Hebrews 11, our passage explaining belief, reiterates a single phrase: "It was by faith." The beginning of life's most pivotal moments begins with faith. While this becomes clearer in hindsight, you can prepare for it now. Faith provides a fresh perspective on our circumstances, even altering how you perceive your successes. Joseph's final words, a…

Don't forget to set your clocks forward this weekend! It's been a wonderful THRIVE weekend hearing from local organizations and learning about the many ways we, as the church, can get involved in the important work they are doing. We wrapped up the weekend with one more special message that would challenge and inspire us - just like the THRIVE Conf…

Life's toughest tests are teachers. Reflect on your life's transformative moments, and you'll notice a trend: tough tests. Faith can be found, formed, and grown. But it won’t be easy. Tests are inevitable; growth is optional. First time listening to our podcast? We’d like to get to know you! Head over to: http://bit.ly/connectcardccc. Connect with …

Stepping out in faith often brings anxious feelings as we prepare ourselves for the "big leap." But laughter? That’s not usually what we associate with a “leap of faith.” The story of Abraham and Sarah is one of how unbelief transforms into belief, and how bitter laughter gives way to laughter filled with wonder and joy. Faith is a runway to hopefu…

Faith is living out what you believe. Growing in understanding? Yes, that’s where it starts. Developing a conviction? Yes, that’s the place where understanding becomes Belief. Still, there will come a point, where despite uncertainty, we step out. We call that moment “faith.” These moments are memorable because they’re often terrifying. Can faith g…

Last weekend, we threw a party—the perfect opportunity to invite a friend to Cape Cod Church! We continued our series on belief and unbelief, exploring how faith grows. Faith comes to us in layers… understanding, conviction, and commitment. We grow in understanding, which then leads to conviction. What does a healthy conviction look like? What is t…

"Faith is blind." You've probably heard this phrase before. Maybe you've even said it yourself! It can be a criticism, a point of pride, an embarrassed admission, or a word of encouragement. Both skeptics and Christians have embraced this idea. But is it true? This week, we continue our exploration of Hebrews 11, focusing on the origins of the univ…

I have a friend who loves to ask, “On a scale of 1–10, how are you doing?” How was your vacation (1–10)? How do you like school (1–10)? How’s the new job (1–10)? It’s an interesting way to dig a bit deeper, and I like it. So, let’s try this: How is your faith on a scale of 1–10? Do you find believing a challenge? Do you experience worry or uncertai…

I’m a pretty good planner. I like to get a goal and create a plan to achieve it, collect the needed materials, and execute. Then I sit back and enjoy the rewards of having arrived. But goal setting, planning, and effort have limits—more than we admit. Where does the supernatural fit into your story? This weekend, we conclude "Rock and Sand" by expl…

Do you ever pray and wonder if it works? Are you doing it right? Is God truly listening? Doubts can easily lead us astray from our prayer life. This weekend, I share a personal approach to prayer that I've developed over the past 30 years. Let's call it "Seven for the Soul." We all need to find a way to pray that goes beyond simply asking for favor…

Rock or sand – we all face the choice of how we build our lives. But where do we begin? How can we ensure real change, significant growth, and measurable victories become part of our story? One habit, more than any other, has been the cornerstone of my life, fueling change, growth, and victory. This weekend, we share that practice with you. First t…

We’re in that calendar moment between Christmas and New Year—which has me looking forward to what could be while I appreciate what has been. This weekend we're doing both. We’re celebrating where God has taken us with thankfulness and we're looking at some words from Jesus to guide us into a New Year. This Sunday, One Service Only—All Together at 1…

Merry Christmas!!! First time listening to our podcast? We’d like to get to know you! Head over to: http://bit.ly/connectcardccc. Connect with us! Do you have any prayer request? DM us. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capecodchurch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capecodchurch/ Website: http://capecodchurch.com Connect Card: https://bit.ly/…

Do you ever wish you could go back and experience Christmas through the eyes of a child? The wonder, the sleepless excitement, the cherished traditions... and not having to wrap a single gift! As we grow older, it’s easy for the magic of Christmas to fade. The story can feel overly familiar. Even if you didn’t grow up attending church, you’ve proba…

A Christmas celebration is for everyone... but when you add children to the story, it gets even better (and harder). And this Sunday we’ve added the children into the celebration. We’ve told you the story of Christmas, we’ve uncovered some surprising gifts for families, and yes, we did party after! First time listening to our podcast? We’d like to …

A part of the joy of Christmas is the element of surprise. Under the tree, a collection of bags and boxes sits neatly (or sometimes not so neatly) wrapped. Surprise is an essential part of the story. It has been that way since the very beginning. Christmas itself is a surprise. We often expect one thing when searching for life's answers, yet Jesus …

Be Full Wrapped Up with...A Celebration! These past weeks have been encouraging reminders of how God is at work and how we can be a part—and, how full that makes life. This Sunday, we wrapped it all up with a trip both across the street and around the world. Two very different places with one thing in common...they are both full of people God loves…

