FIRST Champaign-Urbana: Recent Episodes
First Christian Church Champaign
What if your loudest praise isn’t reserved for stadiums, concerts, or a night out—but for the God who gives you breath? In Psalm 150, Steven finishes the Book of Psalms with a challenge to stop holding back and learn “hallelujah” as a shout, not a whisper. Through a story from a packed Mexican pub during a World Cup match, he paints a picture of contagious, communal celebration—and asks why the church so often hesitates. This message walks through four simple lessons: praise God everywhere, praise Him because He is powerful and great, praise Him with everything you are, and remember that everyone who has breath can praise the Lord. Then the room practices it together—out loud.
What if God can handle the parts of you that don’t sound “theologically correct”? In Psalm 13, David brings his unfiltered “How long, O Lord?”—the ache of delay, the fear that God has turned His face, and the heaviness that won’t lift—and he doesn’t stop at venting; he asks, “Consider me. Answer me. Light up my eyes.” This message explores how to bring real emotions to God, how to ask for help without pretending, and how to anchor your heart in what’s objectively true: God’s steadfast love, His salvation, and His bountiful care. Learn why you shouldn’t let feelings dictate your obedience, how to use emotions like a thermometer instead of a thermostat, and how God restores what feels tattered through the touch of the Master’s hand.
Where do you run when life feels unsafe—when fear hits, attacks come, and danger feels close? In Psalm 91, this message challenges the assumption that God promises a pain-free life and instead shows a deeper promise: protection through His presence. Walk through “dwelling” in the shelter of the Most High, learn what it means to abide, and confront the subtle lie that if God loves you, nothing hard should happen. From Satan quoting Psalm 91 to Jesus, to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fire, to Peter sinking in the storm, the sermon calls you to choose your refuge—worldly escape or the Lord—and to trust Jesus as your ultimate, eternal security.
What if your restlessness isn’t random—but a sign you’re being led by the wrong shepherd? This message opens with Psalm 23 echoing through unexpected places (from Coolio to the Titanic), then invites you to sit under David’s most famous confession: “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.” Walk through green pastures and quiet waters, face the darkest valley with a Shepherd who stays near, and see the startling picture of God preparing a feast even in the presence of enemies. Along the way, the sermon names the rival voices shaping modern life—productivity, comfort, self-reliance, even “the algorithm”—and guides you through reflective questions to uncover where you’re anxious, exhausted, and drifting. It ends with a call to trust Jesus, the good shepherd who lays down His life, and to pray Psalm 23 as a lived reality.
What if the gap in your faith isn’t what you believe—but what (and who) you’ve actually let in? This message sits in Psalm 139, where David refuses a distant, “facts-about-God” spirituality and instead prays with bold honesty, “Search me… know me… lead me.” Explore the tension of an all-knowing, ever-present, all-powerful God—and the often-overlooked truth that His love governs it all—then consider when you last invited Him into the deepest, most guarded places of your heart.
What if the thing you’re really chasing isn’t a new tent to try on, but a home you were made to live in? Psalm 15 asks a piercing question—who can dwell with God—and it pulls us up toward a holiness that feels breathtaking and impossible all at once. If you’re tired of searching, tired of trying to prove you belong, and you’re ready to trade self-reliance for something steadier, this message is an invitation to “climb” again. Not in your strength, but in the grace of the One who goes before you—so you can stop striving, start trusting, and find the kind of presence that leaves you never wanting to come back down.
Most of us know what it’s like to see the check engine light and hope it goes away—but what happens when the warning isn’t under your hood, it’s in your soul? In Psalm 6, David refuses to shrug off what’s going on inside of him and instead turns toward the only One who can heal, deliver, and save. If you’ve been carrying consequences, ignoring conviction, or assuming God is angry or distant, this message invites you to stop, turn, and discover the face of mercy waiting for you. Don’t turn inward. Don’t turn outward. Turn God-ward—and come home.
What do you reach for when everything feels like it’s burning down around you? Psalm 46 doesn’t offer a pep talk—it points to a refuge that can’t be shaken, a place of strength when the world is loud, the wars feel endless, and your soul is tired. This week, lean into the words, “Be still and know that I am God,” and consider what it looks like to stop striving, stop fighting alone, and run to the only fortress that holds. If you’ve been searching for safety in all the wrong places, this message is an invitation to come and see—and to find the God who is with you in the middle of it all.
Have you ever wondered why some people stay steady through chaos while others get blown around by every new season? Psalm 1 draws a vivid line between two paths—and invites you to consider where your life is being rooted. In this opening message of Summer in the Psalms, we’re challenged to see how ordinary, daily choices shape what we become, and why true happiness isn’t found in getting everything we want, but in being planted somewhere deeper. If you’re weary, distracted, or craving something that actually lasts, this is an invitation to let God’s Word become more than information—something you delight in, return to, and build your life upon.
What if the greatest threat to your faith isn’t doubt—it’s distraction? In this message from 1 Timothy 6:17–21, Paul’s final words land like a charge: turn from “godless chatter,” place your hope where it actually holds, and let faith become more than a thought. If you’ve felt the tension between what you believe and how you live, this episode invites you to step into a kind of faith that moves—head to heart to hands—and to name the one thing you’ve been afraid to surrender. Jesus meets you when you move.
There’s a real fight happening—whether you feel it or not—and what’s at stake is bigger than comfort, confidence, or getting through another week. From a prank that nearly turned deadly to Paul’s charge in 1 Timothy 6 to “fight the good fight,” this message presses one question: what are you holding onto when the hits keep coming? The surprising path to victory isn’t trying harder—it’s a “good confession,” a surrender that lets Jesus step in and fight what you can’t. If you’re tired, distracted, or wondering how much you have left in the tank, this is an invitation to let go of control, take hold of eternal life, and respond with trust.
What’s the one thing your life is quietly advertising—your work, your interests, your money… or Jesus? In 1 Timothy 5:24–6:10, Paul presses on what becomes “obvious” over time, exposing the subtle ways controversy, unhealthy interests, and the love of money can shape us without us noticing. This message invites you to take an honest look at what you’re chasing, what you’re consuming, and what you can’t stop talking about—and then to start small: name it, confess it, replace it. If you’re ready for faith that reaches past Sundays and into every corner of your week, lean in.
What if the thing you dismiss as “just practice” is actually shaping everything people will see in public? This message takes you into 1 Timothy 5 to wrestle with what it means to honor spiritual leadership without excusing it, to handle accusations with wisdom instead of impulse, and to slow down before we hand anyone a platform. If you’ve ever felt tension between grace and truth, grown tired of performative faith, or wondered what real spiritual influence looks like when nobody’s watching, lean in—because your roots will always show up in your fruit.
Family is everywhere in our culture—marketed, idealized, and joked about—yet real family is always a little messy. In this message from 1 Timothy 5, we’re invited to see the church as a faith family where words are meant to heal, needs are met with wisdom, and care is expressed with both compassion and conviction. If you’ve ever wondered what the church should do when people are hurting, when expectations get complicated, or when community feels inconvenient, this conversation will challenge the “spectator” mindset and call you into something deeper: a place to belong, to serve, and to help others follow Jesus.
In 1 Timothy 4, Paul’s words to a young pastor expose a question every believer has to face: are you actually being nourished by the truth, or have you just learned how to look the part? This message presses into the quiet drift toward spiritual emptiness—where faith becomes occasional, convenient, and performative—and calls the church back to daily surrender, diligent training, and a life that shows real progress. If you’ve ever felt stuck, shaky, or tired of going through motions, this is an invitation to lay a firm foundation in the gospel, let the Word feed your soul, and allow the Spirit to produce fruit that tells the truth.
So much of what shapes our lives doesn’t arrive as an obvious lie—it shows up as something that sounds close enough to be true. In this sermon from 1 Timothy 3–4, you’ll hear why the church is called God’s household and what it means to be a pillar that holds something steady when everything around it shifts. If you’ve ever felt the slow pull of distraction, doubt, or distorted “truth,” this is an invitation to come back to what’s solid—through the Word, through prayer, and through the Spirit’s power at work in a real community.
What if the most important “qualifications” in the church aren’t impressive titles, influence, or gifted words—but the quiet evidence of a life actually changed by Jesus? In 1 Timothy 3, Paul’s vision for elders and deacons confronts our obsession with looking the part and invites every believer to pursue a deeper kind of maturity—one that shows up at home, in habits, and in the unseen places where there’s no applause. If you’ve ever wondered what real spiritual leadership looks like (or whether your faith is more than a trend), this message will press in, challenge you, and call you back to the presence of God.
What if the most controversial lines in Scripture aren’t meant to silence anyone—but to silence the noise? In this message through 1 Timothy 2, we step into ancient Ephesus and uncover how a powerful culture was shaping worship, identity, and even the way people showed up in church. It’s a raw invitation to examine what’s forming you, what’s distracting you, and what surrender actually looks like—especially when it feels uncomfortable. If you’ve ever felt tension with this passage or wondered how to read the Bible with clarity and courage, lean in.
This Resurrection Sunday we press past tradition, pressure, and going-through-the-motions to put one question in front of you and not let you dodge it. If you feel stuck, ashamed, distracted, or convinced you’ve gone too far, you’ll hear why the empty tomb isn’t just a headline—it’s a turning point. Through a bold call to prayer and a simple, gripping picture of what Jesus has done, this episode invites you to consider that the King isn’t finished—and there’s still a move left for your story.
Storms don’t wait until you’re ready—and when they hit, whatever you’re clinging to gets exposed. In this message from 1 Timothy 1:18–20, Paul’s charge to Timothy becomes a wake-up call for anyone navigating pressure, doubt, or drift: hold on to faith and a good conscience, or risk a shipwreck. From a “Perfect Storm” moment in history to the raw reality of real-life trials, this episode confronts the quiet lies of comfort and invites you to grasp what’s truly secure. If you’ve been fighting within, feeling pulled by fear, control, or self-preservation, this is an invitation to let go—and cling to Christ.
What if the people closest to you became exactly like you—would that be good news? In this kickoff to “Winning the Fight Within,” we step into 1 Timothy and discover the real battle isn’t out there, but within: the fight to unite grounded belief with genuine action. Paul’s opening words to Timothy confront a culture of “right beliefs” with unchanged lives and call us to stop treating Jesus like a holy suggester and surrender to Him as our Savior. When the fight is one you can’t win on your own, there are only two options—die trying, or wave the white flag and ask for mercy.
Ever pour your heart into something… only to realize you totally missed the assignment? That’s the question behind this message on marriage. Is it about chasing a feeling—or becoming faithful, formed, and changed? From a fifth-grade Harry Potter fail to one of the most tension-filled passages in Ephesians 5, this talk goes after the “why” beneath the vows—and the kind of love, respect, sacrifice, and shared mission that can actually make a marriage come alive.
A new year invites us to rediscover prayer as the heartbeat of a vibrant life with God. Prayer is not a task to perform but a relationship to enjoy; a way of opening ourselves fully to God’s presence and aligning our hearts with His will. This series calls us to move beyond routine and into a life marked by honesty, dependence, and trust. As we learn to pray with wonder, we begin to live with freedom and courage, seeing the world through God’s eyes and joining Him in His work.
Before anything can be harvested, it has to first be planted. This is a simple truth that we sometimes forget. And just like corn or beans, souls require similar care. The first step is planting seeds, expecting an abundant harvest.
