Christ Church IL Podcast: Recent Episodes
Christ Church
Weekly sermons of Christ Church, a non-denominational, family-friendly community, committed to helping people Discover Life with God.We have four campuses, one in Lake Forest, IL, one in Highland Park, IL, one in Vernon Hills, IL and one in Grayslake, IL. Our vision is to fuel a movement that reaches people and renews communities. Learn more at https://www.christchurchil.org
In this inaugural episode of our new "Special Revelation" series, Mike Woodruff sits down with New Testament scholar Dr. Dana Harris to demystify the Book of Revelation. Far from a cryptic codebook for end-times prophecy, Dr. Harris argues that Revelation is a powerful and pastoral letter about worship, ethics, and the ultimate victory of God.
If you've ever been confused or intimidated by the imagery in Revelation, this conversation is for you. We tackle common questions about symbolism, the nature of God's victory, and how this book was meant to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.
Key Topics Discussed:
00:00 - Introduction to the "Special Revelation" Series
02:15 - Who is Dr. Dana Harris?
04:30 - What is the Book of Revelation Really About?
08:10 - Is the Language Symbolic or Literal?
12:45 - The Big Idea: "God Wins"
16:20 - Common Misinterpretations and Dispensationalism
21:50 - How Dr. Harris's Views Have Evolved
25:40 - Current Scholarship on Revelation
30:15 - The Role of Material Culture & Archaeology
35:00 - What's Keeping a Revelation Scholar Up at Night?
38:10 - Dr. Harris's Current Reading & Recommendations
Featured Scholar: Dr. Dana Harris (Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School)
Mentioned in this Episode:
- Dr. Harris is teaching a 4-week class on Revelation for Lake Light beginning October 29th. Register at the Lake Light website.
- Dr. Harris's book on Greek Grammar: An Introduction to Biblical Greek Grammar.
- Look for her upcoming books: an introduction to Revelation and an exegetical commentary.
Subscribe to Christ Church Conversations for more insightful discussions that connect biblical scholarship with everyday faith. Don't forget to like and share this video to help others discover this resource!
Connect with Christ Church:
Visit our Website: https://christchurchil.org
Find More Revelation Resources: https://christchurchil.org/revelation
BookOfRevelation #BibleStudy #NewTestament #Theology #Eschatology #ChristChurch #Podcast #ChristianTeaching #DanaHarris #MikeWoodruff
In a week marked by tragedy, violence, and national unrest, where do we turn for hope and stability? In this powerful message, we continue our series in the Book of Revelation, discovering a vision of Jesus that is anything but small. This is not the humble Jesus of the Gospels, but the glorified, cosmic Christ—the King of Kings who holds the keys to death and hell. In the midst of chaos, this sermon offers a profound call to trust in His ultimate authority, to be the church in a hurting world, and to find our hope not in the events of the day, but in the One who has already won the victory.
Welcome to our new series diving into the Book of Revelation! After 35 years, Pastor Mike is finally tackling this often-misunderstood book of the Bible. In this introductory message, he shares why he's come to see Revelation not as a source of anxiety, but as a profound source of hope, resilience, and a powerful revelation of Jesus Christ. Join us as we begin to pull back the curtain on this incredible letter.
On this Pentecost Sunday—the 2,000-year "birthday" of the Church—we reflect on Psalm 130, a powerful psalm for those feeling overwhelmed by guilt, shame, or life’s struggles. Whether you're burdened by personal failures, anxiety about the future, or the chaos of the world, this psalm offers hope in God’s mercy and redemption.
Key Points:
- The Cry from the Depths (Psalm 130:1-2)
- The psalmist expresses deep despair but turns to God for mercy.
- Unlike worldly solutions (anger, blame, or denial), God invites us to bring our emotions to Him.
- The Problem of Guilt and Shame (Psalm 130:3-4)
- If God kept a record of sins, no one could stand—yet with Him, there is forgiveness.
- Guilt is about specific wrongs; shame is the feeling that something is wrong with us.
- Our culture often denies guilt but still struggles with deep-seated shame.
- The Hope of Redemption (Psalm 130:5-8)
- Our hope is not in optimism (based on circumstances) but in God’s unchanging promises.
- Just as watchmen wait for morning, we wait on the Lord with expectation.
- Jesus is the ultimate Redeemer—foreshadowed in this psalm, He brings full forgiveness and restoration.
Key Scriptures Referenced:
- Psalm 130 (Main Text)
- Acts 2 (Pentecost and the birth of the Church)
- 1 Corinthians 4:4-5 (God as the ultimate judge)
- Daniel 9 (God’s mercy and forgiveness)
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Join Pastor Brad Coleman as he brings an enlightening sermon from the book of Exodus, focusing on the construction of the Tabernacle and its profound significance in our worship and lives today. This message, delivered with passion and depth, explores how our worship builds a "tabernacle" for God's presence, drawing parallels between the Tabernacle in Exodus and our lives as modern believers. Discover the importance of God's design, the beauty in details, and the vital role each of us plays in creating spaces where God's presence dwells on Earth.
🔎 Pastor Mike Woodruff explores the following topics in his sermon based on Exodus 28:
- The Significance of the Tabernacle's Instructions: The meticulous details given for the construction of the Tabernacle underscore God's intention and design. This is not just about building a structure but about creating a sacred space that links heaven and earth, inviting God's presence among His people.
- The Importance of Beauty and Detail: The Tabernacle's beauty and intricate details communicate God's character and invite a deeper experience of His presence. This teaches us that the aesthetics and attention to detail in our lives and worship spaces matter, as they reflect God's beauty and enhance our experience of Him.
- Our Role in Building Tabernacles: Every believer has a unique role in constructing "tabernacles" – spaces where God's presence can dwell. This involves using our God-given talents and being intentional in our actions, words, and the beauty we bring into the world, creating environments where God is glorified and experienced.
📖 Key Scriptures to focus on:
- Exodus 31: Introduction to Bezalel and Oholiab, who were filled with the Spirit and skilled in all manner of craftsmanship for the construction of the Tabernacle. This passage emphasizes the importance of following God's design and utilizing our gifts in His service.
- Psalm 22:3: "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel." This verse illustrates how our worship creates a dwelling place for God's presence.
- John 1:14: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." This highlights Jesus as the ultimate "Tabernacle" who embodies God's presence with us.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you?" Paul's words remind us that we are now the dwelling place of God's Spirit and should honor God with our bodies and lives.
Dive into this powerful sermon to understand how every aspect of our lives contributes to building tabernacles for God's glory. Let's be inspired to live intentionally, embracing our roles in God's grand design, as we create spaces filled with His presence and beauty.
We are continuing our Live It Out series from the book of James, and today’s sermon is from James chapter 3, with a focus on wisdom.
Today as we look at the end of James Chapter 1, we are going to learn WHAT behavior James considers to be spiritually wholesome, HOW we are supposed to gain this behavior and WHY this behavior is important.
This weekend is not only Father’s Day, but the final Sunday of our ‘This Is My Story’ series. We’ll turn to Judges 6 and look at Caleb, a man who followed God wholeheartedly and lived a long and faithful life.
In Esther 4:12-16, Queen Esther is approached by Mordecai, who urges her to intervene and save the Jewish people from an impending massacre orchestrated by Haman. Esther hesitates at first due to the potential danger, but Mordecai reminds her that she, too, will not be spared. Moved by his words including, “who knows but you have come to your royal position for such a time as this,” Esther resolves to approach the king, saying, "If I perish, I perish."
This passage recounts the story of Cain and Abel, the two sons of Adam and Eve. After Cain becomes a farmer and Abel a shepherd, both bring offerings to God. While God accepts Abel's offering, he rejects Cain's, leading to Cain's jealousy and subsequent murder of his brother, Abel, out of anger and envy.
Pastor Anthony Morgan Sr., a former athlete turned minister, discovered his faith in Jesus Christ through the gospel shared by his teammate Reggie White. After accepting the call into ministry in 2002, he dedicated over a decade to teaching, counseling, and serving as a spiritual leader at Christian Valley Missionary Baptist Church. In September 2018, Pastor Morgan became the Pastor of the church, emphasizing the motto "Together! We Succeed" and continuing to inspire others with his humor, warmth, transparency, and strength.
Barnabas, also known as Joseph, was a generous and encouraging figure in the early Christian community. He played a crucial role in vouching for the conversion of Paul and facilitating his acceptance among the believers. Barnabas accompanied Paul on missionary journeys, establishing churches and spreading the message of Jesus Christ.
The story of Mary is a powerful reminder of God's love and mercy towards all people, regardless of their social status or background. Mary was a young, humble woman who was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
Today, as we continue our This Is My Story series, we’re looking at the most important person in the history of Christianity other than Jesus, the Apostle Paul. What made him go from enemy of Christ to devoted follower, the man who wrote nearly half of the books of the New Testament? And what can we learn from that transformation?
Today’s sermon on Ruth from the Bible focuses on the theme of redemption and the faithfulness of God during suffering. Through Ruth's story, we see God's providence and love for His people, as He brings restoration and healing amid difficult circumstances.
Today we kick off our new sermon series, This Is My Story. For the next nine weeks we will be looking at some amazing stories in the Bible—stories that have the power to inspire and transform us. From the faith of Abraham to the courage of Esther, the Bible is full of examples of people who faced incredible challenges. Yet, as we study these biblical characters, we hope you will be encouraged and strengthened to face your own challenges without fear, knowing with God’s help anything is possible.
In the final sermon of our LIFE series, we are looking at the last chapter of the gospel of John, where Jesus is restoring Peter through repentance and encouragement.
A crowd gathers with palms to see Jesus enter Jerusalem on a donkey. Although their hopes and dreams culminated in this moment they didn't know or understand who Jesus really was. The life Jesus promised starts with believing in Him for who he said he is and not our assumptions of what we want him to be.
We are continuing THE LIFE series and today we are looking at John 17 – a conversation between God the Father and God the Son and we get a chance to see what Jesus wants for us – what He prays for us. This prayer – which is the longest prayer we hear Christ pray, includes several key things including 1) That we would be shaped by truth; 2) That we would be holy; 3) That we would remain mission focused; and 4) That we would be unified. Today we are going to focus on the last--unity.
This is week ten of our nineteen-week series on the second half of John. We are marching through the last week of Christ’s life as we move through Lent. Today we are thinking about peace – inner peace - which we all want, and we looking at what is packed into the Jewish concept of Shalom.
Today, Mike will be focusing on the fact that some of the greatest threats to our faith are suffering, pain, and loss. Jesus wants to make sure that in the hard times, we remember His love and the power of the Holy Spirit. The life Jesus promises us is not easy, but it is abundant!
This Sunday we are privileged to welcome Cory Ratliff back to our church and we'll be hearing from him about Jesus' command to love one another as He has loved us.
As we continue our series on The Life in the book of John, we come to chapter 15, where Jesus builds an extended metaphor about Himself as the vine, and his followers as the branches. What does it mean to remain in the vine, and how do we do that in a world of hurry?
Today we continue our sermon series called THE LIFE. We have been discovering how we can have abundant life. Today Pastor Mike will be teaching from the second half of John 14, and focusing on a life of obedience that comes out of our love for God and our gratefulness for all that he has done for us.
We are now four weeks into our study of the gospel of John. This new series is called “The Life”, as we are exploring together the life that Jesus is inviting us to experience. So far, we have learned that it is a life of humility, a life of service, and a life of love. This week Mike is in John 14, and he will be focusing what it looks like to live life in light of eternity.
We are in our new sermon series on the Gospel of John called THE LIFE and we’re exploring what it means to have a good and full life. The Bible tells us that it’s found in Jesus and each week, as we walk verse by verse through the second half of the book of John, we hope you discover answers to these questions: What is abundant life? How do we get it? How can we keep it? Today we are unpacking John 13: 1-16 and we will see how Jesus uses his power to serve others, a powerful reminder for us as we seek to become more like Jesus.
In John 10:10 Jesus says, “I have come that you may have life and have it to the full.” We can call this the good life, the abundant life, or life to the full. Isn’t this what we all long for? To have a good life? In our new sermon series on John’s gospel Jesus tells us that this full life is found in him, “these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (Jn 20:31). John’s Gospel is all about Life. So, as we walk through the second half of John’s gospel chapter by chapter we are going to be asking: What is this life? How do we get it? What does it look like? Each week we will give us a different piece to the puzzle of what this life is like. Our goal is that by the end of the series, the puzzle pieces will be put together to paint a picture of finding life in Christ.
This is the final week of Advent. The four weeks set aside to prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth and to remind ourselves of his promised return. Christianity is not simply a moral philosophy or a set of ethical guidelines. It is a comprehensive worldview based on the bold proclamation: “Jesus loves me.” The claim that Christians celebrate is not simply that God is infinite, perfect, self-existent, holy, glorious and eternal – because he could be all of these things and still be an abstract force devoid of feelings. What the Bible declares is that God is a personal being who loves that which he made.
