# CHUCK HILL TODAY > MINISTRY RESOURCES FOR TODAY’S LEADERS ## Posts - [THE WORK IS HIS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/09/02/the-work-is-his/): I love Labor Day weekend, if for no other reason than it means fall is almost here, and fall is my favorite time of the year. Cooler air, colorful trees, falling leaves, football season, apple picking, and so much more. For me, Labor Day feels like the beginning of it all. But there’s something almost ironic about the way we celebrate Labor Day: we honor our work by taking a day off from it. As Labor Day weekend approaches, many people are looking forward to an extra day away from their normal responsibilities. Offices will close, schools will pause, families will […] - [WHEN OBEDIENCE IS HARD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/08/13/when-obedience-is-hard/): One of the hardest lessons of faith is discovering that doing the right thing doesn’t always make life easier. Sometimes we carry an unspoken assumption that if we obey God, make wise choices, and try to live faithfully, things should work out reasonably well for us. We know better theologically, but there can still be something within us that expects good behavior to produce good circumstances. In reality, that idea is closer to karma than biblical faith. Scripture never teaches that obedience guarantees an easy life or protects us from hardship. And yet, when trouble follows obedience, we can still find ourselves […] - [REDEEMING AMBITION](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/08/11/redeeming-ambition/): I want my life to matter. In fact, I think everyone I’ve ever met wants the same thing. No one sets out hoping for a mediocre life. Mediocrity happens, for sure, but it’s rarely the desire of the heart. There’s something in us that wants to do well with the life we’ve been given. We want to grow, accomplish something meaningful, make a difference, and know that our lives counted for something. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. God created us with the capacity to grow, create, lead, build, serve, and pursue excellence. There is something good about […] - [LIVING BEYOND THE URGENT](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/08/05/living-beyond-the-urgent/): Last week, Lori and I had the opportunity to visit the Saint Louis Art Museum. One of the exhibits we especially enjoyed focused on the reign of the Roman emperor Trajan, who ruled during the second century AD, when the Roman Empire was near the height of its strength and influence. As we walked through the exhibit, we viewed sculptures, coins, and other objects that had survived for nearly two thousand years. Together, they told the story of a vast empire, great military campaigns, ambitious building projects, and a leader seeking to shape the world around him. I am certain Trajan’s […] - [THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/07/09/the-future-is-bright/): It’s summer, y’all. And that means, it’s camp season! Lori and I had an amazing time gathering with several hundred South Carolina students and leaders at our SC Assemblies of God Youth Camp. It was incredible. This was the third week of camp…and it may have been the best yet! Honestly, they just seem to get better and better. I also had the privilege of speaking in their chapel yesterday. I talked about “Following the Voice!” — learning to hear, trust, and follow God’s lead. It was so much fun…and the students were so engaged. I left deeply encouraged. More than […] - [FAITHFUL WHERE YOU ARE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/07/02/faithful-where-you-are/): Faith is not always dramatic. Sometimes it simply looks like quiet obedience. Often, faith is doing what God has asked, even before the outcome is clear. It is trusting God’s direction when your circumstances seem to suggest another way. It is planting seed in ground that does not yet look fruitful, simply because God has spoken. Genesis 26:12 says,  “Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him.” That verse has been stirring in my heart. Isaac planted “in that land.” Not in a better land. Not in an easier land. Not in a place that looked […] - [THE GREATEST FREEDOM](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/06/30/the-greatest-freedom/): Freedom is a precious gift! This week, as we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy in our nation, I’m reminded that the greatest freedom is not granted by a government, secured by human strength, or protected by earthly power. The greatest freedom we shall ever know is found in Jesus Christ. The apostle John records Jesus talking about his in John 8. As He put it,  “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36 That’s more than the kind of freedom we experience as Americans. It’s more than freedom around us. What Jesus was describing is a […] - [AN INHERITANCE OF FAITH](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/06/22/an-inheritance-of-faith/): NEW SERMON: The Faith of Our Fathers This past Sunday, I had the privilege of preaching a Father’s Day message at one of our South Carolina churches. I titled the message, “The Faith of Our Fathers” (focusing on Hebrews 11-12). While this message was initially prepared for Father’s Day, I believe the truth within is applicable for every believer, in every season of life. The message considers the faith we have received, the responsibility we have to live it faithfully, and the sacred calling to pass it on to those who follow. Hebrews reminds us that we are surrounded by the witness of […] - [CREATED FOR HIS GLORY](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/06/15/created-for-his-glory/): There is something powerful and grounding about the opening words of Scripture: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Before there was light, land, sea, sky, sun, moon, stars, or even humanity, there was God. Scripture’s clear, He wasn’t created. He wasn’t formed. He wasn’t dependent on anything outside Himself. He simply WAS! And that’s the point, really. The book of Genesis doesn’t begin by arguing for God’s existence. It begins by declaring God’s authority. His divine and supreme authority. That truth matters deeply for our lives. Because, if God is the Creator of all things, then our […] - [NEW SERMON: LIVING EYES UP!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/05/21/new-sermon-living-eyes-up/): Hey friends, I’ve just added a new resource to the SERMONS page. It’s a new sermon titled:  LIVING EYES UP! This is a narrative message I’ve written to challenge people to live with hope! It’s based on Numbers 13–14, and the well-known story of the twelve Israelite spies sent by Moses into the Canaan to survey the bounty of God’s promise. This message challenges us to consider how easily our focus can drift toward the giants, the obstacles, and the reasons to be afraid, even when God has already promised to lead us forward. Sometimes the greatest battle isn’t what’s in […] - [FINDING WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/05/21/finding-what-youre-looking-for/): It’s been a few weeks since my last post…life has just been a bit busy in our home. I’m sure you can relate. But over the past week, I’ve had a thought stirring in my heart that I haven’t been able to shake. I wanted to take a few moments to share it with you, with the hope that it will both challenge and encourage you. Several years ago, I arranged a meeting between my oldest son, Jonathan, and a successful entrepreneur in our city. Jonathan was still in high school and beginning to think about his future. He had shown […] - [TRUST IN TURBULENCE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/04/26/trust-in-turbulence/): (A biblical encouragement for unexpected crises and difficult seasons) If you’ve ever flown, you can probably relate. One moment, the flight is smooth. The plane is steady. The skies seem calm. Then, without warning, the aircraft suddenly drops. Your stomach tightens. Your hands grip the armrest. The cabin grows quiet, and everyone is reminded they’re not in control. Maybe the winds shifted. Maybe the temperature changed. Maybe the plane hit a pocket of unstable air. Whatever the cause, it only takes a moment for a smooth flight to become a bumpy ride. That’s flying. And to be sure, that’s life. All […] - [RESPONDING TO EASTER SUNDAY](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/04/06/responding-to-easter-sunday/): A PASTORAL RESPONSE TO EASTER SUNDAY For most of you, yesterday was a BIG DAY. Resurrection Sunday is one of the most meaningful days in the life of the church. For some, today is recognized as Easter Monday, and while this day is not something our Protestant tradition has typically emphasized, it is still observed by some across the broader Christian Church as another sacred day in the Christian calendar. And for us, I think it offers a good opportunity to pause, reflect, and thank God for what He did among us yesterday on Easter Sunday. Across our churches, many of […] - [NEW SERMON ADDED - WONDER BREAD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/03/24/new-sermon-added/): New Sermon: WONDER BREAD! I’ve just added a NEW SERMON to the site titled “Wonder Bread.” In John 6, Jesus makes a bold and life-shaping declaration: “I am the Bread of Life.” In this message, I explore what that means for us today. When we encounter Jesus as the true Bread of Life, we discover a Savior who fills what is empty, satisfies what this world cannot, and sustains us through every season of life. If you’ve ever sensed that there must be more, this message points us back to the One who truly is enough. You can read the sermon by clicking here WONDER BREAD […] - [SEEN, TOUCHED, AND RESTORED](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/03/23/seen-touched-and-restored/): Jesus and the Leper (Mark 1:40–45) This is the fourth post in a short series I’ve been sharing on a growing reality all around us. People are increasingly isolated. Some carry quiet shame. Others wrestle with visible brokenness. But in every case, isolation is not just a condition. It is an opportunity for the gospel. In Mark 1, we encounter a man whose isolation was profound, yet it was not self-imposed. It had been forced upon him. Much like catching a cold or battling the flu, leprosy was not something he chose or anticipated. It came quietly, often unnoticed at first, […] - [ALONE AMONG THE TOMBS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/03/18/alone-among-the-tombs/): Jesus and the Demoniac Mark 5:1–20 In the last post, we began exploring how isolation often takes root in the soil of shame. As John tells the story, the Samaritan woman had learned how to cope with the weight of her past by intentionally avoiding others, choosing to draw water at the well during the heat of the day when she knew she would be alone, distancing herself from both the crowd and the quiet sting of shame. But not all isolation is quiet or hidden. Some isolation is visible. It is disruptive, painful, and deeply evident. In some cases, isolation […] - [ALONE AT THE WELL](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/03/12/alone-at-the-well/): Jesus and the Samaritan Woman John 4:1–42 A couple of weeks ago I shared a post about the missional opportunity that exists among isolated people. With this post, I want to begin exploring that idea further. To be clear, isolation is prevalent in our society. It comes in many forms and affects people in a wide variety of ways. One of those ways is through shame. Isolation often hides behind shame. No doubt you are familiar with the story of the woman at the well. When we meet the Samaritan woman in John 4, she arrives at Jacob’s well in the […] - [NEW ARTICLE: THE PULPIT AND THE CROSS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/02/26/new-article-the-pulpit-and-the-cross/): The Pulpit and the Cross Every sermon does more than communicate a message. It reveals a motive. Those of us who preach know the weight of the moment. The preparation. The delivery. The response. The quiet evaluation afterward. But what if preaching is doing something deeper than shaping a congregation? What if it is shaping the preacher? In my newest article: The Pulpit and the Cross, I reflect on the idea that the pulpit can either become a platform for performance or a place of surrender. When it becomes a place of surrender, Christ is magnified and His grace flows freely. If […] - [NEW RESOURCES AVAILABLE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/02/25/new-resources-available/): Leading Through Every Season: New Resources Available! Hello friends, I want to make you aware of some recent updates and additions to my website. Over the past few weeks, I’ve added two new sermon manuscripts that I pray will encourage and strengthen you in this season: Seasons of Life Rooted in Ecclesiastes 3:1–11, and supported by Psalm 31:14–15 and Isaiah 40:31, this message reflects on the changing rhythms of life and the steady sovereignty of God. It’s a reminder that our times are in His hands, and that those who wait upon the Lord will find renewed strength for every season. (Click on the link […] - [SEEN BY THE SAVIOR](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/02/24/seen-by-the-savior/): Isolation may be the Church’s greatest missional opportunity. It seems we are living in a paradox. We are more digitally connected than any generation before us, yet increasingly disconnected at a human level. Communication is constant. Platforms are endless. Information flows without interruption. And still, beneath the surface of all this activity, many people quietly carry a deep sense of aloneness. Research confirms what pastors and ministry leaders are already observing. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General released a national advisory identifying loneliness and social isolation as a serious public health crisis (1). The report noted that a lack of meaningful […] - [BUILDING A GODLY HOME](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/02/14/building-a-godly-home/): There are few things more personal than the place we call home. Some of us grew up in the same house for years, where every hallway holds a memory. Others have moved often, watching seasons change with every new address. But no matter the structure, the size, or the location, we all understand this truth: a house is more than lumber and brick. It carries our stories, our struggles, our laughter, and our prayers. In Psalm 127, Solomon writes with striking clarity: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the […] - [MORE THAN MANNA](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/02/02/more-than-manna/): “Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” — Psalm 34:10 (ESV) Have you ever noticed how easily our focus can drift from God Himself to what we hope He will do for us, and how devotion can quietly give way to expectation? Without much warning, our hearts can move from worship to wanting. When that happens, concern for provision often becomes the loudest voice in our lives. Our prayers begin to lean toward outcomes, solutions, and security. Almost without realizing it, we start measuring faithfulness by results and seeking the gift more than the Giver. Scripture gently redirects us […] - [ALIGNING MY HEART WITH GOD'S WORD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2026/01/26/aligning-my-heart-with-gods-word/): Re-centering Our Lives on Truth “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” — Ezra 7:10 (NIV) We live in a culture saturated with information and competing voices. Opinions, advice, headlines, podcasts, and social media constantly press in, all offering guidance on how to think, what to value, and which direction to take. Yet for all the noise, clarity often feels harder to find, not easier. In the midst of so many voices, Scripture reminds us that there is one voice that must rise […] - [LEARNING TO LIVE A HOLY LIFE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/12/17/learning-to-live-a-holy-life/): There are certain phrases in Christian theology that can sound heavy, even foreign, depending on the tradition we come from. One of those phrases is the mortification of sin. For some, it brings to mind old books, stern warnings, or an overly rigid spirituality. For others, it is familiar language, deeply rooted in how they understand sanctification and spiritual growth. Our theological perspectives do shape how we describe these things. Someone from a Reformed tradition may speak of mortification in one way. Someone from a Wesleyan or Arminian stream may frame it differently, using language like surrender, obedience, or victory over […] - [WHEN GOD CLEARS THE FOG](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/12/08/when-god-clears-the-fog/): Job 42:1–6 This past weekend Lori and I slipped away with some friends to the mountains of Tennessee. If you’ve been there this time of year, you know the beauty is breathtaking. But on our first morning, something unexpected greeted us: fog. Thick fog. We stood near the top of the mountain, knowing an incredible view was just beyond the ridge, but all we could see was a wall of white. The world was still there—it was simply hidden from our sight. But as the morning unfolded, something beautiful happened. The sun rose. Light broke through. Slowly, the fog began to […] - [NEW SERMON: GRATITUDE IN THE MIDDLE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/12/04/new-sermon-posted-gratitude-in-the-middle/): Gratitude In the Middle — Habakkuk 3:16-19 Thanksgiving may have passed, but the message of gratitude is never out of season. I recently had the privilege of preaching a sermon titled Gratitude In the Middle, drawn from Habakkuk 3:16-19, and I’ve just posted it to the blog. This is one of the most powerful passages in the Old Testament. Habakkuk teaches us how to choose gratitude not after the storm passes, but right in the middle of uncertainty, fear, and unanswered questions. His declaration, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,” still has a way of steadying the soul in every season. I shared […] - [NEW SERMON: CHRISTMAS LONG, LONG AGO](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/12/03/christmas-long-long-ago/): A New Christmas Sermon (from John 1:1, 14) There’s something about the Christmas season that awakens a deep sense of wonder in us. Lights go up, familiar songs fill the air, and memories — some joyful, some bittersweet — rise to the surface. Christmas has a way of drawing us back in time. But the true Christmas story reaches back far beyond our memories. It stretches beyond Bethlehem, beyond shepherds and angels, beyond the manger itself. According to John’s Gospel, it reaches all the way into eternity. — Before there was a world, there was Christ. — Before the first Christmas […] - [BEFORE THE CRADLE, HE WAS THE CHRIST](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/12/02/before-the-cradle-he-was-the-christ/): The Christmas season has officially begun, and you can tell it the moment you step into our home. The mantle is lined with greenery, the tree stands tall in front of the French doors, and the living room has been rearranged to make space for the decorations we’ve gathered over the years. Room has been made for Christmas once again. And every time we do this, I’m reminded that the deeper wonder of Christmas isn’t just meant to fill our homes, but our hearts. Christmas is far more than the celebration of a birth. It is the story of the eternal […] - [A SEASON PLANNED FROM THE BEGINNING](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/12/01/a-season-planned-from-the-beginning/): This past week our home was filled with all the familiar Thanksgiving sights and sounds. The kitchen carried those unmistakable aromas of sweet potato casserole, fried turkey, cream cheese cupcakes, and cranberry-orange relish. From the living room came the soundtrack of laughter, classic movies, the Macy’s Day Parade, and football games playing in the background. It was wonderful. But here’s the thing about Thanksgiving in our home: it barely ends before the transformation begins. The oranges and yellows of fall are quickly packed away, replaced by reds and greens. Lori is convinced that the house must be fully prepared for Christmas […] - [GOD’S HEART AND OUR CALL FOR THE WORLD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/11/14/gods-heart-and-our-call-for-the-world/): A simple reminder of why we send missionaries. Looking back, I can see that long before I understood my calling, God was nurturing a heart for the nations within me. I grew up in a home where missions was part of our everyday conversation and in a church family where reaching the world was woven into who we were. Those early years planted deep roots. They taught me that God’s world is far bigger than anything I could see from my front porch. I grew up hearing the names of nations I had never visited, praying for missionaries I had never […] - [BRINGING THE WORD OF LIFE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/11/09/bringing-the-word-to-life/): If there’s one thing I’ve learned in preaching and teaching through the years, it’s this: stories matter. They shape us. They reach places in the heart that facts alone can’t touch. Jesus understood this well — He painted pictures, told parables, and used everyday moments to reveal eternal truth. And when a story is placed alongside Scripture, something powerful happens. Hearts awaken. Truth settles in. People lean in and understand. That’s why I’ve created a page dedicated to illustrations and stories — a place you can visit when you need something fresh, meaningful, and true. These aren’t filler lines or random […] - [ESTABLISHING YOUR MINISTERIAL HOUSING ALLOWANCE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/10/28/establishing-your-ministerial-housing-allowance/): Establishing Your Ministerial Housing Allowance Financial stewardship is part of faithful ministry. One of the most valuable tools available to ministers is the Housing Allowance, yet many pastors either overlook it or fail to set it up correctly each year. A housing allowance is not extra pay. It is simply the portion of a minister’s existing compensation that is designated for housing expenses and approved by a church or governing board. When properly established, it can significantly reduce a minister’s taxable income and create important financial stability for their household. Unfortunately, some ministers miss out on this benefit because they assume the […] - [DARE TO DO GREAT THINGS!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/10/27/dare-to-do-great-things/): Dare to Do Great Things! Last week I celebrated another birthday, and it stirred something within me. It wasn’t sentiment, but rather a sense of urgency. While I am getting older, I am not interested in counting my years as much as I am interested in counting the impact of my life. Simply put, I refuse to drift or coast through life. I want every day to matter. I want my life to serve a purpose far greater than my own comfort or convenience. I want to build something of value. I want to advance the Kingdom of God. I want […] - [PREPARE NOW FOR 2026 MINISTRY BUDGETING](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/10/23/prepare-now-for-2026-ministry-budgeting/): One of the ongoing responsibilities of ministry leadership is to plan wisely for the future. Financial preparation is not just a practical task, it is a form of stewardship. When we plan with clarity and prayer, we honor God and position our churches for health and impact. As we look ahead to 2026, it is important for pastors and ministry teams to begin budget planning early. Rising ministry costs, insurance increases, facility needs, outreach opportunities, staff care, and future ministry investment all require thoughtful consideration. To support you in this process, I have written a new article titled “Budget to Advance the […] - [REMEMBERING MAMA](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/10/23/remembering-my-mama/): (Some personal thoughts one year later) One year ago today, my mom, Mary Lou Hill, stepped into heaven. I miss her every single day. She loved our family deeply and lived with a quiet, steady faith that anchored us more than we knew. She had a gentle strength, a kind heart, and a way of making you feel seen and loved. She believed in me, prayed for me, and stood with me through every season. She was my encourager, my prayer warrior, and my greatest cheerleader. I still catch myself reaching for the phone to call her, just to hear her voice […] - [NEW SERMONS FOR YOUR PREACHING JOURNEY](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/10/19/new-sermons-for-your-preaching-journey/): It’s always a joy to share new preaching resources with you. Week after week I hear from pastors, leaders, and friends who are hungry for solid biblical messages that speak to real life and real ministry. I get it! That’s why I’m excited to share TWO NEW SERMONS with you. Message 1: Stones That Speak 1 Samuel 7:3–12A powerful call to return to God with total surrender and a heart set to remember His faithfulness. This message focuses on the story of Israel’s ongoing battles with the Philistine and Samuel’s call to his nation to repent, surrender, and remember God’s faithfulness. […] - [HARVESTS RARELY COME EASY](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/10/17/harvests-dont-come-easy/): Harvests Rarely Come Easy Here in South Carolina, you can still see miles of white cotton fields stretching across the countryside each fall. Their white rows shine beneath the bright autumn sun, standing in bold contrast to the reddish-brown earth. The fields seem to go on forever, like snow spread across the countryside. It’s a sight that still takes my breath away every time I see it. Yet those who have worked these fields know all too well that beneath their beauty lies a reality of hard labor and great cost.  