Found people find people. Before we even open our mouths or invite someone to church, we must pray for God to prepare hearts and minds to encounter Jesus. What if we prayed incessantly for one life in our lives to come to know Jesus - until He answers?fcc-online.org/onelife
In this sermon, we discuss the importance of understanding context when reading the Bible. The host reflects on a personal anecdote about feeling out of touch with modern slang to highlight the importance of context in communication. We delve into why context matters in biblical study, the significance of different translations, and how to choose one that best suits you. The episode provides practical tips for deeper Bible study, including the 'I Read Bible Study Method,' emphasizing the ultimate goal of reading the Bible—transformation rather than just information. Join us as we explore how scripture can profoundly change our lives.
Start 2026 with a fresh spiritual focus! Join us as we explore the transformative power of Jesus-centered Bible reading. Discover how engaging with God's word can lead to incredible spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Him. Get inspired by a 10-minute overview of the Bible's grand story, understand why it's crucial to make Bible reading a top priority, and commit to a year of spiritual transformation and community. Don't miss this empowering message—it's the perfect way to kick off the new year!
Join Stephen as he delves into a heartfelt sermon about the ups and downs of Peter's life with Jesus, offering a relatable reflection on our own faith journeys. Learn what it truly means to run to Jesus, share your story, and embrace the community of broken yet hopeful believers at church. Through Peter’s example, discover how Jesus is with us in every high and low, ready to guide and lift us up. Get ready to be encouraged and inspired to share your faith unapologetically.
Join us as we explore Luke 2 in our series, Sounds of This Season. This episode delves into the true meaning of joy versus happiness, emphasizing that joy is 'functioning hope.' Learn how cultural misconceptions often equate joy with happiness, and discover how the Gospel provides everlasting joy. Hear stories, analogies, and powerful reflections on the transformative power of placing hope in Jesus, rather than in worldly circumstances. This heartfelt sermon invites you to tie your hope to the eternal promises of Christ.
Pastor Eric Friedmann fondly recalls humorous memories of Christmas past and sets the stage for a new mini-series titled 'The Songs of This Season.' He reflects on the unexpected origins and deep meaning behind popular Christmas carols, starting with 'Silent Night.' By delving into the context of Jesus's birth, Friedmann emphasizes that spiritual stillness and true peace are found not in the absence of life's chaos, but in the presence of the Savior. He invites the congregation to seek stillness through their relationship with God, stressing that they are at home with the Heavenly Father solely because of Jesus. Encouraging the community to embrace the essence of the season through worship, Friedmann concludes with a call to recognize and cherish the divine stillness brought by Christ's birth.
In this final sermon of the 'The Relentless Pursuit' series, we dive into the essence of disciple-making according to the teachings of Jesus in Luke chapter 9. The message emphasizes three key principles: denying oneself, dying daily by taking up one's cross, and demonstrating devotion by following Jesus wholeheartedly. The sermon challenges cultural Christianity and calls for a return to committed discipleship, urging believers to live out their faith with purpose and impact. Through real-life stories and scriptural insights, this sermon seeks to transform listeners into true disciples who make disciples, partnering with the Holy Spirit to empower others to obediently follow Jesus.
Join us as we continue our series on discipleship with a focus on the power and importance of being a witness for Jesus Christ. This week's message delves into the significance of sharing and demonstrating God's love and truth amidst various challenges such as fear, busyness, and feeling unequipped. We explore practical steps and biblical examples, noting the essential role of the Holy Spirit and personal character in effectively witnessing to those around us. Discover how to invite God's presence into your daily encounters and carry forward the message of the gospel through your actions and words.
In this week's episode of The Relentless Pursuit, we delve into First Corinthians chapter 12 to understand the importance of serving with our spiritual gifts. Pastor Eric emphasizes that every Christian is endowed with unique gifts meant for the common good of the Kingdom of God. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural exegesis, he challenges believers to move beyond consumption and fully engage in contributing to the church and community. Along with celebrating new commitments to Christ and baptisms, the episode highlights the necessity of order, encouragement, and the invaluable role of the Holy Spirit. Join us as we explore what it truly means that 'saved people serve people.'
As Thanksgiving approaches, Pastor Jordan Dunahee reflects on gratitude and shares a personal story about his connection to Illinois basketball. He humorously describes a game's 'Money Grab' segment, drawing a parallel to life's struggles with money and how the world's system is broken compared to God's economy. As part of the 'Relentless Pursuit' series, he emphasizes the significance of generosity as a pillar of discipleship. Pastor Jordan explores the biblical definition of generosity, urging congregants to view it as a gift rather than a burden. He delves into 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, highlighting the Macedonian churches' example of generosity despite their poverty. He underscores the importance of prioritizing generosity by first giving ourselves to the Lord and trusting Him with our finances. He shares a personal testimony about experiencing God's faithfulness in finances. Pastor Jordan concludes by emphasizing the grace of generosity, reflecting on God's ultimate gift through Jesus, and challenging the congregation to respond in generosity, prayer, and worship.
There is something at the center of our shared human experience, something deep in our souls, that longs to cry out to something beyond ourselves. Every person—man, woman, and child, Christian, Buddhist, or even Atheist—will find it hard not to exclaim their gratitude to a ‘Higher Power’ for the greatest joys in life, or beg that same ‘Power’ for deliverance in their most dire time of need. For the Christian, that ‘Higher Power’ is the one true God revealed in Jesus Christ, and that ‘crying out’ is a spiritual act called prayer—the sixth pillar in The Relentless Pursuit.
Some call it “The Word of God.” Others simply say “The Word” or “Scripture.” But the most recognized name—without question—is “The Bible.” If someone asked you, “What is the Bible, and what is it even about?” how would you respond? This week in The Relentless Pursuit, we provide some basics to understanding the big picture of what the Bible is all about.
In the early 17th century, poet John Donne asserted in one of his writings that, “no man is an island…” Meaning that no person, no matter how gifted or resourceful, can ever truly be self-sufficient—we can’t live this life on our own. Thousands of years before those words were written, God proclaimed it was “not good” for man to be alone. This week in The Relentless Pursuit, we pull back layers about how we were created to be in community with others.
Have you ever thought about how many things you trust without fully understanding them? Microwaves cook our food in seconds, but most of us can’t explain how. Cars take us miles with the push of a pedal, yet few could build one from scratch. We trust these things work, even if we don’t fully grasp how. The same goes for the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of disciples. This week in The Relentless Pursuit, we dive into the mystery of the Spirit.
While what comes to our minds when we think about God is foundational, it is equally important to know what comes to God’s mind when He thinks about us. In fact, the whole of the Christian story could be summed up in God’s opinion of us; that in His eyes, we were worth dying for. Our identity in Christ is the new reality that we are called to live from when we have stepped into the Kingdom and accepted Jesus as its King.
Everything in life has some sort of starting point. Races begin on a starting line, ball games commence with a first pitch or kick-off, speeches have introductions, and even your car has an ignition to get things going. It’s no different in our faith journey with Jesus. God relentlessly pursues us, and we call that story and good news, “the gospel.”
One more bite. One more episode. No big deal, right? The everyday choices we make might not feel important, but they shape our future more than we realize. Discover how we can break the cycle of choices keeping us stuck from living the life we want.
Between work, family, and everything else, choosing your priorities can be tough. Finding time for God may feel like just another task. But what if faith isn’t about fitting Him in? What if there’s a better way to live?
Sometimes it’s easy to treat our faith like a transaction—doing our part and expecting God to do His. But trusting God means stepping into something much greater than a simple exchange.
Christian-ish | Week 1What happens when following Jesus leads us out of our comfort zone? What do we do when God’s Word feels challenging? Let’s find out in this message.
We all have soapboxes or areas of passion. The things, if given the choice to talk about, you would and could all day long! For this two-week mini teaching series, some of our pastors will share a message on a topic of their choosing that will challenge and stretch us in our faith.
We all have soapboxes or areas of passion. The things, if given the choice to talk about, you would and could all day long! For this two-week mini teaching series, some of our pastors will share a message on a topic of their choosing that will challenge and stretch us in our faith.
The closing credits are upon us. It’s been quite the journey through John. It’s time to end with the beginning in mind as we wrap up this series.
Fishing has to be one of the most frustrating activities. One day you catch everything, and the next day, at the same spot, with the same bait, at the same time, you come up empty! Doesn’t faith feel like that at times? As we get to the final stretch of our study through John, we see Jesus having one of the most popular conversations in all of Scripture, teaching us how to not come up empty in our faith.
In movies, when a character looks at the camera and speaks to you, it's called a fourth wall break. This weekend, we'll explore a similar moment in the Gospel of John. Why did John write his account of Jesus' life as he did, and what does it mean when he invites us, the readers, into the narrative?
We can all relate to the phrase, "I'll believe it when I see it." This week, we'll take a look at how one of Jesus' disciples struggles with doubt and how Jesus responds with peace.
The story of the empty tomb is part crime scene, part scandal, but also fully truth-filled evidence of our faith’s foundation and the miraculous capstone of God’s redemptive plan. But in all of that, there are some key things we need to wrestle with as believers…
In John's Gospel, Jesus' final words were, "It is finished." What did He mean by this? Together, we will explore the profound layers of this declaration and uncover the incredible blessings that His completed work brings to our lives today.
Life is full of decisions - big or small. And every decision has some sort of rippling effect - good or bad. So when it comes down to choices of vital importance, what is guiding you most in the path you choose to take? This week in our study of John we see how one man chose a path with a major consequence guided by something other than faith.
From the X-Files to Judge Judy, everyone seems to be on a search for truth. Why? Because truth both forms and informs our lives. For the disciple of Jesus, truth goes beyond knowing about to something much more impactful.
It is easy to be swayed by fear or pressure, whether we admit it or not. Like Peter, we may falter in tough moments, but Jesus’ example teaches us the strength that comes from unwavering faith. This Sunday, we’re reminded to be courageous in living out our faith, even when it’s difficult, knowing that Jesus never wavers in His love for us.
The time is winding down as the narrative picks up in the Gospel of John. As we turn to chapter 18, the hours and events will begin to fly by as the passion of Jesus is displayed. Up first is the betrayal event that kick starts Jesus’ journey to the Cross.
If you could have anyone praying for you, who would you select? A beloved family member or mature friend might make the top of the list… but what about Jesus, Himself? As we head back into John 17 this week, we not only see Jesus’ prayer, but the topic of His prayer shifts to His heart for all people!
Most scholars and theologians agree that John 17 is the most sacred and genuine prayer in all of Scripture. Sometimes referred to as “The High Priestly Prayer” or the “Jesus Prayer,” it’s hard to argue with that sentiment. So, by having a glimpse into the intimate heart of Jesus’ prayer life, what can we learn about how it applies to our life of prayer?
As Jesus inches closer to the Cross, he prepares His disciples for the sorrow and grief they will face. While our grief is very real, He assures us it’s temporary. Even in life’s storms, we’re not fighting for victory—we’re riding with it already in our boat.
Easy to understand? Sure. Simple to live out? Not even close. When it comes to following Jesus, there may not be another other “subject” more complex, confusing, or contemplative than the person of the Holy Spirit. As we continue our series through the Gospel of John, we look at the person, power, and purpose of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus has a lot to share with his disciples before his death... and not all of it is easy to hear. The call to follow Jesus is the invitation to both love and hate—to love God and be hated for it—to love our neighbors and be despised by the World. But what does it look like to truly love like Jesus in the face of hatred and persecution? Join us this Sunday to find out!
What good is a laptop without its charger? Or a bouncy house without its air-blower? As we continue in our series through the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us a parable with a similar no-duh answer : what good is a branch that doesn’t bear fruit? We explore Jesus’ metaphor of the vine and branches to understand the spiritual journey of growth, pruning, and fruitfulness.
How do you know if someone truly loves Jesus? True love for Christ is not just an emotion—it’s expressed in obedience, and in that obedience, we experience the abiding presence of the Father, Son, and Spirit. Join us as we discover what it truly means to live in communion with the One who never leaves us.