This is week three of our four-week Advent series. At the moment, we are walking through Advent - which is the time in the church calendar set aside to focus on the arrival of Christ. Advent is a four-week segment of the church calendar. It is to be a dark time because it is a time of waiting. During it we are to be looking ahead to the first coming of the Messiah. Which in turn is to get us thinking about the second coming of the Messiah. And each of the four weeks have a theme. Today’s theme is joy. Which, of course, is a big theme in the Bible.
Today we continue our series on the weary world rejoices with a focus on peace. How can we rejoice when peace seems elusive in a broken world? When we understand the story of salvation in Isaiah 8-12 we understand what it means that the Prince of Peace was born on Christmas day. That gives us reason to rejoice.
Gifts have become one of the most important things about the advent season. That can be good and bad but non-the-less gifts are very connected to Christmas. But in the midst of all this Gift stuff that goes on during Christmas I want to tell you that God has a gift for you this Advent season. That’s right – God has a gift that He would love to give us this Christmas. This Gift…is the Gift of Hope!
This week we continue our How do you know? Series. Today we will consider how the story of Jesus Christ reinforces that we can indeed know who God is and his love for us. The question you must ask yourself though is how do you know?
How do we know what we know? Welcome back for week three of our six-week series on the Bible’s role in helping us understand reality. I hope you are leaning in on this topic – and the various resources we have made available: small group discussion guides; daily video devotions, podcasts and a book, the latter which is unfolding a chapter a week.
Today we begin a six-week series – it’s our annual “welcome back, jump in, here we go” Fall series. The question animating all of this is: how do we know what we know? How do we know what really matters? How do we know who we are? How do we know what is expected of us? How do we know what the good life is? How do we know what happens when we die? How do we know what we know? There are seven big life questions that form our worldview – that mental grid that helps us process life. Everyone has a worldview. We are all shaped by the assumptions that shape our thinking. The question is not whether we have answered the seven questions, the question is: are our answers to the Seven Questions any good.
Prayer is one of the most powerful tools we have in our daily lives. But how often do we pray? In fact do we even understand the benefits of prayer in every situation in our life? This sermon talks about when we pray, how we pray, and why we pray.
Prayer is a constant challenge for most people. We need regular reminders of how and why we pray so we will focus on this topic for the next three weeks. Today we have a guest preacher, Dr. Jedidiah Coppenger to help us see God's instruction to pray. Jed is married to Melanie and they have three kids who travelled up from Nashville to be here today. Jed is the founding pastor of Redemption City in Franklin TN and the author of the book we passed out today, 21-Days to Childlike Prayer. Jed will be looking at the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 5 and pointing us to the importance of praying as a child to a father, not simply trying to become more spiritual in prayer.
We continue our look at the story of Daniel. This week, we see Daniel’s friends faced with a difficult decision: do they disobey God and save their lives or obey God and potentially lose them? And what can we learn from the decisions that they make?
The people of Israel are living in a new world and in exile. Daniel and his friends have just lost their king, their homeland, and their names. The temptation is to conform to the kingdom of Babylon and forget they are citizens of God’s kingdom. Daniel is written to encourage God’s people to Hope in God and live faithfully even when it doesn't seem like God is in control. Faithful living looks like being in the world and not of it while doing good works to make it better. We are salt and light in this earthly kingdom. God is in control and this Hope motivates faithful living.
Today is the fifth and final message from The Sermon on the Mount. We have looked at: the Beatitudes, the directive to be salt and light, the law and – last week – at the command to love our enemies. Today’s text is from Matthew 7, where Jesus says: judge not lest you be judged.
Today we return for a fourth message from the Sermon on the Mount – the greatest sermon ever preached by the greater person who ever lived. The passage is from Matthew 5:43, it is the directive to love our enemies.
Welcome to week three of our study of the Sermon on the Mount. This series is the third part of our year-long exploration of Renewal. In the fall we turned to Romans 12 to focus on personal renewal; in the Winter we turned to the Book of Acts to think about church renewal. We are now focusing on the Sermon on the Mount to think about Community Renewal.
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Today we begin the third section of our Renewal series. In the fall we turned to Romans 12 for instruction on personal renewal. In the Winter we were in the Book of Acts thinking about church renewal. Today we turn to the Sermon on the Mount to think about Community Renewal.
This morning we welcome Edmond Vanderpuye (Vander - pew) from International Needs in Accra, Ghana. Edmond is the recently appointed General Secretary of International Needs worldwide, having previously served with IN Ghana in various capacities since 2005. He holds two master’s degrees - one in Business Administration and the other in Theology and Mission and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in England.
We are continuing to look at the various attributes of God. Today we want to talk about The All Knowing God.
You think you really know someone until you attend a special occasion or hear a friend eulogized. You only encountered maybe a chapter of their life and you come to find out that there was so much more to them. You start hearing stories from others about this friend you thought you knew.
The God we serve is intimately acquainted with us all. Let’s look at Psalms 139:1-6 and study the all knowing God.
Last week we started our series on 4 different attributes of God and how we can have hope because of who God is. Today we will consider God’s power. What God has accomplished by his power and what it means for us that he has power.
Good morning. To those of you who are new – perhaps this is your second week at church in a long while, or ever – great to have you. Today we start a new series. We are exploring reasons for hope. And we are going to do that by looking at four aspects of God.
This week, Mike will be directing us to a classic Easter passage – it’s from John 20 and it completes the series we have been doing on seven aspects of Jesus from the Gospel of John.
As we continue our series today, Jesus Is___, Mike will be looking at the claim that Jesus is the Sacrifice. The passage today is from John 19.
As you may know, this is Palm Sunday – which is a uniquely challenging weekend for churches to navigate. Jesus parades into Jerusalem. It’s a high energy moment. He is hailed as King. The crowds love him. But it all changes quickly and dramatically and so, on Thursday he is arrested and on Friday he is crucified. And then next Sunday – Easter – we are celebrating his resurrection.
This week we dive into another investigation of who Jesus is. Campus Pastors will be teaching from John 5, the story of Jesus healing on the Sabbath, and exploring Jesus the Rebel.
We are in week four of our six week series on Jesus from the Gospel of John. Last week we were in the John 3 and examined a conversation Jesus has with one of the Jewish religious leaders. This week we’ll see how Jesus is an evangelist.
We are in week three of our six week series on Jesus from the Gospel of John. Last week we were in the opening chapter of John’s Gospel, focusing on Jesus as the Man. Today we move onto to John 3 and look at a conversation Jesus has with one of the Jewish religious leaders.
We are in week two of our six week series on Jesus from the Gospel of John. Last week we were in the opening chapter of John’s Gospel, focusing on Jesus as the Logos. Today we return to John 1, where we focus on verse 14, which tells us that “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” As you will see, this is a radical and radically important passage.
This is the final week of our six-week series on church renewal. In the fall we focused on personal renewal. In the Spring we will be thinking about cultural renewal. But over the last six weeks we have been mining the book of Acts for insights about the church. Today Mike is in Acts 15 and thinking about church unity.
As we come to the fifth week in our series on renewal, we are looking at the vital role equipping, or training, plays in the life of the church. Pastor Mike shared in the video that we are going to further invest into the training and educational opportunities we provide. This morning, we will look at Acts 19 and see that God has strengthened and empowered the church through study and dialogue from the early days of the church.
This is the fourth week of our six-week study on the renewal of the church. Today, Mike will be returning to Acts 4. A couple weeks ago we turned there to explore the topic of community. We turn there today to think about sacrifice.
As we continue our series on community renewal, we turn our attention to what impact the sacraments of baptism and communion have. How do these holy mysteries that have been celebrated by Christians over the past two thousand years impact our renewal as the body of Christ?
Today we continue our series on renewal, which started in the fall with an exploration of how we might be personally renewed. That first part of our year-long study was based out of Romans 12 and Mark 12. This winter we are focused on church renewal, and the messages are based in the book of Acts. Mike will be up in a minute to think about some of what is contained in the idea that the early church “devoted themselves to fellowship.”
Today we return to the theme of renewal. This past fall, we spent six weeks exploring the idea of personal renewal, mostly from Romans 12 — where Paul instructs us to “be transformed by the renewing of our minds.” This winter, our focus is on church renewal, and Mike will kick off that series — based mostly in Acts — in just a few minutes.
At the heart of Peter’s last words to the church, he encourages us to remember and keep paying attention to the prophecies of scripture that Jesus will return. The fact that he was an eyewitness to Jesus’ appearance after the resurrection confirms the truth of prophecies, and we should rely on them like a light in a dark place. In verse 19, Peter speaks both to the darkness of the world and the impact of that darkness on our hearts. When the dawn of Jesus’ return comes, the world and our hearts will be flooded with light. Until then, we must resist the voices in the world and in our heads saying that things will never change (3:4), and we must press on in faith through the night (1:5-11)
Set Up: Welcome to the second Sunday of 2022 and the second of our three sermons from second Peter. Last week Mike noted that this was a “last letter,” and that it is full of seasoned advice from Peter as he faces martyrdom. In a moment, Mike will continue our study of 2 Peter chapter 1.
As we launch into a new year full of fresh beginnings, we are going to look at old words that were written as Last Words.
Today Mike will start a three week series on 2 Peter, which are the last words the Apostle Peter wrote. He knew he was close to death and was sharing some final thoughts.
This is the fourth week of Advent and of our series, The Story: a Lessons and Carols Experience. These services have been a bit different. We have designed them to be a slow march through a traditional Lessons and Carols service. As we have noted, starting in England in ?? a service developed in which through nine Lessons (which are passages of Scripture) and nine corresponding Christmas hymns, the story of our rescue – from Genesis 1 through the arrival of Christ (the incarnation / the Christmas event) is told.
In light of some COVID restrictions, but also with a desire to unpack this story so it is better understood, we have been doing two lessons per week. Today we cover lessons seven and eight.
This is the fourth week of Advent and of our series, The Story: a Lessons and Carols Experience. These services have been a bit different. We have designed them to be a slow march through a traditional Lessons and Carols service. As we have noted, starting in England in ?? a service developed in which through nine Lessons (which are passages of Scripture) and nine corresponding Christmas hymns, the story of our rescue – from Genesis 1 through the arrival of Christ (the incarnation / the Christmas event) is told.
In light of some COVID restrictions, but also with a desire to unpack this story so it is better understood, we have been doing two lessons per week. Today we cover lessons seven and eight.
This is week two of The Story: A Lessons and Carols Experience. As we noted last week, Lessons and Carols is a tradition that developed about 150 years ago in England. Lessons and Carols services normally unfold in one setting – and that is the way we have done this over most of the last forty years. But in light of some COVID challenges, and with the hope of going a bit deeper – of unpacking the story - we are taking two lessons per week. We think of ourselves as being brighter than those who lived before us. In some ways, sure. In others, no. Many today are not as conversant with The Story or the songs that accompany them. This four-week format gives us a chance to point out what is going on. Today is week two of Advent and week two of Lessons and Carols. Last week, for the first two lessons we covered Genesis 1 and 3. We turn now to the next two lessons, focusing first on Genesis 12.
This is week two of The Story: A Lessons and Carols Experience. As we noted last week, Lessons and Carols is a tradition that developed about 150 years ago in England. Lessons and Carols services normally unfold in one setting – and that is the way we have done this over most of the last forty years. But in light of some COVID challenges, and with the hope of going a bit deeper – of unpacking the story - we are taking two lessons per week. We think of ourselves as being brighter than those who lived before us. In some ways, sure. In others, no. Many today are not as conversant with The Story or the songs that accompany them. This four-week format gives us a chance to point out what is going on. Today is week two of Advent and week two of Lessons and Carols. Last week, for the first two lessons we covered Genesis 1 and 3. We turn now to the next two lessons, focusing first on Genesis 12.
This week, we begin our advent series, The Story. Based on Eric Milner-White's Lessons & Carols, we will start at the beginning, in Genesis 1 and Genesis 3, with the Creation and the Fall.
This week, we begin our advent series, The Story. Based on Eric Milner-White's Lessons & Carols, we will start at the beginning, in Genesis 1 and Genesis 3, with the Creation and the Fall.
Today we wrap up the Fall portion of our Renewal series, with the fourth talk from Mark 12. Mike will be directing us to think about what it means to love God with all of our strength.
This morning we continue our Renewal series with the third message from Mark 12. This is where Jesus notes that we are to “love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.” So far we have looked at what it means to love God with our heart and also with our soul. Today Mike will look at the command to love God with our mind.
This week we pivot from The Big Four topics on identity – we are highly valued, deeply fallen, eternity shaped and greatly loved – to a discussion of, “so now what?” This is based on Christ’s comments in Mark 12.
We are in the middle of a series on Renewal where we are spending the first 4 weeks looking at identity, who we truly are – most importantly, who God says we are. We have prioritized 4 big ideas that should shape the way we understand who we are and therefore how we operate in the world, how we live from who we are. Today we are looking at the 4th idea, that we are deeply loved by God. Ben will show what this means by looking at the end of Romans 8.
We’re continuing our focus on identity in the Renewal series and examining how as humans we have deep flaws because of the story of humanity’s fall in Genesis 3. God doesn’t want to leave us flawed — there’s a path forward if we’re willing to confess.
