Ax Church with Lead Pastor Cameron Graper: Recent Episodes
Ax Church
Ax Church is about average people making Jesus famous. We believe that Jesus (His teaching, love, sacrifice) is the answer to the challenges that face the world today. You matter and you are here for a reason. Our goal is to help heal and empower you to accomplish God’s specific purpose for your life.This is the weekly podcast of Ax Church, led by Cameron Graper from LaSalle Peru, IL http://www.axchurch.com
A flood was coming... but would anyone listen? God is offering the same rescue today that He did all those years ago.
There are things that are shaky in your faith that need to be made solid. If you want to be ready for what God has next, you have to fix what is broken.
How do you handle anxiety when it comes into your life? You don't have to spin out of control.
What do you bring to the table? Is there a sacrifice necessary to come close to The Lord?
Father may be one of the most important titles you ever get called as a man on this earth. Don't take it lightly. Be strong and courageous.
God has not called us to be Christian-ish, but to be Christians who continually evaluate our faith, educate ourselves by studying His Word, and emulate Jesus and others whose lives have been transformed by Him.
Are you lacking power? The Holy Spirit is the one who gives us what we need to accomplish our calling in this journey of faith.
The Holy Spirit isn't supposed to just follow along in your life. He is meant to guide you through every season and do what you cannot.
On your journey of faith, you are gonna need help. The Holy Spirit isn't an optional extra. He is a critical helper.
Our lives have parts that are seen and parts that are secret. Jesus taught on these secret things.
What is it that you are meant to do in these next years? Is it possible God has you here to be part of a greater mission?
What story do you want your children to tell about you someday? Will you pass down curses or hand down honor?
Are there shortcuts to tearing apart the life that has taken you so long to build? You bet! Let's start by bending the world around your pride and sin?
If your life is going too well... we can fix that. You can tear down everything you have built by the end of the month!
What if Jesus rising from the dead was more than just a story? What if this reality changed everything for your life today?
If God is real, why is there such pain and suffering? Does it all get better if we become Christians?
Will we know and recognize our family in heaven? Could eternity be even more beautiful than we image?
Each of us have the opportunity to build a kingdom while we are alive. The question is whether we will build our kingdom or His.
How many days do you have left? Has your busy or lazy lifestyle kept you away from some of the most important parts?
How can you fill that spiritual emptiness inside? You can't consume enough to fill what's missing.
People often wonder... "what's God's plan for my life?" But what if the process to find His plan wasn't as complex as we are making it out to be?
Your attention is one of the most valuable resources. Are you treating it that way? Or, is it given away to constant distraction.
God moved in crazy ways in 2025 that we want to celebrate! We are so expectant for what comes next in 2026!
What does fasting do? Could taking a pause in our eating actually change something spiritually?
Will 2026 be average or awesome? Instead of hoping, and guessing and wishing... what if you decided today?
Christmas is more about "who" than "what" Jesus was given title at His birthday that would forever change how we experience this holiday.
We aren't waiting for god to move... He already has. Now, it is our turn to share our contagious faith as a church.
We aren't the same when it comes to sharing our faith and thats ok. Which of the five styles comes most naturally to you?
You weren't meant to die. But we now live in bodies that will someday cease to exist. Your spirt will live forever. The question is... where?
Jesus followers are saints and we join together as the church. We are one big family with one central mission.
Father, Son, and Holy what? So many people don't understand who the Holy Spirit is, but it makes all the difference in our life
Is the resurrection of Jesus just a legend? If it's true... could Jesus be coming back soon?
Was Jesus a super smart rabbi? A self deceived madman? A self serving conman? Or... was he The Christ?
In our world of shifting perspectives, what if there was truth handed down over 1700 years ago that could sit like an unshakeable foundation under our faith?
There is a new epidemic in America. A sexual addiction that has the potential to do substantial damage.
It feels like there is more evil and violence around us than ever before. How are we supposed to handle this? Is God still in control?
The devil wants to set a trap for your life. Something that will keep your from ever getting where you are supposed to go.
There is a sin so different from others that we are given special warning from God's work.
How would others describe you? Are those things true, or is your identity found in something much deeper?
Our attitudes are what show up when what we are feeling on the inside gets expressed on the outside.
More people than ever struggle to get good sleep... and at the same time, more people than ever seem to be sleepwalking through life.
Leave behind your dysfunctional comfort and pursue healing through Jesus by acknowledging the truth, asking for help, and acting in faith.