The night before the cross, Jesus revealed the Father to His disciples—and He still does today for all who trust in Him. Join us as we explore five powerful revelations that change everything.
You live life long enough to realize nothing ever seems to go as planned. We recognize that sometimes it’s our fault, sometimes there’s another to blame, and other times - that’s just life! Regardless of why troubles come our way, getting through them is always needed. As we continue through the Gospel of John, Jesus gives us the cure for a troubled heart.
We have endless songs about it. We have hundreds of movies about it. We have all forms of art expressing it. The “it” is love. Love is not only everywhere, it’s arguably the deepest yearning for all people. As disciples, we are called to do one thing more and better than everything else - love! But let’s be honest, it feels loaded at times to “love” well and rightly. Join us as we seek to discern what love truly is and how we can go about extending it to others.
What’s been the most radical act of kindness you’ve experienced? Maybe it was the generosity of a family member or the selflessness of a stranger, either way - it probably left a mark in you, for good reason. As we continue in our study through John, we see one of the most radical acts of love and the purpose behind it all.
Transformation is a powerful process that reflects profound change, much like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. When we embrace this idea of change in our lives, we discover that transforming faith goes beyond mere belief; it is a life-altering relationship with God. This faith empowers us to shed past limitations and embrace a new identity. Just as the caterpillar's metamorphosis reveals its potential, our journey of faith unveils the incredible possibilities that arise when we allow God to work in us.
Once all the promos, trailers, and build up are over - it’s time for the show! While the teasers may give you a taste of what is to come, nothing compares to the actual event. As we continue our study through John, Jesus reveals what all the precursors were about for the “time has (finally) come” to see what all the fuss has been about.
Over the past decade, Hollywood has begun to embrace the idea of an ‘anti-hero.’ A “hero” who breaks the mold of conventional hero-type figures. Stories filled with characters like Jack Sparrow, Walter White, or The Punisher have something that catches our attention. But what if the “hero” is just completely unforeseen - do we have a name for that person?
What is the most vibrant expression of love you’ve ever received in your life? Maybe it was an engagement ring, a personal letter, or award of recognition. Now flip it, if you had to express your love towards someone in the most obvious and tangible way possible - what would you do?
Queue Taylor Swift… “Haters gonna hate, hate, hate…” That phrase is fairly common in our society today as it could refer to someone who doesn’t like you all the way to someone plotting against you. But, have you ever had a hater who literally plotted to take your life? Jesus did! Join us as we continue our study through the Gospel of John and take a look at a few different responses to who Jesus was.
There are a few things you can count on in life - and one of them, whether we like it or not, is pain and trial. Spending any time on this earth, we quickly learn it never goes the way we would hope or plan. In this message, we wrap up one of the most popular stories in the life and ministry of Jesus and learn about how to get through life’s toughest moments.
They say there are only two certainties in life—death and taxes. And while Jesus doesn’t promise that His glory will shine through taxes, He proclaims the opposite about death. As we continue our series, I Am: The Gospel of John, we lean into how, in Jesus, death doesn’t have to be the end.
While we cannot change anything about Jesus, we let our thoughts, wants, needs and desires do that anyways, do we not? At some point or another, all of us have some sort of view or desire of Jesus that could very well not match up to who He really was. Picking up where we left off in our study through the Gospel of John, we see how Jesus handles people who want Him to be someone He’s not.
There’s an old saying, “You can’t get runover by a truck and not be changed!” Well, we believe the same to be true as generous disciples of Jesus. If we become RELENTLESS in our pursuit of Jesus, surrendered in our discipleship and generosity, then the transformative impact will be undeniable. We will see Spirit-led fruit in the changing of marriages, relationships, parenting, evangelism, and more as we grow deeper in our love and dependency for Jesus.
There is an urgency of souls in our church, homes, and community at large. And while we cannot take the Gospel to every single person - we are going to try! But - in order for us to make it more probable and possible, there is a burden we need to release. We won’t bury the lead - we believe the time is now to become a debt-free church! Not to build a bigger building or spend it on ourselves, but to match the urgency of souls who need Jesus and to leave an unmistakable Kingdom footprint in our community.
“Go and make disciples of all nations…” This was Jesus’ last command to the apostles. We desire to be a church where we make Jesus’ last words our first work. A church that does not make disciples who make-disciples is not a church at all. We will not back down or shy from this Great Commission, and that is why it is the vital seeds we desire to plant in the life of our church for now and forever more.
What would it take for our church to see a move of God like never before? What would it take for you to see a move of God in your life? While we might not all answer that question the same - we do know it all centers around planting seeds before God to see an abundant Kingdom harvest. Join us as we announce and cast the vision for the future of FIRST!
There are countless amounts of infamous gifts in Christmas movies, but one stands above them all! (And no, we’re not thinking of the ‘Jelly of the Month Club'). The funny thing is, in all these movies, every gift is depicted as falling short of what truly is the reason for the season.
A high-powered gal from the coast returns to her seemingly insignificant small town in the Midwest in the heat of an ever so stressful time in her life. Looking to regain some sensibility or purpose, she instead finds what she’s been looking for all along… If this plot sounds familiar, there’s dozens that follow this script on that one “channel”. However, sometimes knowing what’s going to happen next is the just peace of mind we need.
Nothing will stop the tenacious love and drive one mother has for her son. She will cross countries via plan, bus, and van - all to be reunited with her child. We agree, there’s nothing quite as powerful when a Father and child are reunited once again.
He’s everyone’s favorite elf! Full of joy, holiday spirit, lots of sugar, and nothing ever seems to get him down. And while he might be a little disillusioned, Buddy the Elf shows us all the unique power and joy of a child-like faith.
The Mid-life crisis is defined as: an emotional crisis of identity and self-confidence that occurs in early middle age. Basically, it’s someone trying to hear from God about their purpose in life. Maybe you or someone you know is or is about to enter into that stage of life. Some solve it with career changes or new toys. but what if we told you there is a much more impactful way to Hearing From God, and how He desires you to leave an impact beyond yourself.
Have you ever seen the video of the cat who thinks it’s a duck? That’s the power of our community. The people we are around the most has the ability to transform our beliefs, actions, and sometimes even our identity. In week 3 of Hearing From God, we look to the most transformative way we hear from Jesus.
Have you ever been in a conversation with someone, and then you catch yourself not actually listening - just waiting for you turn to talk? If we’re honest, we’ve all done that before. Not only that, we would all probably agree it’s not the best way to have a relationship with someone we love. This week, we dive into the a way of Hearing From God that develops our love and trust for Him.
Every communication between two parties requires intentionality on both sides. In the most basic function, someone has to speak, and another has to listen! And while some things can get lost in translation, hearing clearly from someone is best when we listen directly to their voice. In week one of Hearing From God, we look to the most clear way to hear God’s voice.
At some point when we were all younger, we were introduced to the power of compound interest. Whether through the original Indian parable or the “magic penny,” there’s a power behind investing early, and often. The same goes with our finances as disciples of Jesus because we can steward God’s resources for a purpose that lasts.
What’s bigger - 9 or 10? No, this isn’t a trick question or start of a joke… sort of. While we know 10 is bigger than 9, in the Kingdom of God - 9 reigns over 10. There is something about a tenth that matches the heart of God we are all called to emulate. So, let’s see where this idea of a tenth comes from and what to do with it.
Did you ever butt your way into a conversation that didn’t involve you and you were met with - “Hey! Mind your own business!” Well, when it comes to talking about God and money, almost all of us feel that way. Yet, God and the Bible understand that money is important and a very big part of our lives. In week 1 of this series, we look to see how God sees money, our hearts, and how they connect.
From The Bachelor to Love Is Blind, our society is infatuated with people chasing after “the one.” However, marriage is so much more than just finding Mr. or Mrs. Right, right? What if the focus was less on hoping to not fall out of love, and more about choosing the things for a strong relationship?
We know children are a gift. However, they don’t come with a manual; and not to mention they’re all different! If you’re a parent, new parent, soon-to-be parent, or hope-to-be one, knowing how to parent well is a daunting role. We know it requires a lot of pre-decision - but in what ways is best?
It’s one of the most Googled questions of all time: What should I have for dinner? Vitally important, right? It’s researched closely with questions about love, the meaning of life, and knowing God’s will. When it comes to pre-deciding to live as a disciple, it’s not just a good question, rather foundation to know and follow.
Whether those habits are good, bad, or somewhere in-between, our habits are what we consistently do - usually without thinking. So, looking at what you consistently do, what would you say is the trajectory of your life? health? Marriage? And most importantly, spiritual growth?
Time for a reality check: Your favorite candidate will win or lose based on how our country votes this November. However, the church can win or lose based on our behavior between now and then. While your vote on a ballot matters, how we act as disciples matters even more.
Sams or Costco? Coke or Pepsi? Cubs or Cardinals? There are a lot of opinions out. And despite most of them, we still live at peace with one another. So, why is it as soon as the conversation turns Red or Blue, does all that seem to go out the window? For Week 1 of United, we look at the one thing to keep in mind that should help all disciples remain focused on the main thing.
Have you ever thought of yourself as a sheep? Well, look out because Jesus is calling us out as sheep in this one! Do we share any common characteristics with sheep - and, if so, what does that mean for us and how we live our lives?
Of your five senses - which would you least want to lose? Statistically, 70% of people say the ability to see would be the worst sense to lose. For this week’s passage, we look at a fairly popular story where someone gets the ability to see for the first time and the transformation(s) that happen as a result.
It’s one thing to get a nickname… it’s another thing to dub yourself! So, what if someone you knew labeled themself as the GOAT? You’d probably think they're either delusional or completely full of themselves, right?!?! But - what if they were right?
As we go through school, we learn new things all the time. From new equations to new historical figures, our minds are adjusting to fresh information. However, what does it take to change your mind? In fact, when was the last time someone changed your mind about something important? In our series through the Gospel of John, we look at how Jesus went about changing people’s minds - and hearts - about Himself.
Riddle: I can only live where light is, but I die if the light touches me - what am I?... A shadow! The power of light is known to us on a daily basis. It regulates our sleep, provides food for our food, keeps us warm, allows us to see, and more. So, if someone claimed to be able to do all that - would you believe them?
From microwaves to plumbing to the internet, just because we don’t exactly know how something works doesn’t mean we don't benefit from it. The same can be said of grace in our faith journey. We might be able to give a definition, but how it exactly works is somewhat of a mystery to us. This week, we see how grace works over our lives.
Who is Jesus? At this point in John's gospel, people are starting to make decisions about who they think Jesus is, and dividing lines are being drawn. "Is He just a prophet?" "Is He the Savior?" "Is He just a normal person making bold claims?" So, who is He to you? Join us this Sunday as we continue studying the Gospel of John together.
As we have journeyed through the Book of John, one thing has been clear—everyone has an opinion about who Jesus is. But who does Jesus say that he is? As we come to “the last and greatest day” of the Festival of Booths in John chapter 7, we get an answer, where Jesus takes a stand, literally, and declares something that changes everything. What does he say? And how does it impact us? Join us this week to find out!
Have you ever wondered why people argue about who Jesus really is? As we continue in Chapter 7 of the Gospel of John, opinions fly, debates heat up, and confusion reigns. This week, we dive into the chaos and discover the reasons behind the divided reactions to Jesus. Get ready to explore the powerful truth that challenges perceptions and calls us to decide: Who is Jesus to you?
Just because something’s true, doesn’t mean everyone accepts it. In fact, sometimes the truth is the hardest thing for us to hear. This week we look at one of the truths where dividing lines were drawn.