In 2 Chronicles we read about the reign of Hezekiah — a 7th Century BC king of Israel who leads the nation back to God. His father – who had been king before him — had been evil and had led the Jews in the wrong direction. Hezekiah turned things around. He wiped out the idols and instituted sweeping reforms. If you study Hezekiah, you see how he foreshadowed David (and Christ) — and you see how he provides a model of repentance. I am referencing Hezekiah here as we begin a yearlong focus on renewal. I do so to call us to kick this year off with a prayer of repentance. I invite you to join with me.
Thank you for joining us this weekend!
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This morning we’re laying the foundation for the upcoming year where we will be focused on renewal. First, this fall we’ll focus on personal renewal, then later this winter we’ll focus on church renewal, and last we’ll learn about renewal for our communities.
This morning we wrap up our three-week study of John 17 – a conversation between the God the Father and God the Son about several things, not the least of which is: you and me. In today’s sermon, Mike focuses on the last part of Jesus’ pray where he specifically prays for the unity of all believers.
This morning we continue our three-week study of John 17 – a conversation between the God the Father and God the Son about several things, not the least of which is: you and me. In John 17 we get a chance to look behind the curtain and see what Jesus wants for us – what He prays for us. In today’s sermon, Mike focuses on John 17:17, Christ’s prayer that our lives would be shaped by truth.
Today Mike starts a brief series on The REAL Lord’s Prayer found in John 17 — a key chapter in the Bible. The Gospel of John is important for all sorts of reasons. As we will see, John 17 is a uniquely important chapter in this uniquely important book. And it has insight that is both needed and immediately practical.
This week, we have special guest Armando, one of our global partners who works with refugee communities in the Middle East, sharing with us. He will be looking at the passage of Genesis 13 at the unique danger that comes from being in close relationship to those following God, how that proximity can give the impression of shared commitment even among those who aren't seeking after God. Then what enables a person to truly seek after the promise of God.
This weekend is the 3rd and final installment in our “Meeting Jesus” series. We will be looking at one of the most remarkable stories of transformation on all of human history — the story of the conversion of the Apostle Paul. How did Saul of Tarsus, the most feared and violent persecutor of the early church, become the most articulate and bold voice for Christianity in the first century? Join us this weekend as we explore this amazing story together.
In our second week of this series, Meeting Jesus, we will be looking at Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8. In this story we will see Philip as an obedient follower of Christ and the Ethiopian respond to the work of the Spirit in his life. God still desires to use us to help others meet Jesus. And through this story we can be inspired to have spiritual conversations with people in our own lives.
This is the first week of our new series, Meeting Jesus. We’ll kick off this series looking at the story of the woman Jesus met at the well in John 4. Through this story, we’ll see how God’s desire is for people to meet Jesus and abide in him, not out of guilt but out of an overflow of faith. And through this story we can be inspired to have spiritual conversations with people in our own lives.
This is the last week of the Experiencing God’s Presence series. Pastor Mike will be sharing how God’s presence leads us to an unshakeable kingdom that we should embrace with thankfulness, reverence, and awe.
This week, we are continuing the Experiencing God’s Presence series. We’ll be looking at how God’s presence empowers people for kingdom building as we partake in communion together and reflect on what God has for us.
This week, we begin our new series, Experiencing God’s Presence. This series will be a little different than many of us have experienced, but there will be additional time in the service for moments of worship, reflection, guided prayers, and communion. Today, Anson will be taking us into the story of Moses and the burning bush as we learn and reflect on God’s invitation to experience his presence.
We’re wrapping up the series, 21 Days of Prayer, this week with Pastor Mike’s message on The Heart of Prayer by looking in depth at Luke 18.
Today we start a new series, 21 Days of Prayer. We’re launching this series now to pray now in light of the coming focus on renewal. Today we’ll be looking at Chronicles to see what we can learn from the ebbs and flows of spiritual fervor found in the story of Gods people.
Today we get to hear from our own campus pastor Ben Dockery with a message from the gospels focused on the lives of Jesus & Mary.
Today – on this communion Sunday - we finish the I AM series with Christ’s claim to be the Light of the World. It is one of the many ways that Jesus – who serves, who lives simply, who is so focused on others – points to himself, making the biggest claims possible. In a moment, Mike will be walking us through John 8 when Jesus makes this startling claim. Right now….
Today you will hear from Greg Jao on our I AM series. Greg is an author, speaker, law graduate from Northwestern and currently Jao serves InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA as the Senior Assistant to the President for External Partnerships & Executive Office Communications. In this role, he leads InterVarsity’s efforts to partner with other ministries, churches, and networks; shapes InterVarsity’s leadership communications; and guides InterVarsity’s response to situations where the ministry’s presence is challenged by campus administrators. We welcome Greg back to Christ Church.
In a moment we will turn to the sixth message in The I AM series. Today we consider Christ’s enormously important and enormously controversial claim to be “the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Today, as we continue with the series, I AM, we arrive at the passage in John 10, where Jesus describes himself as a gate.
Today, we focus on the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, which is the pivot point of history and, along with his crucifixion is the pivot point of the Bible. In so many ways, much of both the Old and New Testament are pointing to this moment. In the sermon today, which is part of the I AM series, there are two texts: 1 Corinthians 15 and John 11:20.
This is third week of The I AM series. More importantly, it’s Palm Sunday, which kicks off Holy Week. Mike will be reflecting on Christ’s march into Jerusalem and looking ahead to his interaction with Pilate. All of this is a set up for the question: how are you managing the power you have to serve others?
As part of our vision to fuel a movement to reach people and renew communities, one of the things we are committed to is helping to launch people into ministry. Given how close we are located to Trinity International University, that means that we have lots of Trinity students around. And so once a year we set aside a weekend and invite seminary students or young developing pastors to each take a service. Each will be preaching from John 10:11-21.
As part of our vision to fuel a movement to reach people and renew communities, one of the things we are committed to is helping to launch people into ministry. Given how close we are located to Trinity International University, that means that we have lots of Trinity students around. And so once a year we set aside a weekend and invite seminary students or young developing pastors to each take a service. Each will be preaching from John 10:11-21.
Last week, we kicked off the I AM series with a look at John 6, where Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life.” This week we actually take a step back, as Mike provides an introduction to the series out of John 8. This chapter focuses on Jesus' remarkable statement: "“Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am."
We begin a new sermon series on the "I AM" statements of Jesus. These are seven ways that Jesus described himself. Ben looks at John 6 where Jesus says, "I AM the bread of life." This is more than Jesus providing for our physical needs. He provides for the deepest spiritual need of our lives. We look forward to hearing more in just a moment.
In the final chapter, God helped Jonah see Ninevah the way He sees Ninevah—with compassion. Through this story, there’s an invitation for us to consider what things we feel most compassionate toward, and recognize that’s a glimpse of the compassion God feels toward the world. We need to see the world the way God sees the world.
Today, we continue our series on Jonah. This book that is full of surprises and ironies and some very real-world and practical insights about life. In chapter three Mike will note that we finally find Jonah doing the right thing... but not necessarily for the right reason.
Today we press into the second chapter of Jonah – where we tune into the prayers of a man who is literally and figuratively sinking to rock bottom. Mike will be looking at Jonah’s prayer when he appears to accept the fact, that he is not going to be able to run away from God
We continue our walk through the book of Jonah. When the storm arose on Jonah’s ship, they tried to figure out who was to blame. Jonah took the fall (in the ultimate way), but was his accountability sincere? In what ways did Jonah’s decision to give up his life point forward towards Jesus’ death on our behalf? Join us as we explore Jonah 1:11-17 and celebrate communion together.
Today, we return to Jonah chapter 1 where pastor Mike pushes on Jonah’s answer to the sailor’s frantic question: "who are you?" It is one of the biggest questions of all time—one that seldom gets the reflection it needs.
Since 1984, the third Sunday in January has been recognized as a day to celebrate life, to champion the dignity of the unborn and to stand alongside those women who make the sometimes very difficult decision to carry a baby to term. In light of this, today we will be taking a break from our series on Jonah, and Pastor Mike will be looking at the subject of abortion.
We are in a series from the book of Jonah, a prophet assigned to speak to Israel’s enemy, to inform them that they were frightfully misguided and that they needed to repent. Indeed, that if they did not treat others most justly and graciously that God would move against them. All of that seems particularly appropriate because tomorrow is Martin Luther King Day, and he served in a very prophetic way – advancing civil rights, calling for an end to unjust laws, advocating Non-violence and doing this all as a minister of the Gospel.
It’s a new year and Mike is about to launch a new series – one based on Jonah. If you know anything about the book, you likely think it’s about the fish. Well, not really. This is a surprising, profound, disruptive, unsettling, timely and important book – one that tells us a lot about God and more than you might think about ourselves. It says very little about the fish. Be prepared to be surprised.
We hear from Anson in the second week of our special Advent sermon series called "Christmas Is _________."
Mike walks us through Revelation 4 where we are confronted with a big, disruptive, reorienting vision from heaven.
Thank you for joining us today as Mike Woodruff interviews one of only 12 men who ever walked on the Moon. General Charlie Duke was the youngest to do so and one of only 4 alive today. After thousands of hours training to go to the Moon, and finally setting foot on it, Charlie came back to earth to write another chapter in his life; grounded in both family, faith and business. The rigorous training and mental focus had meant that Charlie was out on loan from his family to NASA, and after his return Charlie was faced with the question: what does he do now? how do you top a flight to the Moon?
In December 1975 Charlie retired from NASA to enter private business. In April 1978 Charlie became a committed Christian and with his wife started the Duke Ministry for Christ.
Thank you for joining us this weekend as we continue the series, Now What? Listen as Mike Woodruff will try to answer the question: What would Jesus say about how we should be living at a moment like this?
Thank you for joining us on the final week of our Anchored series, where Mike Woodruff speaks on Psalm 13.
Listen as Dr. Phil Ryken, President of Wheaton College, continues our series, Anchored: How to Navigate Mental Health Challenges. Tune in as Dr. Ryken dives into Psalm 142, and he will also share his personal story of depression.
Thank you for joining us as we kick off our new series on mental health challenges called Anchored. We're excited to look at biblical examples of how we are to think about our own mental wellbeing and about some of the challenges that are out there and how we might face these.
Thank you for joining us on this Mother's Day weekend. Listen as Mike Woodruff highlights Exodus 34, and highlights how God's love is mirrored through Mothers.
Prayer is something that we are called to do...but why? How? What does prayer mean for our lives in light of our recent circumstances? Listen today as Campus Pastor Ben Dockery leads us through Ephesians 1:15-23.
As we continue in our second week of Life With God in Uncertain Times, listen today as Mike Woodruff talks about The Bible...and the role that this book plays in our life as we navigate these times.
As those of us are navigating the COVID19 pandemic and all the uncertainty this brings, listen today as Mike Woodruff talks about what scripture says about Heaven...and the promise that is given to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
He is Risen! Thank you for joining us today as Mike Woodruff brings us a special Easter message on Luke 24:1-8...A Kingdom Emerges
On this Palm Sunday as we shelter in place heading into Holy Week, listen as Mike Woodruff reflects on Psalm 22 and then leads us in communion. In the context of what we are all going through, the words of Psalm 22 are especially poignant, and for many of us this may sound like your own internal dialogue these days. God, where are you? Why are you letting so many things go wrong?
Viktor Frankl, writing from the madness of the Holocaust, reminded us that we don’t get to choose our difficulties, but we do have the freedom to select our responses. That feels like something to think well about as we wander deeper into the current crisis. Listen as Mike Woodruff suggests a response – hope. His argument is that we need to understand exactly what the Bible means when it uses that word, because it is different from what a lot of people think it means. Hope is a word that shows up often in the Bible, and Mike will cite a half dozen passages, but spend the most time in the book of Habakkuk.
As we continue this series around the changing world we are living in, Mike Woodruff is going to take us through Psalm 11 – a short reflection by David that he prays during a time of crisis. We are not exactly sure what crisis David is navigating, as you may know, he weathered more than a few. But this Psalm frames a question that seems appropriate for this moment: When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?
Why The Church? In particular...what justifies keeping these institutions growing and impacting our society? Listen as Mike delves into this question, paying special attention to why it is so central to what we are called to, and why it has been such a big part of the REACH Initiative.
As we continue looking at 40 essential topics in the Christian faith – we are turning our attention to the act of confession. How should we think about confessing our sins? What is the result of confession? We will turn to Psalm 32 to see an example of how we should respond to God.
Today we continue Planted, a series in which we are focusing on the foundational truths of the Christian faith…but we are going to take three weeks to explore the next truth…..eternity. We will be looking at questions like what happens when we die, who goes to heaven and who goes to hell, how do we live in light of eternity?
Listen as we continue our Planted series, where we bring a focus on foundational truths of our faith. Today Mike Woodruff speaks on What Happens When We Die?