Before machinery changed the landscape, harvesting cotton was grueling work. […] - [THE WEIGHT OF WALKING ON HIGHER GROUND](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/10/13/the-weight-of-walking-on-higher-ground/): The Weight of Walking On Higher Ground “To whom much is given, much will be required.” —Luke 12:48 (NIV) Leadership often appears grand and even glamorous from a distance. Titles, influence, and opportunity can seem like the rewards of success. Yet in God’s Kingdom, leadership is never about ascending to power; it is about descending into servanthood. Every promotion becomes an invitation to deeper humility. That is a radical shift from how most people understand leadership and authority. The higher one rises in leadership, the narrower and more refining the path becomes. When you carry responsibility for others, everything changes. The […] - [LIGHTER SHOULDERS, STRONGER LEADERSHIP](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/09/25/lighter-shoulders-stronger-leadership/): Lighter Shoulders, Stronger Leadership Have you ever tried to carry a backpack loaded with weight for a long time? At first it doesn’t feel too bad. But the longer you walk, the heavier it gets. Every step takes more effort. Eventually, it wears you down. That’s exactly what guilt does in the life of a leader. Leadership already comes with plenty of weight: vision, responsibility, decisions, and expectations. Every pastor knows what it feels like to have people depending on them. But the heaviest burden a leader can carry isn’t responsibility; it’s unconfessed sin. Guilt doesn’t just sit quietly in the […] - [NEW LEADERSHIP LESSON - THE INNER LIFE OF A LASTING LEADER](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/09/16/new-leadership-lesson-the-inner-life-of-a-lasting-leader/): New Leadership Lesson Launches Today! I’m excited to share a brand-new Leadership Lesson with you (Lesson #16)! This lesson is now available on the Leadership Lesson page of this site. I’ve titled the lesson — The Inner Life of a Lasting Leader. This devotional talk explores the story of King Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26, a leader who started strong but stumbled along the way because he neglected what mattered most — his inner life! It’s a sobering reminder that the greatest threats to leadership rarely come from the outside. Uzziah wasn’t defeated by an enemy’s army. Rather, his downfall came […] - [LEADER’S SUMMIT SESSIONS LAUNCH TODAY!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/09/13/leaders-summit-sessions-launch-today/): Big News: Leader’s Summit Sessions Are Live!  I’m thrilled to announce that the brand-new Leader’s Summit sessions are now available on the Resource page of this site! The Leader’s Summit is all about equipping pastors, staff, and ministry leaders with practical tools and biblical insight to lead with strength, clarity, and passion. These sessions are designed to challenge, inspire, and help you grow into the kind of leader others want to follow. Session 1, Lead Yourself First, sets the stage by tackling the toughest leadership challenge of all—you. From guarding your heart to clarifying your motives and embracing accountability, it’s a powerful reminder that leadership starts […] - [WHEN BOLD FAITH MEETS A BROKEN WORLD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/09/11/when-bold-faith-meets-a-broken-world/): When Bold Faith Meets a Broken World This week has been difficult, and my heart has been heavy. By now, you have likely heard about the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk. At just 31 years old, while courageously proclaiming Jesus on a university campus here in our nation, his life was cut short by a senseless act of violence. In addition, today we pause to remember the horrific tragedy of 9/11, which took place twenty-four years ago and forever changed our nation. Both moments remind us of the brokenness of this world and the deep need for the hope that only Christ can give. Moments like […] - [YOUR IDENTITY & CALLING – A WORD TO MINISTERS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/08/26/your-identity-calling-a-word-to-ministers/): Your Identity & Calling – A Word to Ministers Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the incredible weight and privilege of the call to ministry. For those of us who have been set apart to preach and shepherd God’s people, the call is not something we choose—it’s something God places on our lives. And once He does, it never goes away. Paul reminded us in Romans that “God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.” But as I’ve learned over the years, the challenge is not just receiving the call—it’s learning how to live it out day by day. Ministry is not about recognition, numbers, […] - [WHEN PRAYER SURPRISES US](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/08/19/when-prayer-surprises-us/): When Prayer Surprises Us Acts 12 finds the church in a desperate place. James, one of the apostles, had just been executed, and now Peter was arrested and awaiting trial. He was chained between guards, locked behind iron doors, and from every angle the situation looked impossible. Yet while Peter sat in prison, the church was on its knees, praying earnestly for him. Then God stepped in. In the middle of the night, an angel appeared, Peter’s chains fell off, and he walked out of prison a free man. Once he realized what had happened, he went straight to the house […] - [CELEBRATING THE NEXT GENERATION](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/07/10/celebrating-the-next-generation/): Celebrating the Next Generation Reflections from the Sights and Sounds of Youth Camp Last night Lori and I visited River Oaks Retreat Center, the campground owned by our fellowship here in South Carolina. It happened to be the third incredible week of our summer youth camps. As I stood near the back of the large gym where their worship services are held, my heart was filled with gratitude and deep awe. I watched as hundreds of middle and high school students flooded the altars, worshiping powerfully and praying passionately. Even after the service ended, they remained—continuing to worship and pray with […] - [TRUSTING GOD WITH YOUR CALLING](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/07/08/2053/): Trusting God with Your Calling God not only creates life; He gives it direction. Long before you took your first breath, He was at work, shaping and forming you with His purposes in mind. In Psalm 139:13, the psalmist declares,  “I knit you together in my mother’s womb.” — Psalm 139:13 With these words, we are reminded that our lives (our gifts, interests, and even the unique bents of our personalities), carry the divine fingerprints of our Creator. His point is clear—you are neither an accident nor an afterthought Your life was intentionally planned and crafted for His glory. At the core, […] - [HOPE IN THE STORM](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/07/07/hope-in-the-storm/): Hope in the Storm A reflection of Psalm 46:1 Storms will come, and storms will go. Sometimes they blow in without warning, rattling our hearts and shaking our plans. Other times, we can see them gathering like dark clouds on the horizon, inching closer as we brace for the inevitable winds of change. Storms, in all their forms, are no strangers to any of us. Just read the headlines, and you will see it: storms of war, storms of division, storms of loss, and storms of nature that devastate communities and leave families reeling in grief. This week, the news out […] - [LIVING TO FULFILL GOD’S MISSION](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/07/05/living-to-fulfill-gods-mission/): Living to Fulfill God’s Mission A Note for Leaders, Pastors, and Those Serving in Ministry If you’re reading this here, it likely means you’re someone who leads, pastors, or serves faithfully in ministry. First, let me say this: I’m grateful for you. You’ve answered God’s call to lead His people, care for His church, and reach the lost. You carry the weight of shepherding others while juggling the day-to-day demands of ministry. It’s a high calling—and it can also be heavy. Today, I want to remind you of something simple but deeply important. It’s easy to get so caught up in […] - [STEPPING ONTO THE BATTLEFIELD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/07/02/stepping-onto-the-battlefield/): Stepping Onto the Battlefield By Dr. Chuck Hill – July 2, 2025 Some stories never get old. This morning, I found myself back in 1 Samuel 17, reading once again about David and Goliath. Though I’ve read it countless times, today I was struck by something simple yet profound: David’s instinct to honor God when no one else would. It wasn’t about proving himself or chasing a fight. It was about doing what was right in the eyes of God, even when it required stepping into a battle he never planned to fight. Consider this: David left the quiet safety of the pasture and stepped […] - [BECOMING A BELIEVABLE BELIEVER](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/06/19/becoming-a-believable-believer/): Becoming A Believable Believer By Dr. Chuck Hill – June 19, 2025 While driving into the office this morning, I listened to a podcast hosted by Matthew West featuring author and speaker David Nassar. He shared part of his powerful testimony, which he tells more fully in his 2009 book Jumping Through Fires—a story of fleeing the revolution in Iran and ultimately finding redemption in Christ. During the interview, Nassar used a phrase that immediately caught my attention. As he described a few Christians who demonstrated the love of Christ to his father—not just with words, but through humble, practical service—he […] - [THE LASTING IMPACT OF INVESTING IN OTHERS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/06/03/the-lasting-impact-of-investing-in-others/): The Lasting Impact of Investing In Others JUNE 3, 2025 Last night, I had the profound privilege of joining a gathering of pastors and leaders to honor my dear friend and fellow pastor, Phil Simun. It was a special evening, celebrating his many faithful years of dedicated leadership within our fellowship. As the night unfolded, words of affirmation flowed abundantly, each one highlighting the extraordinary ways Pastor Phil has invested deeply in others. One particular testimony resonated deeply with me. A fellow pastor shared how Pastor Phil had consistently poured into his life—not just offering occasional advice, but truly mentoring, encouraging, […] - [WHEN SUCCESS BECOMES A SNARE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/05/28/when-success-becomes-a-snare/): When Success Becomes a Snare by Chuck Hill — Wednesday, May 28, 2025 Let’s talk about success. It’s something we all strive for—especially in leadership. Whether it’s growing a ministry, launching a new initiative, seeing people saved, or watching your team thrive—success feels good. It’s confirmation that your hard work is paying off. That your prayers are being answered. That you’re doing something right. But here’s the catch. Success, as good as it is, carries with it a hidden danger—pride. Not the kind of pride that shouts, “Look at me!” all the time. Sometimes it whispers: “You’ve got this now.” “You […] - [Honoring the Past -- Moving Forward Well](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/05/27/honoring-the-past-moving-forward-well/): Honoring the Past — Moving Forward Well by Chuck Hill — Tuesday, May 27, 2025 This past weekend has brought a renewed awareness to me—the value of remembering and honoring. Yesterday, we observed Memorial Day, a day set aside nationally to pause, reflect, and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. “All gave some, some gave all.” Their sacrifices secured the freedoms we now enjoy, and remembering them isn’t just a patriotic gesture—it’s an act of deep gratitude. Along those same lines, Lori and I had the joy of worshiping with one of our […] - [REFLECTING ON THE JOURNEY](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/05/12/reflecting-on-the-journey/): Reflecting on the Journey, Preparing for What’s Ahead Monday, May 12, 2025 Chuckhilltoday.com This past week marked the culmination of a significant chapter in my personal and ministerial journey—a two-year project focused on reviewing and rewriting the bylaws for our ministry organization. As I sit today in a quiet moment of reflection, I’m struck by the immense sense of relief and gratitude I feel. Reflection is powerful. It anchors us, helps us appreciate how far we’ve come, and strengthens us for the road ahead. Proverbs 27:19 says, “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” Reflection provides clarity, […] - [REFLECTING JESUS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/04/22/reflecting-jesus/): Reflecting Jesus “More than knowledge. More than words. Do we mirror His heart?” When you look up at the night sky and see the glow of the moon, you’re witnessing a beautiful truth: the moon has no light of its own. It simply reflects the light of the sun. It shines, not because of something it produces, but because of what it receives. And so it is with us. We weren’t created to produce our own brilliance or shine by our own strength. We were created to reflect the light of the Son—Jesus Christ. Our lives were designed to mirror His heart, […] - [SEVEN KEYS TO LONGEVITY IN MINISTRY](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/04/14/seven-keys-to-longevity-in-ministry/): Seven Keys to Longevity in Ministry Chuck Hill, D. Min. chuckhilltoday.com April 13, 2025 When my family and I moved to Greenville, SC, in March 2004, we could not have imagined how deeply God would work in and through us in the years to come. At that time, our children were small, but our task was big. My wife and I felt like we were stepping into the unknown — accepting an assignment to revitalize a small, struggling church. The path before us wasn’t easy. Revitalization is a difficult undertaking wrought with sensitive issues. Size and metrics were a major concern […] - [Come Apart and Rest, or Just Come Apart](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/04/08/1618/): Come Apart and Rest, or Just Come Apart “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’”— Mark 6:31 (NIV) Ministry and life rarely slow down. The demands never seem to ease, and the pressure to keep going—to lead, to serve, to be available—can be relentless. If we’re not careful, the very work we do for Jesus can end up pulling us away from Jesus. Jesus knew this. He saw the physical and emotional exhaustion in His disciples […] - [Always Near](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/03/18/always-near/): ALWAYS NEAR – (A Devotional Thought) Psalm 23 is a favorite psalm of many. It is used so often as an encouragement during difficult days and moments of loss that it has been affectionately referred to by some as the “funeral psalm.” Moreover, it is a passage that pastors use to help realign the hearts and minds of the grieving or troubled. While it certainly offers strength to the weak at heart and comfort to the grieving, this psalm is really so much more—it stands as a daily reminder of God’s unwavering presence and His nearness to His people. Psalm 23 […] - [LIVING ABUNDANTLY](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/03/13/living-an-abundant-life/): Living Abundantly Have you ever wondered what it truly means to live a meaningful and abundant life? Jesus gives us a powerful perspective on this in John 10:10 when He says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” This “full” life isn’t about accumulating wealth, fame, or fleeting moments of pleasure. Instead, it’s about knowing that we are making wise choices an experiencing the fullness of His blessing with each moment of our life. But those decisions are critical. In fact, there are three decisions that really matter in life — the outcome of […] - [BE HUMBLE OR BE HUMBLED!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/03/05/be-humble-or-be-humbled/): Be Humble or Be Humbled! The Biblical Posture of Leadership: In the grand halls of ancient Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar once stood at the top of his palace and declared, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30, NIV). But before the echo of his foolish and self-centered words had faded, the Lord humbled him. Stripped of his throne, he wandered the fields like a wild animal until he learned a painful but crucial lesson: humility is not optional for leaders—it is essential. The […] - [LET NOTHING KEEP ME FROM GOD’S WORD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/02/25/letting-nothing-keep-me-from-gods-word/): Let Nothing Keep Me From God’s Word: Reflections on A.W. Tozer’s Challenge to Prioritize God’s Word Today I am reminded again how important it is for me to saturate my mind and soul in the never-changing, everlasting, all-inspiring Word of God. A.W. Tozer, a profound thinker and passionate servant of God, once said, “Whatever keeps me from my Bible is my enemy, however harmless it may appear to be.” His quote, though simple, speaks volumes about the daily challenges we all face in our spiritual lives and the subtle distractions that keep us from engaging with God’s Word. Tozer’s words remind […] - [THE PATH TO PROMISE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/02/13/the-path-to-promise/): The Path to Promise:  Trusting, Learning, and Walking with God Psalm 25:1-10 Introduction I’m sure you’re familiar with the phrase, “Life is a journey.” And it is. It’s not so much about an event (like birth or death), or event an achievement (like graduating or landing a great job). Life isn’t even about arriving at a destination — like going to heaven  (as we all hope to do).  Life is about all the steps along the way. It’s about the experiences and decisions and encounters that shape us into who we are. If you’re a fan of Rascal Flatts or Lightning […] - [GREAT LEADERS PRACTICE WISDOM](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/02/12/great-leaders-practice-wisdom/): In today’s fast-paced world, pastors, ministers, and leaders distinguish themselves in their ability to lead and influence others—not just through their intellect or knowledge, but through their consistent practice of wisdom. - [EMPTY CHAIRS, FULL HEARTS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2025/02/12/empty-chairs-full-hearts/): December 24, 2024 Description: A reflective piece of creative writing that offers hope in the midst of grief—a Christmas reminder for those navigating the loss of a loved one, that even in sorrow, the light of Christ still shines.  Introduction: It’s taken me some time to be ready and able to post this. I actually wrote it a few months ago after experiencing a deep loss. In October 2024, my mother, Mary Lou Hill—an amazing woman and a lover of God—passed away. Her absence has left a profound void in my life, yet I remain filled with hope, not despair. I […] - [Preparing for Christmas -- A Holiday Devotion](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2024/12/23/preparing-for-christmas-a-christmas-devotion/): Preparing for Christmas — Devotion Scripture Reading:“Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”— Isaiah 40:3 (NIV) The weeks leading up to Christmas often feel like a whirlwind of activity. Shopping, decorating, and celebrating can leave us so preoccupied that we risk neglecting the spiritual preparation this season invites us to embrace. Isaiah’s call to “prepare the way of the Lord” speaks to more than ancient Israel’s anticipation of the Messiah—it’s an invitation for us to prepare our hearts for Christ today. Just as we clear clutter to welcome guests into our homes, […] - [PLAYING YOUR PART](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2024/07/30/playing-your-part/): Each of us has a role to play in God's Kingdom...when we recognize and embrace our unique gifts, we honor God and build up His church. - [SMALL CHANGES -- BIG RESULTS!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2024/07/01/small-changes-big-results/): Small Changes — Big Results! Recently a received an email from one of my former professors. In his email, he was addressing an area of ministry that is often overlooked — sort of just taken for granted. His email encouraged me to give attention to this area and to recognize how small changes have the potential of making huge impacts. Within his email he told a story of a famous preacher named Charles Lowery. He noted how Lowery once shared an insightful story about an entrepreneur named Jack Eckerd. Eckerd was the founder of the Eckerd Drug store chain. He was […] - [WALKING IN INTEGRITY](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2024/07/01/walking-in-integrity-a-foundation-for-leadership/): Walking in Integrity: A Foundation for Leadership In the world of leadership, integrity stands as a cornerstone. True leadership isn’t merely about guiding others; it’s about embodying values that inspire and uplift those we lead. From a biblical perspective, walking in integrity is not just recommended but required for effective and godly leadership. Integrity in Leadership The Bible is replete with examples and teachings on integrity. Proverbs 11:3 states, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” This verse highlights the guiding power of integrity. Leaders who walk in integrity build trust and respect, […] - [EXPERIENCE PENTECOST](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2024/05/14/experience-pentecost/): To experience Pentecost is to embrace a life marked by the tangible presence and power of the Holy Spirit. - [FINDING PURPOSE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2023/09/20/finding-purpose/): As a young man, I recall the challenge of trying to determine my purpose in life. Like so many others, I too wrestled with the idea of discerning that single passion for which I had been created. In addition, I longed to discover that specific line-of-work that would satisfy the deep yearnings for significance at the same time. While this was not a simple endeavor, I found guidance and comfort from Scripture. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make […] - [DO I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION?](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2023/09/12/do-i-have-your-attention/): Some time ago, I came across a statement by Samuel Goldwyn the co-founder of MGM studios). In regards to the success he had experienced throughout his life, he spoke about his focus and commitment. When it came to the attention he gave the moments before him — he said, “I’ve always considered what I was doing at the time to be the most important thing in the world.” Can you imagine living with that kind of focus? What would life look like if it were unhindered by distraction? That sense of focus and dedication to the moments before him empowered him […] - [CHANGE — IT'S INEVITABLE!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2023/05/27/change-is-coming-are-we-really-ever-ready-for-it/): Change, it’s inevitable! Are we ever really ready for all that it brings with it? Probably not…but that does not mean it won’t be good. So, face it with courage! - [KNOWING WHO YOU ARE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2023/03/14/knowing-who-you-are/): It seems we live in a world where many are deeply confused about who they are. For this reason, they seek to craft their identity by a wide-variety of things. For some they find their identity in their skills. For others it is their occupation. Still others choose to define their identity by a political party or some culturally acceptable cause. But is that really where one should search for their identity? Consider for a moment — who does God say you are? That sounds like a twist on the question Jesus asked His disciples in Mark chapter 8. In that […] - [WELCOME TO CHUCK HILL TODAY!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/2023/03/08/welcome-to-cht/): It’s official…after much planning and many hours of development, our digital team have finally launched this website filled with proven resources to assist you in your ministry. We are thrilled to finally share these tools with you. In the days to come our plan is to upload even more great resources to assist local churches, lead pastors, Bible teachers, ministry leaders, and more. We are passionate about creating and sharing all of these tools with you to help you communicate the message of the Gospel. Please bookmark this site and visit it often! ## Pages - [WHEN GOD SPEAKS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/when-god-speaks/): WHEN GOD SPEAKS — (Learning to heed God’s voice) Exodus 40, Leviticus 1 Good morning! How’s everyone doing today? Well, I’m really glad you’re here. This morning I want to talk to you about the importance of hearing from God. I honestly think that “listening to — or hearing from God” seems to be a lost art. Not only on this planet, but also among those who call themselves Christ followers. It seems as if the day and age in which we live, there are just so many distractions that keep people “off balance” in their pursuit of Christ. And because of […] - [CHOOSING THE WAY OF GOD'S WORD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/choosing-the-way-of-gods-word/): CHOOSING THE WAY OF GOD’S WORD Psalm 1 INTRODUCTION: You are only as strong as your foundation. Building anything on a weak foundation is a recipe for disaster.  Yogi Berra is known oftentimes for having made very witty statements. One of them was this: “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”  And what I’ve come to discover — is that all of life is basically a fork in the road. Every day we are making choices. Some choices are important. Others are of lesser importance, and therefore, they may not have permanent significance.  The choice that I’m […] - [A FIRM FOUNDATION](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/a-firm-foundation/): Declaring God’s Glory (Message #5) — Psalm 19 - [DECLARING GOD’S GLORY! ](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/declaring-gods-glory/): DECLARING GOD’S GLORY! (A FIRM FOUNDATION — Message #5) Psalm 19:1-14 INTRODUCTION: Well, good morning everyone. It’s great to see you all today. Thanks for making this day a part of your weekend plans. I invite you to take your Bible and turn with me to the Old Testament book of Psalms. If you have our app, you can open it, and you’ll find our notes there this as well. TRANSITION: I want to begin with a simple statement — sort of a declaration of purpose or mission. And it’s this: The purpose of all things is to bring glory to God.  […] - [GOOD NEWS FOR GOD'S PEOPLE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/good-news-for-gods-people/): GOOD NEWS FOR GOD’S PEOPLE 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 GREETING: Well, good morning everyone. It’s so good to be with you. INTRODUCTION: I want to begin with a question: Have you ever looked at your life and the struggles you face (maybe the stumbles you’ve made, or the slow pace at which you’ve think you’ve grown spiritually), and wondered…  At some point will God give up on me?  Or maybe you’ve wondered if, because of your poor choices or bad habits or constant struggles, if it’s possible to go beyond God’s interest in you?  Or maybe if you’ll exceed His goodness and […] - [DEFINING YOUR IDENTITY](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/defining-your-identity-2/): DEFINING YOUR IDENTITY Galatians 2:20 INTRODUCTION: I want to begin with a simple question: Have you (like me) found the voices of this world to be confusing — and often misguiding when it comes to the most important things in life? Especially when it comes to the subject of identity — who we are, what defines us, and what gives our lives value. I mean, think about it. We are constantly bombarded with a variety of messages that tell us WHO WE ARE is based on temporal things like appearance, or achievements, or possessions.  