Hays Christian Church

Walking the Walk

Jennie Straight notes the declining state of the church today and details Martyn Lloyd-Jones' argument that living out Jesus' Sermon on the Mount would lead to great Christian revival.

And Justice for All

Our Pledge of Allegiance declares justice for all, so Joanne Tramel details the foundational topic of justice and how God directs us to advocate for the vulnerable in the our population. We are not to ignore the suffering of others.

By Their Fruit You Will Recognize Them

With the 2020 presidential election dawning closer, Steve Tramel outlines scriptural guidelines by which we can identify good and bad leaders. By observing their fruit of the spirit, we can recognize and support potential leaders who are living a Christ-like life

Joyful Unity (Part 4): Life or Death

In Philippians 1:19-26, Paul rejoices in his future, for better or worse, and the advances of the gospel that will result from his faithfulness. Can we say the same? To advance the gospel, we need to be praying that the Spirit moves in us and those with which we share the Good News.

Joyful Unity (Part 3): Gospel First

In Philippians 1:12-18a, Paul tells the church of Philippi that all he has endured was for the benefit of spreading God's Word and no matter what the motives of those who preach the Gospel are, he has reason to rejoice. We have no excuse to not share the Good News with everyone we can. 

What God Sees in Us

After updating us about the changes and state of Lakeview Christian Camp, Brian Barr challenges us to consider what God would find if He searched our hearts and souls. These days, there are many miserable Christians. They are trying to include sin and the World in their lives, but it only serves to taint the joy that living for God has to offer.

Joyful Unity (Part 2): Humility, Unity, and Love

Part 2 of our series "Joyful Unity" looks into Philippians 1:1-11, where Paul begins with a greeting to the church in Philippi and prays for thanksgiving and intercession. In just a few verses, Paul prepares them for the contents of the rest of the letter. Pastor Kevin guides us through all of the theological subtext that we can apply to our lives.

Joyful Unity (Part 1): Paul's First Visit to Philippi and the Introduction to the Book

Our new sermon series "Joyful Unity" comes from Philippians, Paul's personal letter to the church in Philippi. Pastor Kevin begins by setting the context for the letter, introducing us to 8 probable reasons for Paul's letter, and 4 important themes we can apply to our own lives today.

Seeing 2020 Through a New Lens

The year 2020 has been full of turmoil that only God could see coming, but Jennifer Urban outlines some of the things that we can learn from these days of crisis: How to fix our eyes on Christ, to love in a crisis, to care for our minds and spirits, to build an enduring faith, and to do our part to fight racial injustices. To see 2020 through a new lens, we need to pray.

Faith on Film: Jurassic Park (1993) - Just Because You Can, Doesn't Mean You Should

In the 1993 film Jurassic Park, an eccentric industrialist finances a team of scientists to recreate dinosaurs for a new theme park. However, things go wrong and everyone on the island is put in danger. Ian Malcolm, one of the guests, states, "Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should." 
The people of Israel demanded that Judge Samuel give them a king before God had intended and, as a result, they suffered under King Saul. We are also given freedom to make our choices, but we must be conscious to make decisions that honor God.

Faith on Film: Back to the Future (1985) - God Has a Plan

In the 1985 film Back to the Future, Marty travels back in time and interferes with key events between his would-be parents, preventing his eventual birth. To ensure his existence, he must set the timeline right again. When God has a plan, we know it's for the best and won't be thwarted, even if it is sometimes difficult to wait for His plan to become apparent.

Faith on Film: Kung Fu Panda (2008) - Your Secret Sauce

In the 2008 film Kung Fu Panda, Po is dedicated to working at his dad's noodle stand until he is chosen to be the Dragon Warrior. Po fails in his conventional training, but when he focuses on what he is familiar with, he is able to become a great warrior and defeat the villain. In 1 Samuel 17, we read about David, the shepherd boy who uses his faith in God and a single riverstone to slay the Philistine giant Goliath. Each of us has uniqueness that God gave us, so we must recognize what it is and use it for His glory.

Faith on Film: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) - Temptation: Make the Devil Flee

In the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, impoverished Charlie wins a tour of the strange and wondrous chocolate factory of Willy Wonka, contending for the top prize. A shady man named Slugworth approaches and offers a hefty payment in exchange for an Everlasting Gobstopper. After disqualifying from the top prize, Charlie proves his worthiness by returning the Gobstopper, showing he would rather walk away with nothing than betray Wonka.

Each of us face temptation, but we must be able to resist it, as Jesus did after the 40 days of fasting following His baptism. It is the Spirit can give us the power to resist.

