The Backpack
By Christ Community Church
The Backpack is a podcast from Christ Community Church of Shelbyville, Kentucky. On The Backpack, we want to prepare you for the journey outside, where following Jesus meets real life. In our various segments, you'll find sermons, stories, interviews, and more content that will help strengthen, equip, and encourage you as you walk with Jesus. The journey of faith is full of hills and valleys, twists and turns, and we want to help you navigate them all. So grab your backpack and come join us on the trail.
The BackpackSep 19, 2023
00:00
39:32
The Canteen #95 - The Secret Ingredient for Goal Achievement
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, Pastor Blake wraps up our fall series in the book of Philippians by examining the nearness of God and how that impacts our everyday living. Our text for this message is Philippians 4:1-23. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 9/17/23.
Sep 19, 202339:32
The Canteen #94 - Hunting For Joy
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, Pastor Blake continues our fall series in the book of Philippians called #goals, and examines how in order to experience the glory of Jesus' resurrection, we first have to join with him in his death in our everyday living. Our text for this message is Philippians 3:1-20. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 9/10/23.
Sep 14, 202340:01
Stories From the Trail #57 - Dan Duffala
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they're taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. The Stories From the Trail segment shares those stories with you. This week, CCC member Dan Duffala shares his story of following Jesus and how God continues to shape his life as he walks with him.
Sep 08, 202309:19
The Canteen #93 - We Shine When He Defines
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, Associate Pastor Kenny Mattingly continues our fall series in the book of Philippians called #goals, and examines how we done as disciplemakers when we live "sent lives." Our text for this message is Philippians 2:12-30. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 9/3/23.
Sep 05, 202351:03
Stories From the Trail #56 - Meika Hamblin
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they're taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. The Stories From the Trail segment shares those stories with you. This week, CCC member Meika Hamblin tells her story of faith, and how she's leared to trust Jesus more deeply as time passes by.
Aug 30, 202310:12
The Canteen #92 - His Passion, Your Purpose
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, Pastor Blake continues our fall series in the book of Philippians called #goals, and examines how the humility and exaltation of Jesus transforms the way we view others and what our purpose in living truly is. Our text for this message is Philippians 2:1-11. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 8/27/23.
Aug 29, 202345:07
Stories From the Trail #55 - Mary Bracken
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they're taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. The Stories From the Trail segment shares those stories with you. This week, CCC member Mary Bracken tells her story and talks about contentment, worry, and learning to trust God's timing rather than her own.
Aug 23, 202312:47
The Canteen #91 - Jesus is the Hero of Your Story
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, Pastor Blake continues our fall series in the book of Philippians called #goals, and examines how the way Paul tells the story of his life should shape the way we view Jesus' work in each of our stories. Our text for this message is Philippians 1:12-30. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 8/20/23.
Aug 22, 202345:33
The Canteen #90 - Jesus is Just Getting Started
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, Pastor Blake begins our fall series in the book of Philippians called #goals, and examines the way that Jesus always finishes the good work he begins in the lives of his people. Our text for this message is Philippians 1:1-11. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 8/13/23.
Aug 16, 202348:29
The Canteen #89 - What Jesus Wants
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, Pastor Blake continues our study in the Gospel of Luke in the final entry of our Luke series before we break for a study in Philippians. Our text for this message is Luke 9:51-62. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 8/6/23.
Aug 08, 202346:37
Stories From the Trail #54 - Elijah Midkiff, McKenna Weinold, and Cam Flickinger
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they're taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. The Stories From the Trail segment shares those stories with you. This week, Children and Family Director Krysta Howell sits down with three kids who just returned from camp at Crossings Ministries last week to talk with them about their experience.
Aug 02, 202307:28
The Canteen #88 - Certain of Christ
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, Jeff Bracken continues our study in the Gospel of Luke by examining how certainty of Christ protects us from the ignorance and arrogance that can threaten our faith. Our text for this message is Luke 9:37-50. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 7/30/23.
Aug 01, 202340:48
Stories From the Trail #53 - Justin Grider
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they're taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. The Stories From the Trail segment shares those stories with you. This week, we hear from CCC member Justin Grider about his journey of faith and the importance of persistence in pursuing Jesus.