Today we continue Planted, a series in which we are focusing on the foundational truths of the Christian faith…but we are going to take three weeks to explore the next truth…..eternity. We will be looking at questions like what happens when we die, who goes to heaven and who goes to hell, how do we live in light of eternity? As we begin Part 1 of this three-week look at eternity …we are excited to introduce guest speaker, Alec Hill. Alec is President Emeritus of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. In 2015, he was diagnosed with his second cancer and received a successful bone-marrow transplant. His sermon reflects the title of his new book, Living in Bonus Time: Surviving Cancer, Finding New Purpose.
Today we continue Planted, a series in which we are focusing on the foundational truths of the Christian faith, we are going to focus on the death of Christ. In the 15th chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul reminds us that, “that Christ died for our sins on the cross in accordance with the Scriptures.” It goes on to note that he was buried and rose again. We will be celebrating his resurrection in a few months on Easter. But right now, we are focused on his death, which is the hinge point of history. The whole literary structure of the Bible leads us to this moment – where God became a man and suffered and died to atone for our sins. Listen as Mike Woodruff talks about how and why the death of Christ changes everything.
Sermon Notes
Study Guide
As we continue the Planted series – this overview of the Christian faith – by looking at Jesus as a Teacher. In Mark 1 we are told that “The people were astonished at Jesus’ teaching.” It goes on to note that part of the reason is that they had not heard the things he was saying before, part of the reason was because, “he taught them as one having authority.” In other words, he was not like the other rabbis. What did Jesus teach? Listen as Mike Woodruff brings us insight to Jesus’ teaching.Study GuideSermon Notes
This week we are continuing the Planted series – topical series in which we will be framing up a Christian worldview – setting in front of new Christians, the basics of the faith, so that those new to the faith understand what the big, foundational, organizing truths are. One of those truths is serving others with a heart of love, humility and care. Today, listen as Campus Pastor Ben Dockery teaches from I Peter 4:7-11.Download the study guide here
As we continue our Planted series in which we are setting out the foundational ideas that should shape, not just our faith, but our lives and our thinking. These are the first things we need to get clear about. This is a study designed for people who may be bright about many things, but who are not as informed about spiritual truths. If you have been here for any of the other talks in this series, you know that Mike is taking a systematic approach – that means that it is based on lots of passages. But there is usually one that stands out. Today, Mike will be talking about who is Jesus and why we celebrate Him.
Sermon Notes
Study Guide
This is week we’re continuing the Planted series – an topical series in which Mike will be framing up a Christian World View – setting in front of new Christians, the basics of the faith, so that those new to the faith understand what the big, foundational, organizing truths are. Many people wonder, who is God? Listen as Mike Woodruff digs into some of the many aspects of who God is.
As we enter the New Year, we need 20/20 vision about who Jesus is. The book of Revelation is a singular revelation of a singular person, Jesus Christ. Listen as Alex Chu shows us how we are often so busy trying to be amazing for God that we forget that we are simply to be amazed by Him. John reminds us in Revelation to remember our first love.
This Advent season, we have seen how Christ was foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament, how his coming fulfilled literally hundreds of prophecies, and how we can have hope when we trust in him. We’ve seen these things through the lens of OT passages that looked forward to the coming of Christ. Today, listen as Anson Hanbury looks at a passage in the New Testament that looks back at the coming of Christ and describes all that we’ve been talking about as a mystery revealed.
The Advent season is a time to celebrate and contemplate the arrival of Jesus coming to earth as a baby. As the great Christmas hymn, O Holy Night, explains – it was “A thrill of hope” for which – “the weary world rejoices”. We are in this series where we are reflecting on all the reasons to be hopeful. Last week Mike did a quick overview about how supernaturally inspired we can be. Listen today as he takes a deeper dive into this topic looking at Deuteronomy 8.
Listen as Mike continues our series, A Thrill of Hope. Today's sermon is based in part on the dialogue Jesus enters into while traveling with a couple men on the road to Emmaus. In particular, in Luke 24:27, where we are told that, “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. What you are going to see is, once you know where to look, you see Jesus jumping off the page throughout the Old Testament.
The Advent season is a time to celebrate and contemplate the arrival of Jesus coming to earth as a baby. As the great Christmas hymn, O Holy Night, explains – it was “A thrill of hope” for which – “the weary world rejoices”. Listen as we hear from Ben Dockery, Campus Pastor at the Lake Forest location and we are going to look at Romans chapter 5 as the apostle Paul compares Jesus and Adam, the first man. He explains the hope that accompanies Jesus’ arrival as a new and better Adam.
Many people track the start of the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday with a proclamation made by Abraham Lincoln, others go back further to 1789, when President George Washington issued a decree proclaiming November 26th as a day of Thanksgiving. Still others go back to the 1600s and the Pilgrims. It turns out, the call to give thanks – to embrace gratitude – goes back a couple thousand years before that. LIsten as Mike Woodruff looks at Psalm 100 a passage filled with coaching from Moses, and an overbearing message to be thankful.
Today we will be starting a series that will be sprinkled throughout the next year. Christ and Culture. This series explores the theological and biblical basis for valuing and participating in cultural and artistic creation. How do we as Christians operate in this wider world…politics, movies, film, news, art, education..how do we interpret these things and how do we contribute? Some of these issues are contentious - such as abortion, racism and living together. Today MIke is turning to I Corinthians 6, I Corinthians 10 and Ephesians 5:18 to reflect on how Christ-followers should think about topics like this. And he will be giving some specific focus on another controversial contemporary issue - the use of recreational marijuana, which will be legal in Illinois in about six weeks.
The Holy Spirit is something that people have a wide range of how they define the third member of the Trinity. Listen today as Ben Dockery dives into scripture to unpack what the bible says about the Holy Spirit.
As we wrap up a series where many of our blindspots were illuminated, many people are wondering, what is my next step? Listen as Anson Hanbury brings us a message that helps illuminate our pathway toward discovering life with God.
Who do you trust? In our last week of Blindspots, Mike Woodruff talks about a common blindspot that is very pivotal in ones walk with Christ...do you truly trust God...or is your heart leaning toward the impact of what other idols may bring you?
Anger. This is one thing that we have to face, and often we don't see how our anger envelops our lives and alters our relationships with others. Listen as Mike Woodruff shows us how Jacob was blind to his anger...and how we might be as well.
We are in week 5 of Blindspots, and have explored many ways in which we are blind to our impact, and how we treat others. Join us this week as Tim Elmore dives into how we percieve other generations, and also how we dont see how our generational differences impact others.
Thank you for joining us in week 4 of our Blindspots series Today Mike Woodruff will be talking about how God can use conflict to help us see ourselves more clearly. Listen as Mike steps into Genesis 32:22-32, and explores Jacob's wrestling with God.
As we continue our Blindspots series, and look at the life of Jacob we focus on his brother Esau. Listen as Mike Woodruff dives into Genesis 25:29-34 and how the dynamic between two brothers changes drastically as a result of a short-sighted decision.
We all have a history, we all have “issues”...you might even say, we all have some “wounds.” We are slowed down in certain ways by our past, consequently some of us carry around a lot of baggage. Listen as Mike looks at the life of someone who has a lot of baggage – in particular from his family...and consequently a lot of Blindspots. His name is Jacob.
Three thousand years ago, Socrates said that the path to truth starts as we learn to "Know thyself." 500 years ago, noted theologian John Calvin wrote, “Wisdom, consists almost entirely of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves.” Many others have said similar things. Our mission is to help people Discover life with God. That requires a better understanding of ourselves than most of us have.
Most of us want to get better. Part of getting better is seeing ourselves accurately. Today we kickoff of a new series called Blindspots, which comes our way mostly from the life of Jacob. Mike Woodruff will start things off by looking at the challenge of understanding who we are.
As we ramp up for our Fall season , there is no better passage than Philippians 3:7-14 to prepare us for the upcoming season. Listen as Ben Dockery describes how Paul’s focus in this passage is on forward momentum, not prior mistakes. A person cannot move ahead if their thoughts and vision are focused on the past. Paul has a clear goal: bring in heaven with the Lord, he looks forward to the ultimate reward for his faithful service.
Thank you for joining us in week two of Planted – an occasional topical series in which Mike will be framing up a Christian World View – setting in front of new Christians, the basics of the faith so that those new to the faith understand what the big, foundational, organizing truths are. Today's topic. is important but heavy and dark - it is Evil.
Join us as we begin our Planted series with a message based from Hebrews 11, a passage that many call The Hall of Fame of Faith".
Thank you for joining us on the second week of our three week summer series called The Temptations of Jesus. We are often tempted to provide for ourselves, protect ourselves, and exalt ourselves. Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by these same things. And while we often fall, Jesus shows us a new and better way. Listen today as Brad Coleman talks about Praise.
Thank you for joining us on the second week of our three week summer series called The Temptations of Jesus. We are often tempted to provide for ourselves, protect ourselves, and exalt ourselves. Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by these same things. And while we often fall, Jesus shows us a new and better way. Listen today as Aaron Cramer talks about Protection...how often we try to protect ourselves when the real protection is when we lean into Christ.
This week we kick off a new three week series called The Temptations of Jesus. We are often tempted to provide for ourselves, protect ourselves, and exalt ourselves. Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by these same things. And while we often fall, Jesus shows us a new and better way. We have three messages from three of our campus pastors over the next three weeks who will talk from Matthew 4…this week you will hear from Jonathan Neef as he talks on Matthew 4:1-4 and how Jesus resisted the temptation of provision.
Thank you for joining us on the last installment of our series Honest Reflections: a Study on the Psalms. This week we walk through Psalm 98, a celebratory psalm, that has an unexpected turn at the end…”rejoice because God is judge and He is going to judge you.”. What? How is that good news? Listen as Mike Woodruff opens up this Psalm and shows us why we can rejoice in His judgement.
As we enter week 10 of Honest Reflections...a study in the Psalms, we are nearing the end of our series as we focus on Psalm 23...one that some would say is the most famous psalm. Listen as Mike Woodruff brings us a perspective on Sheep...and what this means in our relationship with God.
Thank you for joining us on week 9 of an 11 week sermon series Honest Reflections…a study in the book of Psalms. The book of Psalms is a 150 chapter collection of prayers found in the middle of the Bible. Today, Anson Hanbury invites us to engage in Psalm 30, a beautiful example of singing praises to the Lord!
Thank you for joining us on week 8 of an 11 week sermon series called Honest Reflections…a study in the book of Psalms. Today’s message is on doubt – which is a big and important topic, and perhaps one that describes you. Perhaps you believe – most of the time, but you have some “concerns and questions.” Or maybe you are like the father who brings Jesus his sick child, and Jesus says he will be well if you believe and this man exclaims, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.” Whatever camp you are, listen as Mike Woodruff unpacks Psalm 73.
Thank you for joining us on week 7 of an 11 week sermon series called Honest Reflections…a study in the book of Psalms. Today we are looking at a psalm that reaffirms our perspective of who the Lord is in our life, listen as Ben Dockery unpacks Psalm 16.
Thank you for joining us on week 6 of an 11 week sermon series called Honest Reflections…a study in the book of Psalms. Today we are looking at Psalms of lament, which you can think of as prayers when you are sad and disappointed, maybe with life, perhaps with God. Often Christians sing about praise, worship, and other “happy” experiences...today we are looking at a very size-able chunk of the bible that we seem to relegate to areas we choose not to dwell, but are some of the areas that bring authenticity in how we relate to God.
Thank you for joining us in week 5 of our 11 week sermon series Honest Reflections…a study in the book of Psalms. Listen this week as Mike Woodruff explores David’s reflection on contentment in Psalm 62. In what ways does your life and cultural experience pull you away from contentment?
This is week 4 of an 11 week sermon series Honest Reflections…a study in the book of Psalms. Listen this week as Mike Woodruff dives into repentance, and what this looks like in the framework of our cultural experience.
Sing to the Lord a new song. We are called to do this in Psalm 96...but what does this look like in our life? Join us in week 3 of our Honest Reflections series and listen as Anson Hanbury reflects on the many songs that we sing and what it looks like to sing a new song.
This is week 2 of an 11 week sermon series Honest Reflections…a study in the book of Psalms…this 150 chapter collection of prayers found in the middle of the Bible.
This week we kick off an 11 week sermon series in the book of Psalms…Honest Reflections. Our study of the Psalms will examine the heart of the authors and provide instruction for how to deal with some of the toughest moments in life. In our discovery of life with God, we cannot escape the moments that seem overwhelming, but the Psalms provide insight on how to live during those days.
Last week we began Holy Week where we have been walking through the last days of Jesus' life. We started with his triumphal entry into Jerusalem last Sunday..and then on Thursday... Jesus' last supper...and to his death on the cross on Friday. Today we celebrate His resurrection. Listen as Mike Woodruff reflects on the differences the resurrection makes.
Palm Sunday we traditionally celebrate the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As described in the gospel, Jesus's entry into Jerusalem was noted by the crowds present who shouted praises and waived palm branches. Listen as Ben Dockery dives into Mark 11:1-11 and talks about Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
What we pursue...is where our efforts are focused upon. This determines the direction for which we grow toward, and can indicate many factors of who we are. Listen as Mike Woodruff brings the second part of our series where he dives into Colossians 3 and talks about the heart...and how it can grow.
