Gooch Lane Church of Christ Podcast

A sermon given by Ben Williams on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount opens with a startling observation: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Flying in the face of human reasoning, Jesus asserts that it is those who humble themselves who will find their way to His kingdom. This coming Sunday, in a sermon entitled “Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit,” we will discuss how one develops this disposition and ho...

A sermon given by Gary Crafts on August 9, 2026.

For the people of God, the term atheist brings to mind both sadness and grief; sadness because one ignores the evidence of God's existence, and grief because of the eternal implications. Rarely, however, does a Christian recognize that he or she can face a similar danger, even while professing faith in God. This sermon will examine this grave and common temptation: living one's life professing...

The mention of the word modesty typically brings to mind clothing, measurements, and decency. Biblically, however, it is much more. As Paul wrote to Timothy, he instructed the young evangelist regarding matters of modesty that relate to both men and women. While the subject of clothing is an important part of his discussion, Paul's teaching also addresses the deeper foundation of godliness, exp...

Lack of appetite can result from sickness or from being filled with the wrong foods. Perhaps both contributed to the spiritual condition in first-century Laodicea, causing the Christians there to lose their hunger and thirst for righteousness. The Lord’s warnings to this church were serious, and they echo across the centuries to modern churches that struggle with the same dilemma. This sermon ...

At first glance, Matthew 5:31–32 can seem out of place in the Sermon on the Mount. Amid discussions of building solid kingdom principles, the Lord's brief words on divorce seem better suited for another teaching. To take this view, however, is to miss the wisdom of our all-knowing Lord. This sermon will explore the Lord's teaching and its purposeful placement within the Sermon on the Mount. It ...

This "Question & Answer" sermon is focused on three questions submitted in the past few months. Recorded on July 5, 2026

For years, churches have labored to make a clear distinction between the Lord’s Supper and the collection. The concern is that Christians might view these two Sunday practices as one and, in doing so, miss the significance of each. At the same time, to say they are entirely "separate and apart" is to overlook an important bond they share. This sermon will explore that common bond and demonstrat...

This is the fifth and final of five lessons from our gospel meeting series titled “First Things First” with visiting preacher Bubba Garner from Pasadena, Texas. Recorded July 1, 2026

This is the fourth of five lessons from our gospel meeting series titled “First Things First” with visiting preacher Bubba Garner from Pasadena, Texas. Recorded June 30, 2026

This is the third of five lessons from our gospel meeting series titled “First Things First” with visiting preacher Bubba Garner from Pasadena, Texas. Recorded June 29, 2026

This is the second of five lessons from our gospel meeting series titled “First Things First” with visiting preacher Bubba Garner from Pasadena, Texas. Recorded June 28, 2026

This is the first of five lessons from our gospel meeting series titled “First Things First” with visiting preacher Bubba Garner from Pasadena, Texas. Recorded June 28, 2026

Faithful living is a lifelong process. From our baptism forward, it is essential that we continue to increase our faith in God and our holiness in both thought and action. Still, it is easy to get off track. Sometimes we allow our actions to display purity while our hearts are filled with less-than-holy desires. Conversely, it is possible to have good intentions and noble thoughts while paying ...

A sermon given by Caleb George on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

A sermon given by Kevin Henson on Sunday, Jun 7, 2026.

Betrayal hurts, especially when it comes from someone who is loved. A first-century carpenter faced what appeared to be betrayal but chose mercy over retribution. Though he later learned that there had been no betrayal, he is used by the gospel writer Matthew to present a picture of genuine righteousness. This sermon will explore Matthew’s teachings on righteousness and how Joseph sets the stan...

A sermon given by Jeremy Wilcox on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

An inheritance is special; it demonstrates the love one has for another by bequeathing things of value, whether monetary or sentimental. The New Testament is filled with language concerning inheritances, with “inheriting the kingdom” holding a prominent place in the discussion. The means by which this inheritance is given and obtained are of utmost importance and will be the topic of this sermo...

At first glance, Lot and Rahab seem to have little in common. Separated by centuries and coming from very different circumstances, these two biblical figures would not seem natural subjects for comparison. Yet a closer examination reveals many parallels, all centering on salvation from destruction. While their stories share many similarities, their responses to impending judgment differ sharply...