Everyone’s got one and it usually stinks… that’s right, an opinion! They are everywhere about everything and everyone - especially about Jesus. As we turn the page to chapter 7, we will see what these opinions are and what we should do about them.
What was your favorite costume or play-pretend growing up? Even though we looked the part or put on the mask, we know we weren't actually a magician or princess. As we wrap up John 6 this week, we will see the truth that there's a major difference between someone who looks like a disciple versus a true believer of Jesus.
In the middle of a chapter on bread, fish, provision, and Jesus’ self-proclamation as the Bread of Life comes an odd turn of events—rough seas and a midnight stroll… on the water. This week we tackle one of the more amazing—and baffling—signs that Jesus does in the Gospels. What is the significance of this watery wonder? Let’s wrestle with the text and find out.
The Gospel of John is all about understanding who Jesus truly is. John gives us 7 signs (or miracles) to experience His power and authority. He also gives us 7 “I Am” statements to believe in Jesus in His own words! Today, we look at the first “I Am” statement in John’s gospel.
A wise missionary once said, “You can’t preach over the sound of a grumbling stomach!” As we continue our study through the Gospel of John, it’s not the fact that Jesus feeds thousands of people - it’s how He does it! And perhaps there’s a more filling meaning beyond the food in the tummy.
Do you love a good courtroom movie or show? There’s always those tense scenes about witnesses being called to the stand. So, what kind of witness testimony would Jesus give about Himself? Let’s find out!
Imagine your dad was the President of the United States. What type of attitude would you walk around with? Probably with some type of authority yourself! As we pick up on the story from last week, we will see how the healing of an invalid man becomes a deeper show and conversation of what the authority of Jesus truly means!
Jesus is the master of questions. This week, we hear the penetrating, grace-filled question: Do you want to get well? Of course, wouldn’t all of us respond with a resounding, ‘yes!’? But what does it mean to truly be ‘well’? We will wrestle through all of this and more as we encounter the story of the healing of a paralyzed man on the Sabbath.
The Boy Who Cried Wolf is a fun fable about the importance of telling the truth so that people will always be willing to listen to what you have to say. For this weekend’s message, we pick up where we left of with the Samaritan woman at the well and see what - and how - she shares with her whole town over her interaction with Jesus.
What do you get when you mix a centuries-long blood feud, religious customs, and a local watering hole? One of the most powerful stories in all of Scripture! In this week’s journey through the Gospel of John, we examine the story where Jesus meets with the Samaritan woman at the well.
Every year we need to go get some check-ups. From the doctor to the dentist to even our vehicles, these diagnostics help us to know if we’re on the right track or need to make adjustments. As we continue our series in the Gospel of John, we get a glimpse into the diagnostic of the life and ministry of John the Baptist.
It’s the most famous verse of all time given to summarize the greatest message of all time! You’ve seen it on billboards, signs at ball games, and you might even know it by heart without even trying. This Easter, we celebrate by reminding ourselves of the greatest news ever given! The question is: Do you believe it?
We’re not gonna lie, sometimes our faith comes with some odd-sounding terms that get thrown around. Lukewarm… In the world, but not of the world… born again… This week we look at the passage where one of those phrases comes from and see the true power behind its meaning!
The majority of depictions of Jesus show a meek and calm man. Why is He always holding a lamb with a big smile? The thing is, Jesus was raw, real, and not always the quiet type. For week seven of I Am, let’s discover what makes Jesus mad.
The number one rule of any party is to never run out of food or drink! Everyone knows that! Enter Jesus’ first miracle recorded in His ministry and let’s just say, no one was ‘wine-ing’ afterwards! As we continue in our series, I Am, we will see how this story is more than just saving a party from failing.
How many people would you need to turn the world upside-down? And what would your standards be for those to make the so-called exclusive list? For this week in I Am, we see Jesus's peculiar choice to string together the start of His world-changing crew.
Choose two words to describe yourself… ready, go! Let me guess - smart and funny? Well, what if you were tasked to pick two words that would best describe who Jesus is? Join us for week 3 of I Am as we look at the words Jesus chose for himself.
Did you ever play flashlight tag as a kid? The key was to play in a dark place and have a strong light that would shine on others. In a similar manner, the Gospel of John talks about the power of Light and its intent to land on all running in darkness! But this time, the goal is for the Light to land on you!
Do you know someone who reads the end of a book first or looks up the end of a movie before watching it for the first time? For many of us, that seems strange! However, knowing how something ends helps paint the picture of the story that will unfold. So, as we kick off this series through the Gospel of John, we will begin with seeing what - more so Who - John wants us to believe when all is said and done.
A study recently released that the number one thing that leads people to staying in a job they love is “knowing their job is making a difference.” We are hardwired to be people of purpose. Leaning into their purpose feels like a superpower that only some get to wield. However, we will share together how everyone can lean into their purpose for a life well lived.
Picture Mel Gibson in a kilt with war-paint on his face… now, what comes to mind? Freedom!!!!! (Shoutout to Bravehart being one of the best movies of the 90s). We all want it and then usually more of it once we get a taste of it! Chances are the You In Five Years would crave more freedom - whether it’s financial, spiritual, emotional, relational. Well, let’s see how Scripture leads us to living with more freedom in life!
We’ve been praying for you! Specifically, we’ve been praying for you to desire to be closer to God this year more than ever before. If you’ve always wondered, “what does it take to be closer to God?” then don’t miss week 2 of You In Five Years!
It’s a new year! Congrats, you made it! And with the new year probably came some self-reflection. For almost all of us, the start of a new calendar grants us the natural pause to reflect on how to be ‘better’ for this trip around the sun. So, let’s learn how ‘unstuck ourselves’ and make the changes for the better!
No one ever could have predicted the way in which the King of the Universe would arrive on the scene: as a baby in a manger. But he did! How does this unexpected arrival change us? How does this not only reshape our expectations for our lives, but give us real hope this Christmas? Through the miracle of the incarnation, we will discover the unexpected grace of God in our very midst.
Unexpected Presence | Unexpected Christmas - Week 5 by First Christian Church Champaign
It’s always a good day to remember, reflect, and respond to the resurrection of King Jesus! It’s like Easter… just not on Easter! In the second to last chapter of the book of Corinthians, Paul will encourage the church to remember the resurrection and to remind them what he received and what he passed onto them. Only two more weeks in True North as we continue to reorient our lives around the work and person of Jesus!
We’re aware that on occasion, a judge will demand ‘order!’ in his courtroom to coral unruly people. But, what about a passage of Scripture that demands the same thing for the church? In Week 22 of True North, we dive into a passage that has nothing—and everything—to do about what we tend to think it does!
Prepare and plant for the promised plentiful harvest! First Christian Church's 70th Birthday!
In some ways, “love” has become a buzz-word in the church, hasn’t it? Well, we just need to ‘love on’ people better… the world first needs to know we love them… when in doubt - love! There is no shortage of wanting to feel, share and extend love. So, how do we go about love in a practical way?
At almost every wedding you can guess the “Love Chapter” is going to be read or referenced. 1 Corinthians 13 is arguably one of the most popular passages in the entire Bible - and for good reason! In this week of True North, we dive into this popular passage on love.
For this week in True North, we continue last week's message by looking at the roles we all play in the larger mission of Jesus’ church! We hope you lean in to help discern and discover the role you have been called to play for the sake of the mission of Jesus! Yeah, you read that right! Someone is waiting for you to step into what God has called you to!
Do you know what a Rune Goldberg machine is? You probably do, just not by that name! (Think of the board game: Mousetrap!) The definition is simple: a complex machine to accomplish a clear and simple task. In many ways, we could say the same for the church! A complex group of individuals coming together to achieve a clear and simply mission - to make disciples! For two-weeks, we will unpack the role everyone is called to play in Jesus’ mission to seek, save, and restore the world!
Every week we gather as a faith community, the same things happen: we sing songs in worship, we give financially, we serve in ministries, we hear a sermon and we take communion together. If you’ve ever wondered why we take communion in the first place or what it represents, then week 17 of True North is for you!
Everyone has a preference - on almost anything in life! From the type of salad dressing and what belongs on pizza to what songs should be sung in church or length of service, preferences are everywhere! In this week of True North, we will be challenged to see how to best approach our preferences in life and faith.
‘idol’ = a person or thing used as an object of worship; object that centers our priorities… If we were to ask you - what are your idol(s) in life? You might be inclined to say, “none.” But, is that really the case? This week in True North, we will learn how to identify, test, and challenge the potential idols in our lives.
One of the best-selling books in the past few years is entitled Atomic Habits. In that book, author James Clear talks about the importance, value and necessity of building good habits. So, what does the Bible have to say about self-discipline and the motives behind our habits in life? Let’s find out in week 14 of True North!
We love our church - and we hope you do, too! Every week our pastors, elders, and volunteers come together to serve so many people and families to help them grow closer to Jesus. This week, our True North series reminds us the importance of taking care of those who take care of us spiritually.
From Mr. Miyagi to Master Yoda, we all learn the importance of who we follow and imitate in this life. Most studies will tell you that who or what you give your attention to is what you will, at least attempt, to become. So, if you had to answer the question - who or what gets most of your attention or desire? - would that answer line up with who you desire to become?
Nobody ever gets married with the intention to see it end. Whether or not divorce is a part of your story, the rippling effects are noticeable. As disciples of Jesus, our faith is built on the foundations of grace, forgiveness, but also life change. For week 11 of True North, let’s see how those attributes play out in one of life’s more difficult choices.
This Sunday, we're excited to have Joel Williams speak. Joel and his wife, Rachel, are one of our global mission partners, dedicated to fostering disciple-making communities in Africa. They've made a significant impact—leading to 12,000+ baptisms and 7,000+ active groups over seven years. Their work is instrumental in spreading the teachings of Jesus to over 30,000 non-believers across Kenya and neighboring countries.
Beyoncé captured a generation with her hit song, “All the Single Ladies.” As a culture, singleness is on the rise! And the question for all of us is not will you ever be single, rather - how do we steward our season(s) of singleness well, no matter how long it ends?
What makes for a good marriage? While there are many pieces of advice that are helpful and true, there is one ‘central’ thing above them all. For week 9 of True North, let’s discover the encouragement for a Christ-Centered marriage!
Imagine yourself sitting on a bench eating lunch and a fly is buzzing around you… you probably just swat it away, right? Now, imagine a flock of pigeons coming your way to help you eat… you probably run! When it comes to our spiritual lives, we are told to flee from sin - easier said than done! For week 8 of True North, we will see why this command is so serious!
The saying goes: If you want to go fast, go alone… if you want to go far, go together. As we move forward together as a church, we lean into the clear vision and direction from the Spirit! Join us as we wrap up We Are the Church!
Whenever the people of Israel wanted to commemorate a move of God, they built a 12 stone altar. Through the land, these altars would have been everywhere and served as constant reminders for the faithfulness and goodness of God! This Sunday is a 12 stone moment in the life of our church! Join us for week 3 of We Are the Church as we seek to immortalize the faithfulness of God!
Sometimes things go according to plan and other times they most certainly do not. Ups and downs, peaks and valley, clarity and fog follow us wherever we go. While specific moments might be tough, we can always remember that (almost) everything is just for a season. As we continue our series, We Are the Church, we explore the many seasons many of us are in along with what the next season for our church might look like.
Throughout the life of an individual, business, or even a church, defining moments occur. The big question is not if they arise; rather, what will the response be? One of the best attributes of belonging to the family of God is that when these moments come, we have a God that goes before us! For week 1 of We Are the Church, we see how to navigate the defining moment we find ourselves in at this current moment.