The world urges us to find our […] - [YOU ARE GOD'S MASTERPIECE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/you-are-gods-masterpiece/): YOU ARE GOD’S MASTERPIECE!  A Mothers Day Sermon (by Lori Hill) Ephesians 2:1-10 Good morning! What a privilege it is to be here today and celebrate the wonder of motherhood.  I want to begin with a question? Who are you? Deep down beyond what you do, or where you’re from, or who your with — who are You?  This is an important question that we all wrestle with at some point in our lives. Maybe some of you are dealing with this now. Too often we allow other things or other people to define who we are. It’s possible that some […] - [SLOWING THE PACE OF YOUR RACE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/slowing-the-pace-of-your-race/): SLOWING THE PACE OF YOUR RACE: Learning to avoid the hurry in the midst of the busy! One of my favorite verses of scripture comes from Psalm 46. It was written by (or possible for) the Sons of Korah. You probably know the psalm. It’s a powerful reminder of God’s power. It states: 1  God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3  though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. 4  […] - [Defining Your Identity](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/defining-your-identity/): INTRODUCTION: I want to begin with a simple question: Have you found the voices of this world to be confusing — and often misguiding when it comes to the most important things in life? Especially when it comes to the subject of identity — who we are, what defines us, and what gives our lives value. Think about it — we are constantly bombarded with a variety of messages that tell us WHO WE ARE is based on temporal things like appearance, or achievements, or possessions.  The world urges us to find our self-worth in external things money, and titles, and […] - [HIS PATIENCE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/his-patience/): His Patience UNREASONABLE :Series – Message #4 2 Peter 3:3-15 A man’s car stalled in the heavy traffic as the light turned green. All his efforts to start the engine failed, and a chorus of honking behind him made matters worse. He finally got out of his car and walked back to the first driver and said, “I’m sorry, but I can’t seem to get my car started. If you’ll go up there and give it a try, I’ll stay here and blow your horn for you.  I read a story this past week about a teacher who was helping one of […] - [HIS PROVISION](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/his-provision/): HIS PROVISION! UNREASONABLE: Series – Message #3 2 Corinthians 9:8 This morning I want to make one thing absolutely clear when it comes to knowing who God is and how He works within our lives. And it’s this: God is unreasonably generous to those who put their faith in Him! Now, this marks the third week we have discussed the nature and character of God…and each week we have described Him as being totally – and completely Unreasonable…and here’s why. According to the…Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, “UNREASONABLE” is defined in this way:  “Not governed by or acting according to reason; exceeding the […] - [His Protection](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/his-protection/): His Protection UNREASONABLE: Series – Message #2 Well good morning! Today we’re going to be continuing the series we began last weekend entitled: UNREASONABLE! And if you were here, then you’ll remember that we said God is very UNREASONABLE! And by that, you know what we mean. Now, if you weren’t here last weekend, then before we go any further let me clear something up for you. When we speak of God in this framework of being UNREASONABLE, we’re not saying that He’s hard headed or difficult to deal with. What we are saying, is that according to the actual definition of […] - [HIS PASSION](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/his-passion/): His Passion!  – Unreasonable: Series – Message #1 Isaiah 53:7-12 For centuries now, there has been an ancient custom or practice within the church that would take place when one Christian would meet up with another Christian. This practice was that of stating or reciting a declaration about their faith which has it’s roots in this very day we are celebrating today. The practice was where one believer would declare, “He is risen!” and the other person would reply, “He is risen, indeed!” Today we are going to talk about the cross and the price Jesus paid for our sin…but I want […] - [BE ASSURED!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/be-assured/): BE ASSURED! Series: ILLUMINATE — Message #5 Featuring: Lori Hill- Speaker 1 John 5:13-15; 18-21 Well, have you enjoyed this series in I John? I know that I have! I hope that you have been studying and meditating on the truths of this book at home each week, and that it causes you to grow and mature in your faith.  The themes of I John – the love of God, being a child of God, and living in the light of God — these themes can be deeply transformative if we allow the truth of God’s word to take root in […] - [WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/whats-love-got-to-do-with-it/): WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? Series: ILLUMINATE — Message #4 1 John 4:7-12, 20-21 Well, today we’re going to continue our series ILLUMINATE (from the book of 1 John).  We’ll be in chapter 4, which contains what is probably the most well known passage in 1 John. It’s a passage that speaks of love. In the words of the late Andy Williams, “Love is a many splendored thing!”  And, while it can be found in many places…maybe the best is in the hearts of children.  A few years ago — a group of researchers asked a group of children […] - [GOD'S GREAT LOVE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/gods-great-love/): GOD’S GREAT LOVE! Series: ILLUMINATE — Message #3 1 John 3:1-3 INTRODUCTION: I love it when we study God’s Word together. But, we’re not doing it to gain more INFORMATION but to experience life TRANSFORMATION. So, there’s a bigger goal here than just increasing knowledge. We want to increase our faith and grow in godliness. And that’s one of the goals of this passage we’re going to look at today. TRANSITION: So, turn with me to the New Testament book of 1st John. In this brief letter — the apostle John, uses the last of his influence (during the final years […] - [IDENTITY CHECK](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/identity-check/): IDENTITY CHECK Series: ILLUMINATE — Message #2 1 John 2 Last week we began a new series called Illuminate — and today we’re going to continue our study of the book of 1st John. So, if you have your Bible, turn there with me.  This morning we’ll be in chapter 2. TRANSITION: As you’re turning there, I thought I’d begin with a question: How many of you are plant people? Do, you love plants?  Over the years, I’ve discovered that I’ve become sort of a plant person. The older I get, and the busier life becomes, the more I find myself […] - [Illuminate -Series](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/illuminate-series/): In The Light- Message #1 Identity Check- Message #2 God’s Great Love- Message #3 What’s Love Got to Do With It?- Message #4 Be Assured!- Message#5 - [IN THE LIGHT](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/in-the-light/): IN THE LIGHT Series: ILLUMINATE — Message #1 1 John 1:1-10 Today we will begin a series in the New Testament book of 1 John. Now, of you know anything about 1 John, then you know it’s a really short book — but it delivers a BIG PUNCH.  And that’s because it addresses the issue of God and faith. In fact, it answers the questions that our world seems to be asking. Like: IS GOD REAL? WHO IS JESUS? AND, HOW ARE WE TO LIVE? Well, as we’ll see over the next few weeks — John answers these question directly.   TRANSITION: […] - [REDEFINED](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/redefined/): REDEFINED –Discovering our identity in Christ! 2 Corinthians 5:17 Most of you probably know the story well — but during her Adventures in Wonderland, the main character, Alice — came across a Caterpillar. And he asked her, “Who are you?” But, her response was quite interesting: Alice replied, rather shyly, “I—I hardly know, sir, just at present—at least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.” “What do you mean by that?” said the Caterpillar sternly. “Explain yourself!” “I can’t explain myself, I’m afraid, sir,” said […] - [Christmas Changes Everything - Series](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/christmas-changes-everything-series/): Christmas Changes Our Lives- Message #1 Christmas Changes The Way We Live- Message #2 Christmas Changes Our Outlook In Life- Message #3 Christmas Changes Everything- Message #4 - [The Days That Changed Our World](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/the-days-that-changed-our-world-series/): The Day God Came Near The Day the King Arrived - [RENEW Series](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/renew-series/): All Things New! -Message #1 Strength Renewed- Message #2 Renewed Mind- Message #3 Renewing Your Love- Message #4 Pursuing God’s Presence- Message #5 Redefined- Message #6 - [Our Conquering King: Series](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/our-conquering-king-series/): He Conquered Sin: Message #1 He Conquered Death: Message #2 - [SERMONS BY SERIES](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/sermons-by-series/): SERMONS BY SERIES Truth for the Journey — Six Life-Giving Messages from Deuteronomy Christ Above All: Living A Life Anchored In Jesus — Eight Messages from the book of Colossians Living Ready: Faith That Stands in Every Season —Five Messages from the book of 1 Thessalonians A Firm Foundation Christmas Changes Everything Days that Changed Our World Illuminate Knowable Our Conquering King Renew (God’s Promise to Make All Things New!) - [CONTACT ME](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/contact-me/): Connect with Us - [DIVINE ENCOUNTERS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/divine-encounters/): DIVINE ENCOUNTERS THIS IS US — Message #6 Exodus 3:1-14 INTRODUCTION: Today, I want to talk to you about the importance of ENCOUNTERING GOD. Because when we encounter God — we experience HIS POWER which transforms our lives. Taking our lives from ORDINARY TO EXTRAORDINARY! TRANSITION: What I’m saying is — we value DIVINE ENCOUNTERS with God! Or maybe I should say — PERSONAL ENCOUNTERS with God. Because, we believe that our faith in Christ is not really about being religious — but rather, it’s about having a close and personal relationship with Jesus. And nothing is as rewarding as knowing […] - [LIVE WELL, LIVE BLESSED](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/live-well-live-blessed/): Live Well, Live Blessed A Faith You Can Believe In! – Message #3 Luke 8:40-56 INTRODUCTION: In Proverbs 16:25 we find a verse that sums up the society in which we live today. It says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 16:25 (NIV) We live in a day and age where people are so misguided. The things they think are of most importance are far from the priorities which they should be living by. Never before has there been some many things which bring distraction and encourage self-absorption.  It […] - [ALL STIRRED UP](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/all-stirred-up/): ALL STIRRED UP! THIS IS US — Message #5 Acts 7:54-60; 8:1ff INTRODUCTION: Some time ago I ran across a great definition of what a really good sermon was like. And here’s what I read:  “The ideal sermon should have a great beginning.  And it should have a great ending.  And…the two should be as close together as possible.” Wouldn’t you agree? Well, no promises today — but I’ll do my best! Well, as we’ve already mentioned — today is a very important day in the history of the Church. It’s Pentecost Sunday, which means today is the 50th day following […] - [RELENTLESS FAITH](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/relentless-faith/): RELENTLESS FAITH! THIS IS US — Message #4 1 Samuel 17:33-37; 40-47 Introduction:  It seems these days — there’s a great interest in living a daring life. I hear people talk quite often about wanting to do extreme activities and live their lives on the edge! It’s clear that people love to experience the rush of adrenaline. And so often that comes by way of extreme sports. Bungee jumping in Ashville, NC Sky diving in Anderson, SC Rock climbing at Table Rock, Pickens, SC Spelunking — or Cave jumping and exploring in North Georgia Free diving in costal regions and the […] - [CHRISTMAS CHANGES THE WAY WE LIVE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/christmas-changes-the-way-we-live/): Christmas Changes the Way We Live CHRISTMAS CHANGES EVERYTHING — Series: Message #2 Titus 2:11-12 INTRODUCTION: Well, last week we began our Christmas series — which we’ve titled:  “CHRISTMAS CHANGES EVERYTHING!”  And that’s pretty obvious — it does. But maybe…not always for the good!  Sometimes, the changes we see in people at Christmas are not the changes we were hoping for. Sometimes the changes that come are seen in… But for most part the changes that some experience at Christmas isn’t good. Sometimes… — The greed that runs rampant in people. Maybe, people demanding more for themselves). — Or maybe it’s […] - [CHRISTMAS CHANGES OUR LIVES](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/christmas-changes-our-lives/): Christmas Changes Our Lives CHRISTMAS CHANGES EVERYTHING — Series: Message #1 Isaiah 9:6-7, Titus 2:11-14 INTRODUCTION: What is it that makes Christmas special to you? — Is it the sounds? The familiar music and seasonal songs, is it those classic holiday melodies or faith-filled hymns that play on the radio, in the stores, and in your head at this time of the year? — Or, is it the sights? The decor of a tree, the red and green that drape the streets and fill out homes., or maybe the glistening of tonsil on the trees  or the way the windows frost […] - [CHRISTMAS CHANGES EVERYTHING](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/christmas-changes-everything/): Christmas Changes Everything  SERIES: CHRISTMAS CHANGES EVERYTHING — Message #4 Titus 2:11-14 This morning, we’re wrapping up our series — “CHRISTMAS CHANGES EVERYTHING!” Throughout this series, we’ve discovered that Christmas changes our lives, our lifestyle, and our outlook. But today — I want to show you why Christmas has the power to change all of those things in our lives.  MESSAGE: Turn with me — to Titus 2:11-14. Here the apostle Paul says, 11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, […] - [CHRISTMAS CHANGES OUR OUTLOOK IN LIFE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/christmas-changes-our-outlook/): Christmas Changes Our Outlook In Life CHRISTMAS CHANGES EVERYTHING —  Series: Message #3 Titus 2:11-13 TRANSITION: So, for the last 3 weeks, we’ve been exploring the fact that Christmas Changes Everything! And this morning – I want talk with you about how Christmas changes our outlook! As the video we just watched reminds us, Christmas is filled with HOPE. And, that hope is found in Jesus. But it’s not just hope for a season, or even for a lifetime…OUR HOPE in Christ extends far beyond this life! And all of that is wrapped up in the promise of Christ’s SECOND COMING! […] - [THE DAY THE KING ARRIVED](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/the-day-the-king-arrived/): THE DAY THE KING ARRIVED! Mark 11:1-10 Today is Palm Sunday.  This is the day when we remember and celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem. This day marks that special day that Jesus was both praised and then later rejected. He was both received and then pushed away! But it’s this story which distinguishes Jesus as the Messiah. So, more than just being a good man, or a trusted teacher, or faithful rabbi. He revealed Himself as the one prophets had proclaimed for centuries would come. He was the PROMISED KING.  And the hope of the world. MESSAGE: What […] - [THE DAY GOD CAME NEAR](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/the-day-god-came-near/): THE DAY GOD CAME NEAR John 1:15, 9–14 Introduction: Well, this morning we’re beginning a new series of messages that will carry us through the Easter Season. And, I’m really excited to share these messages with you.  Because, they focus on remembering some of the most powerful days in human history. Like, the day Jesus arrived on planet earth. And the day He was recognized and worshipped as a King (really, the King of Kings). And of course, there’s the day He shamed sin, defeat death, triumphed over the grave, and rose again. Days like these remind us — He has […] - [PURSUING GOD’S PRESENCE!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/pursuing-gods-presence/): PURSUING GOD’S PRESENCE! 2 Chronicles 34 Well, it seems — we are living in an age of revival. Right? I mean, it appears the passion level for God’s presence (across our nation and around the world) seems to be at an all time high for this generation. It’s not unlike what has happened in other generations — but for us, it’s new and fresh and wonderful. And, as a follower of Jesus, I celebrate it.  But as a pastor, I want to champion it. Because, with revival comes: Well, the concept of REVIVAL isn’t a new idea. It’s not a modern […] - [RENEW YOUR LOVE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/renewing-your-love/): RENEW YOUR LOVE Revelation 2:1-7 Turn with me to Revelation chapter 2. This is always a challenge for me to read. Because, it feels a little like I’m reading someone else’s email.  And that’s because, this chapter and the one that follows contains letters directly from Jesus to 7 New Testament churches. And these were real churches — filled with real people — dealing with real challenges in their lives. But the reason I take you here today — is because the struggle we find in this first letter is much like the struggle that many of us face in our […] - [RENEWED MIND](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/renewed-mind/): RENEWED MIND Romans 12:1-2 INTRODUCTION HOW WE THINK IS A REALLY BIG DEAL Have you ever had a song stuck in your head that you couldn’t get rid of? You hear it once on the radio, and suddenly it plays on repeat all day long. You hum it while you work, whistle it while you drive, and it refuses to leave. Our minds can do that with more than songs. They can get stuck on fear. Stuck on regret. Stuck on comparison or guilt. And when our minds get stuck, our lives get stuck. That is why Paul pleads with us […] - [STRENGTH RENEWED](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/strength-renewed/): STRENGTH RENEWED 2 Chronicles 14, 15, 16:9 Over the next several weeks we will explore what the Bible has to say about God’s plans to work in our lives and MAKE ALL THINGS NEW. Today, I want to talk about His plan to strengthen and empower you to live your life for Him. More than just looking good on the outside — He wants to make you right on the inside. So, beyond the issue of your salvation — He longs to empower you to find STRENGTH IN HIM to serve Him, to trust Him, and to fulfill His purposes in […] - [ALL THINGS NEW!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/all-things-new/): Isaiah 43:18-19 Don’t you just love new things?  My point is just that WE LIKE NEW THINGS! But, so does God. And, the Bible is replete with verses and stories that testify to that fact! So, over the next 6 weeks, we’re going to explore God plan to RENEW our lives!  TRANSITION: I recently read an article about a London businessman who was selling a piece of property. It housed an old building — one from generations ago. And it reflected that fact.  Well, the building had been empty for months and it needed loads of repairs. In fact, squatters had […] - [Home](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/home/) - [HE CONQUERED DEATH](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/he-conquered-death/): HE CONQUERED DEATH Our Conquering King: Series 1 Corinthians 15:14-19 Harry Houdini died on October 31st 1926. But his great claim to fame was that he was an escape artist. As a matter of fact, he was said to have laughed at locks, sneered at chains.  Harry Houdini was often described as one with the flexibility of an eel. An incredibly gifted man. During his day, people would do all kinds of things to try and defeat Houdini. They would chain him to walls, seal him in coffins, one time they riveted him into a boiler, they sowed him up in […] - [HE CONQUERED SIN](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/he-conquered-sin/): HE CONQUERED SIN Romans 6:1-19 INTRODUCTION Thank you for joining us for this Palm Sunday (a day the church has traditionally honored as that Sunday that Jesus entered into the great ancient city of Jerusalem as He headed to the cross, to provide salvation for you and me).  On that day, the people roared and cheered with excitement — expecting Him to destroy the powers of Rome and set them free. They expected nothing less than the crowning of their earthly King. But Jesus had other plans. While He was their King, He was their Heavenly King — the greatest King. […] - [ABOUT/ BIO](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/about-me/): Chuck Hill, DMin. serves as the Executive Secretary/ Treasurer for the South Carolina Ministry Network. He and his wife, Lori, have had the privilege of serving in ministry together for over three decades. After marrying in 1993, they began building their lives, family, and ministry together. They are parents to four children, a daughter-in-law and son-in-law. They are also grandparents to two amazing little girls, Addie and Noa Beth. Beyond his commitment to caring for his family, Chuck is deeply passionate about resourcing the local church and equipping its leaders to fulfill their calling in ministry. In addition to his current […] - [SERMONS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/he-conquered-death-2/): OLD TESTAMENT Genesis | Exodus | Leviticus | Numbers | Deuteronomy | Joshua | Judges | Ruth | 1 Samuel | 2 Samuel | 1 Kings | 2 Kings | 1 Chronicles | 2 Chronicles | Ezra | Nehemiah | Esther | Job | Psalms | Proverbs | Ecclesiastes | Song of Solomon | Isaiah | Jeremiah | Lamentations | Ezekiel | Daniel | Hosea | Joel | Amos | Obadiah | Jonah | Micah | Nahum | Habakkuk | Zephaniah | Haggai | Zechariah | Malachi NEW TESTAMENT Matthew | Mark | Luke | John | Acts | Romans | […] - [Blog](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/blog/) - [RESOURCES](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/resources/): RESOURCING THE CALL FINANCIAL PLANNING Budget to Advance the Vision!— A ministry budget is more than numbers. It is a tool that funds your mission and advances the vision God has given your church. This article will help you prepare a strong, healthy, and strategic church and ministry budget. Strategies for Increasing Giving – A healthy culture of generosity is essential for sustaining impactful ministry and fulfilling the mission of the local church. These eleven (practical) strategies help leaders inspire, equip, and engage their congregations in faithful and joyful stewardship. Ministerial Housing Allowance —The Ministerial Housing Allowance can feel complex, but […] - [Humor](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/humor/): Humor Hot Air I recently heard of a pastor who put a new hot air hand dryers in the rest rooms at his church. But after a few weeks had them removed and replaced with paper-towel dispensers. When asked him why he had them removed he confessed that they worked fine but when he went in there he saw a sign that read, “For a sample of this week’s sermon, push the button.” Unanswered Prayer The preacher’s 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon. One day, she asked him why. […] - [GOOD READS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/good-reads/): BUILDING THE LIBRARY Leadership is an art, and like any art form, it requires continuous learning and growth. It’s been said that leadership is not a destination as much as it is a journey. And the best leaders are those who are committed to continually walking the path of learning. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through reading and studying. In the words of the famous Dr. Seuss, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” That could not have been stated better. These practices […] - [Faithfulness and Fruitfulness - Lesson #12](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/faithfulness-and-fruitfulness/): Faithfulness and Fruitfulness “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NIV) Introduction Every leader desires to see results. We long for fruit—transformed lives, flourishing churches, and thriving ministries. Yet Scripture teaches us that fruitfulness flows from faithfulness, not the other way around. In a world obsessed with results, recognition, and reach, the Spirit calls us to something deeper: Be faithful with what God has entrusted. When we show up with consistency, humility, and obedience, fruit will follow—in God’s time and for His glory. Pastor and author Eugene Peterson described this kind of leadership as “a […] - [Building Trust - Lesson #11](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/building-trust/): Building Trust: “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” – Proverbs 10:9 (NIV) Introduction n a world where leaders often fall faster than they rise, the most enduring influence doesn’t come from charisma, strategy, or even vision—it comes from trust. Trust is the currency of leadership. You can have all the right systems in place, but if people can’t trust you, your influence is paper-thin. C.S. Lewis put it simply: “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” Every leader carries a silent, invisible bank account. It isn’t filled with money […] - [Strategies For Increasing Generosity](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/effective-strategies-for-increasing-generosity/): Strategies For Increasing Generosity Chuck Hill, D.Min. chuckhilltoday.com Ministry runs on faith—but it also runs on resources. Every pastor knows the tension: a God-sized vision to reach people and make disciples, paired with the very real need to fund that mission. While generosity is far more than just financial, cultivating a culture of faithful giving is essential to sustainable, Spirit-empowered ministry. The truth is, people want to give to something that matters. As leaders, we must help them see that their generosity fuels transformed lives, strengthens outreach, supports global missions, and sustains the local church they love. And yet, fostering that […] - [THE WEIGHT AND WONDER OF THE CALL](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/the-weight-and-wonder-of-the-call/): The Weight and Wonder of the Call Jeremiah 1:4–10 A message to Ministers Introduction: Every minister experiences what I might call a Jeremiah moment.  