Pastor Chris' Podcast

In this sermon, I explain the Communion of Saints and why they matter to us today. I also share some important news about future plans for my ministry. You don't want to miss this.

Step into the eerie beauty of The Swamps of Tobesofkee — a haunting southern ballad that warns how desire can drag us down like mud beneath our feet. With its driving rhythm and vivid storytelling, the song pulls listeners deep into a world where the pursuit of treasure turns into a battle for the soul. 💭 Inspiration Behind the Song I grew up exploring a wild stretch of land near my childhood neighborhood known by kids as "The Flats", where the Tobesofkee Creek ran slow and muddy along the edge of a swamp. It was a mysterious place — part playground, part forbidden zone — filled with rutted dirt roads, muddy bogs, and the remains of things people threw away: broken furniture, rusted cars, and forgotten treasures. Years later, those memories became the foundation for this song — a parable about materialism and temptation. It’s a warning wrapped in rhythm: you think you own your stuff, but if you’re not careful, it starts owning you. Lyrics: “The Swamps of Tobesofkee” In the swamps of Tobesofkee, live demons, dark and cruel. I saw them in the dark woods, when I was just a boy in school. They caught my friends, possessed them, and left their souls in ruin. And if you don’t watch your step, you’ll sink in ruin too. Many went into those swamps, burning with desire. Went in to find a treasure, but fell into the mire. Once you sink into the mud, you struggle to get free, But you can’t escape the clutches of the Tobesofkee. (Chorus) Hello? (Hello! Hello!) Are you listening, my friend? Watch out! (Watch out! Watch out!) Or this will be your end! You think, (ya think, ya think, ya think) that treasure will give you freedom. But you can’t escape the clutches of the Tobesofkee. Now you might think you're safe if you steer clear of those woods. But the Tobesofkee roam to and fro, enticing with their goods. They plant their treasures all around, for everyone to see, And they’ll turn your life into a swamp with their awful, slimy deeds. (Chorus) Hello? (Hello! Hello!) Are you listening, my friend? Watch out! (Watch out! Watch out!) Or this will be your end! You think, (ya think, ya think, ya think) that treasure will give you freedom. But you can’t escape the awful hate of the Tobesofkee. You’ll push and pull, and twist and turn, just trying to get free, oh! Still clinging to that glittering gold, while sinking to the deep. The only hope for you, my friend, is finally to let go. What good is it to gain the world if you lose your very soul? (Listen!) (Final Chorus) Hello? (Hello! Hello!) Are you listening, my friend? Watch out! (Watch out! Watch out!) Or this will be your end! You think, (ya think, ya think, ya think) that treasure will give you freedom. But you can’t escape the awful hate of the Tobesofkee. No, you can’t escape the awful hate of the Tobesofkee. Let go or you will seal your fate with the Tobesofkee.

"Come Home to Cohutta" is more than a song about a town — it’s a call from the Father’s heart. It’s an invitation to leave behind the noise, come home to love, and find peace in the place you truly belong.

In this message, I share how God equips us with His full armor so we can stand firm against the forces of darkness. I talk about each piece of the armor—the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit—and how prayer strengthens it all. My hope is to encourage you to live with courage, knowing victory is already assured in Christ.

Discover how God calls us out of darkness into His light, giving us identity, hope, and purpose as His chosen people.