Dec 2023 21:17:54 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3065 Continue reading Encountering Jesus with a Dead Man]]> 3065Chris Watts The story of Jesus and Lazarus famously contains the shortest verse in the Bible: Jesus wept. What do we learn about Jesus’s priorities, heart, and desires in this story, and what should we do about it? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading Encountering Jesus with a Dead Man Dec 24 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe story of Jesus and Lazarus famously contains the shortest verse in the Bible: Jesus wept. What do we learn about Jesus’s priorities, heart, and desires in this story, and what should we do about it? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading Encountering Jesus with a Dead ManRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/12/18/the-importance-of-remembering/ Mon, 18 Dec 2023 19:22:40 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3061 Continue reading The Importance of Remembering]]> 3061Chris Watts The final two chapters of Esther (though one of them is very short) illuminate the entire purpose of the whole book: to tell the story of and establish the celebration of a holiday to be remembered throughout the generations. Why was this so important, and what should we learn from it? (Click Here to Listen.) … Continue reading The Importance of Remembering Dec 17 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe final two chapters of Esther (though one of them is very short) illuminate the entire purpose of the whole book: to tell the story of and establish the celebration of a holiday to be remembered throughout the generations. Why was this so important, and what should we learn from it? (Click Here to Listen.) … Continue reading The Importance of RememberingRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/12/18/encountering-jesus-with-a-blind-man/ Mon, 18 Dec 2023 19:07:31 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3057 Continue reading Encountering Jesus with a Blind Man]]> 3057Chris Watts Many of the stories of Jesus in the gospels teach us just as much by the people responding to (and either rejecting or accepting) Jesus. Why did the healing of the blind man elicit such strong reactions, and what should we learn from them? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. This … Continue reading Encountering Jesus with a Blind Man Dec 17 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noMany of the stories of Jesus in the gospels teach us just as much by the people responding to (and either rejecting or accepting) Jesus. Why did the healing of the blind man elicit such strong reactions, and what should we learn from them? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. This … Continue reading Encountering Jesus with a Blind ManRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/12/11/the-final-showdown/ Mon, 11 Dec 2023 18:03:38 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3053 Continue reading The Final Showdown]]> 3053Chris Watts After several delays, Esther finally confronts Haman on the night of her second feast. What contributes to the final showdown, how does it all play out, and what should we learn from this dramatic evening? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Esther. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on December 10, … Continue reading The Final Showdown Dec 10 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noAfter several delays, Esther finally confronts Haman on the night of her second feast. What contributes to the final showdown, how does it all play out, and what should we learn from this dramatic evening? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Esther. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on December 10, … Continue reading The Final ShowdownRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/12/11/encountering-jesus-with-a-demon/ Mon, 11 Dec 2023 17:53:16 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3049 Continue reading Encountering Jesus with a Demon]]> 3049Chris Watts Jesus encountered many demons during his ministry, but what is often more interesting in these encounters is the people: how they react, what they say, and how Jesus responds to them. What can we learn from our encounter with Jesus and a demon in Mark 9? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. This … Continue reading Encountering Jesus with a Demon Dec 10 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noJesus encountered many demons during his ministry, but what is often more interesting in these encounters is the people: how they react, what they say, and how Jesus responds to them. What can we learn from our encounter with Jesus and a demon in Mark 9? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. This … Continue reading Encountering Jesus with a DemonRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/12/04/pride-goeth-before-a-fall/ Mon, 04 Dec 2023 16:25:56 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3045 3045Chris Watts As we build toward the crescendo in Esther, the narrative pauses to zoom in on Haman’s pride, obsession, and bitterness. What can we learn from Haman’s inevitable downfall? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Esther. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on December 3, 2023.) Dec 3 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noAs we build toward the crescendo in Esther, the narrative pauses to zoom in on Haman’s pride, obsession, and bitterness. What can we learn from Haman’s inevitable downfall? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Esther. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on December 3, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/12/04/encountering-jesus-as-a-gentile/ Mon, 04 Dec 2023 16:09:55 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3041 Continue reading Encountering Jesus as a Gentile]]> 3041Chris Watts Jesus encounter with the Canaanite woman is one of the most unusual in the gospels. Why did Jesus treat the woman the way he did, and what should we learn from his behavior? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on December … Continue reading Encountering Jesus as a Gentile Dec 3 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noJesus encounter with the Canaanite woman is one of the most unusual in the gospels. Why did Jesus treat the woman the way he did, and what should we learn from his behavior? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on December … Continue reading Encountering Jesus as a GentileRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/11/27/encountering-jesus-in-a-storm/ Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:02:00 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3037 Continue reading Encountering Jesus in a Storm]]> 3037Chris Watts Jesus calming the storm is probably one of the most famous Gospel stories, perfectly demonstrating Jesus’s power and intent. But it is made more powerful in Matthew’s version by the contrast with what comes before. What should we learn from this story, and the story that precedes it? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the … Continue reading Encountering Jesus in a Storm Nov 26 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noJesus calming the storm is probably one of the most famous Gospel stories, perfectly demonstrating Jesus’s power and intent. But it is made more powerful in Matthew’s version by the contrast with what comes before. What should we learn from this story, and the story that precedes it? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the … Continue reading Encountering Jesus in a StormRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/11/20/esthers-gamble/ Mon, 20 Nov 2023 15:18:38 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3033 Continue reading Esther’s Gamble]]> 3033Chris Watts The story of Esther has three crescendos, the first of which is when Esther risks the wrath of the king. Why did Esther need to approach the king, and what in her life built up to this moment? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Esther. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ … Continue reading Esther’s Gamble Nov 19 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe story of Esther has three crescendos, the first of which is when Esther risks the wrath of the king. Why did Esther need to approach the king, and what in her life built up to this moment? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Esther. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ … Continue reading Esther’s GambleRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/11/20/encountering-jesus-by-a-pool/ Mon, 20 Nov 2023 15:09:09 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3029 Continue reading Encountering Jesus by a Pool]]> 3029Chris Watts Jesus’s miracle by the pool in John 5 brings to mind an important question: why did Jesus heal who he did, and why not everyone? What should we learn from the healings of Jesus? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on individual encounters with Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading Encountering Jesus by a Pool Nov 19 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noJesus’s miracle by the pool in John 5 brings to mind an important question: why did Jesus heal who he did, and why not everyone? What should we learn from the healings of Jesus? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on individual encounters with Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading Encountering Jesus by a PoolRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/11/13/hamans-gambit/ Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:22:07 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3025 Continue reading Haman’s Gambit]]> 3025Chris Watts The casting of Pur before Haman in Esther chapter 3 is the even that is explicitly remembered by the Feast of Purim. What was Pur, why was it significant, and why does it matter for us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Esther. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on November … Continue reading Haman’s Gambit Nov 12 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe casting of Pur before Haman in Esther chapter 3 is the even that is explicitly remembered by the Feast of Purim. What was Pur, why was it significant, and why does it matter for us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Esther. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on November … Continue reading Haman’s GambitRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/11/13/encountering-jesus-with-a-paralytic/ Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:09:11 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3019 Continue reading Encountering Jesus with a Paralytic]]> 3019Chris Watts Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record the story of Jesus healing the paralytic. What does Jesus show us in this story, and what can we learn about the kind of faith Jesus is looking for? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. You can find the blended gospel account here. This sermon … Continue reading Encountering Jesus with a Paralytic Nov 12 Youtube infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noMatthew, Mark, and Luke all record the story of Jesus healing the paralytic. What does Jesus show us in this story, and what can we learn about the kind of faith Jesus is looking for? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of Jesus. You can find the blended gospel account here. This sermon … Continue reading Encountering Jesus with a ParalyticRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/11/06/archetypes-in-esther/ Mon, 06 Nov 2023 15:36:48 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3015 Continue reading Archetypes in Esther]]> 3015Chris Watts The second chapter of Esther finishes setting the stage for the story of Purim, establishing the rest of the main characters. What can we learn from the people at the forefront of this story? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Esther. You can find the timeline alluded to at the beginning here. This sermon was … Continue reading Archetypes in Esther Nov 5 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe second chapter of Esther finishes setting the stage for the story of Purim, establishing the rest of the main characters. What can we learn from the people at the forefront of this story? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Esther. You can find the timeline alluded to at the beginning here. This sermon was … Continue reading Archetypes in EstherRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/11/06/encountering-jesus-at-a-well/ Mon, 06 Nov 2023 15:03:32 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3011 3011Chris Watts We encounter Jesus today at a very mundane place…a well. Who did Jesus meet, and what does his meeting tell us about Jesus and our connection to him? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on one-on-one encounters with Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on November 5, 2023.) Nov 5 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe encounter Jesus today at a very mundane place…a well. Who did Jesus meet, and what does his meeting tell us about Jesus and our connection to him? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on one-on-one encounters with Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on November 5, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/10/30/encountering-jesus-with-nicodemus/ Mon, 30 Oct 2023 15:10:45 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=3000 Continue reading Encountering Jesus with Nicodemus]]> 3000Chris Watts One of the first personal encounters with Jesus was a back-alley nighttime meeting with Nicodemus, a Pharisee. What can we learn about Jesus and his expectations for his followers from this encounter? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on personal encounters with Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 29, … Continue reading Encountering Jesus with Nicodemus Oct 29 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noOne of the first personal encounters with Jesus was a back-alley nighttime meeting with Nicodemus, a Pharisee. What can we learn about Jesus and his expectations for his followers from this encounter? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on personal encounters with Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 29, … Continue reading Encountering Jesus with NicodemusRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/10/23/encountering-jesus/ Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:22:05 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2996 Continue reading Encountering Jesus]]> 2996Chris Watts This week we are starting a new series looking at the life of Jesus through the lens of personal encounters; who was Jesus? What did he care about, how did he treat people? We begin by considering the bulk of Jesus’s life, unexplored in any detail in the gospel texts: who was Jesus before his ministry? Click … Continue reading Encountering Jesus Oct 22 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThis week we are starting a new series looking at the life of Jesus through the lens of personal encounters; who was Jesus? What did he care about, how did he treat people? We begin by considering the bulk of Jesus’s life, unexplored in any detail in the gospel texts: who was Jesus before his ministry? Click … Continue reading Encountering JesusRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/10/09/how-to-be-a-terrible-leader/ Mon, 09 Oct 2023 14:39:46 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2992 Continue reading How to Be a Terrible Leader]]> 2992Chris Watts The first chapter of the book of Esther isn’t really about Esther at all, but rather sets the stage for a biting satire skewering the incompetence of those in power in Persia. What can we learn from the ineptitude of Ahasuerus? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Esther. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading How to Be a Terrible Leader Oct 8 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe first chapter of the book of Esther isn’t really about Esther at all, but rather sets the stage for a biting satire skewering the incompetence of those in power in Persia. What can we learn from the ineptitude of Ahasuerus? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Esther. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading How to Be a Terrible LeaderRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/10/09/eternal-judgment/ Mon, 09 Oct 2023 14:28:10 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2988 2988Chris Watts The writer of Hebrews concludes the list of “elementary doctrine of Christ” with eternal judgment. What judgment is the writer referring to, and what does it mean for you and me? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the first principles of Christianity. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 8, 2023.) Oct 8 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe writer of Hebrews concludes the list of “elementary doctrine of Christ” with eternal judgment. What judgment is the writer referring to, and what does it mean for you and me? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the first principles of Christianity. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 8, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/10/02/introduction-to-esther/ Mon, 02 Oct 2023 13:53:17 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2984 Continue reading Introduction to Esther]]> 2984Chris Watts We begin our study of Esther with some top-level considerations of the book: it’s place in the story of the people of God in the Old Testament, it’s historical context, and the timeless themes in the book for God’s people in any era. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Esther. This sermon was preached at … Continue reading Introduction to Esther Oct 1 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe begin our study of Esther with some top-level considerations of the book: it’s place in the story of the people of God in the Old Testament, it’s historical context, and the timeless themes in the book for God’s people in any era. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Esther. This sermon was preached at … Continue reading Introduction to EstherRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/10/02/the-resurrection-of-the-dead/ Mon, 02 Oct 2023 13:40:31 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2980 Continue reading The Resurrection of the Dead]]> 2980Chris Watts There is no Christian doctrine more elementary, no principle more basic, than the resurrection of the dead. It is not an understatement to say that the entire faith rests on this one event, this one teaching. Why is it so foundational, and what does that mean for us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the … Continue reading The Resurrection of the Dead Oct 1 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThere is no Christian doctrine more elementary, no principle more basic, than the resurrection of the dead. It is not an understatement to say that the entire faith rests on this one event, this one teaching. Why is it so foundational, and what does that mean for us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the … Continue reading The Resurrection of the DeadRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/09/25/the-laying-on-of-hands/ Mon, 25 Sep 2023 15:47:21 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2976 Continue reading The Laying on of Hands]]> 2976Chris Watts Relative to the modern American Christian context, the “laying on of hands” seems most out of place in the list of “elementary doctrine of Christ” in Hebrews 6:1-2. Why is that? What is so essential about this doctrine, and what should it mean for Christians today? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the first principles … Continue reading The Laying on of Hands Sept 24 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noRelative to the modern American Christian context, the “laying on of hands” seems most out of place in the list of “elementary doctrine of Christ” in Hebrews 6:1-2. Why is that? What is so essential about this doctrine, and what should it mean for Christians today? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the first principles … Continue reading The Laying on of HandsRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/09/18/the-armor-of-god/ Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:23:37 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2972 Continue reading The Armor of God]]> 2972Chris Watts (NOTE: The first three minutes of this audio are very echoey. Sorry.) Paul closes his letter to the Ephesians with one of the more iconic sets of imagery in the New Testament: the Armor of God. What is the armor, and why do we need it? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ephesians. This sermon … Continue reading The Armor of God Sept 17 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)no(NOTE: The first three minutes of this audio are very echoey. Sorry.) Paul closes his letter to the Ephesians with one of the more iconic sets of imagery in the New Testament: the Armor of God. What is the armor, and why do we need it? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ephesians. This sermon … Continue reading The Armor of GodRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/09/18/instruction-about-washings/ Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:14:27 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2968 Continue reading Instruction About Washings]]> 2968Chris Watts The phrase “instruction about washings” in Hebrews 6 is very unusual, especially considering that the opening verses of Hebrews 6 are supposed to be about “elementary doctrine of Christ.” What is meant by “washings,” and how is it an elementary doctrine? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the first principles of Christianity. This sermon was … Continue reading Instruction About Washings Sept 17 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe phrase “instruction about washings” in Hebrews 6 is very unusual, especially considering that the opening verses of Hebrews 6 are supposed to be about “elementary doctrine of Christ.” What is meant by “washings,” and how is it an elementary doctrine? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the first principles of Christianity. This sermon was … Continue reading Instruction About WashingsRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/09/11/handling-authority/ Mon, 11 Sep 2023 14:08:46 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2960 Continue reading Handling Authority]]> 2960Chris Watts One of the major themes in the latter half of Ephesians is authority, both in the church and in human relationships. This is a common refrain of the Bible; how should people in authority treat those under their charge, and how should those under authority act in submission? This is a lesson composed mostly of … Continue reading Handling Authority Sept 10 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noOne of the major themes in the latter half of Ephesians is authority, both in the church and in human relationships. This is a common refrain of the Bible; how should people in authority treat those under their charge, and how should those under authority act in submission? This is a lesson composed mostly of … Continue reading Handling AuthorityRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/09/11/repentance-from-dead-works/ Mon, 11 Sep 2023 13:42:34 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2955 Continue reading Repentance from Dead Works]]> 2955Chris Watts “Repentance” is a critical idea in God’s word, rightly grouped in with the “elementary doctrine of Christ” in Hebrews 6. What is repentance? What are the “dead works” that we need to repent of? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the first principles of Christianity. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ … Continue reading Repentance from Dead Works Sept 10 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)no“Repentance” is a critical idea in God’s word, rightly grouped in with the “elementary doctrine of Christ” in Hebrews 6. What is repentance? What are the “dead works” that we need to repent of? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the first principles of Christianity. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ … Continue reading Repentance from Dead WorksRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/09/04/marriage-in-the-church/ Mon, 04 Sep 2023 14:11:09 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2936 Continue reading Marriage in the Church]]> 2936Chris Watts Paul’s words about marriage in Ephesians 5 are controversial, to say the least. Why does Paul lay out the instructions he does, and how do they fit into the broader context of relational commands in the New Testament? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ephesians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ … Continue reading Marriage in the Church Sept 3 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noPaul’s words about marriage in Ephesians 5 are controversial, to say the least. Why does Paul lay out the instructions he does, and how do they fit into the broader context of relational commands in the New Testament? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ephesians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ … Continue reading Marriage in the ChurchRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/09/04/faith-toward-god/ Mon, 04 Sep 2023 13:59:09 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2932 Continue reading Faith Toward God]]> 2932Chris Watts The first in our list of “elementary doctrine of Christ” from Hebrews 6 is “faith toward God.” It’s hard to imagine a better example of a “first principle” of Christianity than faith. What is faith, and what makes it so foundational to our relationship with God? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on first principles. This … Continue reading Faith Toward God Sept 3 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe first in our list of “elementary doctrine of Christ” from Hebrews 6 is “faith toward God.” It’s hard to imagine a better example of a “first principle” of Christianity than faith. What is faith, and what makes it so foundational to our relationship with God? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on first principles. This … Continue reading Faith Toward GodRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/08/28/returning-to-first-principles/ Mon, 28 Aug 2023 14:05:34 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2928 2928Chris Watts What are the “First Principles” of Christianity, the things that without doing or knowing a person cannot actually be a Christian? Why are they so important? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on first principles of Christianity. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on August 27, 2023.) August 27 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhat are the “First Principles” of Christianity, the things that without doing or knowing a person cannot actually be a Christian? Why are they so important? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on first principles of Christianity. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on August 27, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/08/14/children-of-light-and-dark/ Mon, 14 Aug 2023 15:28:03 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2923 Continue reading Children of Light and Dark]]> 2923Chris Watts (NOTE: The first minute of this audio is very echoey. The audio resolves after a minute.) Why does God care about what kind of relationships we have? Why should we seriously consider who we develop relationships with, what those relationships mean in our lives, and how they affect us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through … Continue reading Children of Light and Dark 13August 6 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)no(NOTE: The first minute of this audio is very echoey. The audio resolves after a minute.) Why does God care about what kind of relationships we have? Why should we seriously consider who we develop relationships with, what those relationships mean in our lives, and how they affect us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through … Continue reading Children of Light and DarkRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/08/14/biblical-relationships/ Mon, 14 Aug 2023 15:24:20 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2917 2917Chris Watts We conclude our study of living Biblically by considering relationships: what should Christian relationships look like? How should we build and develop relationships in all areas of our lives? Why does it matter? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on living Biblically. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on August 13, 2023.) August 13 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe conclude our study of living Biblically by considering relationships: what should Christian relationships look like? How should we build and develop relationships in all areas of our lives? Why does it matter? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on living Biblically. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on August 13, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/08/07/the-new-life/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 14:25:19 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2914 2914Chris Watts Transformation is at the heart of the Christian journey. What does that transformation entail, and how do we begin the process? (Click Here to Listen.) (Preaching through Ephesians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church on August 6, 2023.) August 6 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noTransformation is at the heart of the Christian journey. What does that transformation entail, and how do we begin the process? (Click Here to Listen.) (Preaching through Ephesians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church on August 6, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/08/07/biblical-lifestyles/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 14:08:51 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2910 Continue reading Biblical Lifestyles]]> 2910Chris Watts God has said a lot of things about how He wants the Christian to live and spend their time, but what about all the areas of life where God hasn’t specifically outlined what a Christian should do? How can we make righteous decisions even in these? (Click Here to Listen.) (Preaching on living Biblically. This … Continue reading Biblical Lifestyles August 6 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noGod has said a lot of things about how He wants the Christian to live and spend their time, but what about all the areas of life where God hasn’t specifically outlined what a Christian should do? How can we make righteous decisions even in these? (Click Here to Listen.) (Preaching on living Biblically. This … Continue reading Biblical LifestylesRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/07/31/biblical-work/ Mon, 31 Jul 2023 15:37:34 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2906 Continue reading Biblical Work]]> 2906Chris Watts As we move outward in our consideration of Biblical living (from thoughts, to gender, to families), we begin considering the ways families interface with the outside world. The first of these is work. What does the Bible say about work? How does God intend the Christian to behave in the economy? Click Here to Listen. … Continue reading Biblical Work July 30 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noAs we move outward in our consideration of Biblical living (from thoughts, to gender, to families), we begin considering the ways families interface with the outside world. The first of these is work. What does the Bible say about work? How does God intend the Christian to behave in the economy? Click Here to Listen. … Continue reading Biblical WorkRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/07/24/biblical-families-part-2/ Mon, 24 Jul 2023 15:13:01 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2902 Continue reading Biblical Families, Part 2]]> 2902Chris Watts God set forth a stated ideal purpose for the family and its structure, but what if your family already doesn’t look like God’s intent? What are some reasons why families end up different from what God designed, and how can we still facilitate the purpose of the family in such situations? Click Here to Listen. … Continue reading Biblical Families, Part 2 July 23 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noGod set forth a stated ideal purpose for the family and its structure, but what if your family already doesn’t look like God’s intent? What are some reasons why families end up different from what God designed, and how can we still facilitate the purpose of the family in such situations? Click Here to Listen. … Continue reading Biblical Families, Part 2Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/07/18/unity/ Tue, 18 Jul 2023 13:17:37 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2897 Continue reading Unity]]> 2897Chris Watts As Paul transitions from big theological ideas in his letter to the Ephesians, to personal application and instruction for the individual Christian life, he does so by discussing Christian unity. Unity is the bridge between God’s Eternal Purpose, and the individual Christian’s responsibility. How do we create and maintain unity? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching … Continue reading Unity July 16 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noAs Paul transitions from big theological ideas in his letter to the Ephesians, to personal application and instruction for the individual Christian life, he does so by discussing Christian unity. Unity is the bridge between God’s Eternal Purpose, and the individual Christian’s responsibility. How do we create and maintain unity? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching … Continue reading UnityRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/07/18/biblical-families-part-1/ Tue, 18 Jul 2023 13:06:23 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2893 Continue reading Biblical Families, Part 1]]> 2893Chris Watts Family is a complicated, complex, and sometimes controversial topic, because humans can and do create such a wide variety of family structures. What did God intend originally for the family, and what does he want for the Christian? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on living Biblically. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading Biblical Families, Part 1 July 16 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noFamily is a complicated, complex, and sometimes controversial topic, because humans can and do create such a wide variety of family structures. What did God intend originally for the family, and what does he want for the Christian? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on living Biblically. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading Biblical Families, Part 1Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/07/10/a-prayer-for-strength/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 14:24:49 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2889 Continue reading A Prayer for Strength]]> 2889Chris Watts Having clarified his (and our) purpose in revealing the “mystery of the gospel”, Paul offers a prayer to God for strength for the reader. What does spiritual strength look like, and where does it come from? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ephesians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July … Continue reading A Prayer for Strength July 6 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noHaving clarified his (and our) purpose in revealing the “mystery of the gospel”, Paul offers a prayer to God for strength for the reader. What does spiritual strength look like, and where does it come from? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ephesians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July … Continue reading A Prayer for StrengthRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/07/10/biblical-womanhood/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 14:08:19 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2885 2885Chris Watts Coming our our last lesson on Biblical Manhood, we now turn to women; what does God have to say about women and how what kind of people He intends for them to become? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on living Biblically. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 9, 2023.) July 9 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noComing our our last lesson on Biblical Manhood, we now turn to women; what does God have to say about women and how what kind of people He intends for them to become? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on living Biblically. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 9, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/07/03/the-mystery-of-the-gospel/ Mon, 03 Jul 2023 14:23:54 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2880 2880Chris Watts As we resume our study of Ephesians, we come to a section where Paul reveals his insights into “the mystery of the gospel.” What is this mystery, and why was it so mysterious? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ephesians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 2, 2023.) July 2 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noAs we resume our study of Ephesians, we come to a section where Paul reveals his insights into “the mystery of the gospel.” What is this mystery, and why was it so mysterious? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ephesians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 2, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/07/03/biblical-manhood/ Mon, 03 Jul 2023 14:08:45 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2876 Continue reading Biblical Manhood]]> 2876Chris Watts As we transition into more specific areas of living Biblically, we begin with men: what does it mean to be a man, according to the Bible? What can we learn from men of God throughout history? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on living Biblically. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading Biblical Manhood July 2 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noAs we transition into more specific areas of living Biblically, we begin with men: what does it mean to be a man, according to the Bible? What can we learn from men of God throughout history? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on living Biblically. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading Biblical ManhoodRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/07/03/the-church-that-grows/ Mon, 03 Jul 2023 13:55:46 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2872 2872Chris Watts The growth of the early church was astonishingly rapid and expansive. Why? How? What did the early church do that helped them grow so quickly, and what does that mean for us? Click Here to Listen. (This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on June 25, 2023.) June 25 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe growth of the early church was astonishingly rapid and expansive. Why? How? What did the early church do that helped them grow so quickly, and what does that mean for us? Click Here to Listen. (This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on June 25, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/07/03/thinking-biblically/ Mon, 03 Jul 2023 13:42:28 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2868 Continue reading Thinking Biblically]]> 2868Chris Watts If we want to live Biblically, we must first consider how to think Biblically: as we think, so we are. What does it mean to think Biblically, and how do we develop this mindset? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on how to live Biblically. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading Thinking Biblically June 11 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIf we want to live Biblically, we must first consider how to think Biblically: as we think, so we are. What does it mean to think Biblically, and how do we develop this mindset? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on how to live Biblically. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading Thinking BiblicallyRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/06/05/living-biblically/ Mon, 05 Jun 2023 14:37:05 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2864 Continue reading Living Biblically]]> 2864Chris Watts Christians want to be “Biblical”, but what does that mean? How does that desire translate to practical, tangible choices in life? Over the next few weeks we will examine what “living Biblically” looks like in certain areas of life, beginning with unpacking the concept itself. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on living according to God’s … Continue reading Living Biblically June 4 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noChristians want to be “Biblical”, but what does that mean? How does that desire translate to practical, tangible choices in life? Over the next few weeks we will examine what “living Biblically” looks like in certain areas of life, beginning with unpacking the concept itself. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on living according to God’s … Continue reading Living BiblicallyRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/05/30/the-future-of-jesuss-church/ Tue, 30 May 2023 13:55:27 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2858 Continue reading The Future of Jesus’s Church]]> 2858Chris Watts We have seen how Jesus promised to build his church, and how he used the apostles and prophets to do so. But what about once all the apostles had died? How did they expect future generations (including us!) to keep building Jesus’s church? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the Church that Jesus Built. This sermon … Continue reading The Future of Jesus’s Church May 28 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe have seen how Jesus promised to build his church, and how he used the apostles and prophets to do so. But what about once all the apostles had died? How did they expect future generations (including us!) to keep building Jesus’s church? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the Church that Jesus Built. This sermon … Continue reading The Future of Jesus’s ChurchRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/05/22/organizing-jesuss-church/ Mon, 22 May 2023 15:18:05 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2854 Continue reading Organizing Jesus’s Church]]> 2854Chris Watts The church that Jesus built is made out of people, and thus has all the attendant problems and opportunities that come with any group of people. How did the apostles ensure that things would run smoothly as the church expanded and exploded beyond their ability to directly control? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the … Continue reading Organizing Jesus’s Church May 21 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe church that Jesus built is made out of people, and thus has all the attendant problems and opportunities that come with any group of people. How did the apostles ensure that things would run smoothly as the church expanded and exploded beyond their ability to directly control? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the … Continue reading Organizing Jesus’s ChurchRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/05/16/killing-the-hostility/ Tue, 16 May 2023 13:42:14 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2843 2843Chris Watts God’s eternal purpose in the cross has one major roadblock; people, and the way we hate and divide each other. How does the power of the cross help us overcome this problem? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ephesians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on May 14, 2023.) May 14 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noGod’s eternal purpose in the cross has one major roadblock; people, and the way we hate and divide each other. How does the power of the cross help us overcome this problem? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ephesians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on May 14, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/05/16/the-problem-with-jesuss-church/ Tue, 16 May 2023 13:34:36 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2839 Continue reading The Problem with Jesus’s Church]]> 2839Chris Watts The church that Jesus built has a problem. It’s a big one, yet one that was inevitable in the way that Jesus chose to build. What is the problem, and what is Jesus doing about it? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church that Jesus built. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading The Problem with Jesus’s Church May 14 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe church that Jesus built has a problem. It’s a big one, yet one that was inevitable in the way that Jesus chose to build. What is the problem, and what is Jesus doing about it? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church that Jesus built. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading The Problem with Jesus’s ChurchRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/05/08/a-prayer-for-knowledge/ Mon, 08 May 2023 13:44:22 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2824 Continue reading A Prayer for Knowledge]]> 2824Chris Watts The letter to the Ephesians begins with deeply complex and important issues. Perhaps this is why the second section of the letter is about a prayer for knowledge and understanding. What is it that Paul wants his readers to understand? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ephesians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading A Prayer for Knowledge May 7 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe letter to the Ephesians begins with deeply complex and important issues. Perhaps this is why the second section of the letter is about a prayer for knowledge and understanding. What is it that Paul wants his readers to understand? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ephesians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading A Prayer for KnowledgeRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/05/08/the-mission-of-jesuss-church/ Mon, 08 May 2023 13:40:09 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2820 Continue reading The Mission of Jesus’s Church]]> 2820Chris Watts When Jesus promised to build his church, what purpose did he have in mind? What did he desire to accomplish by creating such a group of people, and how do we fit into his goals? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church that Jesus built. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading The Mission of Jesus’s Church May 7 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhen Jesus promised to build his church, what purpose did he have in mind? What did he desire to accomplish by creating such a group of people, and how do we fit into his goals? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church that Jesus built. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading The Mission of Jesus’s ChurchRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/05/01/the-foundation-of-jesuss-church/ Mon, 01 May 2023 14:46:08 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2802 2802Chris Watts Jesus promised Peter that “on this rock, I will build my church.” What was the rock upon which Jesus would build his church? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the Church that Jesus built. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on April 30, 2023.) April 30 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noJesus promised Peter that “on this rock, I will build my church.” What was the rock upon which Jesus would build his church? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the Church that Jesus built. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on April 30, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/04/24/the-church-that-jesus-built/ Mon, 24 Apr 2023 14:01:36 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2797 Continue reading The Church that Jesus Built]]> 2797Chris Watts Jesus promised Peter in Matthew 16 that he would build his church. What did Jesus mean by this promise? What would his church look like? How would he build it? This week we start a new series on the formation, foundation, and origin of the Jesus’s church. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church … Continue reading The Church that Jesus Built April 23 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noJesus promised Peter in Matthew 16 that he would build his church. What did Jesus mean by this promise? What would his church look like? How would he build it? This week we start a new series on the formation, foundation, and origin of the Jesus’s church. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church … Continue reading The Church that Jesus BuiltRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/04/17/gods-eternal-purpose/ Mon, 17 Apr 2023 19:00:03 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2793 2793Chris Watts We begin our study of Ephesians by considering the foreknowledge, predestination, and eternal purpose of God. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ephesians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on April 16, 2023.) April 16 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe begin our study of Ephesians by considering the foreknowledge, predestination, and eternal purpose of God. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Ephesians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on April 16, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/04/17/the-providence-of-god/ Mon, 17 Apr 2023 18:48:48 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2789 Continue reading The Providence of God]]> 2789Chris Watts Paul concludes his letter to the Philippians with a reminder of how God had provided for Paul throughout his many struggles. What can we learn about the providence of God and our attitude toward His providence? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Philippians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on April … Continue reading The Providence of God April 16 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noPaul concludes his letter to the Philippians with a reminder of how God had provided for Paul throughout his many struggles. What can we learn about the providence of God and our attitude toward His providence? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Philippians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on April … Continue reading The Providence of GodRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/04/10/the-victorious-lamb/ Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:46:26 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2785 Continue reading The Victorious Lamb]]> 2785Chris Watts We conclude our study of the image of the lamb throughout scripture the way the Bible itself does: with the Victorious Lamb of Revelation. What should the Lamb’s presence and action in Revelation inspire in us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the Lamb throughout scripture. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading The Victorious Lamb April 9 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe conclude our study of the image of the lamb throughout scripture the way the Bible itself does: with the Victorious Lamb of Revelation. What should the Lamb’s presence and action in Revelation inspire in us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the Lamb throughout scripture. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading The Victorious LambRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/04/10/the-power-of-the-resurrection/ Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:14:20 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2781 2781Chris Watts On a day when so much of the world is at least peripherally aware of the Resurrection, it is worth examining the power of Christ’s resurrection and it’s importance in our lives. Click Here to Listen. (This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on April 9, 2023.) April 9 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noOn a day when so much of the world is at least peripherally aware of the Resurrection, it is worth examining the power of Christ’s resurrection and it’s importance in our lives. Click Here to Listen. (This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on April 9, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/04/03/behold-the-lamb-2/ Mon, 03 Apr 2023 14:11:13 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2777 Continue reading Behold the Lamb!]]