Aug 01, 202314:09
Roadmap #1 - July 2023
Roadmap is a segment that helps keep you connected to where we've been and where we're going as the Christ Community Church family. In our first entry in the series, Daniel sits down with Pastor Blake to review some recent ways we've been joining Jesus in going out to make disciples, and some opportunities you'll have to participate in that mission in the coming weeks.
Jul 23, 202326:17
Stories From the Trail #52 - Patrick & Bethany Morris
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they're taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. The Stories From the Trail segment shares those stories with you. This week, we hear from CCC members Patrick and Bethany Morris about their journey of faith and how being a part of a community group has unpacted them along the way.
Jul 21, 202313:52
The Canteen #87 - From Mountain to Mission
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, Pastor Blake continues our study in the Gospel of Luke by examining the transfiguration of Jesus and how the otherworldly event sets the table for Jesus' mission. Our text for this message is Luke 9:27-36. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 7/16/23.
Jul 20, 202340:45
The Canteen #86 - What's Next?
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, Pastor Blake continues our study in the Gospel of Luke by examining the mission of Jesus as he sets his face toward the cross. Our text for this message is Luke 9:18-27. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 7/9/23.
Jul 12, 202343:04
Stories From the Trail #51 - Tommy Rowe
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they're taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. The Stories From the Trail segment shares those stories with you. This week, we hear from CCC deacon Tommy Rowe about his journey of faith, and how God has shown his faithfulness to him through many seasons of life.
Jul 07, 202317:04
The Canteen #85 - How High Can You Count?
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, Pastor Blake continues our study in the Gospel of Luke by encouraging us to count the cost of following Jesus while also counting on him to provide everything that we need. Our text for this message is Luke 9:1-17. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 7/2/23.
Jul 05, 202342:10
Stories From the Trail #50 - Trey & Tammie Williams
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they're taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. The Stories From the Trail segment shares those stories with you. This week, we hear from Trey and Tammie Williams, who recently came to CCC after Trey pastored Midland Community Church, a plant of CCC that closed its doors in May. Trey and Tammie talk about their life following Jesus in ministry, their journey with Midland, and the lessons Jesus is teaching them along the way.
Jun 28, 202316:27
The Canteen #84 - The Power of Fresh Faith
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, Pastor Blake continues our study in the Gospel of Luke by examining a series of miracles Jesus performed, and the fresh faith they cultivated in the lives of some very different people. Our text for this message is Luke 8:22-56. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 6/25/23.
Jun 27, 202340:18
Stories From the Trail #49 - Brad Combs
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they're taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. The Stories From the Trail segment shares those stories with you. This week, we hear from CCC deacon Brad Combs as he reflects on his story of faith and how God continues to grow and change him through different seasons of life.
Jun 21, 202315:48
The Canteen #83 - Hide and Seek
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, D.J. Williams picks up our study in the Gospel of Luke by looking at a parable Jesus told about a farmer showing seed, and how Jesus' explanation of that story should change the way we listen to God's word. Our text for this message is Luke 8:4-21. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 6/18/23.
Jun 20, 202346:39
Stories From the Trail #48 - Ethan Hutchins & Caedmon Williams
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they're taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. The Stories From the Trail segment shares those stories with you. This week, we hear from CCC students Ethan Hutchins and Caedmon Williams as they sit down with Students & Groups Pastor Kenny Mattingly to reflect on their recent experience at Crossings student camp.
Jun 14, 202312:50
The Canteen #82 - Rise to the Challenge
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, Pastor Blake continues our study in the Gospel of Luke by examining the cost that always comes with change, and what a nameless woman from Luke Chapter 7 can't teach us about what that looks like. Our text for this message is Luke 7:36-8:3. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 6/11/23.
Jun 13, 202342:59
Stories From the Trail #47 - Lee Murphy
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they're taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. The Stories From the Trail segment shares those stories with you. This week, we hear from CCC deacon Lee Murphy about his journey of faith, lessons learned from his dad, and waiting on the Lord.
Jun 08, 202316:06
The Canteen #81 - Are You Satisfied?
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, Pastor Blake continues our study in the Gospel of Luke by asking whether we find ourselves satisfied in Jesus. The answer has more significance than we might think. Our text for this message is Luke 7:18-35. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 6/4/23.