The account of Jericho’s demise is one of the best-known passages in the Bible and presents a clear picture of God’s power over evil. In a most unusual display, He instructed His people to march around the city once a day for six days, and seven times on the seventh day. Only then did the walls fall. Thus, the writer of Hebrews states, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had bee...

With His earthly work completed, Jesus prepared to ascend back to the Father. Before departing, He gathered His disciples for one last command, often identified as His “Great Commission.” While these words gave essential direction to His apostles, they also challenge and comfort His modern-day followers. This sermon will delve into these important words and reveal the comfort offered to His fol...

The account of the tower builders at Babel is one of the more unusual accounts in the Bible. With blatant disregard for God, they chose their own authority, their own project, and their own way of making a name for themselves. However, this was not to be; God brought their arrogance to an end by confusing their language, which led to their dispersal. Though this occurred many years ago, the le...

“You don’t control me.” It’s the cry of an angry teen… a frustrated spouse… a heart pushing back against authority. But while it may win an argument, it doesn’t reflect reality. The truth is simple: everyone is controlled by something. The only question is—what? Writing to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul points us to a different kind of control—the control of Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:...

This "Question & Answer" sermon focused on three questions submitted by attendees in the past few months. A sermon given by Greg Chandler on April 5, 2025

Where does a Christian go when he or she dies? This question has long been discussed and debated as the people of God contemplate the life to come. The Bible is not silent on this topic; it offers a number of descriptions that help form an answer. Location, however, is not of primary importance, as indicated in one of Jesus’ final prayers to His Father. This sermon will focus on Jesus’ view of...

Suffering for Jesus is not unexpected, yet it can leave one spiritually diminished if one is not careful. As the Thessalonian saints faced persecution, Paul wrote words of encouragement, reminding them that those who cause their suffering will face God in judgment, while those who remain faithful in suffering will receive the reward promised by God. We will explore this passage in this sermon....

There’s something especially surprising about eating what you expect to be sweet, only to discover too late that it’s bitter. Interestingly, the Bible uses this idea of bitterness to describe an attitude that has turned away from joy and hope because of real or perceived hardships in life. This sermon will explore what Scripture teaches about the problem of bitterness—what causes it and how ci...

After teaching His followers not to worry about food, drink, or clothing, Jesus offers a strong admonition and promise: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” But what, exactly, will be added? This question will be explored in this sermon. The study will focus on what God has promised, His timing in fulfilling those promises, and w...

Jesus spoke often about entering His kingdom, but one statement in particular must have startled His disciples: “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it” (Mark 10:15). In a world that values independence and self-sufficiency, Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God is received in a very different way — with the simple trust of a child. What...

Almost every parent can relate to making a child apologize by requiring an “I’m sorry” to pass from the offender’s lips. Rarely is this heartfelt; however, it does illustrate that we often link the request for forgiveness with the spoken word. While this is important, Scripture also highlights another major (yet often neglected) aspect of biblical forgiveness: honor. This sermon will explore t...

Cain and Abel may be the best-known brothers in human history; however, they are remembered not for their brotherly bond, but for murder. When jealousy flared over their sacrifices to God, Cain let emotion rule over humility. Though this happened long ago, the account of Cain still helps every person see the dangers of allowing sin to be master. This sermon will explore the ancient story of Cai...

It is essential that we never lose sight of Jesus’ identity and the power He holds. The Apostle Matthew certainly reinforces this idea in his Gospel account by devoting a great deal of attention to revealing Jesus as the Messiah with the power to heal. In one block of his Gospel account (4:23–9:35), he records the entirety of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount along with numerous healings to help reade...

The final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry witnessed an onslaught of opposition from Jerusalem’s religious elite. Motivated by anger, envy, and fear, they worked to bring both Jesus’ work and his life to an end. Amid the clamor, the Gospel of Mark records a thoughtful conversation between Jesus and a scribe, concluding with Jesus’ words that this man “was not far from the kingdom.” This sermon w...

Kingdom citizenship is a serious challenge; it calls one to examine every thought and action, aligning them with the values and mission of the King. It also demands careful consideration of every word spoken—and with the average American speaking over 13,000 words a day, that demand is especially daunting. One area of keen interest to the King is how His people speak of others; He forbids any f...