Faith on Film: The Princess Bride (1987) - True Love

In the 1987 film The Princess Bride, true love is able to get Wesley through many obstacles, including death, and allow him and Buttercup to be reunited. True love such as that seems inconceivable! However, when we remember the vastness of God and His love for us, we know it exists and it exceeds any earthly bonds we could ever form.

Faith on Film: The Goonies (1985) - Know Your Enemy

In the 1985 film The Goonies, a group of friends take on evil in the form of an expanding country club and a dangerous crime family by racing for pirate treasure in order to save their homes from foreclosure. Good (God) and evil (Satan) are fighting today, but Satan has limited power. Keep ahead in the battle by knowing who Satan is and what his plan is for the Earth. 

Faith on Film: Up (2009) - Ready to Pivot

In the 2009 film Up, Carl's dream was to go to Paradise Falls in South America with his wife Ellie. Unable to go in Ellie's lifetime, the widower Carl gains the resolve to make it happen, but accidental stowaway Russell complicates his plan and his priorities shift. Are you ready to pivot when life throws you a curveball? Moses' life was full of pivots that he had to learn to accept and adapt. We also must learn to change and grow with the changes God sends our way. 

Faith on Film: Cool Runnings (1993) - How You Finish Matters

In the 1993 film Cool Runnings, four Jamaicans form a bobsled team and compete in the winter Olympics. In their finishing run, their sled overturns, but they prove their perseverance and honor in the sport by carrying the sled to the finish line. How we finish matters. We can't allow our spirit in Christ to backslide into sin because we can never know when our time on earth will be over or when Christ will return for our final judgement. 

Faith on Film: School of Rock (2003) - Focus on Others

In the 2003 film, School of Rock, disgraced rock musician Dewey Finn impersonates his roommate as a substitute teacher and is inspired to assemble a new rock band with the students. His ruse is discovered, but the kids impress at the Battle of the Bands, allowing Dewey to trade his rock star dreams for leading an after-school program. When we are going through our low points, the best remedy to overcome it is turning our focus on to God and helping other people. While we won't live up to Jesus' greatest example of sacrifice for us on the cross, we can still reflect the spirit in our everyday acts of kindness.

Faith on Film: That Thing You Do! (1996) - Fill Your Hearts with Jesus

In the 1996 film, That Thing You Do, a band creates a chart-climbing hit song and is fast-tracked to fame. However, as soon as they get what they want, their egos lead to the band's fallout. As we see from King Solomon, we also need to be careful, because when we allow our ego to fill our hearts, there becomes no room for Jesus. Without Jesus in our hearts, our demise is certain. 

Faith on Film: Inside Out (2015) - Living on Purpose

In 2015's Inside Out, emotions (joy, anger, disgust, fear, and sadness) staff the mind's control panel to respond to people's relationships and environment. But who is at your control panel? Do we allow ourselves to be ruled by our emotions or do we match the self-control of legendary athletes? As Paul tells us: run to win, be disciplined, and act with purpose.

One Nation Under God

In this message, Joanne Tramel lays out ways to keep the balance between our Christian and national loyalties. While not always in conflict, it's important to remember that our first citizenship lies in heaven, not the United States. 

Not for the Faint of Heart

In Mark 8:34-38, Jesus calls on the people, us included, to take up our cross and follow Him. Being a Christian comes with many challenges from the world and we are meant to stand firm no matter what temptations, persecution, or hardships come our way.

A Mother's Wages

In this message, Jennifer Urban looks in Exodus 1:6-2:10 to discuss on of the Bible's most overlooked mothers, Jochebed, mother of Moses. At a time when the pharaoh ordered the death of all Hebrew baby boys, Jochebed played a vital role in ensuring his safety and path to leading the Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt. A mother's wages is not material currency, but her children's growing faith in God.

Defying Expectations

In Mark 8:22-33, Jesus heals a blind man in two waves, which we can compare to the disciples' understanding of Jesus' identity. When He asks them who they say He is and tells them of His coming suffering, it is clear from Peter's responses that they do not fully understand that He is more than just the Messiah for the Jews' oppression under the Romans. Are we making the same mistake and holding Jesus to our expectations?

Jesus Is For You

In Mark 8:11-21, Jesus is approached by pharisees demanding a sign from heaven, but Jesus knows their hearts and vows to never give them one. Then, even after witnessing Jesus feed thousands of people, the disciples still worried about having too little bread with them. So, do not let the need to be right become more important than your relationships and do not be blinded by your problems when Jesus has the power to overcome them.

Jesus Walks on Water

In Mark 6:45-56, the disciples struggle against the wind and waves while crossing the lake ahead of Jesus. Seeing them, He walks on water towards them in order to comfort them in His holy divinity, but their cries of terror caused Him to join them in the boat and calm the waters. When we can focus on God, our problems fall away and we can endure them in peace. What is your focus on?