Our world tells us to not seat the small stuff but it's the small things that can cause us bigger problems.
Some of the best things in your life will likely come through some of the hardest situations. Do the hard work.
Life is brief, difficult, and can feel pointless. Will any of the work we do matter in light of eternity
How do you accomplush God's call in your life when you lack so much? There is hope in the story of Moses for each of us.
Creation, The Fall, The Promise. Has Jesus always been the plan since the very beginning?
Jesus didn't come to earth to become a king. He already was. He came for you. Would you crown him as your king?
What is your defining character traits? If we are alike, let's work together to do something awesome!
The final season of your life isnt meant to be balanced. It's meant to make a difference.
Having a family is amazing... and also incredibly unbalanced. How do you make the most of this time and not miss out?
Living a balanced life is a myth. Every season of life is unbalanced in one way or another. But, you can make the most of every season if you know how to live.
Most of us are less generous than we think. What if God had more he wanted to do through you?
Jesus taught a fascinating parable that shocked the crowd: What if money could be detrimental to your chance of making it to heaven?
How we respond to God's authority determines who we become and where we end up. When we get under those things that God has put over us we can get over those things that gGod has put under us.
Bad habits can keep you trapped or heading in the wrong direction. How can you reprogram these habits to be healthy instead?
God did things in 2024 that need to be celebrated! But, we are also looking forward to 2025.
Have you had a focussed year or has it been filled with distractions? The end is more important than the beginning.
Growth in God"s kingdom can often come when we stop focusing so much on ourselves and start serving others.
We review everything in our culture nowadays. But should we think the same way about the local church? What if we should leave our review?
Do you ever find yourself trying to handle everything on your own? Let go of self-reliance and lean on God. You can replace worry with peace through prayer and gratitude to bring more joy into your life.
We stress over everything and pray about almost nothing. But God's saying, "Give it all to Me- I care about every part of your life." (1 Peter 5:7) Let go, and let Him handle what's on your mind.
How do you vote with your faith? Is there a right and wrong way to participate in politics as Christians?
Is it time to stock up on ammo and head for the hills? Jesus has a plan for what we do next.
People often wonder if the end times are already upon us. What if they are closer than we would guess?
The world will try to steal your affection away from the Lord. How do you keep your heart focussed on Him?
There will be people in your life trying to lead you away from Jesus. How do you make sure you don’t fall for their traps?
Are you certain where you are going when you die? What if the answer
wasn’t more information but more love.
Are you lying you yourself about your sin? Do you have enough light to illuminate your calling?
What if “No” was the most important word you learned to say in 2024? You can’t do everything.
In the ongoing battle of good and evil, as believers of Jesus, we have a choice: worry or worship.
The Bible is filled with examples of us doing such a small part and then God doing the miraculous.
Father is a special title God gives himself. For us who are dads, we need to
take this title with the proper weight.
We are at war and the enemy has captured people you love. What are you going to do about it?
What if you weren’t just meant to hold off the attacks of your enemy? You are meant to mount an offensive.
Is the Christian faith like a luxury cruise, or a transport to the front lines? What if we are picturing our faith incorrectly!
If Jesus could restart his own life… He can restart yours too. God has more for you than you imagine.
What are you spending your life on? What if you could invest your life in a way that would bless you back in the future.
What if we have been talking about gender and sexuality all wrong? Part of your calling is found in your own genetics.
Ann Shares her experience in Kenya and explains how God provides for us physically and spiritually.
Do you feel like your life is fuzzy or unclear? God has an answer to help you with that.
We need to look back in gratitude and look forward with expectancy. 2023 was amazing, but God has more planned for 2024.
Hi! We are so glad you've decided to join us today for church! We are unified, even if we are meeting in many locations!
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Are you more concerned about what people think or what God thinks? Religion might be leading you down a wrong path.
Are you religious? Would it change your answer if you found out your religion could actually be dangerous?
What if God’s promises don’t look the way you expect them to? You can
reach the promise if you embrace the process.
Is there more to life than this? The Alpha course is an awesome way to ask those questions!
What if it gets harder before it gets before it gets better? Maybe something good is just about to happen.
What is the most important thing in your life? What you answer might not actually be true.
Join guest speaker Ann Kafer as she takes us on the journey through Nehemiah and what it takes to build a legacy that lasts.
Do you want to see God move in a way that changes the world? Would you
be willing to let go of this world to see it happen?