Ever heard the phrase, “it’s just water under the bridge” or “water off a duck’s back?” It’s pretty good advice on smaller qualms… but does it apply to recurring patterns or “bigger” issues? While the church is a place founded on grace and love, is there a line when people are out-of-line or over-the-line? As we continue our series in True North, we see direction on how Christians are to approach each other if the lines get blurred.
Everybody reports to somebody. Throughout life, we all have some type of authority over us. From parents over children to bosses at our jobs to laws over our nation, avoiding authority is impossible. So, what makes for a good leader and someone worth following? Let’s find out together in week 6 of True North!
As a kid, you probably played the game ‘follow the leader.’ The rules were simple: you copy whatever the leader did. And whether we realize it or not, we are all following someone or something as our ‘leader’ with our lives. The question is: do you like where you’re headed?
In 2006, a movie called Failure to Launch was released and centered around grown men who were still living at home - who “failed to launch.” As we continue our study through 1 Corinthians, we see that we, too, sometimes fail to grow up and launch our faith. Let’s dig in together to discern how to have faith that continues to grow and thrive!
Do you know the most popular ice cream flavor in the world? Vanilla! Now, that might not be your favorite flavor - but the ease and simplicity is what raises it to the top. As a church and disciples, the same goes for our foundation message for all - The Gospel. Join us for week 3 of Truth North in discovering the power of the (simple) Gospel.
There’s a difference between knowledge and wisdom. One is about information, and the other is about actually putting it into practice - which also applies to our spiritual lives. In week two of True North, we see how we get stuck turning our right thinking into right living.
Everyone’s got one and they shape a lot of who we are! And no, we’re not talking about opinions - rather, our worldview. The combination of our context, beliefs, and actions come together to be the true north of our lives. As we kick-off our study through 1 Corinthians, we see the importance of a Christ-centered worldview.
What is the number one idol of people, the most likely cause of stress in a marriage, and the thing that Jesus talked about most in the Bible? Finances.
As one thing dies, another comes to take its place. Whether it’s kingdoms, families or even things like churches, the void won’t last long. Yet, what does last is the legacy that some leave. Join us as we wrap up our study in the life of David seeing how the Son of David still reigns today!
God Doesn’t Orchestrate Brokenness – But He Can Use It For His Glory | David - Week 5 by First Christian Church Champaign
We’ve all made mistakes throughout our lives. Sometimes we learn, and other times, unfortunately, we repeat the same mistake. So if we all find ourselves in the same boat - what’s the difference between someone doing it our way versus God’s? Join us for week 4 of David to find out!
What's the first thing you do when you set out to play a board game? You read the rules! The instructions act as a 'rules of engagement' of how the game is played fairly for everyone. But what do you do when your opponent doesn't abide by the rules or play fair? In Sunday's message, we will see how David handles his opponent, who doesn't want to play fair!
It’s arguably the most famous book in all of the Bible. We’ve all heard it used to describe a sporting event, business, or individual that overcomes insurmountable odds. Sure, that’s a great sentiment - but what if that’s not what this story is all about? Join us as we continue our study in the life of David.
Where there’s a kingdom, there’s a king - simple as that! While monarchies are not very common today, for a period of time, they were the way the world worked. While earthly kingdoms rise and fall, the Kingdom of God stands forever. Join us as we start our series through the life of David and see what made for a king in God’s Kingdom.
We all desire to be a part of something bigger and beyond. So, what's the difference between a dreamer and an achiever? Not the desire, but rather the discipline! Let's explore committing to The One bigger and beyond ourselves.
Whether it’s sports, art, theater, the workplace, or even everyday life - we are drawn to others! Like it or not, we cannot navigate life without the help and support of others. So we ask you: what might your life and faith look like a year from now if you committed to connect to others in the community of the church?
Getting stuck is a part of life - it’s unavoidable! For most of us, we know the answer; we might just not know how to take action. But what if we gave ourselves no choice but to move forward and win the day - how might that transform us all?
It’s the best-selling book of all time and the book most argued over throughout history. Some people swear by it, and others swear against it! And for most, before we follow it, we want to know if we can trust it. Join us as we wrap up this series, No Offense - But Can I Really Trust the Bible to Be True?
The world around us pushes back against belief in God for various reasons. Studies reveal that people don’t follow God with their life because they believe, “God is too controlling over how I want to live my life.” Yet, is this actually the case? Join us for week two, No Offense - But Why Can’t I Live My Life, My Way?
The majority of Americans believe heaven is a real place - and most believe they are headed there, too! So why are there so many different views on who gets to go there? Join us as we tackle week one, No Offense - Don’t All Good People Go to Heaven, Anyways?
When something in life eventually fails, we need something to keep us going. Join us in week 2 of our 2022 Advent teaching series, Christmas Cookies.
What are you going to do with the good news of Jesus?The Book of Acts, Chapter 28fcc-online.org/messages
God's Kingdom is here. Repent and Believe the Good News that Jesus is King. Follow King Jesus.
Salvation Is More Than Just Believing, It’s Living The Life He Commanded | Acts Chapter 25 by First Christian Church Champaign
3 Questions to ask ourselves: What have I done in the name of Jesus? Am I only interested in God when I’m interested in what He can do for me? Do I trust God with my daily living, not just my eternity?
How to tell people about Jesus:
A – Affirm their reality. —Acts 17:22
C – Consider their reasoning. —Acts 17:23
T – Think through a new frame. —Acts 17:24-26
S – Steer towards Jesus. —Acts 17:27-32
Experiencing God’s will begins by seeking Jesus.
God’s will is best experienced with others.
Strong disciples grow in their knowledge of God. Strong disciples have changed hearts. Strong disciples strengthen one another.
History-making churches don't pursue history-making, they pursue the History-Maker: King Jesus.
You don't have to understand everything about God in order to trust that He is working in your life. Acts Chapter 10
Ever wonder what it would have been like the day after a world-changing event? The commotion, buzz, and energy would be palpable. So, what about a promised moment of thousands of years coming to fruition? Let’s look into Acts 8 and imagine what “church” would have been like the following week!
Are you a bad news first or good news first type of person? In chapter 7 of The Book of Acts, we see the first person to share the Good News, but leads them to an untimely “bad news” situation. The first witness to take the gospel with him to the grave! But like beauty from ashes, there’s encouragement to be found!
What makes for a good team? Whether in sports, theatre, or organizations, the best teams aren’t made of people of all the same types or talents. Rather, the best teams have diversity unified by a single goal or mission - and the church is no different! Chapter 6 of The Book of Acts shows how church is a team sport, not a solo act.
For the first few weeks or even months, the Apostles were cruising in their mission of helping new and more people follow Jesus. But, it was not always rainbows and butterflies. It’s one thing to get what you deserve, yet a whole other thing to get what you don’t deserve. For the apostles - and even disciples today - the question is not will it happen; rather, what will you do when it does?
What is your go-to response in celebration when something amazing happens? Maybe you throw a big party or tell as many people as possible?! In chapter 4 in the book of Acts, we will see the two primary responses the disciples run to amid an exploding movement of God!
A popular phrase goes something like, “show me your friends, I’ll show you your future.” It’s no secret or surprise we all begin to act or think like the people we hang around the most. So, after spending three straight years with Jesus - what might be said of the apostles? In week 3 of our study through Acts, we will see the simple yet unique answer to this question.
After Christmas and Easter, what’s the next biggest day in the life of the church? Pentecost! Arguably the day ‘the church’ was born. Join us in our study through the book of Acts as we look at the story of the first-ever ‘Christian church’ service happening after the resurrection of Jesus!
Something extraordinary happened roughly 2,000 years ago, and it’s still going on today! Before we get too deep into what happened, we must start with why it was written and accounted for in the first place. In week one of our study through Acts, we answer the question of why we should lean into what the rest of this account has to show us.
Saying, "I'm sorry," isn't easy for any of us, but it is so good for all of us. When we get honest about the condition of our hearts, we realize very quickly we need help. Jesus gives us the gift of repentance to alleviate the burden of sin and to protect our relationship with Him.
"Get rich or die trying" was a big motto of a hip-hop artist in the early 2000s. But - what if getting "rich," by the world's standards, wasn't actually worth it? When we live our lives purely for ourselves at the expense of those around us, the payout might look different than expected. Instead, Jesus calls us to be "rich toward God."
They say that “sex sells.” Unfortunately, you don’t have to look far or hard to see this type of advertisement on display. When we surrender to lust, we are literally risking our very lives. Jesus calls us to recognize where lust begins and where it leads so we can fight against it.
When we live our lives trying to gain everything the world says is most important, we miss out on the one thing Jesus provides. Jesus calls us to surrender our lives to Him - and that is how we begin to win at the game of life!
The #1 best-selling book of all time—you know it? That’s right, the Bible! It’s everywhere around us; on our phones, in drawers at hotels, and probably somewhere in your house. Of all the places, there is one place above all the Word of God ought to be found.
The price of everything is going up! Gas, groceries, and just about anything else. We’ve got to provide for ourselves and our families, but when might the pursuit of possessions get out of control? This week, we will look at how to have stuff and not let your stuff have you.
From sitting down for a meal to moments of sickness or confusion, prayer can be common in our lives. Sometimes, even people who don’t believe in God offer up ‘thoughts and prayers.’ Most people know prayer is a “thing.” So, what is the reason we are called to pray? And how should we be praying?
Triumphs and failings, praise reports and calls to repentance. In the battle for the worship of the church and it’s members, Jesus calls out the snares and offers the solution. Whether the worship is being diverted, distorted, or neglected - every church gets their decree. In week seven of The Seven - let’s see how the church of Laodicea reviews. Main Text: Rev. 3:14-22
Triumphs and failings, praise reports and calls to repentance. In the battle for the worship of the church and it’s members, Jesus calls out the snares and offers the solution. Whether the worship is being diverted, distorted, or neglected - every church gets their decree. In week six of The Seven - let’s see how the church of Philadelphia reviews.
Triumphs and failings, praise reports and calls to repentance. In the battle for the church's worship and its members, Jesus calls out the snares and offers the solution. Whether the worship is being diverted, distorted, or neglected - every church gets its decree. In week five of VII - let's see how the church of Sardis reviews.
Triumphs and failings, praise reports and calls to repentance. In the battle for the church's worship and its members, Jesus calls out the snares and offers the solution. Whether the worship is being diverted, distorted, or neglected - every church gets its decree. In week two of VII - let's see how the church of Thyatirai reviews.
Triumphs and failings, praise reports and calls to repentance. In the battle for the church's worship and its members, Jesus calls out the snares and offers the solution. Whether the worship is being diverted, distorted, or neglected - every church gets its decree. In week two of VII - let's see how the church of Pergamum reviews.
Triumphs and failings, praise reports and calls to repentance. In the battle for the church's worship and its members, Jesus calls out the snares and offers the solution. Whether the worship is being diverted, distorted, or neglected - every church gets its decree. In week two of VII - let's see how the church of Smyrna reviews.
Triumphs and failings, praise reports and calls to repentance. In the battle for the worship of the church and it’s members, Jesus calls out the snares and offers the solution. Whether the worship is being diverted, distorted, or neglected - every church gets their decree. In week one of The Seven - let’s see how the church of Ephesus reviews.
It’s rarely easy but always beneficial to exercise discipline in the face of great temptation. Whether it’s setting goals at work, exercising daily, or saving for the future, God wants to help us have the resolve we need to say “no” to good things so we can say “yes” to great things. As we wrap up this series, we will see how discipline, while difficult in the moment, brings the greatest of rewards.
During a long, tiring, and challenging season of life, it’s easy and even understandable why we would want to throw in the towel. From marriage to parenting, to the daily grind of work, it’s important to develop endurance because the race of life is long and demanding at times. This weekend we will look at how Paul refused to quit in the face of trial.