What we pursue...is where our efforts are focused upon. This determines the direction for which we grow toward, and can indicate many factors of who we are. Listen as Mike Woodruff dives into Colossians 3 and talks about the heart...and how it can grow.
Join us for part 2 of our REACH Half-time series, as we mark the half-way mark of our REACH campaign.
Join us as we mark the half way mark of our REACH campaign as Mike Woodruff unpacks Isaiah 11:6-9, and discusses a prophetic foreshadowing of a world without sin. Where Jesus is fully and finally in charge and His vision and values are fully embraced.
Listen as our special guest, Dr. Kevin Vanhoozer brings us a message on “The Cost of Sleepwalking Discipleship”. It is very easy to go through life dreaming with our eyes wide open, asleep at the wheel of our own life-story. Dr. Vanhoozer preaches from Mark 13:32 - 37, Jesus here issues a proverbial wake-up call, a demand to become alert and attentive to the real world: not the world of stock markets or stock piles of nuclear weapons, but the story of how God is at work in the world to sum up all things in Christ.
Welcome to Week 7 of our Explore God series where we will look at the question "Can I know God personally?" This week, Campus Pastor Ben Dockery will be breaking down ways that you can know God personally.
Welcome to Week 6 of our Explore God series where we will look at the question “Is Christianity too Narrow?” Our special guest Jared Alcantara who is the Associate Professor of Preaching at Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary in Waco, Texas joining us this week to help us unpack this question.
Welcome to Week 5 of our Explore God series where we will look at the question "Is the Bible Reliable? Anson Hanbury, one of our pastors on staff, will help us explore this question.
In week 4 of our Explore God series, listen as our special guest pastor, teacher and writer Steve Carter helps us to unpack this question "Is Jesus really God?
In week 3 of Explore God series. Listen as Syler Thomas looks at the question "Why does God allow pain and suffering?"
In Week 2 of our Explore God we are fortunate to have bestselling author, international speaker, and leading strategist in evangelism Mark Mittelberg who will be looking at the question "IS THERE A GOD?" He has written multiple books such as "The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask (with answers), The Reason Why Faith Makes Sense, and Becoming a Contagious Christian”.
Welcome to Week 1 of our Explore God series. Listen as we ask 7 questions over the next 7 weeks and explore these with a variety of guest pastors. Today we are fortunate to have author, speaker, and ordained pastor Skye Jethani. He served for 11 years as an editor and executive with Christianity Today, and before that he was a teaching pastor in Wheaton, Illinois. He’s the author of seven books. His latest book, IMMEASURABLE, was a Christianity Today 2018 Book of the Year. He’s also the co-host of the popular Holy Post podcast which blends theology and current events with insight and humor. Since 2014 he’s written With God Daily, an email-based daily devotional for people who hate devotionals. With God Daily is read by thousands of people on their smartphones every morning. Learn more at WithGodDaily.com.
Listen as Ben Dockery speaks from I Peter 3:15 to inspire us to engage in discussion about the major questions people have in the bible. Be prepared to to explore your life, your purpose and how God might fit into that.
We are in the fourth week of Advent in our series “And He Shall Be Called” where we have been focused on what we can learn by exploring the names and titles of Jesus. Listen as Anson Hanbury unpacks the title of Jesus Christ: “the Firstborn” as he teaches from Colossians 1:15-20.
We are in the third week of Advent in our series “And He Shall Be Called” where we have been focused on what we can learn by exploring the names and titles of Jesus. Listen as Mike Woodruff comments on three uncommon references to Jesus that go largely unappreciated with a hope that a greater understanding of the titles will lead you toward worship, as well as greater confidence in the Bible.
We are in week 2 of our Advent series: And His Name Shall Be Called. Did you know one of the names or titles that refers to Jesus is "Life"? This morning our LF campus pastor, Ben Dockery will be looking at John 6 where Jesus refers to himself as the Bread of Life, and he will be challenging us to define our lives in light of this claim Jesus makes to be the life.
Join us as we kick of Advent with our series "And His Name Shall Be Called". As you may know, there are lots of different names and titles for Jesus and also metaphors used to describe who He is and what He has done. In this series, we are going to explore these different names...names like Son of David, Lamb of God, Jesus the Messiah, and better understand the mystery and wonder of God. Listen as Mike Woodruff shares with us the importance of the names of Jesus.
Listen as Syler Thomas looks at a passage from the Gospel of Mark, where something unexpected happens at a Thanksgiving type celebration, something that has implications for what our relationship with God should look like.
This week we are on commandment nine, which is on lying. And I would be lying if I said it’s an easy one and you’ll escape unscathed! The pursuit of truth is a big task; telling the truth is hard. There is much to learn from Christ – who is truth.
Many of us feel that just because we are not actively “stealing” and walking out of stores with items that are not ours...that we have this commandment down pat. Jesus, who had a lot more to say about money than he did about sex, said some pretty surprising and disruptive things about stealing. Listen as Mike Woodruff breaks down the 8th Commandment - Thou Shall Not Steal.
Thank you for joining us in week 8 of our study in the 10 commandments called: What if? Conversations for a Better World. This week, we are actually jumping forward to the 10th commandment…You shall not covet. Listen as Mike gives focus on what this commandment means, and he asks the tough question... “what if we were content?”
Commandment #7..."You shall not commit adultery". This is pretty straightforward, right? Well, in the real world this is a much more involved and deeper commandment than it appears on the surface. Listen as Mike Woodruff breaks down this commandment.
**We are continuing with What If? Conversations for a Better World and today we get into the first law that sounds like a law that should be on the books! Don’t murder. Can anyone name the first five? No Gods but God, no idols, do not take his name in vain, remember the Sabbath, honor your parents. And now, listen as Mike Woodruff talks about “do not murder”.
Download the study guide here: http://christchurchil.org/what-if-week-six/**
In week 5 of our series on the Ten Commandments, we look specifically at Exodus 20:12 “honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Listen as Mike Woodruff dives in to family relationships, and brings a specific focus on honor...something that we find less and less of in our culture.
Download the study guide here: http://christchurchil.org/what-if-week-five/
Today we live longer, retire earlier, have a huge leisure industry and have more vacation days. And yet, we are working more hours and are more stressed out. It is not surprising to read that we report being tired, even exhausted, in part because most people are proud of their busyness. In week four of the What If? Conversations For a Better World series, listen as Mike Woodruff breaks down the fourth commandment, a disruptive gift from God, the Sabbath.http://christchurchil.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/4-Sabbath.pdf
Thank you for joining us in Week 3 of our What If? Conversations for a Better World series, a ten-week series stemming from the 10 commandments. This week, week we hit upon another commandment that most people miss the weight of what God is trying to communicate to us. Number three. It’s one people think they know – “Do not take the name of the Lord in vain” – but it’s so much bigger than most people think. Listen as Mike Woodruff breaks down the third of the four commandments that make up the first “tablet” that Moses presented to the Israelites, and governs our relationship with God.
Last week we kicked off our new Fall Sermon Series with a study of the 10 commandments...presented with questions centered around WHAT IF we lived by God's rules? This week, listen as Mike Woodruff looks at the second commandment which focuses on idols. We read in Exodus 20:3 - 3 “You shall have no other gods before[a] me. So we ask ourselves, what would it look like if your “God” was GOD?
Welcome to our new series – What If? Conversations for a Better World. Through the next 10 weeks we are going to explore what our life – what our world – would look like if we followed God’s loving direction. Our focus is on the Ten Commandments and the idea that they are a gift to us that leads to freedom and human flourishing. If you think of the Ten Commandments as old and outdated, heavy and harsh, then this will strike you as odd. But God is for you, the rules work and life is a lot better when we get that. We do not break the Ten Commandments, we break ourselves against them.
God has given us a wonderful framework for us to base our decisions, goals and aspirations upon, commonly known as the 10 Commandments. Listen as Mike reflects upon what this gift of wisdom means to us...and he also breaks into the “rules” of the game.
Listen as Ben Dockery continues down the path we began walking down last week when Mike Woodruff began uncovering the backbone of faith...and what believing in the Church means.
I believe in the church. That is a bold comment, and one that can have polarizing perspectives and is something that isn’t to be taken lightly. Listen as Mike Woodruff brings focus on the Apostle’s Creed and breaks down the significance and the power of the statements from something that many people repeat without truly, deeply absorbing the meaning.
Why do you volunteer? What brings you to serve at the church? If you struggle to relate to these questions, then ask someone that you know what their perspective is on volunteering…you might be surprised at the response. Listen as Mike Woodruff talks about the hands and feet of the church…the people who give of their time and energy as God leads them.
Listen as Ben Dockery brings us a perspective on the posture of work from the Bible in the character of Moses. Exodus is an iconic picture of God’s interaction with humanity. Many New Testament writers referenced the book of Exodus to help us understand what it means to be the people of God. The Exodus of Israel is a lens by which we can see our own experiences today.
Today, we will be hearing from Brad Coleman, who is our campus pastor for our Highland Park congregation, as we continue our Summer series, Made For This. God calls us to worship Him...but what does that look like? Listen as Brad brings us to the early examples of worship noted in the bible.
Today, we will be hearing from Anson Hanbury, who serves on staff with our Central Ministries team, as we continue our Summer series, Made For This As we continue on our look at the book of Exodus - an iconic picture of God’s interaction with humanity. Anson brings forth a look into Moses’ journey, as he wandered through his life and how God brought him through some amazing circumstances.
Listen as Aaron Cramer brings us a talk about wisdom from the Bible in the character of Moses. Exodus is an iconic picture of God’s interaction with humanity. Many New Testament writers referenced the book of Exodus to help us understand what it means to be the people of God. The Exodus of Israel is a lens by which we can see our own experiences today.
Doubt is a big topic. If it characterizes you, you do not need to feel guilty or panic, but you shouldn’t feel proud and you shouldn’t sit still. Doubt is not unbelief, but it can lead there. Listen today as Mike Woodruff discusses a biblical perspective on doubt, and charges you with action as your doubt situation is too important to be passive.
Listen today as Armando, our partner that is helping us to REACH people, is here today to share a bit about his ministry and a great message from Isaiah 61.
How do you manage the challenges you face in the world? Is yours one of facing them by yourself...or do you have a group of people who you consider "family" that walks with you on your journey? Listen as Mike Woodruff talks about church community, and serving each other.
Are you growing? If you look at your life, do you notice that your life and how you approach life, has changed? For the better...or worse? Listen as Mike Woodruff discusses how we change, and how sometimes wondering if you are on the wrong path is a sign that you are more God focused than you might think.
Our study of Galatians brings us to a very timely topic – freedom. We all want to be free. In Galatians 5, Paul opens the chapter by announcing that, “For freedom, Christ has set us free.” As you’ve read through Galatians in the past, that passage likely jumped out at you. It sounds impressive, important, promising. But what does that mean? What is freedom? How can we be truly free?
The Trinity. One of the most hard to define concepts that we learn about in the Bible, is also one of the more important aspects of God that helps us to know who He truly is. Listen as Mike Woodruff talks on Galatians 4:6, and breaks down the Triune God.
In part 2 of our study of Galatians 2:15-3:14, the apostle Paul shows us that our justification, or approval before God, is based on faith in Christ. We can live freely because it does not depend on us, but Christ living in us.
In part 2 of our study of Galatians 2:15-3:14, the apostle Paul shows us that our justification, or approval before God, is based on faith in Christ. We can live freely because it does not depend on us, but Christ living in us.
In part 2 of our study of Galatians 2:15-3:14, the apostle Paul shows us that our justification, or approval before God, is based on faith in Christ. We can live freely because it does not depend on us, but Christ living in us.
In the 5th week of our series in Galatians, Mike Woodruff breaks down the law...aka "God's Law". What does the group of laws given to Moses by God mean for Christians? Do they have any bearing on us...or should we follow them closely?
If a tree falls in the woods…is there any truth to the assumption that there is no sound? People have differing perspectives on what is “truth”…but the reality of things is that there is only one truth, all other perspectives are man-made, and based off of our assumptions. Listen as Mike Woodruff talks on Galatians 1:11-2:14 and highlights how Paul’s presence in the early church reframed some of the miss-perceptions of the true gospel, which our human nature often distorts.
What's your motivation? Ever think about why you do what you do? Listen as Mike Woodruff breaks into Galatians 1:10 and dives into the "why" behind our motivations and whether our actions are for God...or for ourselves?
In week 2 of our study of Galatians, listen as Mike Woodruff talks about Galatians 1:6-9, and what it means to be engaging in a life of Faith=Salvation+ Good Works...a life built around the gift of salvation...and not one driven by works to earn salvation.
How do you define "religion"? When you hear the term religion...what images come to mind? Traditions, sacraments, commands...or does this describe how you connect with God? Listen today as Mike Woodruff kicks off week one of our multi-week series on the book of Galatians called "Set Free", and breaks open one of the more controversial books of the bible, one that sets the tone for how we relate to God.