All of us world love to see a powerful moment where God moves... but would you be willing to give up some things in order to see it happen?
Would you like to see a miracle during your life? Would you be willing to put
in some work to make it happen?
What are you going to build in 2023? What if you could be part of something that will outlast your life and bless the world for years to come?
You are either a body or a soul. What if the eternal part inside of you is waiting to meet up with the eternal part of people you love on the other side of eternity?
Do you wonder what heaven will be like? What if there was evidence
something great was waiting for us on the other side?
Was the story of Jesus just a fairy tale made up long ago? What if the
evidence pointed to something significant? Do you know the truth?
Does it take a special spiritual experience for the church to have revival?
How can we have revival right now?
There has been a lot of talk about revival in the church in the last month. What does it mean and is revival available for all of us?
Do you know what God wants you to do this next year? How could you
develop a true understanding of what to focus on next?
Christmas can be a time of joy and happiness. But it can also be filled with stress and strife. How can we have have peace on earth this Christmas?
We want to be people with the courage to ask God to do the supernatural. We want to be the people who see god do the impossible.
We want to be people with the courage to ask God to do the supernatural.
We want to the be the people who see God do the impossible.
We want to be people with the courage to ask God to do the supernatural. We want to the be the people who see God do the impossible.
Men and Women share many characteristics. But the things that make us different aren't an accident. God has a design in these differences.
Men and Women share many characteristics. But the things that make us different aren't an accident. God has a design in these differences.
Men and Women share many characteristics. But the things that make us different aren't an accident. God has a design in these differences.
Are you just existing... or are you leaving an impact? If you want to leave a legacy, you can't live like everyone else.
Are you just existing... or are you leaving an impact? If you want to leave a legacy, you can't live like everyone else.
Are you just existing... or are you leaving an impact? If you want to leave a legacy, you can't live like everyone else.
The visible and invisible scars that we have upon us are reminders of our past pain, our healing, and our survival.
You find yourself surrounded by a world that no longer shares your values
or mindset. How do you survive and thrive in this new culture?
In light of Roe V. Wade being overturned in the highest court in the USA, what should we who follow Jesus think about abortion? Does God's word have wisdom on this hot button issue?
Fathers are the foundations of legacy in the family. It’s critical that dads
don’t trade their legacy for lesser things.
As you go through life, people will often interject their opinion into your
situation. But some of these nuggets of “wisdom” are really just bad advice.
As you go through life, people will often interject their opinion into your situation. But some of these nuggets of “wisdom” are really just bad advice.
As you go through life, people with often interject their opinion into your situation. But some of these nuggets of "wisdom" are really just bad advice.
Moms do a lot everyday. But they are meant for more than just caregiving. They are legacy builders!
What do you really know about the story behind Easter? Is this all just a
fairy tale or a fact in time?
Why do bad things happen in your life if you are following Jesus? Is
something wrong with your faith?
Should we give people what they deserve? What do we do when doing the right thing causes bad results?
Striking the right balance of being present in the world but not being
persuaded by the world.
You find yourself surrounded by a world that no longer shares your values
or mindset. How do you survive and thrive in this new culture?
The biggest things you want to accomplish this year rest on top of the
smallest details of your life.
If you want to lay a firm foundation for 2022, the right people might be the
most important part.
What are the foundational things you need to do in your life to build
something that lasts?
Let's celebrate what God did in 2021 and get a vision for where He is leading us in 2022!
2000 years ago a star appeared in the sky that no one had ever seen before. What happened next changed the world.
It’s been called: “the time of year when the world falls in love” and “the most wonderful time of the year.” Why does this time around Christmas feel so different?
There is a great season coming for the Church. We aren’t going to make it happen, but we can prepare for it.
The church in the United States is shrinking at a rapid rate. Does God have
a plan or is this just how it goes?
We began a journey of faith 2 years ago that has lead us to this moment.
Will you be a part of it?
There are times in our life and faith that can become dry. Ezekiel tells us how we can be refreshed.
Is baptism a weird religious sacrament? What if there was power in this symbolic event?
We are more connected than ever. But many people feel lonelier than ever. Maybe social media is a poor substitute for real friendship.
Where do the blessings in your life come from? Are you making all this happen or is there more to it?
We all have NO'S and YES'S in our lives that affect our future and our joy. Do we focus on all the NO'S? What if we started counting all the YES'S?
Do You struggle with fairness? Learn to trust that the God of all things knows what he is doing.
