TRC Chattanooga Podcast

Homily - Sanctification Through Persecution

Peter tells new Jewish and Gentile converts scattered throughout the Roman Empire that persecution is normative and that it is a sign one is loved by God. Peter encourages Christians in his day to remain faithful because Jesus would be coming soon to judge the wicked religious leadership and others that were attacking His bride. Peter says that Christians have great hope in a God that has infinite creative power. Like Jesus we must purposefully place our lives in the hands of a God that loves us and will give us resurrection bodies when He returns for the final judgment. Listen as Fred Thompson delivers the homily to TRC Chattanooga from 1 Peter 4:12-19.

Exhortation - Ascension Sunday

Christians today are largely confused about what happened when Jesus ascended to heaven from the Mount of Olives after his resurrection and 40 days of appearances. Oddly enough, Jesus' own disciples were also confused, but after the giving of the Spirit they began to understand and they explained all these events to us in the writings of the New Testament. Therefore, we are Christians today ought not to be confused about the meaning of Christ's ascension. Listen as Elder Glenn Jones exhorts the congregation of TRC Chattanooga on the meaning and application of the ascension to our own live here in AD 2026.

Homily - That Your Joy May Be Full

John 15 stands as one of the most memorable allegories from Jesus' teaching ministry. "I am the vine, you are the branches." This sacramental worldview that Christ gives us is something we must both treasure and be formed by throughout our whole lives so that our joy may be full and complete. This is why the doctrine of union with Christ is fundamental to the Christian life. Listen as Elder Glenn Jones preaches from John 15 on the 6th Sunday of Eastertide.

Exhortation - Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to the mothers in our congregation and to those listening to our podcast! This past Sunday our exhortation was given to mothers from 1 Timothy 2:14-15. Paul uses a fascinating turn of phrase going from the singular, she, to the plural, they. What does it mean that women are 'saved through childbearing'? What are the implications for this saying in our day today? Listen as Elder Glenn Jones exhorts the congregation of TRC Chattanooga this Mother's Day Sunday.

Homily - Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

People look for comfort in all kinds of places. Most of them are worthless. But since we all have troubled hearts, where can the Christian turn for respite and know that their anxieties will be soothed? In John 14, Jesus has a command and a comfort for his disciples - and for us. Our ultimate help and source of solace is not to be found in this world. Listen as Elder Wes Keene preaches this week’s sermon at TRC Chattanooga.

Exhortation - Psalm 66:8

Singing praises to God is good. Very good. And Christ’s church is to bring the message of the Gospel to all people so that they would also sings praises to God. But singing isn’t the only way to praise God and it’s not the only way we can bring the Gospel to those outside the church. Listen as Elder Wes Keene exhorts the congregation at TRC Chattanooga, based on Psalm 66:8.

Homily - What Good Shepherding Looks Like

Jesus models what good shepherding looks like in John chapters 9 and 10. Jesus is angry with the religious leadership because of how they are shepherding His sheep and tells them so to their faces. Jesus calls the scribes and Pharisees thieves and robbers in the context of the celebration of the Feast of Dedication. The religious leadership knows that Jesus is referring to the theft of the office of High Priest and this infuriates them. Jesus invites everyone of every age to follow him to heaven. Listen as Fred Thompson preaches the homily to TRC Chattanooga.

Exhortation - 1 Peter 2:15-16

The Apostle Peter gives us a sober confidence when it comes to living the Christian life in the face of foolish and ignorant people. This fits very well with our current context here in the American South, as we continue to see more and more foolishness as many Christian nations decline in the West. Listen as Elder Glenn Jones exhorts the congregation of TRC Chattanooga with 1 Peter 2:15-16.

Homily - Open Our Eyes

When Jesus appears unbeknownst to two disciples on Easter Sunday, their eyes are unable to discern who he may be. They have closed eyes. But while Jesus explains all of Scripture to them, and their hearts even burn within them while he does so, something else is yet needed in order for their eyes to be opened. Listen as Elder Wes Keene preaches this week’s sermon at TRC Chattanooga.

Exhortation - Acts 2:44-45

Some people get confused by Acts 2. It’s understandable how someone could reach the conclusion that some kind of collectivism is called for in Scripture. But this is not correct. While Christians are absolutely obligated to be charitable, first of all, to other Christians - there is no biblical command to abandon property rights. Listen as Elder Wes Keene exhorts the congregation at TRC Chattanooga on Acts 2:44-45.