Last week Mike Woodruff challenged us to focus on our faith and make a decision to consider a life of faith. This week our special guest Gordon MacDonald brings us a checklist for how God calls us to walk…and he challenges us to sweep out our lives…take stock of our walk, and how we honor God daily.
Easter is a day that people are drawn to the church for many reasons...some because of loved ones, others because of the Love of One. Whatever brings you here to listen today, Mike Woodruff has a message for you, that calls you to seek the truth in the empty tomb...what does the empty tomb mean to you?
As we lead into Holy Week, listen as Christ Church Lake Forest Campus Pastor Ben Dockery talks about our perceptions...and how our narrow field of vision can only see a small portion of God's truth. Is your perspective stuck in your own viewfinder range? Listen as Ben breaks down some of the key perspectives that lead Jesus to the cross, as well as our own miss-directed perspectives on Jesus.
We are in week 5 of our five-week series called REACH…a series where we unpack our vision to fuel a movement that reaches people and renews communities. This is commitment weekend, an exciting, inspirational and encouraging weekend where people show their support for REACH. This is not the end..but the beginning of what we can do. This campaign has been about fueling a movement, helping us jumpstart so we have the means to reach people and renew communities. Listen as Mike Woodruff talks about Abraham and brings perspective to his posture, and how he stood up to God for Lot and his family...in a very bold way.
In week 4 of our five-week series called REACH, we focus on generosity, and how God calls us to give. Listen as Mike Woodruff digs into Genesis, Proverbs, and various other passages that highlight the posture that God sets for us as Christians, to grow His church.
Welcome to week 3 of our 5 week REACH series on the life of Abraham. Over the last few weeks we reflected over the "what" and "why", but there is a why behind the why that needs a bit of attention. The question we focus on today is: what motivates Abraham? Why is he so committed? Why is he so trusting? Why is he so generous? Why is his heart soft to the things of God? Do you want your heart to be soft to the things of God in the way that Abraham lived? What can I learn from Abraham? Listen as Mike digs deeper into Abraham's journey and how God worked inside of him and through him.
Welcome to our second week of the REACH series as well as the second week of our study of Abraham. Last week we started in Genesis 11 and moved into Genesis 12. Today it’s Genesis 13 – with a focus on decisions. The refrain of the sermon is: first we make our decisions, and then those decisions make us. Listen as Mike Woodruff digs deeper into Abraham and Lot, and the dichotomy that arose when they arrived in the promised land.
This week we kick off a new series based out of Genesis, exploring what we can learn from the life of Abraham. A man with an impressive Wikipedia entry, he is honored as the founder of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. More significantly, God has some very favorable things to say about him in Hebrews 11 – the Hall of Faith chapter. In the first installment of our series, listen as Mike Woodruff guides us as we begin looking at some of the critical moments in his life.
This is week four of our series out of the minor prophets – small books with a big punch. Today, Anson Hanbury will be teaching from Obadiah… which has just one chapter and 21 verses making it one of the shortest book in the Hebrew bible but one that is packed with examples of how it is hard to remain strong in faith...in a life that is subtly prideful, and rife with worldly influence. Listen as Anson leads us through this rich, but short example of humility and faith.
Listen as Mike Woodruff shares the vision that God has given us and the call for 100% engagement.
In the third week of our series "The Minors", our look into the minor prophets - 12 small books of the bible, that pack a big punch. Today we get in the ring with the book of Joel - whose author doesn't pull any punches. He is known for looking ahead at what is coming - the Day of the Lord. But more than anything he issues a no-nonsense call about making God our priority. Listen as Mike brings perspective on the lessons in Joel, and helps us see how to look at this book from the Old Testament in a vital, current lens.
Welcome to the book of Habakkuk. Habakkuk, is one of the twelve minor prophets. He lived close to 3,000 years ago, during the final decade of Israel’s southern kingdom – just before her defeat and exile. It was a time of idolatry, injustice and suffering. It was also a time where Habakkuk saw the rising threat of Babylon. But he didn’t warn the people. Unlike other prophets, Habakkk doesn’t accuse Israel of doing things wrong. Listen as Mike Woodruff dives into Habakkuk, and brings us a biblical view of suffering, as well as how God, truly cares for us.
Over the next few weeks we’re going to dive into a collection of books you’ve probably just skipped over – the minor prophets. They have difficult names – like Habakkuk and Haggai. They are called “minor prophets” – so they sound unimportant, but they can be pretty heavy – a fair bit of gloom and doom, so a lot of people skip them. But that is a mistake, listen as Mike Woodruff dives into these short books of the bible, and brings to light the cultural relevance that transcends time and society. Most of the Minor Prophets were written after Israel turned its back on God, which means… they were written for people who have turned their back on God. And if you have ever turned your back on God – if you have ever messed up and are looking for some advice about the way back – this is a series for you.
It is very natural for all of us to experience spiritual plateaus in our lives. Spiritual plateaus are times when we lack desire and motivation. They are natural and easy to slip into in our walk with God. Listen as Aaron Cramer encourages us to consider Philippians 4:8-9 where believers are reminded of 6 helpful waypoints we are to think on. As we look forward to the new year applying these waypoints will help prevent you from experiencing a spiritual plateau.
Advent is the season in the church year where we prepare ourselves – our hearts, our homes, our lives – for the coming of the Messiah. This series is called “Songs of the Season.” We are looking at some of the great Christmas hymns, unpacking their message. Looking behind the lyrics at the Scripture that inspired the writers. Listen as Mike Woodruff walks us through Joy to the World!
Advent is the season in the church year where we prepare ourselves – our hearts, our homes, our lives – for the coming of the Messiah. This series is called “Songs of the Season.” We are looking at some of the great Christmas hymns, unpacking their message. Looking behind the lyrics at the Scripture that inspired the writers. Listen as Mike Woodruff walks us through the impact of What Child Is This?
Today we look at O Little Town of Bethlehem where Syler Thomas unpacks this very popular song of this season.
Join us on our third week of our Songs of the Season series, looking at the Biblical passages and big ideas that shape some of our more thoughtful Christmas songs. So far we have looked at O Come O Come Emmanuel and It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. Listen as Mike walks us through Hark the Herald Angels Sing, which is based on Luke 2, where we hear about the night that Christ was born.
As we further unpack the Songs of the Season, listen as Anson Hanbury focuses on a popular tune.... It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. In the poem that has become the popular carol, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, we’re invited to hear the message of peace proclaimed by the angels and, in response, find encouragement and seek peace in our day.
Advent is the season in the church year where we prepare ourselves – our hearts, our homes, our lives – for the coming of the Messiah. This series is called “Songs of the Season.” We are looking at some of the great Christmas hymns, unpacking their message. Looking behind the lyrics at the Scripture that inspired the writers. Listen as Mike Woodruff walks us through the oldest Christmas song still in circulation, the 1,200-year-old hymn: O Come O Come Emmanuel.
Thankfulness is in all of our perspectives at this time, but what does the Bible say? Listen as Dan Syvertsen breaks down the barriers, and the commands that Jesus calls us to.
Many people are self-conscious of their singing voice, and when there is a chance to sing at church, or when they are around others...they close off and hold back. Listen as Mike Woodruff talks about singing and how integral it is to our relationship with God.
Please welcome our guest Mark Labberton, who will be sharing with us how the Bible shows us what community looks like, and how we need community to move forward in life, along with snippets of what that looks like.
Meditation. Many people have an impression that meditation is part of some spiritual new age idea…but it is actually part of our Christian walk. Listen as Mike Woodruff talks about how meditation fits in to how we connect with Christ.
On Tuesday of this week, we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, the cultural, political, economic, philosophical revolution that changed just about everything – countries, families, work, worship and more. Listen as Mike Woodruff highlights the tenacity and courage of Matin Luther, whom kick started the events that re-focused the church on what is important in the eyes of God.
Rest. How does the concept of rest fit in your daily life? Listen as our guest Carlos Herrerra delves into how we are called to rest, and to make it part of our life.
How often do you pray? Do you ever feel distant, ritualistic, or purpose-less when you pray? Listen today as Mike Woodruff brings to focus a life of prayer…and some of the ways that we tend to go off course when we “try” to engage in making prayer part of our life as well as some perspective on bringing prayer into your intentional focus.
Today we begin a new series. It's called, "The Way Forward" and it's designed to look at the things we can do to more fully yield our lives to God. You might remember that during the summer Mike did a series called "Unstuck" - in which we looked at things that hold us back. In this series, we are looking at the thinks that pull us forward.
Why did Jesus Christ come to earth? Listen as our special guest Luis Palau breaks down so many of the important reasons why this is so crucial in the foundations of Christianity, but for our salvation. Luis Palau and his ministry have shared the Gospel with more than 1 billion people through evangelistic events and media. He has spoken in person to 30 million people in 75 countries, with more than 1 million registered decisions for Jesus Christ.
What is our purpose in engaging in church, if we are not engaging others in Christ’s good news? Listen as Mike Woodruff talks about how we are called to reach out to others and proclaim the good news, and invite others to discover life with God.
It’s common these days to complain about the pace of life. Everything is moving too fast. Those who study these things report that our problem is a combination of the fact that there is a lot going on, and a 24 hour news cycle that, well, goes on 24 hours a day. The latter means we are aware of problems and issues and needs that go in every direction. How do we cope with this? How do we keep up? What should our response be to the needs of others? It can all be a bit overwhelming. Listen as Mike Woodruff brings perspective from the biblical writings and examples of those that God has raised to bring light to His kingdom.
In Matthew 22 Jesus said, “love the Lord your God will all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” We are going to be considering what that means today in the second week of our series Discovering Life With God, titled: "Love God". Listen as Mike Woodruff talks about how worship plays into loving God, and what this looks like.
Today we begin a new series entitled: "Discovering Life with God" over the next four weeks we are exploring the question: what does it look like to win? What’s the goal? What is the point of life? Listen as Mike Woodruff starts off with the tone set by Ecclesiastes. 1:1-18, and begins to set the perspective of what a closer walk with God looks like.
With today's life we are inundated with demands that pull us and monopolize our every waking moment, if we aren't careful. We can serve here, attend this class, bring our kids to soccer...but how do we figure out what really needs our attention? Listen as Mike Woodruff brings us through a second look at the church, and how we can posture ourselves to be an active joyful member of the body by establishing boundaries and garnering a focus on God's desire for our resources.
The church has been a steady rock throughout centuries of loss, crisis, gain and advancement. Where does the church fit in the world? What role can Christians expect to take as the chaos of the times unfold? Listen as Mike Woodruff looks at the church, and how perspectives and other influences...political and social...attempt to pigeonhole Christianity.
Ever wonder if God is listening? Does it feel like sometimes our trials continue to pile up…and we wonder “where is God?” We are in the last week of our 4 week series called #THATSLIFE, and this week Anson Hanbury will talk from Romans 8 and bring a focus on how we relate to God, and how does that fall in line with God’s timetable for us. Without God we are powerless to overcome our weakness, but if we grow in supplication and in relationship with God we have The Power of the Holy Spirit in Us.
In our 3rd week of our 4 week series #THATSLIFE, Pastor Anson Hanbury will talk from Romans 7, highlighting the fact that without God we are alone with our inner conflict. But, with God...we have Somebody who can Help.
Have you ever found yourself dealing with a problem that just won’t go away? Sometimes there’s nothing left to do but shrug your shoulders and say, “that’s life.” But with God it doesn’t always have to be that way. We are in the 2nd week of a 4-week series called #THATSLIFE, listen as Pastor Anson Hanbury talks from Romans 6 and brings a focus on the that without God we are controlled by old patterns (sin), but with God we have Freedom to Serve a New Master.
Have you ever found yourself dealing with a problem that just won’t go away? Sometimes there’s nothing left to do but shrug your shoulders and say, “that’s life.” But with God it doesn’t always have to be that way. In this new 4-week series called #THATSLIFE, we will see how God has the power to help us win against our most persistent struggles. Listen as Pastor Anson Hanbury talks from Romans 5 to highlight that without God we’re stuck in old patterns, but with God we have Reason for Hope.
In this final week of Unstuck, listen as Mike Woodruff brings the focus back toward the ways that we get "stuck"...and the reasons behind our reticent actions. He also highlights a bit of a path forward to loosen the bonds of our natural inclination of being stuck and living a life in a rut.
Today is the fourth week of our series called Unstuck. It’s based on the idea that we want to get better, but we often do not. We are looking at the ways we can be held back. We have explored a few of these ways, self-deceit and self-righteous attitudes, today we look at addictions – you might call it self-destructive behavior. Listen as Paul Fowler tells of the good news that is brought with the blood of Jesus through grace and repentance.
One of the companions of self deception which we explored last week, is self righteousness. Listen as Mike Woodruff highlights how Jonah was stuck...as well as some of the grueling things he went through while God was prodding him to "get past himself" to do His mission. Are there areas in your life where you are stuck? How about I phrase that in a different way...can you truly say that you getting better?