Those moments when the overwhelming weight of God’s call meets the stark reality of our own human limitations. Perhaps you’ve felt it—maybe even in recent days. It’s that sense of genuine inadequacy. It could be A moment when you feel the pressing weight of life, calling, and ministry responsibility. Or, it could be a desire to avoid the weightiness and expectations that often accompany the soberness of God’s call to share faith, speak truth, and present the […] - [GREAT QUOTES FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/great-quotes-for-life-and-ministry/): GREAT QUOTES FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY Chuck Hill, D.Min. chuckhilltoday.com Words have power. Used well, they motivate, influence, inspire, guide, and sustain us—especially in ministry. A timely quote can speak to the heart, clarify vision, or stir courage in the face of challenge. This collection of great quotes is designed to encourage and equip those who lead, serve, and shepherd others.  Let these words be both a reminder and a resource as you carry out your calling with purpose and passion. Christ-Centered Focus Too often we stare at people and glance at Jesus. We would be better to stare at Jesus […] - [AN UNSHAKABLE FAITH](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/an-unshakable-faith/): An Unshaken Faith! Habakkuk 3:16-19 (NIV) Today i invite you to turn with me to the short but powerful book of Habakkuk. As you’ll soon discover, it addresses how to trust God — even during the most challenging moments of life. The book of Habakkuk reveals the personal journey of faith expressed by the prophet Habakkuk. In many ways, it is an honest dialogue between the prophet and God, as the prophet works through his own questions and doubts in life. The late J. Vernon McGee captured the essence of Habakkuk’s journey when he said,  “Habakkuk begins with a question mark […] - [Pre-Funeral Meeting Questionnaire](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/pre-funeral-meeting-questionnaire/): Pre-Funeral Meeting Questionnaire (For use when meeting with the family of the deceased) Basic Information Personal Reflections & Stories Faith & Spirituality Funeral & Service Preferences Suggested Order (Funeral Service) Suggested Order (Graveside) - [Speaking Life in the Shadow of Death](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/speaking-life-in-the-shadow-of-death/): Speaking Life in the Shadow of Death A Shepherd’s Guide to Funeral Ministry Chuck Hill, D.Min. chuckhilltoday.com Funerals are not merely occasions for mourning — they are sacred moments where the weight of eternity is felt, and the message of hope can shine brightest. In these gatherings, we do more than grieve a loss—we honor a life. Every person leaves behind a story, a legacy, and a ripple effect of influence. As pastors, we have the privilege of helping families and friends remember, celebrate, and give thanks for the life of their loved one, acknowledging both their joys and struggles, their […] - [RESPONDING TO GOD’S JUSTICE AND MERCY](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/responding-to-gods-justice-and-mercy/): Responding to God’s Justice and Mercy Obadiah 1:1-21 Introduction: Have you ever ignored a warning sign, thinking, That doesn’t apply to me? Maybe it was a low fuel light on your car’s dashboard, and you figured you could push it just a little further—until your car sputtered to a stop at the worst possible moment. Maybe it was a doctor’s warning to make some changes to your diet, but you shrugged it off—until you faced a serious health scare. Or maybe it was a bridge marked “Closed for Repairs,” but you assumed it was still strong enough to hold—until you found yourself in danger. Ignoring […] - [Dwelt Among Us](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/john-114-dwelt-among-us/): A WORD STUDY & COMMENTARY John 1:14 states: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (ESV) The primary Greek word in this verse is the word ἐσκήνωσεν (eskēnōsen), translated as “dwelt” in many English versions. This word carries deep theological significance, highlighting the incarnation of Jesus and His tangible presence among humanity. Breakdown of the Key Word “ἐσκήνωσεν” Theological Implications Context and Application John’s Gospel opens with the profound statement: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the […] - [The Three Most Important Decisions A Leader Will Make](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/the-three-most-important-decisions-a-leader-will-make/): The Three Most Important Decisions A Leader Will Make As Christian leaders, we consistently strive for a life of purpose, meaning, and genuine fulfillment. Yet, amidst the pressures of ministry, leadership responsibilities, and life’s many demands, we may find ourselves wondering, “Am I truly living the abundant life Jesus promised?” It’s an essential question, especially for those called to lead others spiritually and practically. In John 10:10, Jesus offers a remarkable promise: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” This abundant life isn’t defined by worldly standards like wealth, power, or fleeting achievements. Rather, […] - [Building Your Team](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/building-your-team/): BUILDING YOUR TEAM A Biblical Approach to Building Successful Teams Every leader eventually realizes a profound truth: we cannot accomplish God’s call alone. No matter how skilled or dedicated we may be, the impact we make is multiplied when we work together as a team. The Bible consistently affirms the power of unity and collaboration, reminding us that ministry thrives most when many hands and hearts join together in common purpose. Scripture offers timeless insights into building effective teams. Consider this: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV): “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of […] - [FROM EXHAUSTION TO EMPOWERMENT](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/from-exhaustion-to-empowerment/): From Exhaustion to Empowerment Avoiding Spiritual Burnout Zechariah 4:6 Introduction: Dr. David Livingstone (1813–1873), the famed Scottish missionary and explorer, dedicated his life to bringing the Gospel to Africa. He endured relentless hardships—malaria, extreme fatigue, and deep loneliness—as he pressed forward in his calling. Though he was committed to the mission, the burden of the work weighed on him heavily. In a letter to his supporters, he once wrote,  “I am willing to go anywhere, provided it be forward.”  His determination was unwavering, but that did not mean he was immune to exhaustion. Behind those bold words was a man who […] - [Passion For Ministry - Lesson #10](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/passionate-for-ministry-lesson-10/): Passion for Ministry Chuck Hill, D.Min. chuckhilltoday.com Nothing great is ever accomplished without passion, and this is especially true in ministry. The call to serve God is not just about fulfilling duties—it’s about carrying out His mission with fervor, dedication, and unwavering commitment. “When God calls you to do something, He provides the passion to do it. And when your passion fades, it’s time to return to the One who called you.” – John Piper Ministry without passion quickly loses its impact. It becomes routine, lacking the vibrancy and perseverance needed to make a lasting difference. But when a heart is on […] - [Hold Tight To Mission — Lesson #9](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/hold-tight-to-mission-post-9/): Hold Tight To Mission Chuck Hill, D.Min. chuckhilltoday.com Steadfast Leadership: Staying the Course Leadership is not just about starting strong—it’s about staying the course through challenges, distractions, and discouragements. The best leaders are those who persevere, keeping their focus on the mission God has given them. Galatians 6:9 reminds us:“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Setbacks will come. Opposition will arise. But leaders who hold fast to their God-given mission refuse to let obstacles define them or detour them. They trust that faithfulness […] - [Proclaim the Vision Often - Lesson #8](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/proclaim-the-vision-often-post-8/): Proclaim the Vision Often Chuck Hill, D.Min. chuckhilltoday.com Vision is a powerful force that fuels momentum, but it fades if not continually reinforced. Leaders must be intentional about reminding, refocusing, and reigniting the mission so that their teams stay engaged and moving forward with purpose. Habakkuk 2:2 instructs:“Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.” A vision that is not clearly communicated will eventually be forgotten. Without a clear and consistent direction, people tend to drift, losing sight of the purpose that once inspired them. Leaders who proclaim the vision often […] - [ELIMINATING APATHY](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/eliminating-apathy/): Eliminating Apathy 2 Samuel 11:1-5 INTRODUCTION: We’ve all felt it at some point—that tendency to care less, to disengage, to go through the motions without passion or purpose. It’s called apathy—a state of indifference, a lack of enthusiasm, a condition where nothing really moves us anymore. Apathy is dangerous in any area of life. It affects relationships, careers, and personal growth. But nowhere is it more destructive than in our walk with Christ. Jesus spoke directly to this spiritual indifference when He addressed the church in Laodicea: 15 “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or […] - [DISCOVERING GOD’S HOLINESS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/discovering-gods-holiness/): Discovering God’s Holiness Isaiah 6:1-8 INTRODUCTION Tonight, we will examine the prophet Isaiah and his profound revelation of God’s holiness. As we journey through the Bible, we arrive at a moment approximately 750 years before Jesus’ coming. By this time, Israel’s history had already unfolded over centuries. The nation had long settled in Canaan, but not without challenges. They endured internal strife, leading to a civil war that divided them into two kingdoms: the Northern Kingdom, Israel, and the Southern Kingdom, Judah. The Northern Kingdom eventually fell to the Assyrians. According to 2 Kings 17, the people of Israel adopted pagan […] - [JESUS LEADS—WE FOLLOW](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/jesus-leads-we-follow/): Jesus Leads—We Follow Hebrews 1:1-3 Introduction If someone were to ask, “Who is Jesus?” how would you respond? Many would say, “He is my Savior” or maybe “He is the Son of God.” And they wouldn’t be wrong, because both are true. And yet, the Bible presents an even greater depiction of who He is; an even fuller picture of His divine identity. And with it, we discover that who Jesus has the power and the authority to impact how we live each and every day. Simply put, Jesus leads—we follow. Throughout history, God established three key leadership roles for His […] - [THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/the-creator-of-all-things/): The Creator of All Things Genesis 1:1–23 Introduction In 1968, the Apollo 8 astronauts became the first human beings to orbit the moon. On Christmas Eve, as they circled the moon and looked back at the earth, they saw something no human eyes had ever seen quite like that before — the earth rising above the surface of the moon. It was small. It was fragile. It was beautiful. Suspended in the darkness of space, it looked almost like a jewel hanging in the heavens. And in that moment, with the world watching and listening, the astronauts did not read from […] - [ZEPHANIAH: A CALL TO REPENTANCE AND HOPE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/zephaniah-a-call-to-repentance-and-hope/): Zephaniah: A Call to Repentance and HopeA message covering the major theme of the book of Zephaniah. Introduction: The book of Zephaniah is one of the lesser-known prophetic books of the Old Testament, and yet its message remains deeply relevant to both its original audience and our world today.  Zephaniah was a prophet in the Old Testament who lived during the reign of King Josiah of Judah, around 640-609 BC. His name means, ”Yahweh Hides” or “Yahweh Protects.” His name really gives us a clue to the dual nature of meaning and message of his book.  The primary focus of this […] - [WHEN GOD SHOWS UP](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/when-god-shows-up/): When God Shows UpJoshua 1:1-9 Today, many people will get excited about football, and I’ll admit, I love football. But I want to encourage you this morning to get just as excited about God’s Word! There’s something much greater that deserves our passion and attention. Look with me again this morning at Joshua chapter 1. As I noted last week, you can think of this book as a direct continuation of the story told in Deuteronomy 34. Israel is encamped along the plains of Moab, somewhat adjacent to the Jordan River. Moses has recently died—after leading the people for many years. […] - [WATCH YOUR MOUTH](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/watch-your-mouth/): WATCH YOUR MOUTH — YOUR WORDS MATTER! Judges 10 & 11 INTRODUCTION: Have you ever said something in the heat of the moment that you later regretted?  We’ve all been there—whether it’s a thoughtless comment, a promise made in desperation, or something we spoke in anger. Words are powerful. They can build up or tear down. They can bring healing or cause lasting harm.  Today, we’re going to explore a passage from the Book of Judges that emphasizes just how significant our words can be, and why we need to be careful with what we say, especially when it comes to […] - [WALKING IN VICTORY](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/walking-in-victory/): WALKING IN VICTORY Judges 3:31 INTRODUCTION: Good morning, everyone. Have you ever felt like the odds were stacked against you? Like the challenges in your life were just too big to overcome, and you didn’t have what it takes to face them? Maybe you’ve found yourself saying, “If only I had more resources, more time, or more strength, I could make a difference.” Well, today I want to share a story from Scripture that shows us that victory doesn’t depend on having everything we think we need. In fact, the story of Shamgar, a man who defeated 600 Philistines with nothing […] - [BUILDING A TEAM](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/building-a-team/): BUILDING A TEAM A Biblical Approach to Building Successful Teams As pastors and ministry leaders, we quickly learn that we cannot accomplish everything God has called us to do on our own. The truth is simple: a team can achieve far more than an individual ever could. When many hands share the work, more is accomplished for the kingdom. This concept is at the heart of effective church leadership.  The Bible is filled with verses that speak to the importance of cooperation, unity, partnership, and mutual support in both personal and ministry contexts. Let’s take a look at a few key […] - [THE PURPOSE OF PREACHING](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/the-purpose-of-preaching/): The Purpose of Preaching Chuck Hill, D.Min. chuckhilltoday.com Proclaiming the Truth that Transforms Lives Few responsibilities in ministry carry the weight and privilege of preaching. It is quite literally a sacred calling. It is a divine commission to declare the truth of God’s Word, making known the message of the gospel. Yet, in a world filled with noise, distractions, and competing philosophies, it is crucial to be clear about the purpose of preaching.  Here are a several key objectives of preaching the Word: 1. Preaching Glorifies God At its core, preaching exists to bring glory to God. It is not about […] - [Keepin' It Real](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/keepin-it-real/): Keepin’ It Real! Guiding Principles for Using Personal Experiences in Sermons Chuck Hill, D.Min. chuckhilltoday.com Introduction One of the most effective ways to connect with people in preaching is through personal stories. When used properly, your experiences can make abstract truths tangible and theological concepts relatable. However, there is a fine line between using personal illustrations effectively and mishandling them in a way that undermines credibility, damages relationships, or distracts from the gospel. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:2, “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. […] - [FINDING PURPOSE IN THE HARD PLACES](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/finding-purpose-in-the-hard-places/): Finding Purpose In the Hard Places Text: Exodus 1:9-12 SUMMARY: God often reveals His greatest glory in our hardest places—when affliction presses in, His power, provision, and purpose shine the brightest. Introduction:  Good morning everyone. How are we doing today? It’s so good to be with you. I’m so glad you’ve chosen to start your week by gathering together to worship the Lord with us. It’s my hope that God will speak to you in the next few moments as we study His Word together. You know…Sometimes life can really press in on us! Have you ever felt like that? Maybe you’re […] - [Practice Vision - Lesson #7](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/practice-vision-lesson-7/): Practice Vision Chuck Hill, D.Min. chuckhilltoday.com Look Up and Look Forward Great leaders don’t just see what is—they see what could be. Visionary leadership requires both perspective and faith.It is the ability to recognize the opportunities God is preparing, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Jesus said in John 4:35:“Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” Leadership that makes an impact looks beyond present challenges to future possibilities. Visionary leaders don’t allow obstacles or limitations to define their outlook; instead, they recognize the potential, purpose, and promises of God.They see with spiritual eyes, recognizing that God is already […] - [Be Intentional, Plan Well - Lesson #6](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/be-intentional-plan-well-lesson-6/): Be Intentional, Plan Well Chuck Hill, D.Min. chuckhilltoday.com Leading with Vision Great leadership doesn’t happen by accident. It requires vision, strategy, and a commitment to God’s direction. Leadership is not just about responding to what happens—it’s about preparing for what’s ahead, while remaining surrendered to God’s will. Proverbs 16:3 reminds us: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Wise leaders don’t just react to circumstances—they plan with purpose, pray with expectation, and trust that God will guide their steps. But planning isn’t just about strategy—it’s about surrender. When we commit our plans to the Lord, […] - [Leading with Biblical Wisdom — Lesson #5](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/leading-with-biblical-wisdom-lesson-5/): Leading with Biblical Wisdom Chuck Hill, D.Min. chuckhilltoday.com Know the Word—Grow in the Word! Leadership demands wisdom, discernment, and a clear sense of direction. The best leaders do not rely on their own understanding or intuition alone—they look to God’s Word as their ultimate guide. Scripture is not just a resource; it is the foundation upon which godly leadership is built. Psalm 119:105 declares: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Just as a lamp provides clarity in the darkness, God’s Word illuminates the right path, providing leaders with insight, wisdom, and the ability […] - [Pray with Expectation - Lesson #4](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/pray-with-expectation-lesson-4/): Pray with Expectation Chuck Hill, D.Min. chuckhilltoday.com Lead Well: Pray with Expectation! If you’ve been in ministry for any length of time, you’ve likely discovered that good leadership requires many things. It requires things like wisdom, courage, passion, determination, and discernment. But there’s another essential quality that’s often overlooked—especially as ministries begin to grow and the work load increases. And that is the exercise of genuine faith, especially through the practice of expectant prayers. I’m convinced, after 30+ years of pastoral ministry, that one of the greatest ways we demonstrate faith is through our prayers. But not just any prayer — […] - [Practice the Presence of God - Lesson #3](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/practice-the-presence-of-god-lesson-3/): Practice the Presence of God Chuck Hill, D.Min. chuckhilltoday.com Slowing Down And Looking Up Leadership is a relentless journey filled with demands, decisions, and distractions. The pressures of guiding others can pull us in a hundred different directions, making it easy to equate leadership with constant motion. But true strength doesn’t come from endless striving—it comes from abiding in God’s presence. Psalm 46:10 reminds us: “Be still, and know that I am God.” In a world that glorifies busyness, this command challenges us to slow down and remember that leadership is not about how much we do, but about how well […] - [Leading From A Position of Strength - Lesson #2](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/leading-from-a-position-of-strength-lesson-2/): Leading from a Position of Strength Chuck Hill, D.Min. chuckhilltoday.com The Source Matters In leadership, strength is essential. But where does true strength come from?  Zechariah 4:6 reminds us: “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” In a world that often equates leadership with charisma, strategy, and sheer determination, Scripture offers a different perspective. Real leadership strength does not come from personal influence, experience, or willpower alone. While these qualities have their place, they are insufficient on their own. True, enduring leadership flows from the Spirit’s empowerment. When we rely solely on human strength, […] - [Seek the Lord Continually -- Lesson #1](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/seek-the-lord-continually-lesson-1/): Seek the Lord Continually Chuck Hill, D.Min. chuckhilltoday.com Leadership isn’t really so much about gaining knowledge, it’s about gaining wisdom. While information has the potential to guide decisions, true wisdom ensures those decisions lead to lasting impact. The ultimate source of wisdom is found in the person of Jesus. In Proverbs 4:7, the writer reminds us: “Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Wisdom is the bridge between what we know and how we apply it to shape lives. And the only source of true wisdom is God Himself. That’s why the most effective leaders are not just strategic […] - [LEADERSHIP LESSONS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/leadership-lessons/): LEADERSHIP LESSONS Leadership is more than what you know—it’s about who you are and how you lead. True leadership goes beyond information; it requires wisdom to transform knowledge into meaningful impact. Great leaders inspire, guide, and shape others through integrity, vision, and decisive action. They cultivate habits that not only strengthen their own leadership but also empower those around them. The resources below are designed to equip you with practical insights and proven principles to help you lead with wisdom, effectiveness, and purpose. Lesson #1 – Seek the Lord Continually Leadership isn’t really so much about gaining knowledge, it’s about gaining wisdom. […] - [C'MON MAN!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/cmon-man/): C’MON MAN! James 4:13–17 When I was growing up, I was a huge Florida State, college football fan. And during my middle school days there was a great defensive player who lined up against some of the greatest wide-receivers of his day and always outplayed them. His name was Deion Sanders (although he referred to himself as “Neon Deion”). Today you may know him by his other nickname, Prime Time. Well, the truth is, he was as good at talking as he was playing the game.  Well, he had an illustrious career in the NFL and played from Atlanta, San Francisco, and […] - [LIVING A LIFESTYLE OF WORSHIP](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/living-a-lifestyle-of-worship/): LIVING A LIFESTYLE OF WORSHIP Romans 12:1-2; John 12:1-8 INTRODUCTION: This morning I want to talk to you about LIVING A LIFESTYLE OF WORSHIP.  Nearly 400 years ago, a group of scholars gathered to create a tool of the church — something to assist believers in their spiritual growth and pursuit on godliness. In the end, they developed a detailed list of questions and answers derived from scripture. They called it, the Westminster Catechism. Some of you may be familiar with it.  The very first question asked is this:  What is the chief end (or sole purpose) of man?  In other […] - [THE REWARD OF FAITH](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/the-reward-of-faith/): Hebrews 11:30-31 Good morning! How’s everyone doing today? Well, it’s great to see you all.  If you have your Bible, would you turn with me to the New Testament book of Hebrews. We’ll be looking again at what God has to say to us about FAITH through two great stories found in Hebrews chapter 11.  The first verse has to do with an ancient battle that took place between God’s people and an occupying force in the ancient city of Jericho. The second has to do with a woman whom God used to save His people and assist them in possessing […] - [CHOOSING FAITH](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/choosing-faith/): Choosing Faith Hebrews 11:23-29 If you have your Bible, pull it out with me. We’ll be reading in a moment from the New Testament book of Hebrews.  Every single day, we make choices—far more than we realize. Researcher Sheena Iyengar found that the average person makes about 70 conscious decisions daily. That adds up to over 25,000 choices in a year and nearly 1.8 million decisions in a lifetime. Some of these choices are small and seemingly insignificant, but others shape the course of our lives. What if I told you that faith is built in the very decisions we make […] - [DEFEATING FEAR](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/defeating-fear/): DEFEATING FEAR LIVING FREE — LIVING UNAFRAID 1 Samuel 17 WELCOME: Good morning. As always, it is so good to see you here this morning. I hope you had a great week and are having a wonderful start to your weekend.  Let’s be clear — we live in a world filled with evil and pain and many scary things. It doesn’t take much effort to find monsters living among us. But what’s worse than monsters living among us — are the monsters living inside us. Those things that lurk just below the surface of our lives. We all have them.  