When we begin to believe that we deserve something, we tend not to be grateful for it. Complaining about poor service in a restaurant or slow internet service has become an acceptable norm in our society. In this message, we will look at the vital role gratitude can play in helping us see just how good God has been to us! We invite you this weekend as we see how Paul found gratitude amid a complaining culture.
Sometimes going with the motions seems so much easier. From peer pressure to social fads or the ever-present “everyone’s doing it!” justification. Choosing to stay committed is a lacking trait in our world today—applying to our jobs, marriages, and faith. In week 2 of Greater Reward, we are challenged to stay rooted in our commitments.
Life can be really hard and unfair at times and it’s especially difficult to have joy in the midst of those challenging seasons. From miscarriages, to being laid off at work, to not getting the grade you think you deserve, how we respond will determine the quality of our lives and our relationships. In this message, we will discover the source of joy that triumphs over the negativities of life.
Where do we go when life gets hard? | Long Expected - Week 4 by First Christian Church Champaign
Every good letter, movie, and speech must come to an end. And there's nothing worse than cliffhangers or unresolved conflict - right? As we conclude our study in the book of James, we get some practical and simple closing statements to living in the family of God.
If you're into law or courtroom shows - or if you're a lawyer in real life! - you've probably been taken back by the amount of work that goes into building a case. The hours of prep work, study, and a keen eye for details can either pay off or flutter out. As we head into our next week in our study of James, we arrive at the evidence for why living in God's world God's way makes the most sense.
From the Gettysburg Address to the first iPhone presentation, we acknowledge the power of words. Words can build people up or tear them down, cause them pain or infuse joy. As we continue in our series through the letter of James, we see why it's so essential to tame our tongues.
There's a lot of quality playground comebacks, like 'talk to the hand cuz the face don't wanna hear it!' But, one of the best out there is, 'you can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?' Even as adults, we know this to be true - talk is cheap. In week two in our study of the book of James, we will pick at what it means to be both hearers and doers of God's Word.
If you're ever having any IT problems, without fail, the first thing recommended is, "have you tried turning it off and back on again?" And while we can't turn our faith "off," you may have wondered whether or not your faith is "on" and working. As we kick off this series on the book of James, we begin by offering a hack to determine if our faith is on the right track.
What is your favorite story of all time? Maybe it’s a piece of history grandpa always shared or that book that captured your imagination for the first time. Stories have a unique ability to take root in our hearts and minds, don’t they? As we wrap up Chasing Purpose we will see how we all have stories to tell!
Have you ever hurriedly traveled back from a nice… long… relaxing… peaceful vacation… only to get home late Sunday night and realize - man! I’m exhausted from the trip home and could use a vacation from the vacation? What if the secret to some good ol’ R&R isn’t trying to squeeze in more stuff? In week 2 of Chasing Purpose, we look at how slowing down is the key to chasing your purpose.
When I was little, I wanted to be a ___? Do you remember what? For most of us, we probably don’t find ourselves doing that thing, and that’s okay! However, just because that dream didn’t come true, we can still live a life with intentional purpose. Join us in week one of Chasing Purpose as we seek out our calling as the body of Christ.
They say bad company corrupts good morals. However, what about a nice meal with others? As we wrap up our At The Table series, we will see how Jesus invites himself to a dinner party with some suspect guests and does it with a purpose!
Icebreaker: If you could have dinner with anyone, past or present, who would it be and why? Now follow-up: what would you give up to attend that dinner? For this week of At The Table, we will open up a story about an unforeseen woman who gave up nearly everything she had to join Jesus for dinner.
At the end of every season, the ABC network phenomenon "The Bachelor" hosts an episode after the show aired for that season. It's kind of like, "now that you've watched what just happened… where do we go from here?" In week four of At The Table, we will open the story of those who watched Jesus' life closely and receive a final word from their Savior.
They say the most important bee in the hive is the queen bee. Isn't that strange, though, because it's the worker bees that get all the honey? In some ways, the same idea can apply to following Jesus. While there is always work to be done, what if getting the work done is the last thing on the list?
Rage-quit! Perhaps you've done it before - or experienced your child doing so - when the game isn't going your way. What if we told you that Jesus (sort of!) rage-quit at one point? Join us this week as we look at the story of how Jesus flipped those tables upside-down.
What would you have at your last meal? Maybe a massive steak and potatoes or perhaps the best pizza you could imagine! Either way, no one probably makes a big deal over your last feast. However, as the church, we celebrate Jesus' final meal every week. In week one of At The Table, we see why the call to break the bread, drink from the cup, and remember Jesus' last supper is a big deal.
If you were to answer the question, “what is the point of following Jesus?” How might you respond? While our answers may vary, hopefully, there are some similarities in our thoughts. Join us as we conclude our Hebrews series seeking to find a central answer to that poignant question.
Every four years, those who win the 100M sprint are dubbed the “fastest in the world.” But throughout much of history, the coveted prize was not the medal for the spring, but the crown for the marathon. As we continue our study in Hebrews, we will be encouraged to view our life and faith as a race to be run well.
Remember the playground comeback; "you talk the talk, but do you walk the walk?" What if that applied to following Jesus today? Join us as we continue our Hebrews series to discover faith requires action beyond talk.
You know those 'Terms and Conditions' when you update your phone? Have you ever - actually - read those? Yeah, I didn't think so. Believe it or not, there is a similar portion of Scripture, somewhat like fine print, we overlook. Most people refer to this as 'The Law.' In week 6 of our Hebrews, we will read the fine print to see how we sometimes miss the point of the Law.
We know there is some strange stuff in the Bible. Perhaps one of the more peculiar things in the Old Testament is bloodshed within the sacrificial laws. Frankly, what is the point of all the talk about blood? For week 5 in our Hebrews series, we poke into the vein of this central theme throughout Scripture.
It's summer, which means slip-n-slides are taking over lawns. The thing about slip-n-slides is no matter how hard you may try, it's virtually impossible to run on one without falling. Our faith can be a lot like a slip-n-slide because no matter how fast or hard we run, we will fall. The question becomes: what will you do when you catch yourself falling? Let's find out together in week 4 of our study through Hebrews.
Imagine you were out to eat at a diner and a child ordered a glass of milk. Pretty standard, right? Now, think about a grown man who ordered a glass of milk - and only milk - every day for his meal. What would come to mind? Probably - he needs to grow up! In week 3 of our study through Hebrews, we see how Jesus calls us to grow up in our faith.
Which weighs more: a pound of feathers or a pound of rocks? I bet you instantly thought rocks, but a pound of each would weigh the same! In week 2 of our series through Hebrews, we talk about the role of Levitical priests, the weight of sin, and how Jesus changed it all!
Do you have a friend that you don’t keep in touch with as much anymore? We say things like, “well, we just drifted apart.” What if, without realizing it, that happens in our faith in Jesus? In week 1 of our series through Hebrews, we look to find a point of reference in our walk with Jesus.
Have you ever prayed and then halfway through, you ended up thinking towards God, or your mind wandered elsewhere? We all have! If someone believes in prayer, the next question should be: what should I pray for? As we close out our Prayer series, we will take time to consider the purpose of our prayer lives.
A missionary once attributed the “success” of his mission to the power of prayer. When asked about this further, he responded, “what would you do if you knew your prayers had the power to succeed?” In week two of our series on Prayer, we look at the reason for the power behind our prayers.
How would you describe prayer to someone who had never prayed before? Is it giving God a to-do list? Or maybe the formal thing you must do before God moves in your life? However, beyond knowing what prayer is, resides the question—How is your prayer life? In week one of our Prayer series, we seek to answer that question.
In the fairy tale “The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” the young lad would claim a wolf was coming to attack his sheep. But, after many false alarms, no one trusted him anymore—even when the actual wolf came! In many ways, the same can apply to our discipleship journey. In week three of Christian Atheist, let’s see why it’s essential to put action behind our belief and trust in God.
Ever have one of those things that you think you love - that is until you meet someone whose exponential appreciation shadows yours? Sometimes that’s a good thing! And other times, it feels a little overboard. So, what about our faith in Jesus? Does the same apply? Find out more with us in week 2 of Christian Atheist.
An athlete, an entrepreneur, or perhaps an activist? Chances are, there was someone whose life you marveled at when you were young. Maybe you knew the details, facts, statistics, and story of their life. Sure, you knew about them - but you didn’t really know them, right? In week one of Christian Atheist, we look at the ways in which we know about God, but might not actually know Him personally.
Studies reveal we are busier today than we ever have been. Most of us know this. And yet, we try to add more to our plates. As we wrap up this series, Handle with Care, we learn a hack to juggling the weight of life.
What’s more challenging than navigating life?: Trying to navigate life alone. In week 2 of Handle with Care, together, we will see how God designed us to handle life best with others.
Everyone’s got baggage. It’s a real and unavoidable part of life. So, how do we handle the tensions of life? In week one of Handle With Care, we will look to God’s promises to us about the various weights of life.
Let’s say you believe in God. Nothing groundbreaking there; lots of people do. But, understanding God’s purpose for our lives is where transformation happens. Is He a genie? Spiritual vending machine? Or the Lord of our life? In other words, what’s the purpose of our faith in Jesus? Let’s find out together as we discuss discipleship in the final week of Doctrine: Part 2.
Let’s say you believe in God. Nothing groundbreaking there; lots of people do. But, understanding God’s purpose for our lives is where transformation happens. Is He a genie? Spiritual vending machine? Or the Lord of our life? In other words, what’s the purpose of our faith in Jesus? Let’s find out together in weeks 2 and 3 of our Doctrine: Part 2 series.
From the Creation of the world to the end of all things, it all comes down to one thing: God’s plan. When it comes down to it, the Gospel becomes the hinge point to almost every matter of life. Thus the question becomes, do you believe it or not? In week 1 of Doctrine: Part 2, we concisely unpack the Gospel message of Jesus to bring life through death.
What would you say is more valuable - a plant or a human life? Pretty easy answer without thinking about it. Our story comes to a quick and concise conclusion, but not without first baiting us all into considering if we are truly compassionate people.
Have you ever had an arch-enemy? Maybe even back in 2nd grade there was that classmate you couldn’t stand. Now imagine you were asked to deliver them good news… would you still go through with it? For week 3 of 72 Hours, we see how God calls us to answer that question.
What would you do if you were swallowed whole by a whale for like three days? Stumped? Yeah, us too. For week two of our 72 Hours series, we catch some insights on a crucial aspect of following Jesus.
We’ve all been there before—running from God. And it’s never a good feeling when the irreligious people act more religious than the religious. So what’s the solution when we disagree with God’s will for our life? Let’s find out together in week 1 of our study through Jonah - 72 Hours.
See-saw. Play catch. Go on a date. What do these have in common? It takes two people to do them! Yet, why do we convince ourselves one person can make a relationship better? As we wrap up our Relationship Goals series, we see how it takes two to tango.
Ever heard the phrase, “you are what you eat?” Now, no one believes they will turn into a Twinkie if they ate a whole box. However, most of us get the premise. So, why is it that we believe certain relationships can change the habits of other people? In week 2 of Relationship Goals, we find out if that’s really the case.
There is a lot of relationship, dating, and marriage advice out there. To be honest, the church tends to come up with its myths as well. In week one of Relationship Goals, we see how only one relationship brings wholeness in life.
Everywhere you look, stories meet us head-on. From commercials to movies to Facebook shares—some stories are mundane, but others affect us deeply. We believe there is one narrative above them all. As we wrap up our Doctrine series, we frame the Scripture narrative to help us better understand and apply God’s word.