Jun 06, 202341:52
Stories From the Trail #46 - Melissa Ballard
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they're taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. The Stories From the Trail segment shares those stories with you. This week, we hear from CCC deacon Melissa Ballard as she shares her story of faith, and how God remained faithful even through seasons of life when her awareness of him slipped into the background.
May 26, 202320:33
The Canteen #80 - Walk Worthy
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, Kenny Mattingly picks up our study of the Gospel of Luke and takes a look at how Jesus brings worth to our lives, even when we feel hopeless and worthless. Our text for this message is Luke 7:1-17. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 5/21/23.
May 24, 202344:03
The Canteen #79 - Dig Deep
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, Pastor Blake wraps up our Plain & Simple miniseries by examining the foundations on which we build our lives, and the importance of digging deep and building on Jesus. Our text for this message is Luke 6:46-49. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 5/14/23.
May 17, 202345:02
Stories From the Trail #45 - Daniel Bright, Josh Smith, & D.J. Williams
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they're taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. The Stories From the Trail segment shares those stories with you. This week, we hear from Daniel Bright, Josh Smith, and D.J. Williams at they talk about their experience in a discipleship group together over the last year, and share how God used the time together to grow them as they followed Jesus.
May 12, 202318:10
The Canteen #78 - Guard and Grow Your Heart
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, Pastor Blake looks at how central our hearts are to the Christian life, and what Jesus has to say about how we should guard them. Our text for this message is Luke 6:43-45. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 5/7/23.
May 09, 202339:44
Stories From the Trail #44 - Peggy Berry
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they're taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. The Stories From the Trail segment shares those stories with you. This week, we hear from CCC deacon Peggy Berry about how Jesus got her attention in the bubble she grew up in in rural Kentucky, and how he's been calling and drawing her forward ever since.
May 04, 202320:53
The Canteen #77 - Trust Jesus to Train You
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, Pastor Blake looks at some of the ways that Jesus' way of doing things is very different from how we operate, and invites us to let him change our way of thinking and living. Our text for this message is Luke 6:37-42 This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 4/30/23.
May 02, 202340:47
Stories From the Trail #43 - T.J. Vogt
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they're taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. The Stories From the Trail segment shares those stories with you. This week, we hear from CCC deacon T.J. Vogt about his journey of faith, and what God has taught him about investing in others through the way he's been built up in the faith.
Apr 27, 202319:46
The Canteen #76 - Love Your Enemies
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, Dave Sullivan continues our miniseries Plain & Simple by examining Jesus' command to love our enemies - a command that's easy to understand, but very difficult to actually do. Our text for this message is Luke 6:27-36. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 4/23/23.
Apr 25, 202341:37
Stories From the Trail #42 - Josh Ballard
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they're taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. The Stories From the Trail segment shares those stories with you. This week, we hear from CCC deacon Josh Ballard about his journey of faith, how the path of following Jesus doesn't always look or feel like we expect, and God's faithfulness along the way.
Apr 20, 202313:57
The Canteen #75 - Live For a Different Kingdom
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, we jump back in to the Gospel of Luke as we begin a miniseries called Plain and Simple about Jesus' "Sermon on the Plain." Pastor Blake looks at the blessings and woes that Jesus pronounces and explains how they paint a picture of God's kingdom that's wildly different than our priorities. Our text for this message is Luke 6:17-26. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 4/16/23.
Apr 18, 202343:48
Stories From the Trail #41 - Laura Heil
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they're taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. The Stories From the Trail segment shares those stories with you. This week, we hear from CCC deacon Laura Heil about how she came to faith, and what the journey of walking with Jesus has looked like over the years.
Apr 12, 202310:40
The Canteen #74 - He's Closer Than You Think
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. In our 2023 Easter message, Pastor Blake looks at the ridiculous message Paul preached at Mars Hill in Acts 17 - Jesus is alive, his resurrection changes everything, and he's closer to you than you think. Our text for this message is Acts 17:16-34. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 4/9/23.
Apr 11, 202347:33
The Canteen #73 - The Rocks Will Cry Out
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. This week, we jump ahead in the Gospel of Luke as we celebrate Palm Sunday and the celebration surrounding Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. As we consider the story of praise God is weaving, we're invited to reflect on how God's work in our own lives invites us into the celebration. Our text for this message is Luke 19:28-40. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 4/2/23.