Things […] - [SEARCH ME](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/search-me/): SEARCH ME Psalm 139 INTRODUCTION Well good morning and welcome again to church. Thank you for coming today. I realize that this is the end of spring break for most of our community. Even so, I am so glad to see you. Thank you for coming and making this service a part of your weekend activities and plans.  I invite you to take your Bible out with me — and turn to Psalm 139. This is probably a very familiar passage for many of your. It’s one where the writer reminds us that our great God knows all and sees all […] - [THE BREAD OF LIFE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/the-bread-of-life/): THE BREAD OF LIFE John 6:25-36 INTRODUCTION: In Matthew Mark Luke and John, there are sixty-four different miracles recorded. There are also three occasions in which the gospel writer says that Jesus performed many miracles and healed many people. [eg Matthew 9:35] So when you read the gospels, you see that this was a significant aspect of his ministry. Miracles weren’t merely a sometimes event; they were a frequent occurrence. Even so, quite often — even with all the miracles taking place, the people of His day still failed to recognize Jesus for who He was.  They overlooked the most important […] - [OUR GREAT GOD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/our-great-god/): OUR GREAT GOD John 6:1-15 WELCOME: Good morning! How’s everyone doing today. I hope you’re having a great weekend. We’ve had such beautiful “Pre-fall” weather. Well, before we begin, I thought I might share a few humorous thoughts with you . . . to make you smile! HUMOR:  I found these recently online — just a few brief letters from children to their pastors. Patty, age 10 wrote, “Dear Pastor, I’m sorry I can’t leave more money in the plate, but my daddy didn’t give me a raise in my allowance. Could you have a sermon about a raise in my […] - [GETTING BACK TO THE BASICS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/getting-back-to-the-basics/): GETTING BACK TO THE BASICS Acts 2:1-21 INTRODUCTION: Good morning everyone. Wow, it’s good to see each of you. If you have your Bible, would you pull it out — and turn with me to Acts chapter 2. Some of you may know this story — but in July of 1961, the Green Bay Packers’ Head Coach — Vince Lombardi kicked off the start of his training camp with a returning team of 38 players. Noting his Packers had failed to reach their goals the previous year, he chose to do something somewhat unexpected. Feeling that his very experienced team had […] - [FAITH OF AN OVERCOMER](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/faith-of-an-overcomer/): FAITH OF AN OVERCOMER Hebrew 11:30-40 INTRODUCTION: Good morning everyone! It’s great to be with you this today. TRANSITION: If you have your Bible, please pull it out with me. Today we’re going to wrap up our study of Hebrews 11. The bulk of this series has been spent examining some of the great heroes of our faith (as listen in this chapter). During this series, we’ve taken time to define the kind of life God has called us all to live. And to be clear — it’s an extraordinary life, not an ordinary one. Nothing average here. Rather, the life […] - [IN OVER YOUR HEAD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/in-over-your-head/): In Over Your Head Isaiah 43:1-3 INTRODUCTION: Well, good morning everyone! So good to see you all here today. Thanks for making this service a part of your weekend plans. Let me also give a quick shout out to our online family and those worshiping with us on FB and YouTube and our Website and App. We are so glad you’re with us! In addition, today it’s an honor to have some of my family visiting with us (from Florida & Mississippi). My aunt Sharon, and my cousins Gay and April. They flew in for a girls weekend — and I […] - [THIS OLD HOUSE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/this-old-house/): THIS OLD HOUSE 1 Peter 2:4-10 INTRODUCTION: If you’ve ever visited (or studied historic places of worship), then you know there’s something awe-inspiring about them. I’ll never forget traveling with my parents to Europe as a young man (just having entered my high school years), and being able to see first hand the great Norte Dame Cathedral in Paris. It stands over 200 feet tall.  Or, being able to enter the Vatican City in Rome — and witness the beauty and architecture at St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s an incredible Renaissance styled house of worship. Filled with the craftsmanship of Michelangelo and […] - [HONOR - EXALTING THE ALMIGHTY!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/honor-exalting-the-almighty/): HONOR Momentum – Message #1 Matthew 6:9-13 INTRODUCTION: Good morning! How’s everyone doing today? It’s so good to be with you this morning. I am convinced that GOD HAS GREAT THINGS in store for our you, your family, and for our CHURCH! And, so — I’m glad you’re here! Well, if you have your Bible, turn with me to the first book of the New Testament book of Matthew. This morning we are beginning a BRAND NEW SERIES of messages we’re calling MOMENTUM. In this series we’ll spend the next 5 weeks walking through one of the most significant passages in all […] - [TWO WAYS TO LIVE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/two-ways-to-live/): TWO WAYS TO LIVE Psalm 2 July 4, 2021 INTRODUCTION: Well, good morning! Thanks for being here today — and what a great day this is! Today is the 4th of July. And it marks our nations 244th birthday. Earlier this week, Pastor Brad (our children’s pastor) sent me a dad joke that asks the question — WHY AREN’T THEIR ANY KNOCK KNOCK JOKES ABOUT AMERICA? Because Freedom Rings! Well, today we celebrate our nation’s declaration that we would be FREE. Free of tyranny, free of oppression, free of exploitation. Free (as a nation) to choose the way we will live.  […] - [DECLARE YOUR ANTHEM!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/declare-your-anthem/): Declare Your Anthem Psalm 101 Introduction Every person, whether knowingly or unknowingly, has a theme song. It’s the principle by which life is lived. It’s our values. It’s what is really important to us. It defines which battles we fight and which ones we don’t. Having the right song and living it out will always determine our destiny. In Psalm 101, the psalmist David sang out the THEME SONG of his life. It would prove to stand as the foundational anthem throughout his life and kingdom. While his anthem is important to understand, the real question is: What’s your anthem for […] - [HE’S JUST SO GOOD!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/hes-just-so-good/): HE’S JUST SO GOOD! Psalm 23 INTRODUCTION: Well, good morning folks! It’s really good to spend this morning with you. I hope you’ve enjoyed this service and celebrating the Lord’s Supper together. But now we’re to my favorite part of each weekend — and that’s studying God’s Word.  So, if you have your Bible, turn with me to Psalm 23. This morning I want to talk about the goodness of God. When I think about God’s goodness — I often think about this passage. In it, David describes The LORD as a shepherd. And not just any shepherd, but THE SHEPHERD. […] - [FEAR-LESS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/fear-less/): FEAR-LESS!  Psalm 27 – Having confidence in God Good morning, everyone! I hope you’re doing well today. Have you ever noticed how fear can sneak into our hearts and take over our thinking—sometimes without warning? It doesn’t matter how strong our faith might be; fear has a way of creeping in during life’s uncertain moments. And if we’re not careful, it can shape our decisions, rob our peace, and shake our confidence in God. That’s why today I want us to look again at one of the most beloved and powerful psalms in all of Scripture—Psalm 27.Many of you may already […] - [THIS IS THE DAY!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/this-is-the-day/): THIS IS THE DAY! Psalm 118 Introduction:   Psalm 118 is a joyous psalm. Its one of celebration — but celebration in the midst of challenging times. It has a lot to say in it’s 29 verses, but maybe the most important thing it says to us is to VALUE THIS DAY! For, THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! As a boy, I was first introduced to these words through a song our church would sing — which makes perfect sense, because this psalm was a song (first sung by the people of Israel, and then the church).  Now, as […] - [I PUT MY TRUST IN YOU!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/i-trust-in-you/): Psalm 31:1-8 INTRODUCTION: Good morning! It’s great to be with you again today. Thanks for joining us — and for those watching online, thanks for tuning in this morning. I hope this message encourages you, inspires you, and ultimately transforms you (from the inside out) as you allow God’s Word to shape your life. TRANSITION: Our tradition has been to spend our summers studying and preaching the Psalms (because the Psalms tend to speak to where we are in life). And, I so love the Psalms. As a musician and a creative — I’ve always had a love for the poetic […] - [KNOWING GOD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/knowing-god/): KNOWING GOD Psalm 139 Psalm 139 is one of the most powerful psalms in all of the Bible. From the poetic language to the grand descriptions of God. But more than just the beauty and the creativity of the psalm — is the message of this psalm. But more than just its creativity…this psalm also reveals who God is. It tells us how vast his knowledge, how expansive is his presence, and how mighty is his power. This psalm comes from King David, and it shows us that before we ever began to pursue God, He was pursuing us. Moreover, before […] - [EMBRACING HOPE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/embracing-hope/): EMBRACING HOPE! Psalm 42 INTRODUCTION: A young boy had misbehaved and was sent to bed by his mother. Just 5 minutes later he cried out Mom, I’m thirsty, can you bring me a drink of water? No, go to sleep. Five minutes later. Mom? What? Can I have a drink of water? She says I told you no and if you ask again I’m going to have to spank you. Five minutes later Mom? What??? When you come in to spank me, would you bring me a drink of water? Well, have you ever been thirsty? I mean really thirsty. Your […] - [LIFE’S ULTIMATE PURSUIT!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/lifes-ultimate-pursuit/): LIFE’S ULTIMATE PURSUIT! Exodus 33:13-19 INTRODUCTION: Wow, what a great day to be here with you! Most of our adult lives have been devoted to the ministry of the local church. Lori and I have served in pastoral ministry for over 30 years, In fact, the last 20 were pastoring a wonderful congregation here, in the Upstate of South Carolina. But, about a year and a half ago, we accepted this new assignment which brought lots of change to our lives. In June of 2023 we stepped away from pastoring the local church and into the role of Executive Secretary-Treasurer for […] - [DEALING WITH LIONS!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/dealing-with-lions/): DEALING WITH LIONS! Daniel 6:10-25 INTRODUCTION:  If you would, turn with me to Daniel 6. This is probably the most well known chapter (and story in Daniel). This chapter deals with a very real challenges of life. MESSAGE: Let’s begin by reading in verse 11. Here it says: Daniel 6:11-13  11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. 12 So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except […] - [CENTER-POINT](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/center-point/): CENTER-POINT: KEEPING JESUS AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL Romans 14:8-9, Philippians 2:9-10 Well, good morning! It’s so great to see you all this morning.  I missed you last week — I was actually in New York City with my brother and sister. We were celebrating my sister’s 50th birthday. And we couldn’t have picked a colder weekend to go…but it was so much fun. I thought I might show you a few pictures of our trip.  We had a great time together…just growing closer and sharing our love for each other. I will say, I missed you though — and […] - [CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/can-you-hear-me-now/): Can You Hear Me Now? 1 Samuel 3: 1-10 INTRODUCTION Do any of you remember the commercials that came out a few years ago where the Verizon guy walked around checking the strength of the signal on his cell phone?  He kept asking the question, “Can you hear me now?” Obviously, the point of the commercial was to emphasize just how good Verizon’s signal strength was for their cell phones. Well here’s a question for you.  How good is your signal strength when it comes to hearing from God?  Do you have an open line of communication with God? Or are […] - [ALL THAT IS WITHIN](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/all-that-is-within/): ALL THAT IS WITHIN Text: Genesis 2:7-10; Psalm 103:1-5; 3rd John 1:1 INTRODUCTION: Good morning! How’s everyone doing today? Have you had a good start to your weekend? Well, it’s great to see you here today. MESSAGE: In Genesis chapter 2, the Bible gives a detailed account of creation and focuses on God’s greatest creation — mankind. In verse 7, we’re told that God Himself initiates the human race by breathing His own breath into Adam, giving him life. If you’ve got your bible out, turn there with me. Genesis chapter 2, and verse 7. Here we read: 7 “Then the Lord […] - [CUT IT OUT!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/cut-it-out/): CUT IT OUT! James 4:1-10 INTRODUCTION: Good morning! And thanks for being here today. I know the weather’s rough and the winds have been strong this weekend, but thanks for braving all of that and joining us this morning to worship the Lord and study His Word. I realize that its going to continue to rain an blow most of the day. So, I’ll do my best not to keep you longer than necessary. TRANSITION: You’ve probably heard of the Hatfields and McCoys — they were those two famous, feuding families from the hills of Kentucky. What you may NOT know […] - [THE QUIET LIFE: AMBITION REDEFINED](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/the-quiet-life-ambition-redefined/): The Quiet Life: Ambition Redefined 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 In 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, the apostle Paul gets very practical about what what living for Christ out to look like in the real world. Rather than defining a faith in Jesus by a lot of religious activities — he seems to call us to live a quiet life (quite counter-cultural to the world in which we live).  Additionally, he seems to redefine our idea of success as he calls us to a new form of ambition — a godly ambition. Beginning in verse 11 he writes, 11 Make it your ambition to lead a […] - [LIFE'S HIGHEST AIM](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/lifes-highest-aim/): Life’s Highest Aim KNOW(ABLE): Getting to know God!— MESSAGE #1 Exodus 33:13-23 INTRODUCTION: Good morning! Thanks for being here today. I hope you’ve had a great start to your weekend — and are ready to study God’s Word together.  It was 400 years ago, that more than 150 church leaders and theologians sought to develop a new tool for teaching new believers about Christianity. What they came up with was a list of questions and answers (that would be given as lectures) to help people learn about God. This tool became known as the Westminster Catechism. Sort of a precursor to […] - [TRUSTING GOD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/trusting-god/): TRUSTING GOD! Proverbs 3:5-6 INTRODUCTION: Have you ever noticed how LIFE IS FILLED WITH QUESTIONS? Think about, I just asked you one. We’re always asking questions…we ask questions of each other — and we ask questions of God.  Asking questions is a sign of intelligence. And in some ways, it’s an art form.  New channels and reporters earn their money ASKING GOOD QUESTIONS. But it’s not just something professionals do — everyone asks questions. From the beginning of our lives, we ask questions. And it’s not even something we have to be taught to do. It’s almost an intrinsic response.  Think […] - [MAN-UP](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/man-up/): MAN-UP (FATHER’S DAY MESSAGE) 2 Peter 1:3-8 INTRODUCTION:  Well, good morning everyone and Happy Father’s Day! It is so good to be back home with you all. I thought I’d begin with something to make you smile. Just a few Father’s Day thoughts: Alright, one more…it’s not really a quote – but its funny. A woman wrote about her Dad and said, “My dad was completely lost in the kitchen — he never ate unless someone prepared a meal for him. (One time) when my mom was ill, he volunteered to go to the supermarket for her. So, she sent him […] - [A PSALM OF PROMISE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/a-psalm-of-promise/): Psalm 23 INTRODUCTION: Well, today I want to take you to a very familiar passage of scripture. It’s certainly one of the most beloved passages in all of the Bible. Charles Spurgeon once called it, “the pearl of psalms.” The passage I’m referring to is Psalm 23. That shepherd’s psalm.  Now, while we don’t know the exact details of when this Psalm was written, we do know that David wrote it, and most scholars believe it was probable later in his life — after many years had passed since his days in the pasture caring for sheep. It was probably penned […] - [Discovering the Word](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/discovering-the-word/): A WORD STUDY & COMMENTARY John 1:1-3 INSIGHT AND UNDERSTANDING John 1:1-3 in the New Testament is a profound passage that lays the foundation for the theological understanding of Jesus Christ as the Word (Logos) of God. Here’s a commentary and word study: John 1:1 (NIV): “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Insight: This verse introduces the concept of the Word (the Logos) as eternal, existing before creation. It highlights the pre-existence and divine nature of the Word. The Word is not only with God but (he) also is God, […] - [ROOTED IN CHRIST](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/rooted-in-christ/): A WORD STUDY & COMMENTARY Colossians 2:6 states: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him.” The primary Greek word in focus here in this passage is the word “παρελάβετε” (parelabete), which is often translated (in many English versions) simply as “received.” This word (parelabete), conveys the idea of someone accepting Christ — simply by FAITH, into their life. To receive — to take in, take hold, embrace and welcome whole-heartedly. This expands far beyond just a mental acceptance of ideas, but rather speaks to the acceptance of Christ’s divine presence, His […] - [CREATED AND SUSTAINED](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/created-and-sustained/): A WORD STUDY & COMMENTARY In Colossians 1:17, the phrase “In him all things hold together” employs the Greek word συνίστημι (synistēmi). This term is rich in meaning and plays a crucial role in understanding the theological implications of the verse. Understanding συνίστημι (synistēmi) The Greek verb συνίστημι is composed of two parts: συν (syn), meaning “together,” and ἵστημι (histēmi), meaning “to stand” or “to set.” Together, they form a verb that can mean “to bring together,” “to unite,” “to consist,” or “to hold together.” Theological Implications 1. Sustaining Power: The use of συνίστημι in Colossians 1:17 emphasizes the sustaining power […] - [Daily posts](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/daily-posts/) - [A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/a-river-runs-through-it/): A River Runs Through It! John 7:37-41 INTRODUCTION Good morning! How’s everyone doing today? Well, I want to begin this morning with a story. It’s taken form a book — and then a movie that followed some 20 years ago. It was produced by Robert Redford…and is called A River Runs Through It. Anyone familiar with the story or the movie? Well, it’s a story about two young men, Norman and Paul, who grew up in 1920’s in Montana under the watchful eye of their father, who happened to be a Presbyterian minister.  Their mornings were spent in school and religious […] - [A HEART OF FAITH](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/a-heart-of-faith/): A HEART OF FAITH! Proverbs 4:23-27, 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, and Psalm 84:10-11 Well good morning. It’s great to see you all here today. Thanks for making TFC and the worship of God a priority in your life. I am convinced that God is going to speak to you today and encourage you in your walk with him.  Well, I thought I’d begin this morning with something funny — maybe it will bring a smile to your face and some joy to your soul. SOMETHING FUNNY: I heard a story recently about a woman who got on a plane to fly to […] - [A FAITH THAT ENDURES](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/a-faith-that-endures/): A FAITH THAT ENDURES Philippians 1:6  INTRODUCTION: Good morning. I hope you’re all doing well. As usual, it’s great to see you here today! Thanks for making this worship service a part of your weekly schedule.  Last week a few of us were able to take in a baseball game at the Furman field after church. It was a beautiful day, I wish more of you would have been able to join us. But we watched as the teams battled back and forth, until finally — the Furman Paladins put the NC Aggies away. It was a great game.  Well, it […] - [A CHANGE IS NEEDED](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/a-change-is-needed/): A CHANGE IS NEEDED! Acts 3 INTRODUCTION: Good evening everyone. It’s great to see you all tonight. For those of you that haven’t been with us in recent weeks, we’ve been walking through the book of Acts in a series we’ve called “The Story Continues…”, and that’s really what the book of Acts is all about. It’s one continuous story of God’s good work among His people.  It’s really a story about the supernatural activity of the Holy Spirit empowering and touching people — day in and day out.  There’s a common thread that runs all the way through the book […] - [DO GREAT THINGS!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/do-great-things/): Do Great Things Zechariah 4:1-14 INTRODUCTION: Well, good morning! It’s great to see you all here today. Thank you for joining us on this weekend. Today I want to speak directly to our graduates (first), and then to the rest of you (second). Too often we finish one season of life with great celebration, only to be stifled by fear or doubt about the next season of our lives. And quite often, I’ve sat with graduating seniors and listened to both their dreams and their woes about graduating. While they were excited to transition from adolescence into adulthood, they were also gripped […] - [VICTORY IN JESUS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/victory-in-jesus/): VICTORY IN JESUS! Romans 8 Good morning! I hope you’ve all had a great week and had a wonderful New Year’s Day! It’s great to see you all this morning — for our first Sunday of this new year!  Certain texts of the Bible are so familiar to us (as followers of Jesus) that they almost require no introduction. They are the texts we typically first learn or certainly hear about early on in our walk of faith. These are those texts that we know, and we love. And their words come to be etched on our hearts as well as in […] - [BECOMING PEOPLE OF THE WORD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/becoming-people-of-the-word/): BECOMING PEOPLE OF THE WORD Psalm 19:1-14 INTRODUCTION: Good morning — and Happy New Year! It’s great to see you all here today…I hope you are well and looking forward to a great year together. This year has the potential of being our best year ever!  I love being with you and having the privilege of serving you! And I’m looking forward to seeing God increase His presence in you and me (and our church family) in the year to come! TRANSITION: Well, as we begin this new year, we want to get off on the right foot as a congregation…and once […] - [BETTER TOGETHER](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/better-together/): BETTER TOGETHER Nehemiah 2:11-20 INTRODUCTION:  Tonto and the Lone Ranger were riding through a canyon together one day — when all of a sudden both sides of the Canyon Peaks became filled with Native American warriors on horse back. Each were covered in warpaint and dressed for battle. It was at that point that the Lone Ranger turned to Tonto and asked, “What are we going to do?” To which, Tonto replied, “What you mean ’we,’ — Whiteman?” While it may be possible to accomplish some things on our own…the greatest achievements (in life and in ministry — and certainly the DREAMS […] - [BEING SPIRITUALLY RENEWED](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/being-spiritually-renewed/): Being Spiritually Renewed Nehemiah 8 INTRODUCTION: Good morning! How’s everyone doing today? Well, it’s great to see you all — thank you for making our worship service part of your weekly activities. If you’ve got your bible –turn with me to Nehemiah chapter 8.  If you’ve been with us for any of the past month, you’ll note we’ve been studying this fascinating Old Testament book of Nehemiah. It reveals one of the most amazing stories of leadership and godliness in all of the Bible. Nehemiah tells the story of how he returned with a group of exiles from the land of […] - [COMMITTED TO THE CALL](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/committed-to-the-call/): COMMITTED TO THE CALL! Colossians 3:15-17 INTRODUCTION: Good morning! How’s everyone doing? It’s so good to be with you all. Thank you for joining us for worship today.   In the year 1519,  Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes set sail for the coastline of Mexico with one purpose in mind — and that was the colonization of the continent of South America.  Cortes took with him an entourage that included 11 ships, 13 horses, 110 sailors, and a little more than 500 soldiers. And with that, Cortes pressed on through the waters of the Caribbean Sea into the Gulf of Mexico towards […] - [THIS IS THE WAY!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/this-is-the-way/): THIS IS THE WAY! Psalm 1 INTRODUCTION: Good morning everyone! It’s great to be with you today. May you never loose sight of the wonder of God’s presence and the call to pursue Him. Because in the end…that pursuit will lead you to the greatest joy (and genuine happiness) to be found…on this side of heaven.  TRANSITION: Earlier this week I read a staggering report (by the annual “Harris Poll of American Happiness”), which showed that nearly 70% of all Americans are unhappy with their lives. They are disappointed., depressed outdoor, and just dissatisfied.  