Church in the Loop: Recent Episodes
Church in the Loop
Our mission is to reach people for Christ, teach them how to grow in the Christian faith, and help them teach others. We long to touch the hearts of Chicago and the world with the heart of God’s love.
There are news headlines every day that remind us of how broken this world truly is. Very broken. And we are too. But in Micah 7, God reminds us that He loves us, YOU, deeper than you could ever love yourself.
When something shakes you, gets your attention, often God is speaking through that. It's important that we keep an open mind, and ask the Lord to help us to listen to what He is saying. Nehemiah did that, and it changed his life. Are you ready for your life to change?
Do you have the heart of a warrior? Let's seek after that! Learn three ways in Nehemiah 11. Let's make this world a better place, let's live out our faith in Christ!
No matter what you face, Death never has the last word with God. Be encouraged by Nehemiah 7!
Do you feel like your life is a big grind? And there's nothing exciting but just daily responsibility, over and over again? This chapter in Scripture is for you! We all go through those "orphan chapters"--those chapters of life that are not that exciting to talk about. But God is actively involved in them, down to the little details. Be encouraged!
When you think of death, is it a dead end (no pun intended!), or, is it a gateway to a brighter future with the Lord? In this passage, we see that Sarah's death and burial point to a greater reality--the death and resurrection of Christ. And that can be a greater reality for you too.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Let's give people a picture of what Jesus looks like, by practicing these five traits in Job 1:1. Ultimately, they paint a picture of Jesus, and that's who we want the world to see through us.
We all have too much stuff. The same holds true in our walk with Jesus. Let's take a fresh look at purging some stuff from our lives so we can follow Jesus in greater dedication, a less is more approach.
James wrote his letter with lots of coaching for us as followers of Jesus. He wraps it up with a final WHAT and a final WHY. Listen and be challenged to live differently!
Remember the cannonball splash in the swimming pool? We all want to make a big splash in life. But according to Jesus, there's a different way to do that, that most honors God AND reaches others. Let's see how in this passage together.
None of us likes to wait. It's boring and often frustrating. But, what if waiting is part of God's plan? Well, wait for it (lol), it is....
We all want to escape. But what if our escape is really a distraction from being where God wants us to be, and becoming who God wants us to become? Let's see how Jesus, as a baby, was taken to Egypt, to prove to you, that he is greater than your Egypt.
How do you react when life doesn't go your way? When things seem really frustrating? In this passage of Scripture, we see the secret: we need to humble ourselves, like Jesus did. Let's practice this!
A Bible scholar was once asked, "If you could sum up everything the Bible says, what would it be?" He answered, "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so." Let's look at a passage of Scripture that tells us exactly this!
When I was a child, I once got lost. It was a horrible experience! But it felt so good to be found. In the same way, God wants to find you, and He won't give up until He does.
We look for, and even catch glimpses of it, but we no longer live in the Garden of Eden. Life has a way of quickly reminding us of that, doesn't it? In this passage today, we see a promise much deeper and stronger than the problems we face.
Two men. They both go to the Temple to pray. But only one connects, and is forgiven. Why? And which one better describes you?
In this story, we'll see how Jesus wants to take you by the hand, and give you new eyes to see.
Jesus is at work in every human heart, including yours. As we live our lives, how can we join with Jesus in his work, his road construction, in the hearts of the people around us? Let's talk about that...
We breathe a bunch every day, so much that it's natural, we don't even think about it. In this passage of Scripture, we see how understanding better what Jesus did for you and me on the cross, is like breathing with new freshness and strength. Be blessed as you take a deep breath, knowing more and more how Jesus changes your life forever.
Walking home, I saw it. A used empty water bottle laying on the ground. I felt I should pick it up. But, it was dirty, it was used, it was trash. What should I do? In the same way, we live in this 'holy tension'-- trying to follow Jesus, but still not perfect either. How can we do this? And how can we become better followers of Jesus as we go through life in this broken world?
Wouldn't it be great if we could find a way to rise above our circumstances. Maybe that's why we always dream of winning the lottery, lol. But in this story, we'll see how we can rise above, in Jesus, for every situation we face.