To put the kingdom first, the mission of the King is paramount. Faithful citizens trust that God's plan is both good and right; thus, they seek to implement it in its purity. However, there is a temptation to meddle with this plan (often with honorable intentions) and thereby show a lack of trust in the mission entrusted by the King. Citizens must remain vigilant to ensure this never happens. ...

Authority is an important concept, no matter the relationship under consideration. Those in authority promote an atmosphere where people can flourish when their actions are motivated by a desire for the well-being of others. God, the great King and Creator, holds humanity’s well-being in the highest regard; thus, the commands He has given are intended to help His human creation flourish. This s...

When Jesus commanded us to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,” he showed those who follow Him that true commitment to God means giving Him his rightful place of authority over every aspect of life. Yet what does such a life look like? This sermon will place Jesus’ statement in its original context and help us better understand how the Sermon on the Mount teaches citizens of ...

Royalty is quite literally a foreign concept for Americans. Living in a country founded on anti-king sentiment, citizens of this constitutional republic have grown accustomed to the ballot box rather than royal decree. God, however, is not a democratically elected leader; He cannot be removed after four years in office. God is King! In our first sermon of 2026, this ancient principle will be e...

Wish and hope are often used synonymously; however, there is a significant gulf between them. A wish is ephemeral and based simply on a desire for events to conspire in the manner we want. Hope rests on the solid foundation that, while situations in the present may not seem to be working toward a satisfactory conclusion, there is promise and proof that they will. This coming Sunday, a sermon ti...

Waiting is typically not an enjoyable experience. Sitting in a doctor’s office at 3:30 p.m. for a 1:00 p.m. appointment, seeing a string of vehicles queued up at a traffic light, or hearing the chorus of a song for the thirtieth time while on hold are all tests of patience. Still, waiting is not always a negative experience. Throughout the Bible, the people of God are admonished to wait on the ...

Standards are of extreme importance. Teachers expect students to meet the standards of excellence in education; employers expect employees to achieve the company’s set standards; organizations expect volunteers to work toward the standards necessary to achieve their stated goals. If this is true in human relationships, it is most certainly true in our relationship with God. This sermon will de...

Spiritual maturity can only occur when it is built on a solid foundation—and this foundation is what God has revealed to us in His inspired Word. Christians, therefore, must be serious about their attitude toward the Word and what it provides. This sermon will examine the attitude we must have toward the Word, along with practical suggestions for growing in it. A sermon given by Greg Chandler ...

As the year begins to draw to a close and a new one comes into view, it is a meaningful time when reflection and anticipation meet. Businesses, organizations, and individuals will soon look back on 2025 to assess whether progress has been made. This is also a valuable practice for the people of God. Like the groups mentioned above, we must use the proper standard to gain an accurate picture. Th...

Judas holds a dark place in the Bible story, with the gospel writers consistently referring to him as the one who betrayed the Lord. Though deeply villainous, the outcome of this wayward apostle’s life teaches important principles about how one can forfeit a great gift with tragic consequences. This sermon will explore how the actions of this apostle serve as warning signs for any child of God ...

A sermon given by Andrew Boyd on October 16, 2025.

“The judgment seat of Christ” can fill Christians with a great amount of trepidation and fear. The thought of standing before Him to give an account of one’s life quickly brings to mind all of the failures along the way. However, is this how Christ wants His people to think? This sermon will explore the Apostle Paul’s message to the Corinthians on how we can not only remove fear from this judgm...

Difficulties in life can have one of two major impacts on faith: they can create a stronger trust in God or bring one to turn away from Him in distrust. The Apostle Paul faced numerous difficulties in his life, many of which were brought on by His faith in Jesus. Rather than turning from His Lord, He allowed these challenges to bring greater strength. This sermon will explore Paul’s explanation...

Throughout human history, God has used unique methods to demonstrate important concepts regarding His relationship with His people. One such illustration was a tent in the center of the ancient Israelites’ camp. This was no ordinary tent: it represented God’s presence with His people. It symbolized God’s promise to dwell among them. Though the tabernacle is gone, its message remains relevant fo...