While everyone is looking for happiness in […] - [BIG GAINS, GREAT RISKS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/big-gains-great-risks/): BIG GAINS, GREAT RISKS Nehemiah 2:1-9 INTRODUCTION:  Good morning! How’s everyone doing today? Well I’m so glad you’ve joined us this morning to study God’s Word. Sherlock Holmes and Watson were camping one night. In the middle of the night Sherlock Holmes awoke and looked up at the stars. He asked,  “Watson, what do you see”. Awakened from his sleep Watson looked up and said “stars”. Holmes replied,“Yes, but what do these stars tell you.” Watson said…“Cosmologically they tell me that we are part of a large universe – that we are one of billions and billions of planets. Theologically they tell […] - [One Word -- Honor!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/one-word-honor/): ONE WORD — HONOR! Matthew 6:9-13 INTRODUCTION: Good morning! How’s everyone doing today? MESSAGE: Look with me at Matthew 6 and verse 9. These words that we’ll read today have often been referred to as “THE LORD’S PRAYER”. But I submit to you that today that its probably better to think of it as: “THE BELIEVER’S PRAYER!”  This morning — out of respect for God’s Word…would you stand with me again and let’s read (and pray this prayer) together. It’s found in Matthew 6 and verse 9…but I’d like for us all to use the same version — so you can […] - [YOU’VE TRADED UP](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/youve-traded-up/): YOU’VE TRADED UP! YOU’VE TRADED UP! Recognizing The Wealth You Possess In Christ Ephesians 1:15-23 INTRODUCTION: Good evening! How’s everyone doing tonight? When I was a young boy (maybe around the age of six), a group of my friends and their dads went Camping. This wasn’t just a small gathering of boys meeting up in our back yard. This was a massive gathering of boys and men from all over the state of Florida. It was officially called the Pen-Florida Pow-Wow. At this event, there were literally thousands of men and boys camping for 4 days in the wooded acres of […] - [FILLED UP!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/filled-up/): FILLED UP! Acts 2 / Ephesians 3 INTRODUCTION: Good morning! How’s everyone doing? It’s great to see you here today.  If you have your Bibles — would you turn with me to the New Testament book of Acts. And we’ll be in chapter 2. Acts chapter 2. Last week we began a brand new series of messages that we’re calling “WE ARE THE CHURCH!”  Our purpose is to help you discover the importance of what Jesus began nearly 2000 years ago. It’s more than a revolution — it’s a movement of HOPE and LOVE and JOY and LIFE!  What He launched […] - [DEFEATING THAT GREEN-EYED MONSTER](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/defeating-that-green-eyed-monster/): Defeating That Green-Eyed Monster 1 Samuel 18:1-16 INTRODUCTION: Good morning! It is so good to be with you again today. If you have your Bible, turn with me to 1 Samuel chapter 18. Many centuries ago, the church identified a group of sins (which plagued humanity) and they classified these as THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS! These included: Lust, Pride, Sloth, Wrath, Gluttony, Greed…And ENVY! One of the most subtle of these is ENVY!  Envy is an awful thing. It was ENVY, which sold Joseph into slavery, drove David into exile, threw Daniel in the den of lions, and (according to Matthew […] - [JUST CUT IT OUT](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/just-cut-it-out/): JUST CUT IT OUT! James 4:1-10 INTRODUCTION: Good morning! I’m sure you’ve probably heard of the Hatfields and McCoys-those two famous feuding families from the hills of Kentucky. What you may NOT know is that their decades-long feud began in the early 1870’s with a dispute over a pig. These two families must have been serious about their pork because words and blows were exchanged and battle lines were drawn. Then a court battle over timber rights escalated the tension between the two clans and by 1888 — bullets were flying. 12 people were dead. More often than we would like […] - [ALL ABOUT HIM!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/all-about-him/): ALL ABOUT HIM! Psalm 110 INTRODUCTION: Good morning. It’s great to be with you today. Thanks for joining us this weekend for worship (both here in person, and online). This morning we’re continuing new series called FINDING JESUS.  And it’s really a sub-title for a series we do each summer called…SUMMER IN THE PSALMS. It’s just that this year, we’re focusing on FOUR PSALMS that point to Jesus. And so, we are discovering — that if you seek Him…you will FIND HIM! So, we’reFINDING JESUS! Well, last week we began this series by looking at Psalm 2, which showed us that […] - [A BREATH OF FRESH AIR](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/a-breath-of-fresh-air/): A Breath of Fresh Air EMPOWERED – Message #1 INTRODUCTION: I often find myself running low on strength, passion, and energy in life. It’s as though I can get used up so quickly (physically, emotionally, and even spiritually). Maybe it’s because my natural reserves are simply too limited. Life just has a way of requiring so much — and then calling for more. And, unless we are continually being replenished, we will find ourselves spent and exhausted, with little or nothing to offer. For even on our best days we lack what is need to accomplish all that God has called us […] - [RUN TO THE ROCK](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/run-to-the-rock/): RUN TO THE ROCK 2 Timothy 4:7; Psalm 18:1-3 Well, let’s study Gods Word together.  INTRODUCTION: Every year there is an historic race (a 1/2 marathon) that takes place in the picturesque Northeast. It’s held in September of each year, where several thousand people embark on a run that begins in Downtown Plymouth, MA—and proceeds south into the beautiful Standish State Forest…before turning northward and heading back towards the famous Plymouth Harbor Marina. That’s the famous landing point for those early pilgrims who had traveled from England to the Americas on a 66 day journey on the iconic Mayflower. This week […] - [LESSONS FROM THE MOUNTAIN TOP](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/lessons-from-the-mountain-top/): LESSONS FROM THE MOUNTAIN TOP Mark 9:2-9 INTRODUCTION Well, if you have your Bibles — turn with me to Mark 9. It’s there that Mark (an associate of the apostle Peter), tells us a story about Jesus. In fact, this is one of the most significant stories in all the BIBLE. It’s one of those stories that shows up in several places in the New Testament — revealing the importance of it.  It’s here, in this story that Jesus reveals His identity and defines His greatness to 3 of His closest friends. It’s a story we often refer to as The […] - [REQUESTING GOD’S BEST!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/requesting-gods-best/): Requesting God’s Best! 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 INTRODUCTION: Good morning, if you have your Bible, turn with me to 1 Chronicles chapter 4.  I want to continue the series you’ve been in — on prayer. And for my part, I want to encourage you to pray with boldness, and to ask God to give you the best He has to offer.And to do so, I want to take you to a story found in the Old Testament book of 1 Chronicles. It’s a story about the life and prayer of a man named Jabez.  I wonder — how many of you have […] - [FINDING GOD IN THE WILD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/finding-god-in-the-wild/): FINDING GOD IN THE WILD! Exodus 2:23-24 Life is often described as a journey, with seasons that shift like landscapes. Some days feel like lush valleys—peaceful, vibrant, full of growth. But then come the wilderness seasons. The wild places. Those long stretches where nothing seems to work, hope feels distant, and God seems silent. The wilderness can show up in many ways—financial struggles, relationship tension, health crises, emotional emptiness, spiritual dryness.For some, the wilderness lasts days. For others, months. And for some… it feels like years. — For Moses, it lasted 40 years.— For Israel, it lasted centuries.— Even Jesus experienced […] - [LET IT SHINE!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/let-it-shine/): LET IT SHINE! Philippians 2:12-18 INTRODUCTION: Well, good evening! The passage we’re going to read tonight reminds me of that childhood song I used to sing titled — “This little light of mine.” It’s a reminder of the importance of allowing Christ to work on the inside — and then become displayed throughout our lives. So, grab your Bible, and turn with me to the New Testament book of Philippians. Here we find the apostle Paul speaking to a group of people with whom he had great love, respect, and admiration. In fact, as we will see — he begins this […] - [NEW SEASON -- NEW HOPE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/new-season-new-hope/): NEW SEASON – NEW HOPE! Jeremiah 18:1-6 INTRODUCTION: Good morning everyone! It is so good to be here with you today.  From the time I was a child, my family and I have been fans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And as such…I’ve spent most of my days pulling for a team that has simply failed to hold up their end of the bargain. They’ve won a couple of championships through the years, but most of their seasons have been awful. In fact, their very first season, they went 0-14.  But, it I’ve learned anything — it’s that football is fun […] - [DIG DOWN DEEP!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/dig-down-deep/): DIG DEEP! 2 Kings 3 INTRODUCTION: Well good morning! Thanks for allowing me this opportunity to be with you today. It in an incredible honor to stand in this sacred space and get to share God’s Word with you from this pulpit. So, if you have your Bible, pull it out with me. Because, it’s my hope that our time in God’s Word will not just inform you — but will transform you (as you apply God’s Word to your life).  TRANSITION: This morning we pick up the story of Elisha in 2 Kings 3. If you have your Bible — […] - [LIVING FOR GOD'S GLORY](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/living-for-gods-glory/): LIVING FOR GOD’S GLORY! Joshua 8:30-35  INTRODUCTION Have you ever noticed how some places take on a greater significance to us than others?  My point is simply that places can hold meaning and become significant to us. In this morning’s text—we discover that the people of Israel also have a place that holds special meaning to them. And that’s because it was a place where they met with God, and learned to worship Him. As we pick up this story of Joshua today — we find that he and his army have defeated two major cities (Jericho and Ai). And as they […] - [FINAL WORDS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/final-words/): FINAL WORDS A farewell message to Trinity Fellowship Church (Greer, SC) — Sunday, May 28, 2023 Numbers 6:22-26 INTRODUCTION: Well, what a week this has been. Of all the sermons I’ve ever prepared to preach — this may have been the most challenging one I’ve ever written. And the reason, is because its really impossible for me to wrap up everything I feel for you in one simple message. Truly, it’s been a challenge. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve written — and re-written — and re-written this message over the last 6 weeks. But, if you’ll bare with […] - [UNEXPECTED TURNS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/unexpected-turns/): UNEXPECTED TURNS Jeremiah 45:1-5 INTRODUCTION: All of us carry expectations into life. Some are things we have put a lot of thought and time and energy into planning, and others are simply things that we develop as we dream about the future and make our way through life. These include things like what our family will be like, how our careers will unfold, and what imagine God may do through our lives. This is especially true when we’re trying to follow the Lord and His will for our lives.  When we believe God has called us, and gifted us, or given […] - [FOLLOW THE VOICE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/follow-the-voice/): FOLLOW THE VOICE (A student ministry message) John 10:27; Acts 9:10–17 Introduction Have any of you been watching the World Cup? I’ve really enjoyed watching some of the matches. The speed, the skill, the pressure — it’s intense. But one of the things I’ve noticed is how loud those stadiums get. If you haven’t watched a match, this may not be as obvious to you…but I want you to picture this: the stadium is packed with 80,000 fans. And they’re on their feet shouting, and supporting their team. And on their field, the players are all calling for the ball and […] - [CHOOSING FAITH IN HARD PLACES](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/choosing-faith-in-hard-places/): CHOOSING FAITH IN HARD PLACES Genesis 26:1-13 INTRODUCTION: My dad was born in 1938 in Oklahoma…his life was hard. He was born into adversity. As you may recall, the 1930’s was must known for the Great Depression. It brought on a decade of suffering and financial hardship. But to complicate matters, it coincided with a wide-spread drought, known as the Dust Bowl, that hit the region known as the Great Plains (including the pan handle of Texas upward and westward to the Dakotas). And for the people living in those states…life was hard. Farms dried up, crops withered away, and devastation […] - [LIVING FREE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/living-free/): LIVING FREE John 8:34–36 INTRODUCTION: Good morning, everyone. It’s so good to be with you today. As you’re probably keenly aware, this coming Saturday we will be celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday. 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. For two and a half centuries, America has celebrated the gift of our nation’s freedom. And on that day, families will gather, flags will wave, fireworks will light up the sky, and we’ll celebrate our freedom. Along with our celebration, we will express our deep gratitude for the sacrifice of so many who sacrificed much (many giving their lives), […] - [THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/the-faith-of-our-fathers/): THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS Hebrews 11:1–40; Hebrews 12:1–2  INTRODUCTION Today, I want to talk with you about faith — the faith we have received, the faith entrusted to us, and the responsibility we have to steward it well. In essence, I want us to consider how we will handle the inheritance that has been placed in our hands. Now, when most people hear the word inheritance, they immediately think about wealth. They think about money, property, investments, family heirlooms, and other possessions…that are passed from one generation to another. And that makes sense. Because, when people work hard, and save […] - [CHOOSING FAITH IN THE MIDST OF FAMINE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/choosing-faith-in-the-midst-of-famine/): CHOOSING FAITH IN THE MIDST OF FAMINE Genesis 26:1-13 INTRODUCTION: Most of you are probably familiar with the historic drought and Dust Bowl that struck the United States during the 1930s. It came on the heels of the Roaring Twenties—a decade marked by prosperity and growth as a nation! But in 1929, the stock market crashed, plunging the nation into the Great Depression. And shortly after, a devastating drought hit the Great Plains. And for several years, the rains failed to come. Crops withered, farmland dried up, and relentless dust storms swept across the region. What had once been a land […] - [LIVING EYES UP](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/living-eyes-up/): Living Eyes Up Numbers 13 and 14 Introduction: Several years ago, I arranged a meeting between my oldest son, Jonathan, and a very successful entrepreneur in our city. At the time, Jonathan was still in high school and beginning to think about his future. He had shown some interest in business and leadership, and I thought it might be helpful for him to sit down with someone who had built something, led well, and could speak into his life from experience. My hope was that maybe this would become the beginning of a mentoring relationship. As the conversation began, I mostly […] - [DIG DOWN DEEP](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/dig-down-deep-2/): DIG DOWN DEEP! 2 Kings 3 INTRODUCTION: Good morning everyone! And thanks again for joining us today. We are so grateful that you’d take the time to engage with us as we worship God and study His Word. It’s my hope today that this message will not just inform you — but will transform you (as you apply God’s Word to your life).  This morning, I want us to explore what the Bible has to say about one of the most interesting people in all of scripture. His name is Elisha. And you may be a bit familiar with him — as […] - [WONDER BREAD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/wonder-bread/): Wonder Bread John 6:35–51 INTRODUCTION There is a chapter in John’s Gospel that I have always found to be one of the most compelling in all of Scripture, and it is John chapter 6. It begins with a miracle that captured everyone’s attention. You’ll remember the story. Jesus takes a young boy’s lunch and multiplies it into an abundance, a full and overflowing provision that feeds thousands. But as remarkable as that miracle was, it was never meant to be the main point of the chapter. The true focus, the BIG IDEA of John 6, is found right in the middle […] - [I CHOOSE HOPE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/i-choose-hope/): I Choose Hope! Lamentations 3:19–26 (NIV) Good morning dear friends. It’s so good to be with you and have this opportunity to share God’s Word with you today. For the next few minutes, I want to talk with you about HOPE. Hope is one of the most powerful forces in the human soul. When hope is alive, people endure what once seemed impossible. They persevere through sickness, rebuild what has been broken, and keep moving forward even when the road ahead feels uncertain. But when hope begins to fade, even strong people can start to crumble. Strength alone is rarely enough. […] - [WHEN GOD SPEAKS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/when-god-speaks-2/): When God Speaks Trusting the Word That Gives Life Psalm 119, John 17:17 Introduction I’m sure you (like me), have noticed that we live in a world which is absolutely overflowing with information. And yet, with all the words, and ideas, and thoughts — even with the constant streams of communication bombarding the airwaves, it seems we live in a world starving for truth. Every day we are surrounded by voices telling us what to believe. News outlets debate it. Social media argues about it. Experts revise it. Politicians spin it. Scholars challenge it. And algorithms feed it to us faster […] - [THE PULPIT AND THE CROSS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/the-pulpit-and-the-cross/): The Pulpit and the Cross When Preaching Crucifies the Ego Dr. Chuck Hill — February 26, 2026 Several years ago, I read an article on preaching by Lenny Luchetti, Associate Professor at Indiana Wesleyan University. One line has stayed with me and continues to search my heart: “Preaching is perfectly designed for the crucifixion of the ego and if our ego doesn’t get crucified, our ministry will.”1 In that single statement, he names a danger we rarely discuss yet regularly face. Let’s be clear, the pulpit is a sacred space. Not because of its location, but because of its function. It […] - [Gutenburg Block](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/gutenburg-block/) - [SEASONS OF LIFE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/seasons-of-life/): Seasons of Life Ecclesiastes 3:1–15 Good morning everyone. I’m so glad to see all of you here today. As we begin this morning, I want to share with you some powerful words of wisdom from Solomon, the great King of Israel. In the book of Ecclesiastes, he writes: “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV) I am grateful that we serve a God who reigns over the seasons of our lives. This truth is woven into creation itself. God established the four seasons through the rotation of the earth as it […] - [FILLED UP AND POURED OUT](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/filled-up-and-poured-out/): Filled Up and Poured Out Receiving Renewal to Serve In Strength Text: 1 Kings 19:1–18 Note: This message is designed to remind weary ministry leaders that renewal always precedes recommissioning. So, before God sends us back into the work, He first restores our strength and renews our call. Introduction Good morning, friends. It’s truly a joy to be with you today. It is always a deep honor to stand before leaders and those who faithfully serve others in ministry. What I want to share with you is something I believe is essential to sustaining our calling. My prayer is simple: that […] - [MORE THAN A HOUSE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/more-than-a-house/): MORE THAN A HOUSE Building a Godly Home Psalm 127:1–2 Introduction I spent my entire childhood growing up in the same house in Sydney, Florida. From the time I was young until the day I married Lori, that house never changed. It was familiar, steady, and constant. In fact, I did not live in a different house until the day we were married. But once Lori and I began our life together, the houses began to change. Over the course of our marriage, houses have come and gone. Addresses have changed. Walls, roofs, and layouts have shifted with seasons of ministry […] - [HOPE IN HARD PLACES](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/hope-in-hard-places/): HOPE IN HARD PLACES Ruth 1:1-5 Introduction Good morning, it’s great to be with you today.  I want to invite you to turn with me to the book of Ruth, a small book tucked away in the pages of the Old Testament. Ruth is an great book and it tells an extraordinary story. One of deep pain and quiet faithfulness, and it’s all set against the backdrop of God’s steady and often unseen work in our lives.  Ruth’s story is a story where hardship is real, where loss is heavy, and where questions seem to remain unanswered (for a long time). […] - [OPERATION GRACE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/operation-grace/): OPERATION GRACE Ruth 3:1–18 Introduction There is a story I ran across some years ago that comes from the days of World War II. In 1944, the Allied forces launched an ambitious military strategy known as Operation Market Garden. The goal was bold and hopeful. It was a military plan aimed at liberating the Netherlands from the Nazis during the Second World War. It was a  bold and complex plan. It was incredibly ambitious, deeply costly, and it took a long time to prepare. Ultimately its implementation involved thousands of people, each playing a specific role at just the right moment.  […] - [WEDDING CEREMONY #1](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/wedding-ceremony-1/): Wedding Ceremony #1 WELCOME & INTRODUCTION Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for joining us today. You may be seated. As we begin, the bride and groom have requested that you silence your cell phones and set them aside. If you don’t mind, please leave the photography to the professional staff today and simply enjoy the ceremony fully present in the moment. Again, welcome, and thank you for joining us as we’ve gathered to witness the sacred union of (grooms name) and (brides name) in marriage. As you know, marriage is so much more than just a legal contract it’s a divine […] - [WEDDING PLANNING QUESTIONNAIRE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/wedding-planning-questionnaire/): Wedding Planning Questionnaire A Pastoral Planning Guide 1. Couple Information BRIDE Full Legal Name: ____________________________________ Preferred Name: ____________________________________ Phone Number: ____________________________________ Email Address: ____________________________________ Current City & State of Residence: ____________________________________ GROOM Full Legal Name: ____________________________________ Preferred Name: ____________________________________ Phone Number: ____________________________________ Email Address: ____________________________________ Current City & State of Residence: ____________________________________ COUPLE DETAILS How will your names be printed in the ceremony program (if applicable)? Primary Contact for Planning Communication:☐ Bride  ☐ Groom  ☐ Both Preferred Method of Contact:☐ Phone  ☐ Email  ☐ Text 2. Wedding Overview Wedding Date: ____________________________________ Ceremony Time: ____________________________________ Ceremony Location (Church / Venue): ____________________________________ Indoor or Outdoor Ceremony:☐ Indoor  ☐ […] - [FINDING YOUR WAY](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/finding-your-way/): FINDING YOUR WAY Re-centering our lives around God’s Word Ezra 7:1-10 INTRODUCTION: Good morning everyone. It’s so good to be with you today. This morning, I want to talk with you about Finding Your Way—both in life and in faith. We are living in a moment in human history when we are flooded with information. Never before have so many voices competed for our attention. Everyone has an opinion, and every voice seems to be calling out, inviting us to follow their way. And yet, for all the information we have, it’s still possible to feel overwhelmed and uncertain. Unsure of […] - [GOD WITH US, LONG BEFORE US](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/god-with-us-long-before-us/): God With Us, Long Before Us John 1:1, 14 Introduction Good evening everyone, and Merry Christmas! It is so good to be with you tonight. Christmas has a way at tugging at our hearts, especially as it brings to mind long forgotten, fond memories. I don’t know if it’s the sights and sounds — or traditions we share, but it has a way of taking us back to earlier days (to cherished memories). But as meaningful as those memories are, Christmas is about MORE than nostalgia!  The real Christmas story takes us back to a time before our earliest memories. It […] - [CHRISTMAS PRESENCE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/christmas-presence/): Christmas Presence Isaiah 9:2, 6–7 (NIV) Introduction Good evening everyone. Wow, what a special night to gather together. For my family and me, being here tonight is a real treat. This place holds so much of our story. So many seasons of our lives. So many years and Christmases we’ve spent here worshiping the Lord with you. Such a treat. So, thank you Pastor Keith for the invitation and this opportunity.  