> 2777Chris Watts As we transition from the Old Testament concept of lambs and lamb sacrifices into the New Testament, we are now equipped to appreciate John’s command to “Behold the Lamb of God!” (Note: The first part of the audio was not captured. Sorry!) Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the lamb throughout scripture. This sermon was … Continue reading Behold the Lamb! April 2 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noAs we transition from the Old Testament concept of lambs and lamb sacrifices into the New Testament, we are now equipped to appreciate John’s command to “Behold the Lamb of God!” (Note: The first part of the audio was not captured. Sorry!) Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the lamb throughout scripture. This sermon was … Continue reading Behold the Lamb!Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/04/03/the-antidote-to-worry/ Mon, 03 Apr 2023 13:57:52 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2772 Continue reading The Antidote to Worry]]> 2772Chris Watts Worry is an insidious, destructive force in our lives, just as it was for Paul and the Philippians. How did Paul overcome worry in his own life, how did he expect the Philippians to, and how can we emulate these successes in our own lives? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Philippians. This sermon was … Continue reading The Antidote to Worry April 2 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWorry is an insidious, destructive force in our lives, just as it was for Paul and the Philippians. How did Paul overcome worry in his own life, how did he expect the Philippians to, and how can we emulate these successes in our own lives? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Philippians. This sermon was … Continue reading The Antidote to WorryRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/03/27/the-goal-of-christianity/ Mon, 27 Mar 2023 15:37:48 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2768 Continue reading The Goal of Christianity]]> 2768Chris Watts After reminding the Philippians not to get distracted by things that don’t matter, Paul answers some of the deepest questions of Christianity. What is the point of all this? What is the goal of our faith? And, how can we make sure we reach that goal? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Philippians. This sermon … Continue reading The Goal of Christianity March 26 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noAfter reminding the Philippians not to get distracted by things that don’t matter, Paul answers some of the deepest questions of Christianity. What is the point of all this? What is the goal of our faith? And, how can we make sure we reach that goal? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Philippians. This sermon … Continue reading The Goal of ChristianityRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/03/20/lamb-laws/ Mon, 20 Mar 2023 14:47:08 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2764 Continue reading Lamb Laws]]> 2764Chris Watts There are a lot of laws concerning lamb sacrifices in the Old Testament. What was the point, and what can we learn about the sacrifice of the True Lamb by looking at these laws? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the Lamb throughout Scripture. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading Lamb Laws March 19 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThere are a lot of laws concerning lamb sacrifices in the Old Testament. What was the point, and what can we learn about the sacrifice of the True Lamb by looking at these laws? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the Lamb throughout Scripture. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading Lamb LawsRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/03/20/things-that-dont-matter/ Mon, 20 Mar 2023 14:38:26 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2760 2760Chris Watts We all want to be joyful and have meaningful fellowship, but we are often so bad at it. What kinds of things get in the way of our pursuit of these blessings? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Philippians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on March 19, 2023.) March 19 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe all want to be joyful and have meaningful fellowship, but we are often so bad at it. What kinds of things get in the way of our pursuit of these blessings? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Philippians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on March 19, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/03/13/the-passover-lamb/ Mon, 13 Mar 2023 14:30:22 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2756 Continue reading The Passover Lamb]]> 2756Chris Watts The Passover in Exodus 12 is one of the most important stories in the Bible, not just for the Israelites but for Christians as well. What does this story teach us about our Passover Lamb, Jesus? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the lamb through the Bible. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading The Passover Lamb March 12 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe Passover in Exodus 12 is one of the most important stories in the Bible, not just for the Israelites but for Christians as well. What does this story teach us about our Passover Lamb, Jesus? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the lamb through the Bible. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading The Passover LambRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/03/13/what-does-unity-look-like/ Mon, 13 Mar 2023 14:18:57 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2752 2752Chris Watts What are we to make of the personal correspondence in the New Testament, such as Paul’s discussion of Timothy and Epaphroditus in Philippians? What should the modern Christian learn from these sections of scripture? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Philippians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on March 12, 2023.) March 12 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhat are we to make of the personal correspondence in the New Testament, such as Paul’s discussion of Timothy and Epaphroditus in Philippians? What should the modern Christian learn from these sections of scripture? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Philippians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on March 12, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/03/06/abrahams-sacrifice/ Mon, 06 Mar 2023 15:07:15 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2748 Continue reading Abraham’s Sacrifice]]> 2748Chris Watts As we consider the concept of “the lamb” throughout the Bible, we begin with the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22, which introduces the major themes of sacrifice and providence. How does this impact our understanding of Jesus the Lamb? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the lamb throughout the Bible. This sermon … Continue reading Abraham’s Sacrifice March 5 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noAs we consider the concept of “the lamb” throughout the Bible, we begin with the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22, which introduces the major themes of sacrifice and providence. How does this impact our understanding of Jesus the Lamb? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the lamb throughout the Bible. This sermon … Continue reading Abraham’s SacrificeRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/03/06/united-against-the-enemey/ Mon, 06 Mar 2023 14:54:51 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2744 Continue reading United Against the Enemey]]> 2744Chris Watts Paul was in a difficult situation while writing Philippians, and clearly worried that it would cause the church in Philippi to despair. What advice did he give them to persevere and overcome the forces arrayed against them? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Philippians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading United Against the Enemey March 5 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noPaul was in a difficult situation while writing Philippians, and clearly worried that it would cause the church in Philippi to despair. What advice did he give them to persevere and overcome the forces arrayed against them? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching through Philippians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on … Continue reading United Against the EnemeyRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/02/27/the-source-of-joy/ Mon, 27 Feb 2023 15:06:00 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2740 2740Chris Watts We have already examined Paul situation in writing the letter to the Philippians. How was Paul doing in his confinement? What was his attitude, both toward his situation and toward the Philippians? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Philippians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on February 26, 2023.) Feb 26 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe have already examined Paul situation in writing the letter to the Philippians. How was Paul doing in his confinement? What was his attitude, both toward his situation and toward the Philippians? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Philippians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on February 26, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/02/20/behold-the-lamb/ Mon, 20 Feb 2023 15:15:36 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2736 2736Chris Watts We begin a study of the lamb throughout scripture by briefly considering Biblical typology. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the Lamb. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on February 19, 2023.) Feb 19 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe begin a study of the lamb throughout scripture by briefly considering Biblical typology. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the Lamb. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on February 19, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/02/20/paul-and-the-philippians/ Mon, 20 Feb 2023 15:06:06 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2732 Continue reading Paul and the Philippians]]> 2732Chris Watts (NOTE: The first 5 minutes of this audio is very distorted. Sorry.) We begin our series on the letter to the Philippians by considering Paul’s previous relationship with the people in Philippi. Why did he feel such great love for them? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Philippians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey … Continue reading Paul and the Philippians Feb 19 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)no(NOTE: The first 5 minutes of this audio is very distorted. Sorry.) We begin our series on the letter to the Philippians by considering Paul’s previous relationship with the people in Philippi. Why did he feel such great love for them? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Philippians. This sermon was preached at the Dewey … Continue reading Paul and the PhilippiansRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/02/13/the-duality-of-man/ Mon, 13 Feb 2023 14:59:36 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2728 Continue reading The Duality of Man]]> 2728Chris Watts We conclude our look at David’s life and see the core idea of almost all Bible characters: no one is perfect. David exemplifies both the best and worst parts of human nature. How then could God call him “a man after his own heart”? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of David. This … Continue reading The Duality of Man Feb 12 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe conclude our look at David’s life and see the core idea of almost all Bible characters: no one is perfect. David exemplifies both the best and worst parts of human nature. How then could God call him “a man after his own heart”? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of David. This … Continue reading The Duality of ManRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/02/13/strangers-and-sojourners/ Mon, 13 Feb 2023 14:44:08 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2724 2724Chris Watts As we conclude our series on church membership, we consider the concepts of homelands, nationalities, and identity. How should being a church member affect the way we think about these things? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on church membership. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on February 12, 2023.) Feb 12 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noAs we conclude our series on church membership, we consider the concepts of homelands, nationalities, and identity. How should being a church member affect the way we think about these things? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on church membership. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on February 12, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/02/06/numbering-woes/ Mon, 06 Feb 2023 16:12:12 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2719 2719Chris Watts David’s census is one of the most theologically complicated stories in his life. What is going on in this story, and why should it matter to us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on February 5, 2023.) Feb 5 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noDavid’s census is one of the most theologically complicated stories in his life. What is going on in this story, and why should it matter to us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on February 5, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/02/06/found-family/ Mon, 06 Feb 2023 15:53:44 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2715 2715Chris Watts Jesus’s warnings about family love can be both shocking and frightening. Why does Jesus expect such absolute loyalty, and what does he offer in return? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on church membership. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on February 5, 2023.) Feb 5 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noJesus’s warnings about family love can be both shocking and frightening. Why does Jesus expect such absolute loyalty, and what does he offer in return? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on church membership. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on February 5, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/01/30/the-importance-of-good-works/ Mon, 30 Jan 2023 14:54:21 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2710 2710Chris Watts There’s no doubt that God expects His children to do good, but how should the structure of the church contribute to or influence the good that we do? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on church membership. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on January 29, 2023.) Jan 29 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThere’s no doubt that God expects His children to do good, but how should the structure of the church contribute to or influence the good that we do? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on church membership. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on January 29, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/01/23/the-need-for-accountability/ Mon, 23 Jan 2023 15:31:58 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2706 Continue reading The Need for Accountability]]> 2706Chris Watts “Church membership” as a concept requires consideration of two ideas: the commands in scripture for church conduct, practice, and relationship, and the practical demands of meeting those commands. The principle of “accountability” lies at an intersection of these two ideas. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on church membership. This sermon was preached at the Dewey … Continue reading The Need for Accountability Jan 22 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)no“Church membership” as a concept requires consideration of two ideas: the commands in scripture for church conduct, practice, and relationship, and the practical demands of meeting those commands. The principle of “accountability” lies at an intersection of these two ideas. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on church membership. This sermon was preached at the Dewey … Continue reading The Need for AccountabilityRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/01/16/the-saga-of-absalom-part-3/ Mon, 16 Jan 2023 15:14:03 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2702 2702Chris Watts Absalom’s saga concludes not with joy, but with sorrow. How did it get to this point, and how does David respond? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on January 15, 2023.) Jan 15 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noAbsalom’s saga concludes not with joy, but with sorrow. How did it get to this point, and how does David respond? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on January 15, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/01/16/the-local-church/ Mon, 16 Jan 2023 15:04:40 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2698 2698Chris Watts As we consider “church membership” we must more specifically define what “church” means? What is a church? What is the church? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on what it means to be a church member. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on January 15, 2023.) Jan 15 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noAs we consider “church membership” we must more specifically define what “church” means? What is a church? What is the church? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on what it means to be a church member. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on January 15, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/01/09/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-church-member/ Mon, 09 Jan 2023 15:30:48 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2694 2694Chris Watts The word “membership” might carry some negative connotations for you as it relates to the modern American church. What does it mean to be a “church member” and why does it matter? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on church membership. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on January 8, 2023.) Jan 8 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe word “membership” might carry some negative connotations for you as it relates to the modern American church. What does it mean to be a “church member” and why does it matter? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on church membership. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on January 8, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/01/02/the-saga-of-absalom-part-2/ Mon, 02 Jan 2023 15:58:50 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2690 Continue reading The Saga of Absalom, Part 2]]> 2690Chris Watts The middle act of Absalom’s story leaves the reader full of questions. What kind of peacetime king was David? How did he miss his son’s intentions? And, most of all, why did God allow this all to play out as it did? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of David. This sermon was … Continue reading The Saga of Absalom, Part 2 Jan 1 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe middle act of Absalom’s story leaves the reader full of questions. What kind of peacetime king was David? How did he miss his son’s intentions? And, most of all, why did God allow this all to play out as it did? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of David. This sermon was … Continue reading The Saga of Absalom, Part 2Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2023/01/02/a-new-church-for-a-new-year/ Mon, 02 Jan 2023 15:28:33 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2686 2686Chris Watts The New Testament writers emphasize the importance of being “new” and “renewed” quite a bit. At the turn of the new year, what kinds of Spiritual renewal should we be thinking about? Click Here to Listen. (This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on January 1, 2023.) Jan 1 Wordpress infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe New Testament writers emphasize the importance of being “new” and “renewed” quite a bit. At the turn of the new year, what kinds of Spiritual renewal should we be thinking about? Click Here to Listen. (This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on January 1, 2023.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/12/26/words-of-life-hope/ Mon, 26 Dec 2022 16:13:56 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2682 2682Chris Watts We end our journey through important words of the Bible with Hope. What is the Christian hope, and what makes it so important? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on last things. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on December 18, 2022.) Dec 18 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe end our journey through important words of the Bible with Hope. What is the Christian hope, and what makes it so important? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on last things. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on December 18, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/12/12/words-for-todays-world/ Mon, 12 Dec 2022 15:15:18 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2678 2678Chris Watts If a letter of the New Testament were written today, what would it say? How would it address the problems of today’s world? Click Here to Listen. (This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on December 11, 2022.) Dec 11 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIf a letter of the New Testament were written today, what would it say? How would it address the problems of today’s world? Click Here to Listen. (This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on December 11, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/12/12/words-of-life-resurrection/ Mon, 12 Dec 2022 15:11:47 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2674 2674Chris Watts The concept of “resurrection” is the basic, essential concept of Christianity, and thus permeates a lot different doctrines and teachings. How can we share in Christ’s resurrection? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on last things. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on December 11, 2022.) Dec 11 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe concept of “resurrection” is the basic, essential concept of Christianity, and thus permeates a lot different doctrines and teachings. How can we share in Christ’s resurrection? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on last things. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on December 11, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/12/05/words-of-life-hell/ Mon, 05 Dec 2022 16:13:09 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2670 2670Chris Watts Is hell a literal, real place? What is it, exactly? And will God really consign the lost to such a torment? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on last things. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on December 4, 2022.) Dec 4 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIs hell a literal, real place? What is it, exactly? And will God really consign the lost to such a torment? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on last things. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on December 4, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/11/28/words-of-life-heaven/ Mon, 28 Nov 2022 16:22:49 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2666 2666Chris Watts What exactly is heaven? What will it be like? How is it described? How does God promise to make all this worth it? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on last things. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on November 27, 2022.) Nov 27 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhat exactly is heaven? What will it be like? How is it described? How does God promise to make all this worth it? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on last things. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on November 27, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/11/21/words-of-life-thanksgiving/ Mon, 21 Nov 2022 15:54:31 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2660 Continue reading Words of Life: THANKSGIVING]]> 2660Chris Watts Thanksgiving is a good holiday, but ultimately fails to capture the essence of thanksgiving in the Bible. Why is it so important to be thankful, and how should we express that gratitude? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on important words in the Bible. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on November … Continue reading Words of Life: THANKSGIVING Nov 20 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThanksgiving is a good holiday, but ultimately fails to capture the essence of thanksgiving in the Bible. Why is it so important to be thankful, and how should we express that gratitude? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on important words in the Bible. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on November … Continue reading Words of Life: THANKSGIVINGRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/11/14/the-saga-of-absalom-part-1/ Mon, 14 Nov 2022 16:01:29 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2655 Continue reading The Saga of Absalom, Part 1]]> 2655Chris Watts The latter part of David’s life is marred by familial conflict, civil war, and national disaster, all kicked off by the way he dealt with two of his sons, Amnon and Absalom. What can we learn from this saga? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading The Saga of Absalom, Part 1 Nov 13 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe latter part of David’s life is marred by familial conflict, civil war, and national disaster, all kicked off by the way he dealt with two of his sons, Amnon and Absalom. What can we learn from this saga? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of … Continue reading The Saga of Absalom, Part 1Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/11/14/words-of-life-judgment/ Mon, 14 Nov 2022 15:48:38 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2650 2650Chris Watts “Judgment” can be a touchy subject. Why is it so important in Christianity, and what does it actually mean? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on last things. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on November 13, 2022.) Nov 13 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)no“Judgment” can be a touchy subject. Why is it so important in Christianity, and what does it actually mean? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on last things. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on November 13, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/11/07/when-sin-compounds-lessons-from-david/ Mon, 07 Nov 2022 15:51:21 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2646 Continue reading When Sin Compounds (Lessons from David)]]> 2646Chris Watts In the story of David and Bathsheba we see a classic example of how one temptation leading to one sin can lead to a series of bad and worse choices and sins. How do we break the cycle? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ … Continue reading When Sin Compounds (Lessons from David) Nov 6 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noIn the story of David and Bathsheba we see a classic example of how one temptation leading to one sin can lead to a series of bad and worse choices and sins. How do we break the cycle? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ … Continue reading When Sin Compounds (Lessons from David)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/11/07/words-of-life-peace/ Mon, 07 Nov 2022 15:43:10 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2642 2642Chris Watts Everyone wants peace. What kind of peace does God promise through Jesus, and how can we discover it for ourselves? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Christian Character. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on November 6, 2022.) Nov 6 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noEveryone wants peace. What kind of peace does God promise through Jesus, and how can we discover it for ourselves? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Christian Character. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on November 6, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/10/31/words-of-life-forgiveness/ Mon, 31 Oct 2022 14:14:54 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2638 2638Chris Watts Forgiveness is one of the most difficult Bible subjects. What does it mean to truly forgive, why is it so hard to do, and why is it so important? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on important words concerning Christian character. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 30, 2022.) Oct 30 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noForgiveness is one of the most difficult Bible subjects. What does it mean to truly forgive, why is it so hard to do, and why is it so important? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on important words concerning Christian character. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 30, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/10/24/words-of-life-humility/ Mon, 24 Oct 2022 17:22:31 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2634 2634Chris Watts What is humility, and what sorts of attitudes feel like humility, but aren’t? How should humility be expressed in our lives? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Christian character. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 23, 2022.) Oct 23 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhat is humility, and what sorts of attitudes feel like humility, but aren’t? How should humility be expressed in our lives? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on Christian character. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 23, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/10/17/grace-exemplified-lessons-from-david/ Mon, 17 Oct 2022 14:12:11 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2630 Continue reading Grace Exemplified (Lessons from David)]]> 2630Chris Watts The story of David and Saul’s remaining heir serves as a striking example of grace, both in the character of the giver and the nature of the recipient of grace. What does this story teach us about grace in our own lives? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on David. This sermon was preached at the … Continue reading Grace Exemplified (Lessons from David) Oct 16 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe story of David and Saul’s remaining heir serves as a striking example of grace, both in the character of the giver and the nature of the recipient of grace. What does this story teach us about grace in our own lives? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on David. This sermon was preached at the … Continue reading Grace Exemplified (Lessons from David)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/10/17/words-of-life-mercy/ Mon, 17 Oct 2022 14:04:06 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2626 2626Chris Watts What is mercy? Where does it come from, and how can we develop a sense of mercy in our lives? Most importantly, how can we practically be merciful? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on words concerning Christian character. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 16, 2022.) Oct 16 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhat is mercy? Where does it come from, and how can we develop a sense of mercy in our lives? Most importantly, how can we practically be merciful? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on words concerning Christian character. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 16, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/10/10/presumption-and-promise/ Mon, 10 Oct 2022 14:12:42 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2622 2622Chris Watts What does it mean to presume against God’s will, and what are the consequences for doing so? How did this manifest in the life of newly-crowned David? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 9, 2022.) Oct 9 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhat does it mean to presume against God’s will, and what are the consequences for doing so? How did this manifest in the life of newly-crowned David? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 9, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/10/10/words-of-life-self-control/ Mon, 10 Oct 2022 14:08:43 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2618 2618Chris Watts What is self-control? What does having self-control look like in the life of the Christian, and how can we learn to be controlled? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on important Christian characteristics. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 9, 2022.) Oct 9 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhat is self-control? What does having self-control look like in the life of the Christian, and how can we learn to be controlled? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on important Christian characteristics. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 9, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/10/03/the-seeds-of-failure/ Mon, 03 Oct 2022 14:53:17 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2614 Continue reading The Seeds of Failure]]> 2614Chris Watts David had a lot of successes as God’s anointed, but a lot of failures, too. As we transition from David the warrior to David the king, we begin to see the seeds of his eventual failings… Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October … Continue reading The Seeds of Failure Oct 2 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noDavid had a lot of successes as God’s anointed, but a lot of failures, too. As we transition from David the warrior to David the king, we begin to see the seeds of his eventual failings… Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October … Continue reading The Seeds of FailureRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/10/03/words-of-life-doubt/ Mon, 03 Oct 2022 14:50:20 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2610 2610Chris Watts What is doubt? What causes us to doubt, and what struggles does doubt introduce to our lives? Most importantly, how can we overcome doubt? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on common struggles. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 2, 2022.) Oct 2 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhat is doubt? What causes us to doubt, and what struggles does doubt introduce to our lives? Most importantly, how can we overcome doubt? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on common struggles. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 2, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/09/19/words-of-life-grief/ Mon, 19 Sep 2022 15:56:38 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2606 2606Chris Watts While we know that it’s not wrong to grieve, it is still a struggle that can take us away from God. How do we overcome this part of human suffering? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on struggles. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on September 18, 2022.) Sept 18 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhile we know that it’s not wrong to grieve, it is still a struggle that can take us away from God. How do we overcome this part of human suffering? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on struggles. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on September 18, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/09/12/mourning-the-enemy/ Mon, 12 Sep 2022 14:07:33 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2601 Continue reading Mourning the Enemy]]> 2601Chris Watts Saul chased David all over Israel, eventually causing him to flee the country. Even so, David mourned his death. Why did David mourn the death of his enemy, and what should we learn from David? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ … Continue reading Mourning the Enemy Sept 11 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noSaul chased David all over Israel, eventually causing him to flee the country. Even so, David mourned his death. Why did David mourn the death of his enemy, and what should we learn from David? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ … Continue reading Mourning the EnemyRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/09/12/words-of-life-shame/ Mon, 12 Sep 2022 13:57:09 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2597 2597Chris Watts What is shame? What makes it different from guilt? Does it have any value, and if so, how can we use it to our advantage? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on common struggles. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on September 11, 2022.) Sept 11 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhat is shame? What makes it different from guilt? Does it have any value, and if so, how can we use it to our advantage? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on common struggles. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on September 11, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/09/12/david-depressed/ Mon, 12 Sep 2022 13:45:33 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2593 2593Chris Watts David experienced a lot of depression in his life. What happened when he allowed it to overcome his faith? What happens to us when we allow our despair to take over? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on September 4, 2022.) Sept 4 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noDavid experienced a lot of depression in his life. What happened when he allowed it to overcome his faith? What happens to us when we allow our despair to take over? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on September 4, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/09/05/words-of-life-suffering/ Mon, 05 Sep 2022 14:39:54 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2589 2589Chris Watts Suffering is such a generic, ubiquitous part of the human experience. What leads to suffering in our lives, and how does God expect us to respond? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on struggles. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on September 4, 2022.) Sept 4 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noSuffering is such a generic, ubiquitous part of the human experience. What leads to suffering in our lives, and how does God expect us to respond? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on struggles. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on September 4, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/08/29/words-of-life-worry/ Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:00:11 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2585 2585Chris Watts Everybody worries. What does the Bible have to say about this common human struggle, and how to overcome it? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on common struggles. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on August 28, 2022.) Aug 28 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noEverybody worries. What does the Bible have to say about this common human struggle, and how to overcome it? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on common struggles. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on August 28, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/08/22/words-of-life-proclaim/ Mon, 22 Aug 2022 14:32:19 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2581 2581Chris Watts Why was “proclaiming” such an important part of Jesus’s ministry, and how does that translate to our mission? What should we be proclaiming and how should we proclaim it? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on August 21, 2022.) Aug 21 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhy was “proclaiming” such an important part of Jesus’s ministry, and how does that translate to our mission? What should we be proclaiming and how should we proclaim it? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on August 21, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/08/15/words-of-life-worship/ Mon, 15 Aug 2022 14:21:54 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2577 2577Chris Watts What is “worship”? What does it mean to worship, and why is it such an important concept in the church? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on August 14, 2022.) Aug 14 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhat is “worship”? What does it mean to worship, and why is it such an important concept in the church? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on August 14, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/08/08/taking-matters-into-your-own-hands/ Mon, 08 Aug 2022 15:19:40 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2573 2573Chris Watts The story of David, Nabal, and Abigail in 1 Samuel 25 is one of the best studies of conflict in the Bible. What can we learn from this story? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on August 7, 2022.) Aug 8 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe story of David, Nabal, and Abigail in 1 Samuel 25 is one of the best studies of conflict in the Bible. What can we learn from this story? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on August 7, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/08/08/words-of-life-deacon/ Mon, 08 Aug 2022 15:15:53 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2569 2569Chris Watts What does the word “deacon” mean? What is a deacon? Why don’t we ever use that word outside a religious setting, and why does it matter? Click Here to Listen (Preaching on important words about the church. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on August 7, 2022.) Aug 8 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhat does the word “deacon” mean? What is a deacon? Why don’t we ever use that word outside a religious setting, and why does it matter? Click Here to Listen (Preaching on important words about the church. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on August 7, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/08/01/words-of-life-elders/ Mon, 01 Aug 2022 15:06:55 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2565 2565Chris Watts What are the “elders” of the church? Where did this idea originate in scripture, and what is God’s intent for this part of the congregational organization? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 31, 2022.) July 31 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhat are the “elders” of the church? Where did this idea originate in scripture, and what is God’s intent for this part of the congregational organization? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 31, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/07/25/words-of-life-fellowship/ Mon, 25 Jul 2022 14:46:22 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2561 2561Chris Watts What does it mean to “fellowship” with other Christians? What is fellowship, and why does it matter? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 24, 2022.) July 24 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhat does it mean to “fellowship” with other Christians? What is fellowship, and why does it matter? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 24, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/07/18/words-of-life-church/ Mon, 18 Jul 2022 14:55:10 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2557 2557Chris Watts What does the word “church” mean? How do Jesus and his apostles use the word, and how should that inform how we think about the church today? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 17, 2022.) July 17 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhat does the word “church” mean? How do Jesus and his apostles use the word, and how should that inform how we think about the church today? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the church. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 17, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/07/11/wilderness-wanderings-part-1-1-samuel-21-24/ Mon, 11 Jul 2022 15:35:02 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2553 2553Chris Watts What can we learn from David’s flight from Saul in the wilderness? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 10, 2022.) July 10 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhat can we learn from David’s flight from Saul in the wilderness? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 10, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/07/11/words-of-life-christian/ Mon, 11 Jul 2022 15:31:08 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2549 Continue reading Words of Life: CHRISTIAN]]> 2549Chris Watts For such a widespread modern word, the term “Christian” isn’t used very much in the New Testament. How did this word come to be, and what did it mean for the original users? (NOTE: There were some audio issues. Sorry.) Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on faith. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading Words of Life: CHRISTIAN July 10 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noFor such a widespread modern word, the term “Christian” isn’t used very much in the New Testament. How did this word come to be, and what did it mean for the original users? (NOTE: There were some audio issues. Sorry.) Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on faith. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church … Continue reading Words of Life: CHRISTIANRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/07/04/friends-and-enemies/ Mon, 04 Jul 2022 14:37:29 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2545 2545Chris Watts How did David’s relationships with Saul and his family evolve after David’s great victory over Goliath? And what can we learn from this drama? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 3, 2022.) July 3 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noHow did David’s relationships with Saul and his family evolve after David’s great victory over Goliath? And what can we learn from this drama? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 3, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/07/04/words-of-life-immersion/ Mon, 04 Jul 2022 14:33:44 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2541 2541Chris Watts What is baptism? What does it mean to be baptized? And why is it such an important idea in the New Testament? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on faith. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 3, 2022.) July 3 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhat is baptism? What does it mean to be baptized? And why is it such an important idea in the New Testament? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on faith. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 3, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/06/28/words-of-life-confession/ Tue, 28 Jun 2022 15:00:52 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2537 2537Chris Watts We are repeatedly told to “confess” by the writers of the Bible. What exactly should we confess, who should we confess to, and why does it matter? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on faith and salvation. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on June 26, 2022.) June 26 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWe are repeatedly told to “confess” by the writers of the Bible. What exactly should we confess, who should we confess to, and why does it matter? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on faith and salvation. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on June 26, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/06/20/words-of-life-father/ Mon, 20 Jun 2022 14:22:36 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2533 2533Chris Watts Why is fatherhood so important? What does righteous fatherhood look like? And why does God call himself our father? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on important words in the Bible. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on June 19, 2022.) June 19 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhy is fatherhood so important? What does righteous fatherhood look like? And why does God call himself our father? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on important words in the Bible. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on June 19, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/06/13/as-he-lives-we-live/ Mon, 13 Jun 2022 14:12:35 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2529 2529Chris Watts The resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in history, mirrored in our own lives. How do we emulate his resurrection, and how does Jesus’s new life impact us? Click Here to Listen. (This is an abbreviated lesson. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on June 12, 2022.) June 12 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThe resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in history, mirrored in our own lives. How do we emulate his resurrection, and how does Jesus’s new life impact us? Click Here to Listen. (This is an abbreviated lesson. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on June 12, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/06/13/words-of-life-repentance/ Mon, 13 Jun 2022 14:05:21 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2524 2524Chris Watts What is repentance? How can a person repent? And why does God seem to care about it so much? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on faith. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on June 12, 2022.) June 12 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noWhat is repentance? How can a person repent? And why does God seem to care about it so much? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on faith. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on June 12, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/06/06/david-and-the-dwarf/ Mon, 06 Jun 2022 16:11:00 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2520 2520Chris Watts There might not be a more well-known story in the Bible than David and Goliath. Why does this story resonate so much, and how does it matter for us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on June 5, 2022.) June 5 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noThere might not be a more well-known story in the Bible than David and Goliath. Why does this story resonate so much, and how does it matter for us? Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on the life of David. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on June 5, 2022.)Rational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith https://wattsintheword.com/2022/06/06/words-of-life-faith/ Mon, 06 Jun 2022 15:01:15 +0000 http://wattsintheword.com/?p=2516 Continue reading Words of Life: FAITH]]> 2516Chris Watts Faith is such a central part of our gospel response. What is faith, and how does it manifest in our lives? NOTE: There is a strange audio glitch in the later part of the sermon. It will go away. Sorry about that. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on faith. This sermon was preached at the … Continue reading Words of Life: FAITH June 5 Icon infinitelysmall christopher.james.watts@gmail.com (Chris Watts)noFaith is such a central part of our gospel response. What is faith, and how does it manifest in our lives? NOTE: There is a strange audio glitch in the later part of the sermon. It will go away. Sorry about that. Click Here to Listen. (Preaching on faith. This sermon was preached at the … Continue reading Words of Life: FAITHRational,Christianity,Bible,Religion,Faith