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Chuck Smith

Chuck Smith (1927 - 2013). American pastor and founder of the Calvary Chapel movement, born in Ventura, California. After graduating from LIFE Bible College, he was ordained by the Foursquare Church and pastored several small congregations. In 1965, he took over a struggling church in Costa Mesa, California, renaming it Calvary Chapel, which grew from 25 members to a network of over 1,700 churches worldwide. Known for his accessible, verse-by-verse Bible teaching, Smith embraced the Jesus Movement in the late 1960s, ministering to hippies and fostering contemporary Christian music and informal worship. He authored numerous books, hosted the radio program "The Word for Today," and influenced modern evangelicalism with his emphasis on grace and simplicity. Married to Kay since 1947, they had four children. Smith died of lung cancer, leaving a lasting legacy through Calvary Chapel’s global reach and emphasis on biblical teaching
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Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of recognizing God's sovereignty over human leaders, using King Uzziah's rise and fall as a cautionary tale. Uzziah, despite his early successes and prosperity, became an idol in the eyes of the people, which ultimately led to his downfall. Smith points out that God had to remove Uzziah for the prophet to truly see the Lord, highlighting the danger of ministers seeking personal glory rather than directing attention to Christ. The sermon serves as a reminder to focus on Jesus rather than human accolades, urging believers to lift up Christ instead of earthly leaders.
Isaiah 6:1
I. UZZIAH HIS GREATNESS. A. Entered throne at perilous times. 1. Grandfather & father both murdered. a. Both went after idolatry. B. Although only 16 years old he was very prosperous. C. He wrought great victories against the Philistines & Arabians. D. He fortified Jerusalem built towers & ingenious weapons of war. II. UZZIAH HIS MISTAKE II Chron. 26:8. A. His name spread abroad vs. 8. B. His name spread abroad for he was strong vs. 15. C. Everyone was saying UZZIAH THIS UZZIAH. 1. His name on lips of all the people. III. "IN THE YEAR KING UZZIAH DIED I SAW THE LORD HIGH AND LIFTED UP." A. God had to remove His idol Uzziah before His prophet could see Him. B. Great tragedy of many ministers & evangelists today. 1. Busy making a name for themselves. a. People go from service saying: 1. "Isn't he a wonderful preacher!" 2. "Isn't he a powerful speaker!" 3. He's marvelous. 2. How much better to lift up Christ to the extent that they will say: a. Isn't Jesus wonderful. C. Don't get your eyes on man. 1. A priest was once applauded as he entered the service. "Strange they should applaud the servant in the Master's House."
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Chuck Smith (1927 - 2013). American pastor and founder of the Calvary Chapel movement, born in Ventura, California. After graduating from LIFE Bible College, he was ordained by the Foursquare Church and pastored several small congregations. In 1965, he took over a struggling church in Costa Mesa, California, renaming it Calvary Chapel, which grew from 25 members to a network of over 1,700 churches worldwide. Known for his accessible, verse-by-verse Bible teaching, Smith embraced the Jesus Movement in the late 1960s, ministering to hippies and fostering contemporary Christian music and informal worship. He authored numerous books, hosted the radio program "The Word for Today," and influenced modern evangelicalism with his emphasis on grace and simplicity. Married to Kay since 1947, they had four children. Smith died of lung cancer, leaving a lasting legacy through Calvary Chapel’s global reach and emphasis on biblical teaching