If you poll all your friends and family, and you ask them to describe who you are, would they all completely agree with the way you see yourself? Does your view differ from what people would say about you? In our second week of the Unstuck series, listen as Mike Woodruff visits a story from I Samuel 15, and reflects upon how we see ourselves, as well as how our we deceive ourselves.
Listen as we begin a five-week series called “Unstuck” – during which we’ll be exploring insights from God about how to avoid the things that hold us back. God’s desire is that we flourish – but that doesn’t always happen. In this first week of Unstuck, Mike will be turning to Jeremiah for the first glimpse at the kind of ways we may be sabotaging ourselves.
As we continue in our third and final week of the Invest and Invite series, we have a special guest preacher, Rick Richardson to give us a great way that we can expand our evangelism. Rick is here to tell us about BLESS and is here to help us continue our discussion on how we can help people discover life with God.
In this second week of our Invest and Invite Series, we dive into the importance of building relationships with non-christians so that over time, people may begin to want to know more about Jesus. We all have a story of Jesus’ transformation of our lives, and it’s that story we want to tell our friends, families and neighbors. Listen as Dan Syvertsen unpacks Mark 5:15-20 and the lessons on how Jesus changes lives.
Join us as we kick of a new three-week series called “Invest and Invite”. In this series, we will step out of our comfort zone to explore how we can build relationships, meet neighbors and reach new people with the love of Christ in today’s fast paced world. Listen as Mike Woodruff talks about the Good Samaritan in his message “Love Your Neighbor”.
Every stage in life is unique, with many challenges that are very new to us, yet so very familiar to those who have gone through these stages of growth, relationships and family status. God has given us a great example in the Bible of how to handle these hurdles, through God, Faith, and community. Listen as Mike Woodruff talks about these stages of life, and how God equips us to thrive.
Please join us as we bring you week three of a four week series called “We are Family.” Last week Mike Woodruff introduced the topic of Marriage and this week he brings the topic home and narrows the focus on what the bible says about relationships and marriage.
Listen as Mike Woodruff brings us week two of a four week series called “We are Family.” We are thinking a lot about relationships and as we draw close to God – as we lean into the great news of his love and grace for us – we find the kind of energy we need to love others as we should.
Join us as we start this new series called “We are Family” a look into relationships and the biblical perspective that we are given. Mike Woodruff opens the series and explains that the title is meant to advertise that this is not simply a marriage series, It’s also a play on both the Sisters Sledge song from the late 70s, and the fact that we are a family – that God uses family language to describe the church.
On this Easter listen as Mike Woodruff brings the last message in the Luke Series, and delves into how our personal experience shapes our walk as a Christian, washed in the water and saved by the blood of our savior, Jesus the Christ.
As we approach the last couple of chapters of Luke, we are going to do something a bit different. The goal is less to help you understand the events of the last hours of Christ’s life as much as it is to frame up some unsettling questions, so that you are appropriately unsettled. Listen as Mike Woodruff talks about Luke 23, which covers what some refer to as The Stations of the cross or, the Via Dolorosa, Via Crucis and the Way of Sorrows.
All of us, unfortunately, at one time or another, fall short of the right standards and let ourselves, God, or other people down. Listen today as Carlos Herrera from Journey Church in Waukegan, IL digs into moral failure, and how through repentance we may be reconciled and redeemed.
The world is full of questions. What do you think the most important question ever posed might be? There was a very important question that was raised in Luke 22:63 that the impact of the answer shapes everything we as Christians know today. Listen as Mike Woodruff reflects on this pivotal verse as we enter continue with the final chapters in Luke.
Who do you think of when you hear the word, “traitor”? Brutus or Cassius? Americans generally say, “Benedict Arnold.” The Brits point to “Guy Fawkes.” At our Thursday night service someone yelled out, “Bret Favre.” I’m not sure deciding to leave Green Bay and play for the Vikings earns Bret a spot on this list. But there is one name that shows up every time, Judas Iscariot. Today, we are going to think about Judas. What can we learn from him – about life, or about ourselves, about God?
A. Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
How tough are you? How resilient? It’s an important question – and one that is about to come up as we look at some of the very last things Jesus says to his followers before his arrest. Listen as Mike Woodruff breaks down Luke 22:35-38, and brings to light the irrepressible nature of Jesus.
Many of us have been baptized, some of us have chosen to be baptizes as adults...and many of us before we even knew what baptism was. As we continue in Luke 22 this week, Mike Woodruff talks about Baptism and the pivotal role it plays in our faith and declaring that we are Christians.
Join us as Mike Woodruff walks us through the evolution of a Jewish tradition, the Passover Seder Meal, that with the coming of Jesus has transformed into what we know as The Last Supper.
This week Mike Woodruff brings us the second week of looking at The Olivet Discourse – where Jesus talks about how the world ends. This commentary needs perspective as the viewpoint of Jesus is from the future, and His knowledge of how things transpire is beyond our capacity. Listen as we wrap up the mini-series as we march toward the Final Chapters of Luke.
Listen as Mike Woodruff breaks down the first of two sermons on The Olivet Discourse – which is Jesus’s comments about how the world ends. He was walking out of the Temple when one of his disciples commented on what an impressive building it was. He said, “Not really. It’s certainly not going to last.” That led to lots of questions on their part, which were followed by his answer – which is recorded in Matthew 23, Mark 13 and Luke 21. What Jesus said has been a topic of endless fascination. We will be turning there today. It is part of our study of the Final Chapters of Luke.
We live in a society with walls, barriers between people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds, yet we are one church. How can we truly be “one church” when we are divided by background and cultural differences? Listen as Peter Cha delves into Ephesians 2:11-19 and breaks down reconciliation and how Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross brings us all under one God.
Money…each of us has our perspective on financial matters…but what does God have to say about this? Listen as Mike Woodruff dives into Luke 21:1-3 and breaks down some of the misconceptions, and perspectives that aren’t necessarily popular ways of thinking from a worldly perspective, but represent the truth that God tells us through scripture.
Freedom. Something that people want and desire…but it can be elusive and many people feel it is impossible to achieve. On this New Year’s Day, Anson Hanbury dives into Galatians 5, and talks about how freedom can be found through our search for righteousness...in God…not self. Make 2017 the year you make an end to seeking liberty through worldly things, and seek Jesus and the TRUE route to freedom.
When you think about the awesome majesty of God, it may seem overwhelming in the scope of how insignificant we may seem. There are billions of us here on this planet, yet God loves each and every one of us, and our hope in the birth of Jesus, brings new perspective to how amazing His love is for us. Listen as Ryan Harvey describes the wonderful miracle of the Son of God, coming to earth in the form of a baby, with one purpose...so that we may know His love for us through calvary.
“It’s a Christmas miracle!” That line is used to describe all manner of things – such as finding a parking spot in the mall or Aunt Tilly and Uncle Dwight getting along on Christmas afternoon. I want to consider it as we continue our march through the first verse of John 1. Today we arrive at a very important passage. John 1:14. Listen as Mike Woodruff delves into the "good news", and tells us about the greatest miracle.
As we explore Light Into Darkness this Advent, listen as Anson Hanbury explores John 1:6-13 John the Baptist - He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.
Why are we here? I am not asking, “Why are we listening to a sermon right now?” I am asking a bigger question: “What are we doing here? Why are we alive? What is life all about? What’s the point? Is there a higher purpose, a higher calling? Listen as Mike Woodruff dives into a John 1:1-5...and brings perspective to some of these questions through this seminal new testament verse.
As we kick off the Advent season, our theme is Light into Darkness, In this series we explore the Messiah’s entrance into a broken world bringing the light of redemption and dispelling darkness. Listen as guest speaker Joel Willitts explores the depth of Lament…and the capacity to embrace the extremities of both joy and sorrow and how to be fully human in a world of fleeting goodness and pervasive evil, on the road toward spiritual maturity.
Religious leaders come, and go. In the establishment that many of us live in...it becomes very challenging to accept one that makes radical statements that shake our perception of what is right and what is good. When Jesus came and revealed who He truly is...one may think that everyone bowed down in front of Him...quite the opposite happened...and this radical change in perspective is one that many of us are still wrestling with. Listen as Mike Woodruff illustrates the perspective and the path that scripture shows us, and calls us, to follow.
In the perspective of eternity, there are many questions that arise. What matters? What does the good life look like? What is expected of us? What happens when I die? Listen as Mike Woodruff breaks down some of the questions that get explored in the small book that Luke writes for us. Luke’s Gospel – that’s what we call it, because he wrote it to persuade us that Jesus is God.
As we ramp up for this last stretch of political campaigning before the big election, listen as Mike Woodruff walks us through Psalm 62 – which is one of the great Psalms of King David. David's words can be inspiration and comfort as we head to the polls this week, reminding us that God is all we need...no matter who takes the presidential office.
Reformation. Almost 500 years ago, there was a re-focus on Christendom. Many of the “religious” acts of the church were being exposed as not biblical, and the church was not happy that Martin Luther was leading this charge with his posting of his writing, the 95 Thesis, which exposed the hypocrisy of the church and spurred the Protestant Reformation. Listen as Mike Woodruff outlines and delves into this pivotal era of Christianity highlighting how impactful this transformation of the church and worship is, for all of us who seek to know the Lord.
As we go through life, we experience many situations that challenge us...and the challenge is to conform, or hold true to what is right. Listen as Anson Hanbury speaks about Daniel, and how he and his friends had to relate to their community as well as remain true to their faith.
Trials, tragedy and uncertainty...all of us have to experience these aspects of life at one time or another...but it isn't just about how we face these growth opportunities, it is how we recover, and prepare ourselves for future challenges. Listen as Mike Woodruff walks us through obedience...and finishing well.
As you go through life, the proverbial bumps-in-the-road will happen, some are minor potholes, others...will shake you to the core. Listen today as Mike Woodruff breaks down faith...the perspectives, the parameters...but importantly what faith means to your Christian walk, and how we might lean into that faith to carry us through the major, and minor catastrophic times throughout our life.
Ever find yourself pondering Humility? Humility goes against human nature, yet it is a vital component to a Christian walk. Listen as Mike Woodruff humbly walks us through humility and how throughout the book of Daniel we see the delicate balance that one must tread.
Wisdom. Some have it, others want it…still others have no clue that their trajectory is heading in the opposite direction…Many times we wind up worshiping things…just because we feel pressure to. The government, pop culture and many other influences attempt to influence or intimidate us to compromise. Listen today as Mike Woodruff delves into Daniel Chapter 3 where Daniel and his cohorts Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are faced with a challenge…one that rings true to challenges that many of us face in todays world.
This week Mike Woodruff highlights the courage of Daniel...a young man who faced some amazing challenges, yet remained faithful.
Ever worry about the future? What is happening in this world currently leads us to be very uneasy about what is happening around the corner...Listen as Mike Woodruff looks to the future...via the past...Old Testament past, through the book of Daniel.
There is a sign on a dirt road in the back hills of Alabama that reads, “Pick your rut carefully. You’ll be in it for the next 20 miles.” Deciding your "path" in life is a weighty choice, and this sort of decision can be paralyzing...listen as Mike Woodruff talks about leaning into the Lord and learning how God's guidance to help us gain love, insight, and righteous direction.
Where are you? I am not referring to your current gps coordinates...but where are you when you look at your life in the context of God? Have you taken a step back and looked closely at how you stand in comparison to where God is calling you to be? Listen as Mike Woodruff raises these questions, and brings in perspective a biblical background that encourages us to strive for His calling.
What is Christian Life all about? If you have ever asked this question, listen to Jamie Morrison as he unpacks the passage that sums up the walk and life that Christianity means to him.
In this stunning true story of tragedy and Christian faith, listen as Gerard Long, known for his work with Alpha USA, talks about how his and his family's life was turned upside down not only once...but twice...and how faith in the Lord has such amazing power to conquer such amazing grief.
Our special guest this week, Stephen Love shares his story of how life changing transformation can be found by leaning into the Lord in faith and obedience. Listen as he relates how his favorite passage, Galatians 2:20 has changed his life.
Do you have a favorite scripture passage that always seems to speak to your heart? Listen as Syler Thomas talks about one that changed his life...John 14:11...how it worked it's way into his life and how his story can be a witness to those of us who are looking for something to prove the life changing love that God has waiting for us...should we walk in faith.
After the events of this past week, and all of the ramp-up leading to the current state of chaos that we are living in, the void between harmony and destruction of lives has narrowed, and we are left with a aching need for direction. Fortunately, there is a way to go that is not only right, but brings unity...God has it all laid out for us, and we need to follow. Listen as Mike Woodruff discusses civility and the biblical perspective that can bring us all, to peace.
Try it before you buy it...it sounds like a good idea, right? That is the prevailing mindset that many people use when approaching marriage in today's society. The question is, from a Godly perspective, is this right? Listen as Mike Woodruff discusses the biblical perspective and what Jesus says about cohabitation.
Do you know your neighbor? Does your neighbor know you? So often we get wrapped up in our own cocoon(s) and we become complacent with being closed off...and our neighbor becomes invisible. So, how do we fulfill the charge of loving thy neighbor? Listen as Dan Syvertsen discusses how we may reach out...and become the light in our own neighborhoods.