Apr 11, 202346:09
Trail Mix #17 - Excruciate
Trail Mix is a segment featuring a variety of bite-sized content designed to energize and help you in your walk with Jesus. In this episode, D.J. and CCC Community Involvement Director Katie Gaither sit down with special guest Madeline Presley. Madeline's late father, Dr. Mike Presley, wrote and gave a presentation reflecting on the death of Jesus from the perspective of a medical doctor. Madeline, herself a pre-med student at Centre College, is carrying on her dad's work, and sits down with us to share this reflection on both how and why Jesus died.
Madeline's PowerPoint presentation can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1j7hB1hwM3e9BZOZxDgRfWbCj9HWjQlfz/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=117924295937085656695&rtpof=true&sd=true
Apr 02, 202315:31
Stories From the Trail #40 - Dave Sullivan and Sparrow Mission
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they're taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. The Stories From the Trail segment shares those stories with you. This week, we hear from CCC member Dave Sullivan about his recent trip to Honduras to check in with Sparrow Mission, the generational discipleship taking place there, and the opportunity for us to continue to partner with them to help in those efforts.
Mar 23, 202313:33
The Canteen #72 - Can You Take a Call?
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. As we continue our study of the Gospel of Luke this week, CCC member Alan Witham looks at Jesus' calling of the twelve apostles, and asks us to consider what we can learn about our own calling as a result. Our text for this message is Luke 6:12-16. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 3/19/23.
Mar 21, 202354:31
Trail Mix #16 - Sharing Jesus: Personal Holiness
Trail Mix is a segment featuring a variety of bite-sized content designed to energize and help you in your walk with Jesus. In the Sharing Jesus miniseries, Pastor Blake sits down with D.J. to explore how we can become more faithful and effective in sharing our faith by looking at Paul's example from 1 Thessalonians 2. In our final entry, we look at how living holy, set apart lives is the crucial but oft-forgotten foundation that ties our efforts at sharing Jesus together.
Mar 21, 202318:18
Stories From the Trail #39 - Equip 28 Recap
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they're taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. The Stories From the Trail segment shares those stories with you. This week, we hear from Community Kids director Krysta Howell as she talks to four kids who just finished the first installment of Equip 28, a new discipleship initiative for 4th and 5th graders.
Mar 16, 202308:53
The Canteen #71 - Lord of the Sabbath
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. As we continue our study of the Gospel of Luke this week, Pastor Blake looks at the way Jesus interacted with the expectations of religious leaders over the matter of sabbath rest, and where the true source of our rest comes from. Our text for this message is Luke 5:33-6:11 This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 3/12/23.
Mar 14, 202346:08
Trail Mix #15 - Sharing Jesus: Shared Lives
Trail Mix is a segment featuring a variety of bite-sized content designed to energize and help you in your walk with Jesus. In the Sharing Jesus miniseries, Pastor Blake sits down with D.J. to explore how we can become more faithful and effective in sharing our faith by looking at Paul's example from 1 Thessalonians 2. In our third entry, we look at the way Paul shared his life with Thessalonians he sought to reach, and what it will look like for us to do the same.
Mar 13, 202318:57
Stories From the Trail #38 - Eric Allen, Torrey Smith, Matt Burgin, and Wes Keene
Each week at Christ Community Church, we feature stories of what God's doing in the lives of the people who make up our church family - the story of how they came to faith in Jesus, the story of how God's currently growing them in grace, or even the story of how they're taking their faith outside and meeting needs in our community. The Stories From the Trail segment shares those stories with you. This week, we hear from four (well, three plus one in spirit) CCC members who recently completed a yearlong discipleship group together as they reflect on how Jesus grew them as they followed him together.
Mar 10, 202312:36
The Canteen #70 - Jesus Has Everything You Need to Turn Your Life Around
The Canteen features weekly sermons from the preaching ministry of Christ Community Church. As we continue our study of the Gospel of Luke this week, Pastor Blake leads us in looking at the life-changing transformative power that Jesus demonstrated to those he ministered to, and how he continues to demonstrate that power in our lives today. Our text for this message is Luke 5:12-32. This sermon was originally preached at CCC on 3/5/23.
Mar 08, 202341:08