Jesus was always the plan. How do we live in regards to the old and new stuff in the Bible?
Planting, growing, and producing fruit are all things God talks about in His word. Are you made of the right soil to produce fruit?
What do you do if your marriage feels like it no longer has any value? Is there any hope if you feel ready to walk away?
What if you could have a stronger and more rewarding marriage? Would you be willing to put in a little work if it could create those results?
Does the way you date affect your future marriage? What if valuing marriage starts way before you ever have one?
Is there a difference between the value we place on marriage and what God intended? What if this difference was the reason so many marriages struggle?
Life can pass by surprisingly fast. What if there is part of you that is meant
to live forever? Is it possible to know what that looks like?
Have you ever ran out of gas? Many of us don't pay close enough attention to the gauge inside ourselves until we come to a sputtering stop and are forced to think about it.
The most common word you saw in 2020 was SAFE. It was everywhere... but do we rightly grasp how to interact with this word?
Valentines Day. It's all about a simple 4 letter word that has great significance to all of us. Let’s look inside our hearts and ask ourselves the most important question- Do you love God?
What if you could start a daily habit in 2021 that would only take a few minutes but would significantly change the trajectory of your year? Check it out!
What will you say about 2020 when people bring it up? How could what you say about 2020 affect 2021?
What is Christmas 2020 going to feel like for you? What if Jesus could change your anxiety and discouragement into comfort and joy?
A prophecy given 3500 years ago is still being fulfilled. In fact, it could happen in your life today!
What if in 2020 we could learn the skill of contentment? How would it change this year and every year going forward?
Have you ever had a day that was completely turned upside down? You thought when it started it was going to go one way, but when you thought it over, it went a totally different way then how you had imagined it?
What does it mean to be baptized? Is it some strange religious ceremony or something more?
Are the things we are seeing happening around the world signs that the end is coming soon? What should we do right now?
Have you ever wondered if the stories of the apocalypse might be true? What is really going to happen? Are we starting to see it take place now?
We applaud children when they share or think of others. Why is it so hard as an adult to do the same thing?
Is 2020 a wasted or lost year? You can still move forward despite all of the setbacks so far.
Are you afraid of being put on the spot in a social situation or concerned about what everyone thinks about you? There is a way to become BOLD.
Hard times can take things away from your life. But what if this focussed you in on the only things that truly matter?
These hard times can have a negative affect on some people’s faith. What if the opposite could be true?
You don’t need much of a plan when times are easy. But what about when they get hard? Do you have the tactics you need to get through?
Are you concerned about what happens next? There is a way to have peace in your heart despite all of the uncertainty.
Is prayer and fasting a method to convince God of our plan? Maybe God wants to accomplish more through these spiritual disciplines?
What if the Holy Spirit wasn’t just meant to carry our bags, but instead guide our journey?
Jesus promised that he wouldn’t abandon us. Even when he left this earth, he promised to send another helper.
Blessed and broken sound so different. But they aren't opposites; they can be closely related.
There is a lot of talk about the war between generations right now. Gen Z, Millenials, Gen X and Baby Boomers all seem to have a negative view of each other. But what is our responsibility in this discourse? Will older generations influence younger generations or give up trying?
It seems like the most common reason people don't trust Christians is they think they are hypocrites. We take on a huge responsibility when we take on the title of a Christian.
You don't have to look far to find someone who really doesn't like Christians. Whether it's because of personal experiences or something they read online, one of the first comments is that Christians are judgmental.
All of us think our temptations are unique, but they are common. You can fight sin by calling out your temptations before they materialize. Having friends is the key to winning our battle.
Something is threatening to drag you away from who and what you want to be. It's out there...or is it in here?
We all have regrets. Things we should have done or people we should have stayed away from. What would you tell your younger self?
Everyone needs a H.I. 5! (Human interaction with five key people.) Your friends will influence your future.
You are a representative for Jesus in every relationship! How can we live like Christ and be an example of Him in our families, our jobs, and in our communities?
All of us are fighting against sin inside of us that wants to take over. Your mind is meant for higher things than this world.
Is there anything "more" than Jesus? How do we continue to grow when we feel like we've heard it all before? Cameron unpacks the second chapter of Colossians.
Have you noticed that many people think of faith as a la carte, where you can mix and match different parts you like from any religion? Some people think of God as being being their best friend, and others think of God as far off and untouchable. The truth is, God is both powerful and personal.
We are all important parts of the body of God. You need the Church and the Church needs you!