This Sunday is our annual Turkey Drive for our community. But it's more than turkeys—it's a celebration of generosity and impact! You've met our community partners from across Cape Cod. You've heard stories of how your generosity is bringing life to vulnerable kids and families. You've cheered to hear the progress in our annual "Be Full" mission ca…

First time listening to our podcast? We’d like to get to know you! Head over to: http://bit.ly/connectcardccc. Connect with us! Do you have any prayer request? DM us. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capecodchurch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capecodchurch/ Website: http://capecodchurch.com Connect Card: https://bit.ly/connectcardccc…

We've talked about the promise of the future, the promise of "over/under-responding," and the promise of a God who will fill our lives. We're concluding with a promise for unpacking our baggage, moving on from hurt, and discovering a key to fresh beginnings. We all carry wounds that can sometimes sabotage our relationships. Join us to learn how to …

Modern dating can be… challenging. But if you’re dating, you want to get it right. So what can help? Ancient Scripture actually offers a lot of wisdom for modern issues. It turns out we’re all operating under a few myths that make dating even harder than it has to be. Listen to this sermon and learn how to navigate modern dating with fewer regrets.…

"Let's figure it out." There's a better way to navigate conflict—and this weekend we're talking about a single promise you can make to yourself and to each other. This promise will help you cool down your most heated conflicts and untangle your most complicated relationship traps. Jesus didn't say this promise would be easy... but it does work. And…

Promises, promises! We’re kicking off a new series this weekend, focusing on 4 keys to building fulfilling relationships. Marriage can be challenging, but it’s worth it, and these 4 promises will help you create the relationship you’re hoping for. Let’s begin by exploring the power of a promise—how can a promise make a difference? And what exactly …

I always feel bad for Superman… so much strength and yet, a simple rock of kryptonite nearly would ruin him! Kryptonite, a fictitious rock has become the cultural metaphor we all know, and probably need. What’s your kryptonite? Gideon is about to find out, and it’s a familiar story that doesn’t end well. The Bible has its own word for kryptonite (H…

Every hero has a superpower, which is what makes them, well, "Super." Perhaps you played a game as a child, "If you could have one superpower, what would it be?" Maybe you imagined flying, controlling the weather, or possessing that "man of steel" strength. You get the idea. In real life, there's an often overlooked superpower, and I bet you know p…

Oxford University Press declared it the word of the year… and it’s not even a word, not really. Rizz … yep, that’s it—Rizz! If you’re unsure what I am talking about, find your closest Gen Z friend and catch up. Rizz is the colloquial next-gen term for Charisma (but don’t try this out in public). If you’re over 30, or any age, ...it’s hard to pull o…

Who was your favorite superhero as a child? And what were their superpowers? Every hero has unique abilities that make them extraordinary. While Superman might not be walking through your door, you are. What the world needs now isn't a superhero, but it might be for someone reading this. There's an ancient book of heroes, often overlooked (I'll exp…

Last Sunday, many of us gathered at the beach after church to celebrate the baptism of 58 people as they publicly proclaimed their faith in Jesus! It was a beautiful day filled with cheering, tears of joy, and laughter. With over 100 people there to celebrate with us, it was truly a community event. "Community" is a word we use a lot at church—most…

The Road Trip concludes this weekend. Paul's journey reaches its finale, and it won't surprise you that he finished well. Paul leaves us with an inspiring final act and two powerful lessons on living and finishing well. We’ve finished up at the ocean, celebrating with a crowd of people declaring their faith in Christ through baptism. Thank you to t…

Yep, it’s that time of year—back to school! So, we’re throwing a party to celebrate, and we’ve got something for everyone: a special gift to support the teachers in our community, a digital guide for parents, a gift and a bounce house for the kids, and smoothies on the patio for everyone! This is the perfect weekend to invite a friend! We’ve discus…

From a dusty road to Damascus and a providential encounter—Paul has been on a journey, a road trip. Make no mistake, this is a planned trip, but Paul was not the master planner—God was! Three epic journeys would serve as the map, but behind it all, God was at work to change the world. And we see it happening as Paul’s journey moves toward its final…

Paul, one of history's most influential figures, embarked on three epic journeys, spreading the story and example of Jesus across numerous cities. Over years of travel, he sowed seeds of faith that blossomed into vibrant communities. The power lay not in Paul, but in the message of Jesus. This weekend, we explore three ways to plant those same seed…

We admit it--we may bit addicted to the Olympics. We watched a badminton gold medal match between Denmark and Thailand! The modern Olympics began in 1896, but what makes the Olympic Games truly fascinating is their ancient origins. They originally ran for over 1,000 years (796 BC - 393 AD) and were even part of Paul’s story. In the next chapter of …

