Life is full of adventures, and the best ones might start with the smallest steps—or a birthday gift. Kris Vallotton begins his message with a humorous anecdote about his birthday: his wife gifted him a watch with a built-in compass. The subtext was warm and clear: he has a tendency to get lost and always exits a motel room the wrong way. The present was more than just a joke; it was a metaphor for how easily any of us might lose our sense of purpose in life and faith.
Kris’s sense of humor immediately draws the congregation in, breaking down boundaries and inviting everyone, regardless of where they are on their spiritual path, to relax and listen. It serves as a subtle reminder that even the most serious spiritual pursuits can include moments of joy, laughter, and humility. As the crowd joins hands in prayer, there is a sense of unity—a common desire that God would instill deep trust in each listener.
Rediscovering First Love: Faith that Moves Forward
Kris’ message is highly personal and universally relevant: the challenge of maintaining a faith that remembers its roots while striving for new heights. He thinks about Revelation 2, where Jesus gently summons the church back to its “first deeds,” the passionate actions of faith that flow from a heart that is newly in love with God.
Kris, however, does not stop with nostalgia. He highlights the actual contradiction that many Christians experience—the desire to reclaim that early, fervent faith while simultaneously desiring to progress from “faith to faith and glory to glory.” The Christian life is not supposed to be stagnant. The greatest efforts, the most important dreams, may still lie ahead. No matter your age or experience, there is always room to dream greater, believe for more, and leave a legacy of faith that will survive beyond your lifetime.
Anyone can join the Church of Sermons and be a part of the movement. It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, but where you’re willing to go with God.
The Fight of Faith: Holding on in Uncertainty
Life’s challenges are unavoidable. If you have friends, you will be lured into spiritual fights, whether for yourself or others. Kris draws on Paul’s instruction to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:18: “Fight the good fight, keeping the faith and a good conscience.” Faith, he claims, is a conflict. It is not passive; it necessitates active participation, perseverance, and, on occasion, raw courage.
This is not the type of fight in which you can win by fleeing or complaining when nothing occurs. Instead, you keep your trust alive even when the results are delayed. Faith entails standing in the gap for friends, family, and the community, even when prayers appear to go unanswered. Kris’ insight is heartening to people who question why their prayers do not result in sudden miracles: you are in the fight of faith, which is exactly where God wants you.
If you’re looking for a spiritual family to support you in your fights—whether for healing, provision, restoration, or hope—the Church of Sermons welcomes you. Anyone can participate, and everyone is invited to the adventure.
New Citizenship: Living Under the Law of Faith
Kris proceeds to a fundamental reality for all believers: when you accept Jesus, you are “transferred” out of the realm of darkness and into a new kingdom—the kingdom of God’s beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). This new citizenship entails new rules and methods of living. It is not about obeying ancient rules or practicing religion, but about living by “the law of faith.”
He provides a vivid image with the analogy of traveling to a new nation, where you must learn new laws, customs, and even which side of the road to drive on. The Christian life is no different. The old laws of greed, cynicism, and self-preservation have been replaced by the new laws of the Spirit: nothing is impossible, everything works together for good, humility is power, faith moves mountains, and joy fills every corner of the soul.
Kris outlines the “laws of faith” that now shape the believer’s reality. The believer’s hope is heavenly. Their fate is divine. Their legacy is ageless. Their children are blessed, their inheritance is safe, and their religion is “fantastic.” These aren’t slogans; they’re spiritual truths ready to be claimed by everyone willing to believe. The invitation to participate in this way of life is open. At the Church of Sermons, religion is more than a belief; it is the air we breathe.
Faith shapes reality; what you believe, you become
Kris switches the focus to the practical application of faith. Kris makes a startling claim based on Matthew 9: “Let it be done to you according to your faith,” when Jesus tells a blind man. Our lives may be more influenced by our religion than by our surroundings, education, or ability.
He poses the question: “What if your current life situation is directly related to your faith?” This is not about assigning blame, but about taking responsibility. Kris and his wife asked for their mortgage to be paid off, and God sent someone to do just that—nearly half a million dollars, paid in full. It’s a story that inspires hope not only in financial provision, but in all areas of lack or need.