Most relationships follow these four seasons. How can we thrive through each step and make wise choices? A man's perspective on 30 years of marriage.
How do you learn to love and respect each other in a relationship? A women's perspective on 30 years of marriage.
We send constant communication during our day via text. Often it's the first thing we do when we have a break. But what if the pause is an opportunity to pray?
We can miss moments of beauty when we don't stop and look around. What are you missing while you are in a device?
What if we took time to pause and think before we walk into our jobs, homes, or church?
God wants us to ask and imagine big things from Him. If we live "on purpose" God can work through us to reach others and make a difference in the lives of those around us.
How can we live a life of generosity? Did you know God gives you money that's not for you, but to be used through you?
Are you foolish with money? Most of us have messed up in our finances in one way or another. How can we put our money where our heart is?
What do you worship? Most of us wouldn't bow down to a statue, but we enslave ourselves to other idols in our lives. Can you serve both God and money?
The biggest influence in your spiritual journey of 2019 won't be something you do, it will be someone you know.
What is your purpose in 2019? Are you excited about the new year and ready to make changes? Cameron looks back at 2018 in celebration and then casts vision for 2019.
Christmas is supposed to be a time to be merry, but for many of us this time of year reminds us of what we have lost, or what never was.
Many of us are dreading a part of our Christmas tradition this year because of something like this:
You don’t want to go to that party
You don’t want to see that family member
You don’t want to discuss that subject again (politics, religion, kids, etc!)
Conflicts are part of many of our holiday celebrations. Can there really be peace this Christmas?
The biggest barrier to your holiness is probably not a sin in your life. There is something else you are missing.
Are there things in your life that are holding you back from holiness? Is God a cosmic killjoy who wants to make you obey or does He have a plan that is better for you?
Chances are you wouldn’t describe yourself as “holy” if someone asked you about yourself. But what if holiness was less like a religious performance and more like a family resemblance? Maybe you are more holy than you think. Would you be willing to do something different if it took you someplace better?
Your ask is too small. We sell God short and shortchange ourselves of miracles by thinking small. God wants us to dream big dreams and ask big asks.
Many people think of faith and religion as the same thing, but what if they actually have completely different purposes? What if religion wasn’t a positive influence on your faith, but was actually a negative?
Many people think of faith and religion as the same thing, but what if they actually have completely different purposes? What if religion wasn’t a positive influence on your faith, but was actually a negative?
Are you in danger? What do you do when it feels like you are facing constant attacks in your life?
Are you in danger? What do you do when it feels like you are facing constant attacks in your life?
Are you in danger? What do you do when it feels like you are facing constant attacks in your life?
God trusts surprising people with His work. Maybe God is extending trust to you but you don't think you're worthy of what He's asking you to do. We have to trust the trust God is giving us.
If heaven is real and we go there after we die, what is it like? Do we just sit around on clouds all day with harps? Will it be boring? Do you have the feeling that all the fun stuff is gonna be in hell? What happens in heaven?
Can you believe anything you hear, see, or read anymore? It seems like everyone makes up stories to support their own agenda or plan. Thousands of years ago a fake news story broke about a man named Jesus. There were contradictions and arguments about what truly happened. Is Jesus fake news?
Contentment is the greatest “get rich quick scheme there is”. Do you want to be rich? Be content and feel rich tomorrow.
We are not as generous as we fool ourselves into thinking we are. When we realize finance isn't just for us God can start giving us money FOR other people. God wants to bless people through you.
Have you ever wondered why God hasn’t given you more money? Perhaps, it’s for your own safety. Jesus once said,“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. So, should you be terrified of making more money? Are you already too rich?
What do we do when God is silent? The in-between is discouraging, but God has something to teach us at every elevation.
We all have low points in our lives. Is there a purpose to our pain? Are valleys valuable?
In this exciting message we look back on what God did in 2017 and look forward to 2018. Ax Church is going to accelerate in 2018 to accomplish more than ever before!
Debbie speaks about how excuses can be harmful to our relationship with God and the church.
Guest speaker Pastor Laura Root talks about what it means to be signed, sealed, and delivered into God's kingdom.
At the end of every semester at Ax we have Stories Sunday. This is a look back at what God has been doing in the lives of real people who are part of Ax.
A message by Craig Groeschel of LifeChurch.tv about finding God's chazown (the Hebrew word for vision) for your life.
Cameron shares about the vision of Ax Church and explains our tag line: Love God, Love Everyone.