When Jesus said, "Tear down this temple and in three days I will rebuild it" this was shocking for many people...listen as Mike Woodruff talks about how truly revolutionary these words were in the context of Jerusalem and the political and religious climate of Jesus' time. This bold statement framed the transformation of how our relationship with God would be changed forevermore.
We are in a series on contradictions. And of course Jesus is a big one. He is: God and man; a king and a servant; one who exercises power in weakness. Listen to Mike Woodruff as he illustrates these contrasts in real time here as we enter the final week of Contradictions.
In the presence of a very important person, do you stand up and greet this person...or do you hide and observe from a distance? Listen as Anson Hanbury talks about Jesus' interactions with Zacchaeus, though a man of worldly importance, he was unsure of where he fits when in the presence of Jesus. Hear about his transition from world centered life...to a kingdom focused existence.
When Jesus taught, he spoke in illustrative passages that set the tone for a message that was directed at people who would put the effort in to decipher and look at themselves deeply to see how it applies to them. Listen as Mike Woodruff talks about how Jesus taught us to look at ourselves and not waste the talents that He has given you. So...look deeply at yourself...are you using your God given talents to please the Lord?
One God in three persons...If you do the math...1 does not equal 3, if you ascribe to common logic...but listen to Mike Woodruff talk about the Holy Trinity and how God is one God, and three all at the same time.
Rejoice on the fiftieth day from Easter as we commemorate Pentecost, the day when the gift of the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and others who were gathered in prayer over 2,000 years ago. So “Sing a new song, church!” Listen as Jared Alcantara tells us how the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary brought us a new identity…we can now pass through the veil between God and humanity. He tore the veil, the lion of the tribe of Judah has triumphed, and now everyone is welcome at the heavenly banquet that awaits us.
Listen as Mike Woodruff explains how God's love for us resembles the love a mother has for her newborn infant child...in the same way that a mother's love for her helpless infant is purely self generated, God's love for us, is purely because of His nature, and not of our "earning".
Jesus was known for miracles, and when he gave sight to the blind the repercussions of this act were felt and continue to be felt around the world. He actually offers us all "sight for the blind"...in a way that many of us don't perceive...listen as Mike Woodruff opens our eyes to another miracle, the gift that seeing the world as God does, through the acts and teachings of our savior.
Ever find yourself seeking God's favor by doing something? Listen to Stephen Love as he talks about the importance for us to just humbly abide in His presence...living in His grace, and walking with the knowledge that God loves us for who we are, not what we do.
"Sell everything you have and then follow me"...this is what Jesus said to the rich young ruler who approached him...this young man was not ready to hear this direction as he, like many of us could not clearly see his own sin which he was trying to keep concealed. Jesus on the other hand, sees our sin and calls out to us to change...what do you need to "sell" to turn around the sin in your life? Listen as Mike Woodruff talks about what Jesus is trying to expose in this young ruler's life...as well as in our own.
For many of us, there may be very good reasons why our hearts have grown hard towards God or towards others. We might have been hurt and so in order to prevent ourselves from more harm, we put up walls. Listen as Syler Thomas talks about how Jesus wants us to become like little children again, so that we may receive His kingdom.
I will go to heaven because I do ___ and I have faith in ___. This is what many people believe...and yet when you look at what Jesus tells us in the parable of the Tax Collector and Sinner, this perspective gets radically turned around. Listen as Mike Woodruff talks about the route to salvation, and why try as we may, we can never be "good enough"...only accepting salvation in faith can redeem us.
He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Some might argue about the validity of this statement...but this is the key factors in what makes the sacrifice on the cross so significant, and is the basis of Christianity. Listen as Mike Woodruff talks about what we know about the resurrection...and why Easter is so important.
Whether you are curious about what Palm Sunday is all about, or you are solemnly paying tribute to the amazing sacrifice that our Lord, Jesus Christ paid on the cross, listen in to Mike Woodruff and our Christ Church team recount the path from His triumphal entry...to the sacrifice that Jesus made so that those who believe, may know salvation.
Last week we discussed how persistence in prayer is vital, but how are we supposed to pray? Listen as Mike Woodruff breaks down the Lord's Prayer and how significant and radical the words that Jesus tells us to pray, truly are.
Ever wonder if God is listening? Sometimes it may seem that our prayers are not heard and that we reach out but we get no response. Listen as Mike Woodruff talks about God's Kingdom and how persistence can be the key to understanding what God wants from us in our walk.
Identity...a name...it is not only who we are, but it is significant in shaping who we are to become. There is another name, I AM...God, who doesn't give up on us, He still calls on us, and He is sure about who we are. Listen as Jared Alcantara describes the void between the person we are and the person we are called to be. God knows this person, and guides us, toward the realization of our true name.
Listen as Jamie Morrison introduces us to the mission efforts of Christ Church in India, along with a special message from Mike Woodruff who is currently in India visiting with our mission partners.
One of the more important aspects of the Christian walk, and one of the most overlooked, is the importance of being thankful. Does your attitude display gratitude? Listen in as Mike Woodruff unpacks how God expects us to display thankfulness.
In our second week of Outrageous Forgiveness, Pastor Mike continues delving into the inner-workings of forgiveness. As you listen, keep an open heart and open mind, as we discuss what forgiveness looks like and what it means to forgive...or be forgiven..
Ever find it hard to forgive someone? Do you have a relationship that is hurt or you have become estranged with someone? Listen closely as Mike Woodruff talks about one of the challenges that we are called to face...forgiveness.
Listen to Mike Woodruff as he discusses the influence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his penchant for leadership in spreading the good news in times of turmoil. In contrast, although this is certainly no easy time, where does your focus lie, on reaching out, or just keeping the status quo?
Are you living today in light of forever? Listen as Mike Woodruff talks about the parable of The Rich Man and Lazarus.
As we embark upon this new year, we return to the book of Luke as Mike Woodruff discusses how God wants us to be generous, in many ways that may seem like a stretch, but truly bring fulfillment.
When it comes to the future, there is only one guarantee out there we can be sure of. One place to go where we can read about what the future holds. But this is not a prediction, we are not talking about a possibility. No this is a promise, something you can count on, something that changes what we do today. Watch as Dan Syvertsen talks about the book of Revelation and what prophecy means in our reality.
In our Advent Series we have been looking at names for Jesus. So far we have covered Prince of Peace, Eternal Life and Alpha and Omega. Today the name (or title) is Christ. As you may know, “Christ” is not Jesus’ last name. It is a title. It is the English form of the Greek word Christos, which is a translation of the Hebrew word Messiah. Listen closely as Mike Woodruff unpacks this holy name.
On the 3rd week of Advent, Mike Woodruff talks about the completeness of God, the contrast and vastness, He is the Alpha and the Omega.
In our second week of the Peace series for Advent, we highlight the first E in Peace, Eternal Life.
On the first week of Advent, Anson Hanbury talks about the reason for the season, the Prince of Peace.
If you have ever contemplated God's love for us, listen closely as Garth Warren unpacks possibly the most famous Parable of all of the lesson stories that Jesus tells us in The Bible, The Prodigal Son.
If you have ever contemplated God's love for us, listen closely as Mike Woodruff unpacks possibly the most famous Parable of all of the lesson stories that Jesus tells us in The Bible, The Prodigal Son.
Did you know that Jesus is looking for you, like a shepherd looks for his lost sheep? Mike Woodruff unwraps the parable of the Lost Sheep and Coin as we continue The Storyteller series.
Mike Woodruff discusses the parable that Jesus told when he was tested by a Pharasee...one of a Great Banquet, and the question of who will be invited to the banquet hosted by God in His kingdom.
In the first week of The Storyteller series, Mike Woodruff talks about the parables found in Luke 14 and 15, commonly called the parable of The Wedding Feast. Mike discusses how we can either choose humility, or we will eventually be humiliated.
On our last week of Deep David Weil brings to light many takeaways from previous weeks that we can make part of our daily life. Once we go deep, we must apply the teachings to ensure we stay in the right path.
In our sixth week of Deep, Mike Woodruff takes a look into how deep, or in many ways shallow our bonds with others have become, and how the bible guides us to create well balanced and fruitful relationships.
As we dig deeper into Proverbs, Mike Woodruff leads us to look at how sexual sin is so prevailent in culture, and also in our personal life. Listen with care as we dig deeper on our 5th week of the deep series.
In the fourth week of the Deep series, Mike Woodruff challenges you to dig deep into distraction, and how it plays in your walk with Christ.
In the third week of our Deep series, Mike Woodruff guides us towards understanding how discipline or the lack of, is integral to our walk...either toward foolishness or wisdom.
In the spectrum of area between the wise and the fool, where are you sitting? Mike Woodruff discusses what Proverbs as well as other parts of the bible say about character in action.
In the first message of the Deep series, Mike Woodruff discusses how people approach directing their moral compass...what obstacles do we face as we strive for going deep? How do we get there?
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you just didn’t know what to do? If you’ve been there or are there, then I bet you can relate to one of the people we’re going to study in 2 Kings 4.
This message is from our annual One Church|One Day gathering where all of our churches gather at Banner Day Camp to spend fellowship time together as one church.
"Cultivate" is a series of messages in which members of the Christ Church staff teach on how we can grow in Christ, and engage more deeply with the church. Themes include missions, waiting on God, prayer, unity, and community.
"Cultivate" is a series of messages in which members of the Christ Church staff teach on how we can grow in Christ, and engage more deeply with the church. Themes include missions, waiting on God, prayer, unity, and community.
First Things: Christians live as citizens of two kingdoms—the city of God and the city of man. How do we navigate the intersection of those two? How do we make sense of what it looks like to be a faithful follower of Christ in a broken world? In this three week series we look first at the six “First Things,” then consider the call to love our enemies and remain civil in a culture that grows less so by the day. Finally, we consider how to think about power from Jesus, the most powerful—and humble—person to ever live.
First Things: Christians live as citizens of two kingdoms—the city of God and the city of man. How do we navigate the intersection of those two? How do we make sense of what it looks like to be a faithful follower of Christ in a broken world? In this three week series we look first at the six “First Things,” then consider the call to love our enemies and remain civil in a culture that grows less so by the day. Finally, we consider how to think about power from Jesus, the most powerful—and humble—person to ever live.
First Things: Christians live as citizens of two kingdoms—the city of God and the city of man. How do we navigate the intersection of those two? How do we make sense of what it looks like to be a faithful follower of Christ in a broken world? In this three week series we look first at the six “First Things,” then consider the call to love our enemies and remain civil in a culture that grows less so by the day. Finally, we consider how to think about power from Jesus, the most powerful—and humble—person to ever live.
Ever feel like keeping your balance in the face of life's pressures is all too difficult? Join Pastor Mike as he explores Philippians 4, and guides into an understanding of how to keep our balance in topics such as Managing Conflicts, Dealing with Stress and Anxiety, and Right Thinking.
God has called each of us to use our spiritual gifts in serving others. This series will help you explore your spiritual gifts and also plug in to in-church and local serving opportunities.
God has called each of us to use our spiritual gifts in serving others. This series will help you explore your spiritual gifts and also plug in to in-church and local serving opportunities.
God has called each of us to use our spiritual gifts in serving others. This series will help you explore your spiritual gifts and also plug in to in-church and local serving opportunities.
God has called each of us to use our spiritual gifts in serving others. This series will help you explore your spiritual gifts and also plug in to in-church and local serving opportunities.
Ever feel like keeping your balance in the face of life's pressures is all too difficult? Join Pastor Mike as he explores Philippians 4, and guides into an understanding of how to keep our balance in topics such as Managing Conflicts, Dealing with Stress and Anxiety, and Right Thinking.
Ever feel like keeping your balance in the face of life's pressures is all too difficult? Join Pastor Mike as he explores Philippians 4, and guides into an understanding of how to keep our balance in topics such as Managing Conflicts, Dealing with Stress and Anxiety, and Right Thinking.
Ever feel like keeping your balance in the face of life's pressures is all too difficult? Join Pastor Mike as he explores Philippians 4, and guides into an understanding of how to keep our balance in topics such as Managing Conflicts, Dealing with Stress and Anxiety, and Right Thinking.
Ever feel like keeping your balance in the face of life's pressures is all too difficult? Join Pastor Mike as he explores Philippians 4, and guides into an understanding of how to keep our balance in topics such as Managing Conflicts, Dealing with Stress and Anxiety, and Right Thinking.
Ever feel like keeping your balance in the face of life's pressures is all too difficult? Join Pastor Mike as he explores Philippians 4, and guides into an understanding of how to keep our balance in topics such as Managing Conflicts, Dealing with Stress and Anxiety, and Right Thinking.
Ever feel like keeping your balance in the face of life's pressures is all too difficult? Join Pastor Mike as he explores Philippians 4, and guides into an understanding of how to keep our balance in topics such as Managing Conflicts, Dealing with Stress and Anxiety, and Right Thinking.
We are called to be people of the Book. 2012 can be the year your devotional life moves to the next level. Join Pastor Mike as he explores why reading Scripture matters, and find links to online resources, including reading plans.