In this story, we see a man who finds himself in a desperate situation. He goes to Jesus for help, and Jesus becomes the difference-maker in his story. Jesus wants to be the same in your own story. Will you invite him in? He's ready and willing!
Sometimes we can feel like we're in a spiritual rut. Like we are stuck, and the wheels won't turn. In this passage of Scripture, Jesus gives us hope, a way out. Take it today!
Do you have broken dreams? We all do...and sometimes that can be very painful. In this passage, we'll see how Jesus wants to be the answer to your broken dreams, the broken places in your heart.
Do you feel thirsty, in your soul? This world will leave us feeling like that! But God cares, and He provides heavenly refreshment for you, through Jesus. Let's use the word W.A.T.E.R. to see how you can drink of this spiritual water that only Jesus gives.
One of the lessons that the Lord is trying to teach us is how to practice mindfulness in Christ for every moment. The life of the Apostle Paul shows this, by his many imprisonments. Instead of fighting our circumstances, let's learn how to experience the presence of Christ more fully in them.
Let Jesus transform the desert places of your life, and bring you into a new chapter of adventure and love and meaning with him!
The early Christans in the ancient city of Corinth faced a real challenge. In such a huge, metropolitan city, how could they stand out for Jesus when they struggled with materialism and compromise too? Paul knows their struggle is real, and he gives a simple, anchoring solution--the key! And it's also the answer for us today too, because our world is not much different than the struggles these early Christians faced. Listen, and let this root you in being different for Christ!
From the cradle to the grave, we live in boxes. But one Man changed all that, when he rose from the dead, and broke free from his box. Now, Jesus, as the God-man, offers you that same freedom, to live outside the box. Will you receive this gift of new life today?
What if God rescued you, to put you in places to show His love in broken places? That's right! Knowing this will empower you to live an extra-ordinary life, for the glory of God. Let's see how these Scriptures show us how...
Like exercise machines at the gym, these four questions can help us grow closer to Jesus. They each target a different area of your life. Be encouraged and changed!
Do you feel tired and hopeless? We all struggle like that sometimes. In this passage, we'll see how our hope in Jesus unlocks four benefits for everyday life.
How can we "die" to the Lord? In this message, we'll see three ways in which we can put aside our selfish hearts to embrace a new life in Jesus that reflects his love to the world around us.
As followers of Jesus, how can we experience more of God? Let's see how, as we L.I.V.E. for the Lord.
I love to travel, but I always take too much stuff! How can we travel lightly in the Kingdom of God? And how can we live more like a local, and less like a spiritual tourist?
When we say, God loves you, what does that mean? We'll see three life-changing ways in which God's love works within us.
Main Scriptures: Matthew 5:6, Luke 10:38-42
In this episode Ralph talks about what it means to hunger and thirst after righteousness.
In this message, we'll see three ways Jesus wants you to experience true freedom. It can be yours!
As we dive into this passage together, we'll see how Jesus uses a "play on words" to show us how our troubles can transform us more and more into his character for the real world.
Faith in Christ is a journey. We're always growing, deepening, and expanding in our understanding and practice. This message focuses on three ways Jesus wants to do this with you. Listen and be encouraged!
Jesus is exclusive AND inclusive. He wants to share his ownership with you, but what does that mean? Listen as we learn together...
Message from Pastor Brian from Church in the Loop.
Main Passage: Matthew 2
Website: https://www.churchintheloop.com/
Message from Pastor Brian from Church in the Loop.
Main Passage: Matthew 2:1-12
Website: https://www.churchintheloop.com/
Message from Pastor Brian from Church in the Loop.
Main Passage: Mark 1: 12-13, 35
Website: https://www.churchintheloop.com/
Message from Pastor Brian from Church in the Loop.
Main Passage: Mark 1: 12-31
Website: https://www.churchintheloop.com/
Message from Pastor Brian from Church in the Loop.
Main Passage: Mark 16: 9-20
Website: https://www.churchintheloop.com/
Message from Pastor Brian from Church in the Loop.
Main Passage: Mark 16:1-8
Website: https://www.churchintheloop.com/
Message from Pastor Brian from Church in the Loop.
Main Passage: Mark 16:1-8
Website: https://www.churchintheloop.com/