There is something about Christmas Eve that I love. Maybe it’s the beauty of this night, with the glow of the lights and the smells of the holidays. Or it […] - [CLARITY IN CHAOS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/clarity-in-chaos/): Clarity in Chaos Job 42:1–6 Introduction This past weekend Lori and I slipped away with some friends to the mountains of Tennessee. If you’ve been there this time of year (mid-December), you know the beauty is breathtaking. But on our first morning, something unexpected greeted us: fog. Thick fog. We stood near the top of the mountain, knowing an incredible view was just beyond the ridge, but all we could see was a wall of white. The world was still there—it was simply hidden from our sight. But as the morning unfolded, something beautiful happened. The sun rose. Light broke through. […] - [GRATITUDE IN THE MIDDLE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/gratitude-in-the-middle/): Gratitude in the Middle  Habakkuk 3:16-19 Introduction: Good morning, everyone. It’s a joy to be with you today. As we open God’s Word this morning, I want to talk with you about the importance of gratitude — not at the end of the story when everything is clear, but right in the middle. Gratitude in the Middle.In the middle of real life. In the middle of the unknown. In the middle of whatever you’re going through today. And here’s the question I want to plant in your heart: What would change if gratitude became your posture, and not just your reaction? […] - [CHRISTMAS LONG, LONG AGO](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/christmas-long-long-ago/): Christmas Long, Long Ago John 1:1, 14 Introduction Well, I don’t know if you can tell or not — but the Christmas season is in full swing!  With winter nearly upon us, the weather has gotten colder, frost has moved in. Sweaters and coats have been pulled out of the closets.  And if you house is anything like ours — then Christmas has made it’s mark there as well,  At our house, you can tell from the moment you step through the door that the season has changed.  Gone are the pumpkins and fall leaves — they’ve been replaced by the […] - [Illustrations and Stories](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/illustrations-and-stories/): Illustrations and Stories Beauty From the Broken Back in 1974, a major news service ran a headline that sounded almost impossible: “From landfill in Paraguay, sweet music emerges.” In the outskirts of Cateura, Paraguay, there is a community built right on top of a landfill where more than a thousand tons of garbage are dumped every single day. Many of the families who live there survive by picking through that trash with long hooks called ganchos. They call themselves gancheros. When a young musician named Favio Chávez arrived to volunteer, he immediately saw the overwhelming poverty of the children in that community. He wanted […] - [HOUSING ALLOWANCE REQUEST](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/housing-allowance-request/): Housing Allowance Request The Housing Allowance Request form provides ministers with a simple and accurate way to submit their annual housing allowance designation for approval by their governing board. This document ensures compliance with IRS requirements by formally establishing the housing allowance in advance of the new tax year. Complete the form using your estimated housing expenses and present it to your church board or leadership team for official action and documentation. - [HOUSING ALLOWANCE WORKSHEET](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/housing-allowance-worksheet/): Housing Allowance Worksheet The Ministerial Housing Allowance Worksheet is a simple tool designed to help ministers accurately estimate their housing expenses and properly designate their housing allowance for the upcoming year. Completing this worksheet will assist you in maintaining IRS compliance and ensuring that your church or governing board approves your housing allowance in advance. Please refer to your actual projected costs and consult a qualified tax professional if you have questions about your specific situation. - [THE MINISTERIAL HOUSING ALLOWANCE ](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/prepare-now-housing-allowance-request/): The Ministerial Housing Allowance  As we move into the fall season and prepare for the close of the year, it’s important for ministers to complete a Ministerial Housing Allowance designation. This important tax benefit must be approved before January 1, 2026 in order to be effective for the coming year. While a Minister’s Housing Allowance can feel complex, it doesn’t have to be. It is one of the most valuable tax benefits available to ministers, and it should be used wisely and correctly. In this resource, I walk you through the essential steps to calculate and request your housing allowance from your governing board. […] - [WHEN GOD SEEMS SILENT](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/when-god-seems-silent/): When God Seems Silent 1 Samuel 1:1–20 Introduction Let me begin with a question that may reach a little deeper than most Sunday greetings usually do. Have you ever walked through a season when you prayed with all your heart and nothing seemed to happen? A season when you believed God, yet nothing moved? When you stayed faithful, but heaven seemed silent? Silence is a difficult companion. Waiting can feel heavy. And unanswered prayer has a way of testing our faith in ways few things can. In those long, quiet stretches of life, it is easy to start asking honest questions. […] - [Budget to Advance the Vision!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/budget-to-advance-the-vision/): Budget to Advance the Vision! Earlier this week our Network Presbytery finalized our 2026 ministry budget. After months of planning, prayer, and collaboration, there was a sense of genuine gratitude and peace knowing we had stewarded well what God entrusted to us. That process reminded me of something important. Healthy ministry does not happen by accident. It is the result of conviction, clarity, and preparation. Churches that plan well lead well. Churches that steward resources well build trust, strengthen ministry, and position themselves for future impact. That is why I want to encourage you as a pastor or church leader to […] - [REVIVAL BEGINS WITH THE WEARY](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/revival-begins-with-the-weary/): Revival Begins with the Weary Text: Isaiah 40:28-31 INTRODUCTION: We often talk about revival like it begins in stadiums or on mountaintops, in emotional crowds or spontaneous moments. But revival does not begin in strength, it begins in weakness. Revival does not begin when everything is going right, it begins when God’s people are worn out, emptied out, and desperate again for Him. Revival does not begin in those who think they have everything together, it begins in those who are humble enough to admit their need. Revival isn’t an even on a church’s calendar, it’s God awakening hearts, renewing strength, […] - [STONES THAT SPEAK](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/stones-that-speak/): Stones That Speak 1 Samuel 7:3–12 Introduction Good morning, everyone! It’s such a joy to be with you today. In Scripture, the prophet Samuel used a strange word to describe an incredible moment. The word was Ebenezer, and he used it to describe the place where he built an altar (raised a stone of remembrance). It happened immediately after God delivered His people (the nation of Israel), from one of their fiercest enemies. The word itself means“stone of help.”  But, it stood as a visible marker — declaring to every generation that would follow, that the God who helped in the […] - [DEFINED BY THE DIVINE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/defined-by-the-divine/): Defined by the Divine Exodus 3:7-12 INTRODUCTION Good morning, everyone! It’s great to be with you today. I believe God wants to speak something deeply personal to your heart — something that will help you see yourself the way He sees you. You may not know what’s ahead, but you can know the One who goes before you — because God is already there. He knows what lies ahead for your life, and His plan is to be with you, to care for you, and to give you strength for the journey. Romans 8 reminds us that He works all things […] - [EXPERIENCING GOD!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/experiencing-god/): EXPERIENCING GOD! Exodus 3:1–6 INTRODUCTION If we’re honest, most of our lives move pretty fast. We live at full speed — calendars packed, inboxes full, to-do lists longer than the day. For some of you, it’s work that keeps you running. For others, it’s parenting, caring for family, or juggling multiple responsibilities. Some of you are balancing finances, health challenges, or major transitions. And even though your schedule may be full, you might admit your soul feels empty. You wake up tired and go to bed wired — constantly connected, but rarely still. But here’s the amazing thing: God knows how to […] - [LIVING FORWARD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/living-forward/): LIVING FORWARD Exodus 14:10-31 INTRODUCTION Good morning, church! It’s so good to be with you this morning. I count it a great privilege to worship together, to open God’s Word, and to seek His presence with you. Gathering like this just helps to serve as a reminder that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. God is at work, establishing His Kingdom (on earth as it is in heaven), and we get to be a part of it. He’s writing this amazing Kingdom story. And He’s written us in! Just a great reminder that He’s been faithful in the […] - [FROM GUILT TO GRACE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/from-guilt-to-grace/): From Guilt to Grace Dr. Charles Hill Psalm 51:1-12 INTRODUCTION: Have you ever tried to go about your day carrying a heavy backpack? At first, it doesn’t feel too bad. But the longer you carry it, the heavier it gets. Every step feels harder, every movement slower. Eventually, it wears you down. More than fifty years ago, a young man named Alford “Buddy” Runion made a terrible mistake that changed the course of his life. In 1969, during a heated fight outside a bar in Georgia, tempers flared and a man was fatally stabbed. Buddy panicked. Afraid of spending his life […] - [FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/for-such-a-time-as-this/): For Such a Time as This Esther 4:13–14 INTRODUCTION: Have you ever paused and wondered: Why am I here? Why this moment? Why this season of life? Sometimes it’s easy to think life is random—a mix of chance, luck, or coincidence. But Scripture insists otherwise. Our God is sovereign. He rules and reigns. And He places His people in very specific times and places for very specific purposes. That’s exactly what we see in the book of Esther. Here’s a young Jewish woman, an orphan raised in exile, who unexpectedly becomes queen of Persia. She didn’t audition for this role, she […] - [The Inner Life of a Lasting Leader - Lesson #16](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/lesson-16-the-inner-life-of-a-lasting-leader/): The Inner Life of a Lasting Leader A Leadership Devotional Talk 2 Chronicles 26:3–5, 15–16 Introduction Hey friends, tonight I want to talk with you about leading from a place of strength. Leading from a place of integrity. And that only happens if we are intentional about caring for our soul. So, let’s talk about the inner life of a lasting leader. As leaders, if your days are anything like mine — then they are packed full of responsibilities — right? Like appointments, conversations, deadlines, and decisions. And all of that has the potential of wearing you out. But for the […] - [The Leader's Summit - Closing Charge](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/the-leaders-summit-closing-charge/): Closing Charge & Commissioning of Leaders Introduction We’ve covered a lot today. I know your mind may be full and your heart stretched. My intention was never to overwhelm you — but to encourage you, equip you, and challenge you to live out the calling God has placed on your life. At the core of today has been one goal: to raise the bar on your leadership — not in title or status, but in how you serve, influence, and shepherd the people God has entrusted to your care. 1 Peter 5:2–3 –“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your […] - [The Leader's Summit - Session 5](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/the-leaders-summit-session-5/): Lead For Legacy Session 5 Introduction Every one of us is here because somebody invested in us. Think about that for a moment. Who took time to disciple you? Who believed in you? Who gave you a chance to serve when you didn’t feel ready?  Maybe it was a Sunday School teacher, a youth pastor, a mentor, or even a faithful parent or grandparent. None of us got here alone. That’s what leadership legacy is all about.  It’s not what you accomplish by yourself. It’s what lives on through the people you’ve poured into.  Paul modeled this with Timothy. He didn’t […] - [The Leader's Summit - Session 4](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/the-leaders-summit-session-4/): Lead With Courage Session 4 Introduction Every leader eventually faces moments that test their courage. Ministry isn’t always easy. People misunderstand you. Volunteers quit. Budgets run tight. Criticism comes. Sometimes you pour yourself out, and it feels like no one notices. Other times, the very people you serve resist the changes you know are necessary. Courage is not the absence of fear — it’s choosing to do the right thing even when fear is present. Nehemiah understood this. He faced enemies on the outside and discouragement on the inside. The wall project was threatened from every direction. And in Nehemiah 4:14, […] - [The Leader's Summit - Session 3](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/the-leaders-summit-session-3/): Lead With People In Mind Session 3: Introduction Ministry, at its core, isn’t about programs — it’s about people. While we plan events, and organize programs, and rehearse music, and balance budgets — even so, none of those things are the real purpose for which we exist.  The true purpose and heartbeat of this church — and of every ministry within it — is people. At the end of the day, ministry isn’t about programs, budgets, or buildings. It’s about lives. You have been called to lead people, not just manage organizations.  You’ve been called to see God bring transformation in […] - [The Leader's Summit (Session 2)](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/the-leaders-summit-session-2/): Lead With Vision Session 2 Introduction Alright, in this session, I want to talk with you about VISION. Because, one of the most significant resources a leader can offer — is a clear and compelling VISION.  People can go without a lot of things in life, but they cannot thrive without vision. Without a clear sense of where they’re going — whether in life, family, or ministry — people end up wandering. Vision provides direction, focus, and hope. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (NKJV).   Another translation states, “Where there is no revelation, people cast off […] - [THE LEADER'S SUMMIT - Session 1](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/the-leaders-summit/): THE LEADER’S SUMMIT (Session 1) DESCRIPTION: The Leader’s Summit is a focused training experience designed to inspire, equip, and strengthen pastors, staff, and ministry leaders. Through practical teaching, biblical insights, and honest conversations, leaders are challenged to grow personally and lead effectively in today’s ministry context. Each session is crafted to provide encouragement, sharpen leadership skills, and offer resources that help leaders serve with excellence and longevity. Session 1:  Lead Yourself First Introduction Leadership has often been defined as influence. It’s not about sitting in an office, or holding a title—it’s about influence.  The best leaders are those who inspire people, […] - [BOLD FAITH IN A BROKEN WORLD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/bold-faith-in-a-broken-world/): Bold Faith In A Broken World Sunday, September 14, 2025 John 16:33 INTRODUCTION: Good morning, everyone! What a joy it is to be here with you today.  As we begin, I want to acknowledge that this has really been a challenging — and even sobering week for our nation. It has reminded us yet again, just how broken our world really is. Listen these are tragic moments. And they seem to be happening more and more often. And when they do, they often leave us with questions. They stir us with sorrow. And can even lead us to fear.  They remind […] - [YOUR IDENTITY AND CALLING](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/your-identity-and-calling/): YOUR IDENTITY AND CALLING A Guide for the Credentialed Ministers Every generation of ministers must be reminded of the sacred weight and eternal significance of the call to preach. Vocational ministry is not a career path chosen out of convenience; it is a divine assignment, birthed in prayer and confirmed by God’s Spirit. When you received your credential, you didn’t just step into a role—you stepped into a covenant. But with the call comes responsibility. The call of God is permanent, but how you walk in it will shape your impact on people and your legacy before the Lord. That is […] - [PRAY LIKE IT MATTERS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/pray-like-it-matters/): PRAY LIKE IT MATTERS Acts 12:5–19 (NIV) Introduction: Good morning, everyone. It’s so good to be back with you today. Acts 12 is a powerful chapter. It’s filled with several important subjects that we could talk about — including: God’s sovereignty, the providential nature of life, the reality of miracles, the the glory of God, and more. But there’s one truth we can’t overlook — and it’s this: Prayer isn’t optional—it’s really essential! As we will see in a moment, there is a spiritual battle taking place in the world for the hearts and lives of men and women. And we […] - [Watchful Obedience](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/watchful-obedience/): Watchful Obedience A WORD STUDY & COMMENTARY Joshua 1:7-9 INSIGHT AND UNDERSTANDING The opening chapter of the Old Testament book of Joshua is fascinating. It tells the story of transition within the leadership of the ancient Israelites (as the mantle is passed from Moses to Joshua). In the midst of this opening chapter, the importance of holding to and living out the declared Word of God is proclaimed. More than simply reading it, or acknowledging it, Joshua and his people were to obey it — put it into action, live it out!  The focus of this study will be to explore […] - [GRACE THAT PAYS THE DEBT](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/grace-that-pays-the-debt/): Grace That Pays the Debt Philemon 1:17–25 Introduction It’s one thing to talk about grace. It’s another to live it out when it costs you something. It’s easy to say, “Forgive,” until you’re staring into the eyes of the person who hurt you. It’s easy to talk about extending grace until it means letting go of what someone owes you, the apology you feel you deserve, or the emotional debt you feel they should repay. The letter to Philemon is not a theoretical discussion on grace; it is a living example of costly grace in action. It shows us what happens […] - [WHEN GRACE GETS PERSONAL](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/when-grace-gets-personal/): When Grace Gets Personal Philemon 1:8–16 Introduction It’s one thing to talk about grace. It’s another to live it when it costs you something. It’s easy to say, “Forgive,” until you’re staring into the eyes of someone who has wronged you. It’s easy to say, “Extend grace,” until it means letting go of what someone owes you. It’s easy to preach about reconciliation until you’re the one who has to take the first step. The letter to Philemon shows us that grace isn’t just a comfortable theological idea; it’s a call to action in the middle of relational pain, disappointment, and […] - [LIVING GRACE IN A MESSY WORLD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/living-grace-in-a-messy-world/): Living Grace in a Messy World Philemon 1:1–7 Introduction Have you ever noticed how some of the most powerful stories God writes begin in the messiest of places? Sometimes it’s a family that’s been torn apart by conflict, and no one knows how to take the first step toward healing. Other times, it’s a friendship that fell apart because of hurtful words or unmet expectations, and the silence has lasted for years. Maybe it’s your own heart, weighed down by regrets and wishing you could go back and make different choices. We all have chapters in our stories we wish we […] - [GUARDIANS OF THE GOSPEL](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/guardians-of-the-gospel/): Guardians of the Gospel  A message for pastors — those who lead the church and proclaim the gospel! Titus 1:1-9 Introduction: Have you ever watched Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy? It’s about a band of unlikely heroes—misfits from different backgrounds—who find themselves tasked with protecting something that could save the universe. They aren’t perfect, and they don’t always get it right, but when it matters most, they rise to the challenge and stand together to guard what truly matters. In many ways, that’s a picture of what God calls us to be as believers. We may feel ordinary or unqualified, but […] - [Before Your Hire](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/before-your-hire/): Before You Hire A Hiring Process for Pastors and Churches Few moments shape the future of a church more than bringing a new leader onto the team. Whether you’re hiring a youth pastor, adding a worship leader, or calling a new associate to serve alongside you, the people you invite onto your ministry staff will help shape your church’s culture, impact its health, and influence its witness for years to come. Because of this, I’ve learned that slow and steady is far better than fast and frantic. Yet in the excitement of filling a vacancy or advancing ministry, it’s easy to rush […] - [HOLDING FAITH WHEN HEAVEN SEEMS SILENT](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/holding-faith-when-heaven-seems-silent/): Holding Faith When Heaven Seems Silent Series: When Life Doesn’t Make Sense Job 2:1–10; 3:1–11 Good morning, church! It’s so wonderful to gather again as we continue our journey through the Book of Job. Last week, we talked about trusting God when life unexpectedly falls apart. Today, we’re going even deeper—exploring how to hold onto faith when heaven itself feels silent. Introduction: Have you ever prayed and felt as though your words just bounced off the ceiling? I’m talking about those desperate prayers—the moments when you cry out to God from the depths of your soul, yet all you hear in […] - [TRUSTING GOD WHEN LIFE FALLS APART](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/trusting-god-when-life-falls-apart/): Trusting God When Life Falls Apart Series: When Life Doesn’t Make SenseJob 1:1–22 Good morning! It’s such a privilege to be with you today and to begin a new journey together through one of the Bible’s most profound yet often misunderstood books: the Book of Job. Over these next weeks, we’ll explore what it truly means to trust God when life simply doesn’t make sense. Introduction: Life can change dramatically in just a moment. You know what I mean—one phone call, one visit to the doctor, one tragic accident, one unexpected conversation—and suddenly your entire world is turned upside down. Most […] - [LIVING TO BRING GLORY TO GOD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/living-to-bring-glory-to-god/): Living to Bring Glory to God 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV) Introduction: Good morning friends. I am so honored to be with you today — and grateful for the opportunity to open God’s Word together with you.  If you have your Bible, would you pull it out and turn with me to the New Testament book of 1 Corinthian? We’ll spend most of our time in the 10th chapter today, so I’ll give you a moment to find it. As […] - [Deposits and Withdrawals - Lesson #15](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/deposits-and-withdrawals-lesson-15/): Deposits and Withdrawals The Currency of Pastoral Leadership Last night, I gathered with a group of pastors and leaders to honor one of our own, Pastor Phil Simun, who was stepping aside from a key leadership role after many years of faithful service. During this meaningful event, one pastor shared a powerful testimony about how Pastor Phil had regularly invested in him, mentoring and encouraging him. Pastor Phil often emphasized a key principle, stating, “As leaders, we are constantly making deposits and withdrawals.” As pastors and ministry leaders, we engage daily in a series of exchanges—moments where we either make deposits […] - [LIVING READY FOR HIS RETURN](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/living-ready-for-his-return/): Living Ready for His Return Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 Introduction: Turn on the news or scroll through your feed, and it doesn’t take long to feel the weight of the world. Wars and rumors of wars. Natural disasters. Economic uncertainty. A culture increasingly confused about truth and morality. And tucked underneath all of it is a question many are too afraid to ask out loud: Where is all of this going? For the early church, that question was front and center. These were believers who had turned from idols to follow Jesus. But now, some of them were dying. Others were facing […] - [LIVING READY IN A RESTLESS WORLD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/living-ready-in-a-restless-world/): Living Ready in a Restless World Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12 Introduction: How Do You Live Right When the World Feels Wrong? I remember a conversation I had with a young man not long ago. He was trying hard to follow Jesus—but frustrated. He said, “It feels like I’m swimming upstream while everyone else is floating downstream. I’m exhausted trying to live right when nothing around me seems to value what I value.” Can you relate? We’re living in a time when truth is fluid, values are negotiable, and pressure to conform is relentless. Whether you’re a student trying to honor God […] - [Ministering Through Marriage](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/ministering-through-marriage/): Ministering Through Marriage A Leadership Perspective on Officiating Weddings By Dr. Chuck Hill Over the course of more than 30 years in pastoral ministry, I’ve officiated my fair share of weddings. Some have been formal and grand, others intimate and simple. Some went exactly according to the script. Most… didn’t. Yet time and again, I’ve found that the unexpected moments—the mistimed music, the nervous laughter, the wind that won’t cooperate—often become the most cherished memories. But beyond the celebration, the wardrobe, and the floral arrangements, performing a wedding is a sacred responsibility. As ministers, we are not simply conducting a ceremony—we […] - [KEEP SHOWING UP FOR ONE ANOTHER](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/keep-showing-up-for-one-another/): Keep Showing Up for One Another Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:13 Introduction: When I was a child, one of the hardest things to grasp was the idea that someone could love you deeply and yet not always be physically present. I remember my dad occasionally traveling for work or ministry, and though I knew he loved us and was committed to our family, his absence could still leave me wondering. It wasn’t about distrust—it was just the ache of not seeing the face you depend on, or hearing the voice you draw strength from. As a pastor now, I’ve realized that same […] - [Series: Living Ready](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/series-living-ready/): Living Ready Faith That Stands in Every Season Sermon 1: Echoes of Our Faith Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10Theme: A church that endures by living a contagious, Spirit-empowered faith.  