Kris, on the other hand, is refreshingly honest—his religion is still weak in several parts of his life. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, places of strong faith and times where they feel as insignificant as “Pee-wee Herman,” as he quips. The task is to allow God to grow us, not to settle for static faith, but to go on to a deeper, broader trust in Him.
Obedience of Faith: Beyond Comfort Zones
Kris reminds us that Paul’s ultimate purpose was not to compel people to follow a set of regulations, but to achieve “the obedience of faith.” This implies that true faith is more than a belief; it is an action. Kris asks his listeners: Are you living beyond your means? Not by incurring debt, but by saying yes to tasks that only God can complete.
Living by faith entails venturing where you cannot go on your own. It entails believing God for the impossible, whether in your profession, family, ministry, or calling. It implies that anyone, regardless of background or riches, can lead a magical existence. The Church of Sermons is a family where going out in faith is not only acceptable, but encouraged.
Trials: The Testing Ground of Faith
Faith does not exist in a vacuum; it is forged through suffering. Kris relates an event from his days as an auto parts store owner in which an enraged customer tossed brake shoes, causing havoc. Kris saw that the fundamental issue was not anger, but an unmet need—what did the consumer really want?
In the same manner, Kris explains that every trial serves a purpose: to test our faith. Drawing on the account of Joseph in Psalm 105, he demonstrates how God’s promises might seem to go further away, not closer, after we receive them. Joseph was promised rulership, but his next destination was enslavement and prison. The word of the Lord “tested” Joseph until it came true.
The actual question is not, “What did I do wrong?”. still. “Will I still believe God when circumstances say otherwise?” The Israelites failed their test by murmuring. Only Joshua and Caleb, who maintained their faith, entered the promise. The Church of Sermons is a place where people learn not just to endure difficulties, but also to discover God’s purpose in them.
The Power of Declaration: Faith Is Voice Activated
Kris introduces another important principle of faith: it is “voice activated.” He quotes Mark 11, where Jesus says, “If you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed,’ and do not doubt in your heart, it will be done.” Faith isn’t quiet. It must be spoken, declared, and released.
In a lighthearted aside, Kris discusses his initial misunderstanding of the “prayer closet.” Taking it seriously, he cleared out a closet and prayed for a year! The lesson is clear: speaking to our mountains helps us develop in trust. When we announce God’s promises over our children, finances, health, and community, we are partnering with heaven. The angels reply, and spiritual wars are won.
Whether you whisper prayers in your car, shout them in your bedroom, or pray silently in your heart, the most essential thing is to express your faith. The Church of Sermons welcomes anyone who wishes to learn how to use their words as weapons of faith.
Cultivating a Faith-Filled Diet: What Are You Feeding On?
Just as our bodies require proper nutrition, our souls require a consistent diet of faith-building words. Kris refers to 1 Timothy 4:6, which warns against the spiritual junk food of uneasiness, doubt, and discontent. He admits to the all-too-common practice of spending hours on social media or the news and only a few minutes reading the Bible—and then wondering why anxiety follows.
The challenge is to feast on God’s Word, including predictions, testimonies, and stories of His faithfulness. What do you feed your soul? At the Church of Sermons, members encourage one another to develop spiritual habits that promote faith rather than fear.
Fear or Faith: Grasshopper Syndrome
Kris recounts the narrative of the twelve spies who scouted the Promised Land. Ten of them considered themselves as “grasshoppers” in comparison to the giants, whereas Joshua and Caleb saw the situation with faith. Kris agrees: “When you don’t have faith in you, people don’t have faith in you.”
Caleb’s perspective was vastly different; he saw giants as “daily bread.” Kris joked that John the Baptist, who ate grasshoppers, was symbolically overcoming the very thing that denied others their inheritance. The lesson is clear: fear paralyzes, whereas faith empowers.
He makes a harsh assessment: “You can’t reason a spirit of fear out of a faithless person; you can only cast it out.” Analysis can lead to paralysis if it is simply used to rationalize unbelief. Faith must be combined with courage and endurance if we are to receive heavenly favor and extraordinary success.