There is power in stories. Would you agree to that statement? Most of us have been inspired because of a story we’ve read, heard, or seen. For week 3 of Doctrine, we look at the inspiration and power behind God’s Word, the Bible, and how it can radically transform your life.
Trying to describe God is an unfathomable task. Portraying something like His love is more manageable than depicting the Trinity. In week 2 of Doctrine, we scratch the surface of explaining the faith-filled mystery of the triune nature of God.
From grandma’s cooking to the color of the sun, sometimes the greatest things in life are hard to define or explain. In a lot of ways, the same goes for God. Think about it; what words would you use to describe God? You can choose a myriad of words, but throughout Scripture, one word stands above them all. Join us for week 1 of Doctrine as we dive into understanding God himself.
Have you ever gone on a hike without a map? That could be a recipe for disaster! You would end up taking quite a few steps, but maybe not in the right direction. Our goal as a church is for us all to take steps of faith in the right direction of fulfilling our mission. This week we unpack the new vision of FIRST: 5,000 Next Steps of Discipleship.
With the turn of every new year comes the chance to set the pace for where God will take our church in the coming year. So for us, that means reminding all of us of the greater mission God has set before us. While God sets the mission, we set the pace. Are you ready to see what God will do this year?
The Christmas season is over, but the New Year isn’t quite here yet. So, now what? What if we saw giving as something that’s always in season? Let’s wrap up the Christmas Gift Exchange by keeping the heart of giving for all seasons of the year.
Knowing the giver of the gift can dramatically change its value and meaning. A macaroni necklace from your boss is a fake smile and half-hearted, “thanks.” But, the same gift from your child is truly something to be cherished. In week 3, Christmas Eve, we remember who the greatest gift in this life is from.
It’s the thought that counts. Perhaps you’ve heard - or used! - that phrase in regards to a gift. What that really means is the heart behind the gift is what matters most. In week 2 of Christmas Gift Exchange, we look at how Jesus exchanges our hearts for His.
Giving gifts is somewhat of an art form, isn’t it? Whether it’s what they want or need, the better you know the other person, the easier gift-giving is. As we kick-off this Christmas series, we see that God knows the greatest gift we need.
“Anything worth living for is worth dying for…” comes from the iconic novel Catch-22. The pithy statement may beat strong in our minds, but does it pump the blood through our veins? As we finish our Upside Down series, we look at the final Beatitude that may be the greatest challenge of all.
Would you say peace is harder to make or maintain? Either way, both require quite a bit of effort. Yet, living at peace with everyone is always harder than it sounds. In week 8 of Upside Down, we unpack the challenge of Jesus to be peacemakers.
There’s a big difference between water that’s filtered and unfiltered. What if we told you it was also possible to filter the tugs of heart? In week 7 of Upside Down, we see how Jesus challenges us with a heart-filter in following Him.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “you get what you deserve?” If we’re honest, not one of the best things to hear. So, why does it sound like that’s what Jesus is saying in this next Beatitude? In week 6 of Upside Down, we unpack what Jesus meant when He said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
From cheddar bay biscuits to peanut butter and chili, everyone has a craving or two. The truth is, we crave more than just food every week of our life. So, what does Jesus have to say about what we crave out of life?
In a cut-throat-get-ahead-by-your-bootstraps world, what does it take to get ahead? Because let’s be honest, we all wish we were a little further ahead. In week 4 of Upside Down, Jesus gives us the uncommon trait for those with the whole world in their hands.
I thought God just wanted me to be happy?... so then why is Jesus talking about mourning? Good question! Let’s find out how spiritual sorrow leads to heavenly happiness.
Throughout history, there has always been a struggle between the haves and have-nots. Perhaps there’s a chance you feel like your own personal life mirrors that struggle internally. In week 2 of Upside Down, we look at Jesus’ first uncommon characteristic of those who live in the Kingdom of God.
One of the most common tidbits of advice thrown around in our world today is, “Do what makes you happy.” But what if you’ve tried those things only to need more happiness down the road. In week 1 of our new teaching series, Upside-Down, we see how Jesus lays the foundation for lasting happiness.
United We Stand. We hear and see this everywhere in our country. Yet, most would agree that true unity evades us consistently. As the church, what brings us together is not how we vote, but something different entirely. In week 4, we wrap up the series Separation of Church and Hate and discover the strength of unity in the Kingdom of God.
They say there’s one thing that looks good on everyone—no, not a fedora—humility! Ironically, it’s also the one thing you can’t talk about having without losing it. In week 3 of this series, we see why humility, especially in tense conversations, looks good on everyone - even you.
Do you want to think the best of others? Chances are, you do! But without dignity for all, it’s not as easy as we think. In week 2 of Separation of Church and Hate, we look at how the Gospel compels us to confront all injustices.
Everyone’s got an opinion on everything, right? But let me ask you this: when was the last time someone actually changed your mind? As we start our new series, Separation of Church and Hate, let’s see how civility with one another is about something other than agreement.
While Jesus meets us where we are, the journey doesn’t stop there. As individuals and as a church body, our discipleship journey is more than one’s personal faith. There is a call for everyone to ask the question, “who’s next?” As we close out our FIRST Things First series, we look at our final value of Active Multiplication.
Every one of us has resources at our disposal. From our time to our talents to our treasures, all of it is a gift from God. As a church, we believe part of being a disciple means using our gifts to breathe life into others. This week, we look at our Life-Giving Generosity value as we continue in our FIRST Things First teaching series.
Healthy things grow, and growing things change. The saying goes for plants and disciples! It is the heart of Jesus for us to continually mature and be transformed into His image. Join us for week 4 of our FIRST Things First series as we look at our value of Growing Faith.
Throughout history, the church has stood out for many reasons. One thing about churches on mission that sticks out from the world is their love for others. Whether that was the development of hospitals, schools, food pantries, or other forms of good—the church makes a difference. This week we look at our value of Outward Compassion.
The great sitcom Cheers has an iconic line of being a place “where everyone knows your name.” We believe that churches are to be places filled with people who not just know each other by name but go beyond to show genuine love for each other. This week, we look at our first value of being A Loving Community.
How do you know if you've arrived if you don't know where you're going? This goes for a road trip, the trajectory of your life… and for the Church. While the mission and message of the Church haven't changed for centuries—the methods may. In week one of FIRST Things First, we roll out FIRST's new mission statement!
Most often, we think of Psalms as songs of praise. While our worship is more than music and singing, it is definitely a huge part! As we continue our Psalms series, we take a look at Psalms of praise.
Where does wisdom come from? Sometimes age, sometimes experience, and sometimes learning from our past. No matter what, wisdom should be shared for others to learn. In week 3 of our Psalms series, we see how Psalms of wisdom help us discern how to live a life with God better.
Have you ever had your heart broken? Sometimes it’s because we’ve been hurt or experience a mistake—and other times, it’s because we yearn for things to be whole again. Either way, we call this lament. In week two of Psalms we see how to express lament for ourselves and the world around us faithfully.
We all have had those moments where we tried to express something, but it just came out wrong. Do you ever wish there was a way to peer into how to express our faith towards God? In week one of our quick series in the Psalms we see how these songs and prayers guide us to express our faith.
It takes two to tango... You can’t waltz alone... Grab your partner do-si-do… Whether it’s line, swing, or ballroom dancing, one thing is sure—we don’t dance alone. We believe the same thing applies in the Christian life. As we wrap up our Rhythm series, we see why living out our faith is not something we do by ourselves, but always with others.
Your favorite song has quite a few different parts—instruments, lyrics, melody, bridge, etc. Yet, it comes together as one piece. In many ways, the Bible is like a good song because many different parts come together to tell a single story. In week 3 of Rhythm we learn how to read God’s Word in our dance with the Spirit.
Think about the first time you made a mixtape. Chances are it had your favorite songs of different styles and genres collected together in one place. Now, think about your prayer life. Would you say it’s a mixtape or more of a hit single? In week 2 of Rhythm, we look at the mixtape of prayer.
Have you ever taken a dance lesson before? Some of the first things they teach you are to feel the rhythm and let one person lead. Why? Because two fighting to lead doesn’t blend well. As we kick-off our Rhythm series, we see why we need to let the Spirit lead our daily dance with God.
Sometimes seeing the effects of something gives us the proof to believe. Think about the wind. You can’t see wind, but you can see the impact of the wind. As we wrap up our series on The Holy Spirit, we see how the Holy Spirit moves and works in the life of disciples and the church.
Why? - is such an essential and foundational question for a lot of things in life. Typically, when we ask why, we are seeking to know the value or purpose of something. So, why the Holy Spirit? What is the purpose of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian? In week 2 of this teaching series, we look at how Jesus answered why we were given the Spirit of God.
From microwaves to photosynthesis, many things impact our lives that we can’t fully understand or explain. So, what about our faith? Is it possible to believe in the power of something - Someone - without being able to fully understand? Join us for week 1 of The Holy Spirit, as we seek to get a foundation about who the Holy Spirit is in our lives.
Would you rather be around someone who is prideful or humble? Kind of a no-brainer, right? As we wrap up our series, Chasing Carrots, we look at how putting pride to death is a necessary step in following Jesus.
If someone asks you, “tell me about yourself,” what might be some of the first things out of your mouth? It may be things anywhere from where you work to details about your family. While those may be things about us, they never fully explain who we are. In week 4 of Chasing Carrots, we look at where we need to find our identity before everything else.
We’ve all been there before - Land of ER. You know—he is rich-ER, she is pretty-ER, they are funny-ER. If we’re not careful, a quick visit becomes a temporary residence. Join us for week 3 of Chasing Carrots to see how to achieve victory over comparison.
From fame or fortune to a career or relationship, we chase a lot of carrots in today’s world. But why and how do we know what we are pursuing truly matters? Maybe it is what we were taught or all that we know. This Sunday is Easter—a weekend to be reminded of the faith, hope, and love found through Jesus.
What really makes for a happy life? A dream job, a bigger house, or a new relationship? If you’re always hungry for the next big thing, but frustrated because it never seems to satisfy, you might be Chasing Carrots. It’s time to hop off the treadmill and chase after something real.
This five-week series is about the things people commonly chase after that only bring fleeting happiness, fulfillment, or validation.
Have you ever seen the bumper sticker: the man with the most toys at the end wins! We all want to enjoy life—which is good because God created us that way! But what if how and where we “play” was more than just for kicks and giggles? Listen in as we see how to approach our times of play with purpose in week 4 of Be the Church.
The saying goes, “do only what you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” Good advice—but hardly attainable for most people. What about making a difference with your work? In week 3 of Be the Church, we will see how to make an impact for the Church without ever working at a church.
What comes to mind when you hear the word “worship”? What if we told you that if you thought of singing songs in a church service, you were right - and wrong. Join us for our new series, Be The Church, as we start by laying a foundation of what worship entails.
When some people think of God, they imagine a meaner version of Santa, sitting in heaven, just writing down all the “bad stuff” people do. The truth is, the God of the Bible calls us up more than He calls us out. So whether this is your first Sunday or fiftieth, we believe God has big promises for your life that He wants to call you up to. Are you ready to embrace those promises?
Are you someone people love to be around? In some ways, we all want to be the type of person people enjoy being with. Let's learn how to be people others love to be around and why doing so is central to the way God designed us to be.
“Life is Good” makes for a good t-shirt, but not a lifetime reality. Even though Jesus doesn’t remove suffering or trials from our lives, he offers us Himself through it all. In week 3 of Fully Known, we see how followers of Jesus can become unusual people in how they handle the downs of life.