It's Intern Sunday at Cape Cod Church! Our summer interns take the stage to share what they've learned; lead us in worship; and premier some special projects. With our young leaders at the helm, we continue our 'Road Trip' series! We've followed the Apostle Paul through a lot already: diverse cities, intense opposition, and hard conversations. We v…

We've been following Paul's journey, and this week we find him at a pivotal moment: in the middle of a fight, middle-aged, and mid-journey. A lot has changed for him: new friends, a revamped work strategy, and a broadened perspective. There's a lot we can learn from a man in the middle–both good and bad. Some of the lessons may just surprise you! F…

People are fickle; one day they're with you, the next day the crowd has moved on. Or worse, moved against you. The inevitable result is conflict. Conflict begins within us but doesn't always stay there, and perhaps it shouldn't. Paul's story is a lesson in crowds and conflict. He teaches us what to watch for, what to fight for, and how to do it Jes…

Our "Road Trip" through Paul's life has just begun, but the tension is real and rising. If you typically feel that pain, resistance, and struggle are signs of failure—a warning to turn back or to change course—you may miss out on some of life's richest rewards. God often sees a hero where we see a zero. Our indicators for failure are not His indica…

"Life is a highway," they say. (Yes, Lyrics is back for summer 2024.) Life is a journey, and we’re all heading somewhere. That journey can sometimes feel random, or even worse. Is God at work in your story? Does He have a plan for your road, a destination, a calling for your life? Paul’s epic road trip is about to begin, and it offers answers to al…

No one likes packing for a road trip. We may look forward to the trip, but packing is part of the process, not the joy. Getting the packing list right can make all the difference in a trip. Paul is beginning one of the great journeys in history, but he has some packing to do—a season of preparation. Along the way, we will find the kind of people we…

Summer, road trips, and biographies – three of our favorite things that make a perfect combination. This summer, we're embarking on a road trip through the life of one of history's most influential figures: Paul. He was also known as Saul, or simply "The Apostle." Let's begin with the two events that transformed his life. Instead of stale stories f…

We’re almost done with the valley series, and we want to end with a reminder of how beautiful valleys can be. This may sound impossible or even offensive, depending on how deep your current valley is. But it’s true: as painful as the valley can be, it’s also a place of beauty. We often recognize this in hindsight. However, you don’t have to wait. Y…

We've been in the valley, the ‘Valley of Vision.’ Now, we're discovering a paradox: it's in the hard, hemmed-in places that we gain a clear view of how God works. But how do we hone our vision? In this sermon, we explore how to clearly discern God in the valley and find peace. It’s a path of paradox, but it’s a path accessible to both you and me. F…

Remember when you were little? Do you recall what you were afraid of? When did that change? When did you exchange one set of fears for another? Oh yes, that’s what we did—we exchanged old ones for new ones. Our point is that old fears lost their power over us. They may even seem silly now. Valley Vision is a new way of looking at valleys, and it’s …

How do you handle valleys? You know what we mean: how do you deal with hard times and hurt? How is it working for you? We don't mean strategically, like "Are you winning?" How is your soul, your joy, in the valley? A surprising amount of the Bible is devoted to addressing anxiety and how to overcome it. This reflects an ancient yet modern problem: …

Each of us comes out of the womb trying to make sense of the world around us. The sights, sounds, and sensations—what do they mean, and what do we do with that information? To whom or where do we go to receive guidance? And when our role is to be the guide, how do we encourage another person to develop an 'ear to hear' what the LORD is saying? This…

Nothing beats a good recommendation from a local. Best Mother’s Day brunch? Favorite ice cream stand, top hike with your dog? The hidden gem that most people aren’t aware of, but should be? (This last one is a personal favorite.) This is how good news spreads... and it’s also how the story of Jesus has been shared around the world. I know there may…

I’ve been a pastor for over 30 years now, so it won’t surprise you that I’ve heard a few stinging criticisms of Christianity. You know why they’re stinging... because they're true, at least to some extent. That's the part that really hurts. What do we do with the baggage of Christianity, the stuff done in the name of Jesus throughout history, and y…

“Jesus is a well-loved teacher,” that’s hardly a controversial statement. “Jesus is “The Only Way” - these are outrageous words. In a pluralistic and even secular society, exclusive claims are the most egregious. You may even cringe when you hear it said aloud. As we continue with the series ‘Jesus Among the Gods’, we’ll explore how the exclusive c…

According to ChatGTP, Jesus is the most famous person in the world. But He’s also the most controversial. We may agree that He’s a big deal, but exactly what His deal is… not so much. As we kick off our series, we’ll look at Jesus among the gods: How does Jesus compare to other religious icons, and is he an exclusive kind of guy? We’ll talk about t…

The Secret Life of Confident People… a finale! Paul has made his case, laid out a theology, encouraged us with strong and memorable promises, and filled us with lasting security. That seems to be part of the goal—an enduring confidence not shaken by circumstances, not subject to the whims of our emotions, grounded in the most unshakable truth of al…