Sermon 2: Stand Firm When It’s Not Easy Text: 1 Thessalonians  2:1–16Theme: Staying faithful in the face of rejection, criticism, and opposition.  Sermon 3: Keep Showing Up for One Another Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:13Theme: Building community that strengthens, not isolates.  Sermon 4: Living Ready in a Restless World Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12Theme: Living a life of holiness, honor, and quiet strength.   Sermon 5: Encouraged to the End Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11Theme: Living ready for Christ’s return with hope and purpose.   - [STAND FIRM WHEN IT’S NOT EASY](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/stand-firm-when-its-not-easy/): Stand Firm When It’s Not Easy Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:1–16 Introduction: Several years ago, I walked through a particularly stressful season of ministry. There were conflicting opinions in every direction, pressing responsibilities that didn’t slow down, and relational tensions that made it hard to sleep. And in the midst of all of it, there was this inner voice that kept whispering:“Wouldn’t it be easier just to step back?”“Maybe this isn’t worth it.”“You could choose something easier, something safer, something quieter.” I don’t know if you’ve ever heard that voice, but I imagine most believers do—especially when the weight of obedience starts […] - [ECHOES OF FAITH](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/echoes-of-our-faith/): ECHOES OF FAITH Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10 Introduction: Well, with that, let’s turn our attention to God’s Word. If you have your Bible, open with me to the New Testament book of 1 Thessalonians, chapter 1. This is understood by scholars to be the first book, or letter written in the New Testament.  And, it was written by the apostle Paul. (I’ll tell you a little more about it in a moment). But turn there with me. While you find it, I want to tell you a story…one of my stories. As a boy, some of my most treasured memories come […] - [FAITHFUL AND WATCHFUL](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/faithful-and-watchful/): Faithful and Watchful (In All Things) Colossians 4:2–18 Introduction: Have you ever had to say goodbye to someone you love?Not a quick “see you later,” but one of those heartfelt farewells—where you’re trying to pack a lifetime of meaning into just a few moments? When you’re at the end of something significant, your words change.You don’t waste time. You don’t talk in circles. You speak from the heart. That’s exactly what’s happening here in Colossians 4. Paul is wrapping up a deeply theological letter—not with lofty language, but with real names, personal requests, and simple reminders. It’s like reading the final page of […] - [HONOR CHRIST IN EVERY ROLE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/honor-christ-in-every-role/): Honor Christ in Every Role Colossians 3:18–4:1 (NIV) Let me ask you something personal this morning: Where does your faith show up most? Is it in church? In your quiet time? When you pray or sing? That’s good—but here’s a deeper question: Where does your faith feel the most difficult to live out?For most people, the answer isn’t in the sanctuary—it’s in the everyday stuff of life. But here’s the truth: Jesus doesn’t just want to be Lord of your Sunday—He wants to be Lord of your schedule, your habits, your words, and your relationships. In Colossians 3:18–4:1, Paul moves from spiritual formation to […] - [PUT ON THE NEW SELF](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/put-on-the-new-self/): Put on the New Self Colossians 3:1–17 (NIV) Introduction: I’ll never forget the night of my 40th birthday. Not because I planned it—because I had no idea what was coming. It had been a normal day. I’d been outside running around, doing a few things around the house, completely relaxed. My best friend—my college roommate—had come into town. And I didn’t think much of it. We were just hanging out like old times. I was wearing an old pair of shorts—you know, the kind you’ve had for so long they basically have memories stitched into them—and a casual, worn T-shirt. Nothing […] - [REJECT RELIGIOUS LEGALISM](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/reject-religious-legalism/): Reject Religious Legalism Colossians 2:16–23 (NIV) Introduction: We all love a checklist. There’s something deeply satisfying about checking a box. It feels like progress—even if our hearts are distant from God. That’s why legalism is so dangerous. It’s not that the rules are always bad—many are based on good intentions. But the danger comes when we reduce the Christian life to a list of do’s and don’ts, and begin to measure our spiritual maturity by external performance instead of internal transformation. Legalism is subtle. It doesn’t usually begin with pride—it begins with a desire to please God. But somewhere along the way, it […] - [ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN CHRIST](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/rooted-and-built-up-in-christ/): Rooted and Built Up in Christ Colossians 2:6–15 (NIV) Introduction: Growing up in Florida, hurricanes were a part of life. Every summer and fall, we’d track the latest storm on the news—names like Andrew, Charley, Frances. Some were near misses, others came roaring through with intensity. I remember the eerie calm before the winds picked up. The power would flicker, and then the trees would start to sway… and crack. After every storm, we’d survey the damage. I can still picture massive limbs snapped off like twigs. Tall pine trees—some split clean in half, like someone snapped a pencil across their […] - [CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/christ-in-you-the-hope-of-glory/): Christ in You, the Hope of Glory Colossians 1:24–2:5 (NIV) Introduction: Have you ever found yourself asking, “Is it worth it?” Maybe you’ve poured yourself into a ministry, a calling, a relationship… and wondered, “Does any of this matter?”Maybe you’ve obeyed God in something difficult—enduring hardship, criticism, or loss—and quietly asked, “Lord, was this really part of the plan?” If so, you’re not alone. Even Paul—used mightily by God, called to preach the gospel to the Gentiles—didn’t live a life of comfort and applause. His obedience came with chains, beatings, betrayal, sleepless nights, and deep concern for the church. And yet, Paul didn’t crumble […] - [CHRIST, THE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/christ-the-image-of-the-invisible-god/): Christ, the Image of the Invisible God Colossians 1:15–23 Introduction: Let’s be honest. We live in an age obsessed with self.Self-expression. Self-promotion. Self-discovery. Self-actualization. Scroll through social media, and you’ll quickly find that the dominant focus is me. We live in a time where the most sacred truth is “my truth,” and the greatest authority is “how I feel.” And in the process of magnifying self—we’ve shrunk Jesus. In fact, one of the most dangerous trends in our generation is that we’ve made Jesus manageable. We’ve reduced Him to a therapist who validates our feelings…A mascot who cheers for our dreams…A political figure who aligns […] - [CHRIST, OUR SUPREME FOUNDATION](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/christ-our-supreme-foundation/): Christ, Our Supreme Foundation Colossians 1:1–14 Introduction: Imagine building a house on sand. It’s not just foolish—it’s dangerous. The structure may stand for a while, but one hard storm exposes the problem: the foundation cannot hold. You’ve probably heard the phrase, “The house looked fine—until the storm came.” In August 1992, hurricane Andrew slammed into South Florida with 165 mph winds. Entire neighborhoods were leveled. But in the middle of one devastated community stood a single house, untouched, like a lone lighthouse amid a sea of ruin. When reporters asked the homeowner why his home stood firm, he simply replied: “I built it […] - [Christ Above All](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/christ-above-all/): Christ Above All Living a Life Anchored in Jesus Sermon 1: Christ, Our Supreme Foundation Text: Colossians 1:1–14Theme: Ground your life in the gospel of grace and truth.Focus: Paul’s prayer reveals what mature faith looks like—gospel-rooted, hope-fueled, and fruit-bearing. Sermon 2: Christ, the Image of the Invisible God Text: Colossians 1:15–23Theme: Exalt Christ above all—He is preeminent in all things.Focus: Contend against cultural shrinkage of Jesus. Paul’s Christology confronts every competing ideology. Sermon 3: Christ in You, the Hope of Glory Text: Colossians 1:24–2:5Theme: Proclaim Christ with endurance and clarity.Focus: Suffering for the gospel is not failure—it’s faithfulness. Paul’s ministry shows how to labor with eternal purpose. Sermon 4: Rooted […] - [REMEMBER AND REMAIN](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/remember-and-remain/): Remember and Remain Deuteronomy 4:9–14 Introduction: Memory is a powerful force. It anchors us to our identity, shapes our perspective, and reminds us who we are and what matters most. That’s why, all throughout Scripture, God repeatedly calls His people to remember. Remember His Word. Remember His works. Remember His covenant. Because when we forget what God has done, we start to drift from who He has called us to be. We’ve all experienced this in our daily lives. We walk into a room and forget why we entered. We forget birthdays, appointments, or the name of someone we just met. But […] - [Truth for the Journey (Series)](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/truth-for-the-journey-six-life-giving-messages-from-deuteronomy/): Truth for the Journey — Messages from Deuteronomy Truth for the Journey is a six-part sermon series drawn from the rich, powerful words of Deuteronomy—a book filled with God’s heart for His people as they prepare to enter a new season. Through these life-giving messages, we rediscover what it means to walk with God in gratitude, obedience, courage, and faithfulness. Whether you’re in a season of plenty, facing fears about the future, raising the next generation, or simply trying to finish well, this series offers biblical insight and practical encouragement for every step of the journey. Each message calls us to remember […] - [FINISH WELL](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/finish-well/): Finish Well Deuteronomy 34:1–12 Introduction: There’s something sacred about finishing well. Whether it’s a marathon, a ministry, or a lifetime, how we end says just as much—if not more—than how we begin. Our world celebrates the start: grand openings, new initiatives, and fresh energy. But the testimony of Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the importance of the finish. It is possible to start in faith and end in failure—or to start with uncertainty and finish in glory. The difference is perseverance. We’ve all seen it—leaders who started with fire but ended in burnout. Individuals whose gifts took them further than their character could […] - [COURAGE OVER FEAR](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/courage-over-fear/): Courage Over Fear Deuteronomy 31:1–8 Introduction: Transitions are never easy. Especially in leadership. There’s something deeply unsettling about change, even when it’s good. You can feel the weight of responsibility shift, the unknowns multiply, and the familiar patterns begin to fade. It’s in these moments that fear can find a foothold—because fear thrives where clarity ends. In Deuteronomy 31, Moses is handing over leadership to Joshua. After decades of leading Israel through the wilderness, facing rebellion, miracles, victories, and heartbreak—his journey is coming to an end. But the mission isn’t finished. The people must move forward. And Joshua must rise. What […] - [PASS IT ON](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/pass-it-on/): Pass It On Deuteronomy 6:1–9 Introduction: Every generation is one step away from forgetting God. That’s not hyperbole—it’s truth. Faith doesn’t transfer automatically like DNA. It must be passed down intentionally, deliberately, and consistently. In Deuteronomy 6, Moses speaks to a people standing at the edge of promise, reminding them that the survival of their faith—and the flourishing of their future—depends not just on what they believe, but on what they teach the next generation. This passage, known in Jewish tradition as the Shema, is not only a call to personal devotion but a blueprint for generational discipleship. It begins with […] - [CHOOSE LIFE](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/choose-life/): Choose Life Deuteronomy 30:11–20 Introduction: Every day presents us with choices. Some are routine—what to eat, what to wear, how to spend the next hour. But beneath those decisions lie deeper, spiritual choices: Who will I trust today? Whose voice will I follow? What kind of person am I becoming? Deuteronomy 30 captures a profound moment in the life of God’s people. Moses is near the end of his life, and the Israelites are on the verge of entering the Promised Land. He has led them faithfully, interceded for them when they rebelled, and taught them the ways of the Lord. […] - [GRATITUDE IN THE LAND OF PLENTY](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/gratitude-in-the-land-of-plenty/): Gratitude in the Land of Plenty Deuteronomy 8:1–20 Introduction: There’s a strange paradox in human memory. We tend to forget what we should remember and remember what we should forget. A shameful moment from childhood can remain vivid, while the kindness of God in last week’s answered prayer can slip away by Monday morning. Forgetfulness isn’t just a human quirk—it’s a spiritual danger. In Deuteronomy 8, Israel stands on the threshold of the Promised Land. The years of desert wandering are nearly over. The hardships of Egypt are behind them. But just before they enter the land of abundance, Moses gives […] - [WORSHIP THAT COSTS SOMETHING](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/worship-that-costs-something/): Worship That Costs Something Leviticus 10:1–3 Introduction:  What do you think of when you hear the word “worship”? For many, it brings to mind music, a church service, or a favorite song that stirs the heart. But worship is far more than melodies and lyrics. Worship is about the posture of the heart before a holy God. It’s about what we bring, how we bring it, and to whom we offer it. In our culture, we often associate worship with how we feel. Was the music good? Did the message speak to me? Did I enjoy the experience? But in Leviticus […] - [THE DAY GUILT WAS LIFTED](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/the-day-guilt-was-lifted/): The Day Guilt Was Lifted Text: Leviticus 16:1–10, 29–34 Introduction:  There’s a weight we all know, though we may carry it differently. Some wear it on their faces. Others bury it deep in their souls. It’s the weight of guilt. And yet, we live in a world that tries to pretend guilt doesn’t exist. We rename it. We reframe it. We justify it. We drown it in distractions, medicate it with activity, or numb it with entertainment. But if we’re honest, guilt is one of the most universal human experiences. It may come from things we’ve done, words we’ve said, promises we’ve […] - [CLEAN HANDS, CLEAN HEART](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/clean-hands-clean-heart/): Clean Hands, Clean Heart  Leviticus 11:1–8, 44–45 Introduction:  Have you noticed how obsessed we’ve become with cleanliness and purity—especially in recent years? Walk into any store, and you’ll find rows of hand sanitizers, antibacterial wipes, gluten-free labels, organic stamps, and “clean” eating guides. There’s a cultural awareness—an almost instinctive drive—to monitor what goes into our bodies and how we protect ourselves from contamination. How many of you have ever stood in a grocery store aisle, turning over a box or bottle to read the label? You’re checking ingredients, scanning for allergens, or making sure something is organic, gluten-free, or sugar-free. But […] - [DRAWING NEAR TO GOD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/drawing-near-to-god/): Drawing Near to God  Text: Leviticus 1:1–9 Introduction:  We live in a world that celebrates access. You can book a flight, order a meal, or schedule a meeting all from your phone. Technology has given us convenience—but sometimes, that convenience causes us to forget the weight and wonder of access to truly important things. Think about this: If you were invited to the White House to meet the President, you wouldn’t treat it like any other day. You would plan your schedule, choose your outfit carefully, and think twice about how you’d carry yourself. If you were summoned into a courtroom […] - [EMPOWERED TO LIVE!](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/empowered-to-live/): Empowered to Live! Acts 2:1–13; Ephesians 5:15–21 This weekend, we observe Memorial Day—a sacred moment in our national life as Americans. Originally called Decoration Day, this day emerged in the aftermath of the Civil War, when communities came together to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. It was a way for the living to honor the dead—a ritual of remembrance that still carries deep significance. Even today, if you visit Arlington National Cemetery, you’ll see an American flag carefully placed at every grave—a quiet testimony that we do not forget those who paid the ultimate price. Memorial Day was first observed on […] - [WALKING THE HARD ROAD](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/walking-the-hard-road/): WALKING THE HARD ROAD! Acts 6-8 INTRODUCTION: Have you ever found yourself asking, “Why is following Jesus so hard sometimes?”Maybe you thought that saying “yes” to God would make the road smoother—but instead, it seems like life got harder. The opposition increased. Relationships got strained. Opportunities dried up. And now you’re wondering, “Is this what faithfulness looks like?” The truth is, faith doesn’t always take the easy path. Sometimes, obedience leads us right into difficulty. And if you’ve ever felt like doing the right thing actually made things worse before they got better—you’re not alone. You’re in good company. You’re walking […] - [More Than Flowers](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/more-than-flowers/): More Than Flowers: Making the Most of Mother’s Day Remembering Mother’s Day may not be a biblical mandate, but it is a big deal to most within our culture. Think about it, on this special day — restaurants are booked, flowers are bought, gifts are given, sweets are enjoyed, and thoughts of love and gratitude are expressed. Mother’s Day is a day when even those who seldom attend church seem to find their way and are willing to sit and listen because “it’s what Mom wanted.” For the local church, Mother’s Day is an opportunity for ministry and mission. Instead of […] - [THE REIGN THAT HOLDS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/the-reign-that-holds/): The Reign That Holds Revelation 1:4-8 Introduction: Have you ever looked around and wondered, “Who’s really in control?”  Have you ever felt like the world is spinning out of control?  Have you ever felt like everything you thought was stable—your health, your family, your country—shifted or turned in a dime? And everything you thought was solid suddenly felt fragile? Well, most of us have — and it’s in moments like those that we crave something sure. We crave that which can settle our fear and calm sour hearts. We long for that which can bring us peace and reminds us that […] - [Adding Members to Your Team](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/adding-to-the-team/): Adding Members to Your Team A Pastor’s Guide to Hiring Ministry Staff There comes a time in every growing ministry when you realize—you can’t do it all alone. The vision God has placed on your heart is expanding, the needs of your congregation are increasing, and the demands of healthy ministry leadership are too great for one person to carry alone. That’s a good thing. But bringing someone new onto your team—especially in a pastoral or leadership role—is a weighty decision. New staff and leaders will certainly effect the church culture, they’ll influence people, and they’ll either help strengthen or maybe […] - [A FAITH WORTH FOLLOWING](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/a-faith-worth-following/): A Faith Worth Following Introduction:  I want you to take a moment and think about someone whose faith has profoundly influenced your life. Someone who has shaped the way you think and live by the way they lived their life before you.  Maybe it was a parent who prayed with conviction. Or a pastor who demonstrated by action what he preached from the pulpit. Or maybe it was a friend whose quiet trust in God gave encouraged you to stand strong during a season of struggle in you life. Or perhaps it was a teacher or mentor who, simply by word […] - [DEFINING MARKS](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/defining-marks/): DEFINING MARKS Chuck Hill, D.Min. chuckhilltoday.com Acts 2:42-47 Introduction Have you ever considered the unique marks that define who you are? Perhaps you have a birthmark—a small spot or pattern on your skin that distinguishes you from others. Or maybe it’s not a physical mark at all, but rather a characteristic or personality trait that sets you apart. In the earliest days of the Christian church, the believers also had “defining marks”—spiritual characteristics that identified them as the people of God. These marks weren’t mere outward symbols; they were living realities that flowed from hearts transformed by the Holy Spirit. Today, […] - [A BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESSFUL LIVING](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/a-blueprint-for-successful-living/): A BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESSFUL LIVING! Chuck Hill, D.Min. chuckhilltoday.com Colossians 1:24-29 INTRODUCTION To be clear — JESUS IS GRATER THAN ALL THINGS!  This morning, I want us to look closely at what Paul says about living a life that aims high, works diligently, and faithfully pursues the fulfillment of God’s call. In essence, Paul outlines a plan for genuinely successful living. Now, let’s clarify what I mean by “successful living.” I’m not talking about worldly achievements like titles, riches, or self-serving fame. I realize that’s how the world tends to define success—measuring it by wealth, power, and popularity. However, this worldly […] - [Growing Others Into Their Calling - Lesson #14](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/growing-others-into-their-calling-lesson-14/): Growing Others into Their Calling “The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” — 2 Timothy 2:2, NIV One of the highest callings of a leader is not to gather followers—but to raise up leaders. The future of your church, ministry, and movement depends on how well you grow others into their calling—not just how well you operate in your own. Paul’s example with Timothy shows us this clearly. He didn’t just develop a ministry team—he developed a ministry legacy. And he did it […] - [Give It All Away! - Lesson #13](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/give-it-all-away/): Give It All Away! It’s possible that the highest form of leadership isn’t about climbing high and holding on tightly to authority—it’s about kneeling low and giving it away. The greatest impact of our lives will not be seen by what we lead, but by those we launch. “…to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”—Ephesians 4:12 (NIV) Ministry multiplies when you give it away. We don’t lead just to serve—we lead to equip, influence, and release. Holding tightly to leadership may feel safer, but releasing it in faith creates lasting […] - [Seven Keys to Longevity in Ministry](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/seven-keys-to-longevity-in-ministry/): Seven Keys to Longevity in Ministry Chuck Hill, D. Min. chuckhilltoday.com April 13, 2025 When my family and I moved to Greenville, SC, in March 2004, we could not have imagined how deeply God would work in and through us in the years to come. At that time, our children were small, but our task was big. My wife and I felt like we were stepping into the unknown — accepting an assignment to revitalize a small, struggling church. The path before us wasn’t easy. Revitalization is a difficult undertaking wrought with sensitive issues. Size and metrics were a major concern […] - [Lead Like You’re Owned](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/lead-like-youre-owned/): Lead Like You’re Owned  A message for those called to preach. Titus 1:1-9 Introduction: Have you ever asked yourself in a quiet moment, “Is it still worth it?” You’ve poured your life into ministry. You’ve wept over sermons, carried burdens for people who walked away, and labored behind the scenes while others took credit. And yet, the culture around you only seems to grow darker. The calling hasn’t changed, but the weariness is real. You’re not alone. Paul writes to Titus, probably in the sixth decade of the first century. Titus was a young pastor on the island of Crete, the […] - [Living by the Book](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/living-by-the-book-book-review/): Book Review: Living by the Book, by Dr. Howard Hendricks Chuck Hill, D.Min. chuckhilltoday.com There are a few books that don’t just sit on a shelf—they live with you. They shape how you think, how you lead, how you preach, and most importantly, how you engage with God’s Word. For me, Living by the Book by Dr. Howard Hendricks is one of those books. It has been a constant companion for many years, not only in my own devotional life but as a practical resource in mentoring others, equipping students, and forming messages that are faithful to the text and alive […] - [Book Reviews](https://chuckhilltoday.com/index.php/book-reviews/) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)