Worry, Doubt, and Squatters in Our Minds
Worry, Kris explains, is like a squatter living rent-free in the mind, eroding the house of faith from within. It sows seeds of destructive potential, infecting the imagination with fear and hopelessness. The antidote is simple: eliminate doubt in your thinking. Replace concern with trust, and anxiety with optimism.
If you’re weary of having anxiety rule your heart, the Church of Sermons is a place where you may learn to construct a strong “house of faith” one day at a time.
Faith Without Work: The Missing Catalyst
Kris reinforces the message by teaching from James 2:14–26. He emphasizes that faith without works is as lifeless as a body without the spirit. He draws on an analogy from his high school art class, which involved resin and catalysts. Without the catalyst, the resin remains sticky and worthless; with a few drops, it solidifies into a solid.
Works serve as the impetus for faith. Small actions—praying, texting, or setting a table—can transform hope into reality. Faith alone is insufficient; it must be accompanied by action. Kris’ counsel is practical: when you’re having a faith crisis, speak to your mountains, distance yourself from uncertainty, and begin doing something—anything—that is consistent with your religion.
At the Church of Sermons, you will be encouraged not only to believe, but also to act. This is a place where religion is always evolving, expanding, and discovering new expressions.
Faith in Action: Transforming Communities
Faith is both personal and corporate. Kris recounts how Bethel Church carries out its prophetic vision of “a city under the influence of the kingdom.” They invest financially, tutor youngsters, help the underprivileged, and collaborate with city officials—not to manipulate, but to bless.
Simple acts—a cup of water, a listening ear, and a clean park—become the foundations of a transformed community. This is the essence of the Church of Sermons: ordinary people doing remarkable things, inspired by living faith.
Prophetic Ministry: Healing and Restoration
Kris enters a period of prophetic ministry, delivering words of information and encouragement. He speaks of reconciliation for individuals with the surname Brown, healing for those battling hepatitis C or recuperating from catastrophic injuries, and hope for those suffering from depression.
He addresses a woman named Rhonda, declaring her release from despair and the return of fun in her home. He prophesies over a “Holy Spirit life coach,” confirming their call to lead and counsel with wisdom. He speaks to Caitlyn about his compassion and method for ministering to the destitute.
This is more than just emotional encouragement; it’s an invitation to experience God’s power in everyday life. The Church of Sermons welcomes anybody seeking hope, healing, and a new beginning.
Restoration of the Lost and Returning
As the ceremony comes to an end, Kris extends a heartfelt invitation: whether you don’t know the Lord, or if you’ve walked away and are returning, today is the day of restoration. God promises not just forgiveness, but also the restoration of years lost due to anguish and disappointment.
Kris declares that hope will be restored, brokenness will be healed, and God’s plans will be accomplished in every individual and family. This is not just for the elite or the “super-spiritual”; it is open to everybody who is prepared to say yes to Jesus. Anyone can join the Church of Sermons and be a part of this miraculous story.
The Call to Grow in Faith
Kris concluded his talk with a personal challenge. After fifty years of following Christ, he refuses to accept a spiritual plateau. He longs for more miracles, deeper love, and a legacy to inspire future generations. He urges everyone who listens to join him on this journey—not simply to believe, but to act; not just to dream, but to do.
Faith without works is dead, but faith energized by works breathes life into everything it touches. This is the essence of the gospel, the Christian journey, and the spirit of the Church of Sermons. Everyone is welcome, and anybody can participate in what God is doing.
Join the Church of Sermons, Faith for Everyone
Whether you are new to faith or an experienced believer, the invitation is open. The Church of Sermons is an open community where anyone can join. Faith is more than a private conviction in this context; it is a shared life expressed through action, compassion, and hope. If you’re yearning for more, hungry for miracles, and eager to witness God move in ways you’ve never seen before, this is your invitation.
The narrative is not over. The greatest works are still to come. Let us fight the good fight, speak to our mountains, and embody a vibrant religion.
Welcome home to the Church of Sermons.