One of the most tried and true playground games, follow the leader, is usually only fun as the leader, and very rarely as the follower. So, what do you do when your faith asks you to be a “follower”? This week we look at how being a disciple means following Jesus’ example is the best way to live out our faith.
Sometimes it’s not until we see our reflection that we get a better picture of what others see in us. That’s why it’s up to us to decide the reflection we will give off to the world around us. This week we kick-off a brand new series by beginning to see how Jesus wants to be the life we reflect.
Would you describe yourself as a “half-full” or “half-empty” type of person? Either way, we all can agree that it’s not completely full - and we are all seeking fulfillment from someone or something in this life. That’s where addiction comes in. We long to be full, so we aim to feed that desire with anything from sex to alcohol to money. What if there was a different way to be full in this life? In week four of Love Handles, we see how Jesus’ love handles the tough conversation of addiction.
On April 4th, 1968, the world lost one of the greatest men to walk this earth—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Reverend King lost his life as he boldly pushed back against the racial injustice of our country. His impact paved the way for monumental changes to racial relationships in our society, but the dream result is far from realized. In week three of Love Handles, we see how Jesus' love handles the tough conversation of race.
Caleb Kaltenbach is a pastor, author, and founder of The Messy Grace Group. In week 2 of Love Handles he shares about his life and his life’s work as well as how loving others doesn’t require shifting your beliefs.
It’s a normal thing for things to break in our lives. Often, the hardest part is knowing it won’t ever be “as good as new.” If we’re honest, the same could apply to our relationships, jobs, beliefs, identity and more. Brokenness is a real part of our lives, but living with the mess doesn’t have to be as challenging as we think. In week one of Love Handles, we see how Jesus’ love handles the tough conversation of the brokenness of life.
It’s the night before Christmas… and everyone is stirring, driving, wrapping, and cooking. Sounds sort of hectic right? While we know there is a lot to do as we prepare for Christmas Day, we would love for you to find time to slow down and reflect on the peace Jesus has prepared for us.
“Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Let earth receive her King!” Perhaps you’ve already sung this carol during this Advent season. But did you know that Joy to the World was not written as a Christmas song, rather a hymn to be praised year-round? For week three of Prepare Him Room, we unpack how the joy we celebrate during the Christmas season should not be seasonal, but a life-long goal.
Hope is a big word during the Advent season. We are reminded of the hope we see in the world through the benevolence of others. In other ways, we might lose a little hope because of how people act and respond during Christmas. Either way, hope is alive and all around us. In week two of Prepare Him Room, we are reminded of why hope was central to Jesus’ arrival on earth.
There’s a lot to love about the Christmas season: the music, the trees and lights, the hot chocolate, time with family, and much more. While we tend to love these things to varying degrees, there does exist a greater love for us. Listen in as we kick off our advent teaching series, Prepare Him Room, as we discover how God’s love impacts us all.
If we believe in Jesus, our mission should be to help other people believe in Jesus. But what does that look like when the people you're trying to reach, hate Jesus and everything He stands for? On Sunday, Vince Antonucci will help us learn why this can work. Vince is familiar with Champaign-Urbana because he attended law school at the University of Illinois. While there, Vince decided to try to prove that the Bible wasn't true. He ultimately failed that pursuit, and now his life is dedicated to teaching people about Jesus. Vince, his wife, Jen, and their two children now live in Las Vegas. They started Verve, a church for people who work on and live around the Vegas Strip—a church for those who don't like church. What was their primary way of reaching those lost?
Guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy are all little emotion monsters that rear their heads at the most unforeseen moments. Most of us would agree these emotions only get us into more trouble and we would rather express them less often. So is there a way to get it all under control and have a healthier heart? As we wrap up Enemies of the Heart, we will look at the habits we can put into practice to fight against the emotions that try to destroy us.
“Treat the source, not the symptom,” is a fairly common phrase in the medical field. It basically means to fix the actual issue, not just the symptoms. What if we applied the same truth to our lives and hearts? Instead of looking at the side effects, we opened up our hearts to see what the source of the problem might be. In week two of Enemies of the Heart, we will have a little open-heart surgery into the four emotional enemies in us all.
Ever have one of those, “where did that come from?!?!,” moments? Maybe you slipped and said a w*®d in front of the kids or found yourself negatively attacking another? Either way we have all been there and have found it can happen fast. Could it be, in those moments, there is something deeper going on inside our hearts? While your physical heart may be fine, all of our spiritual hearts need work. In week one of Enemies of the Heart we discover where and why our hearts get bogged down.
Losing stuff is the worst, isn’t it? Whether it’s your keys, wallet, or glasses, the burden grows with time until they eventually show up. But what if what you lost was something of greater value - and! - you didn’t know if it would ever show up again? Imagine the ecstatic joy of being reunited and reconciled! As we wrap up our series in the Parables, we close the book by discussing Jesus’ short story about The Lost Son.
Who is your neighbor? You might answer this question with the people who live close to you, or you might respond with something more general. Now, what if your life depended on your neighbor? Would you feel confident in your chances of survival? Join us this week as we look deeper into Jesus’ short story of The Good Samaritan.
Getting picked last in the schoolyard for a game of dodgeball is never fun. But, if you think about it, at least you still got to play! Whether you are picked first or last, getting into the game is what matters most. In week two of Parables, we will see how the generosity of one impacted the first and the last equally - all of this in Jesus’ short story of The Laborers In the Vineyard.
Just curious—did you like group projects throughout school? Well, it depends, right?!?! There’s always the one who does most of the work, others who do their fair share...and then the slacker who merely shows up for the grade. But, most of us begrudge the system that allows one to benefit from the work of another. We will see how this (should) unfold in week one of Parables, we will look at Jesus’ story of The Pharisee and the Tax Collector.
Take a second to think about how much different life would be without technology. One helpful tool we have today is access to GPS. All you need to do is know where you are headed, plug in the address, and then directions take care of themselves. The same might be said for navigating life as a disciple. Knowing the destination allows us to live with a different purpose. Join us for week 3 of Different as we wrap up this series of how our beliefs and actions display the difference we are called to live for.
Have you ever played Simon Says? Do you know what tends to trip people up the quickest about this game? It’s when the leader’s words don't match their actions. Perhaps many of us agree that someone’s belief and words ought to match their actions—that someone’s truth is best defined in how they act, not just what they say. In week 2 of Different we discuss how the next step to standing out in life is acting on the Truth we’ve been given through Jesus.
What is truth? Well, it depends on who you ask… While truth may look different for some compared to others, most would agree that what we believe in ought to influence how we act and live. As the church, we know we are called to be different from our world so God can work through us. That difference starts with the truth we believe. In week 1 of the series, Different, where we will see the first step to standing out in life begins with clinging to a truth different from the world.
Everyone is looking for something that works for them, fixes their life, or copes their pain. In a world not looking for Jesus, we must be intentional about taking Jesus to them—and it starts by having Jesus with us wherever we go. A “GOing” church extends beyond a building or an event. It must become a movement of people. It is time for the church to covertly infiltrate the fabric of our community and rise up where God is already at work.
Following Jesus is not easy—and He never said it would be! Jesus evoked many responses from people listening to His teachings, and He often stepped on their toes as He called them to surrender everything in their life to follow Him. However, many of us look to pick and choose what areas (schedules, priorities, relationships, finances, and so forth) of our life we surrender to following Jesus. In week 3 of All In we look to see what it truly means to live fully surrendered to Jesus.
Research tells us we are more “connected” than ever, while levels of loneliness continue to skyrocket. We tend to have lots of comradery in our life—but little genuine community pushing us to grow. From exercise to sports to work teams, we have people all around us to help us grow and learn in new ways. So, why should it be any different in the church? In week 2 of All In, we will learn we grow best in community as we allow God to speak to us through prayer, Scripture and the people around us.
Studies show people are attending church less and less, and the majority of those who do are only attending. We live in a culture where the regular commitment to come to the worship gathering is secondary to what we want to make happen weekly—help people surrender to Jesus. We must remember when we gather together to celebrate Jesus, we refocus on what His Spirit is doing in us - and that is when those far from God “come and see” that the Lord is good. Welcome to week 1 of All In, where we dive into the value of gathering weekly to celebrate Jesus.
The book of Daniel has a common theme of when God shows up, rescue happens. When we look at different circumstances that challenge our faith, do we trust the fact that we have been rescued because of what Jesus did on the cross for us? Out of the book of Daniel, it is clear that God calls us to be fearless and faithful rather than fearful and faithless.
Forgiveness is one of the most attractive things about the gospel and maybe the most difficult thing to imitate from the life of Jesus. We all want to have it, but who really wants to give it? What if we could begin to see that it was as much our own mistakes as it was anyone else’s that put Jesus on the cross—and God chose to forgive us all without exception or limitation? Would that change the way we could give away forgiveness freely?
When you think of Jesus and the love He has, what word come to mind? Overwhelming? Absurd? Beyond comprehension? The love of Jesus is beyond all reason. It is greater than we can fathom, wider and deeper than any ocean, and expressed through a life of service and sacrifice.
Did you know worship is more than the songs you sing at church or in the car? While those are a form of worship, it is designed to be so much greater! Worship goes beyond singing at the top of your lungs and ventures into finding opportunities to spend time with God. As we close out our sermon series, Habits, tune in as we unpack the lifestyle of worship God has set before us.
“Slow down!” You probably hated hearing that as a kid but, what about as an adult? Don’t you wish you could take a time-out from life or at least a quick power nap to recover? Well, good news because that’s exactly what God wants us to do! In week five of Habits we unpack the rhythm God has called us to live in.
Arguably the main area people look to grow spiritually is through reading the Word of God. It’s kind of a big book with weird names and confusing statements, isn’t it? We’re with you! However, we believe that God reveals Himself to us through His Word, even if we don’t have a Bible degree. This week of Habits we seek to understand the place of reading God’s Word to help us grow closer to Him.
Have you ever been praying and then a few minutes into your prayers they shifted from praying to God to more like “thinking at God”? We’ve all been there. So, why is it that something so simple can seem so complicated at times? In week 3 of Habits, we look at the call to pray and fast as well as the various ways it helps us grow in our faith.
Reach out and touch your nose. (Go ahead and do it, we’ll wait.) In order to do what you just did you used your arm, hand, finger, nose, eyes, and brain. Without any of those parts of the body, you couldn’t accomplish such an easy feat! The same goes with the body of Christ—the church. There are many different parts that help it accomplish the sole mission of spreading the Gospel. In week two of Habits, we look at identifying the gifts God has given you and the part you play in the body of Christ.
The word “discipline” is not a fun word - especially when we talk about the spiritual disciplines of following Jesus. Most disciples know they should be growing in their faith, but often the first question posed is: where do I start? Whether that question is based out of why or how, the hardest part often comes from just getting started. Join us for week one of Habits as we unpack why and how we grow in our faith.
Everyone thinks their child is the “best.” But what if your child actually was? Do you ever wonder if raising Jesus, the Son of God, was an easy task? No matter what, there is only one Savior worthy to be worshipped—regardless of who raised Him. Yet, the life of Mary provides a stark reminder of the importance of faithfulness.
Not many women were mentioned for their gifts throughout Scripture. However, as the early church began to expand, one couple rose to the top—and the wife was leading the way. This week we will look at the way Priscilla (and her husband) utilized her gifts for the growth of the church.
Some people walk through life with big goals and dreams while others wonder if their life even makes a difference in the world. For those who become a catalyst of life-change, there’s always a commitment behind the scenes preparing them for the difference they will make. Join us as we look at the life of the prophetess Huldah, who in a moment of devotion created a movement of faith.
"This is a man's world!" Or is it? What do you do if all of your peers are not like you? Deborah found herself outnumbered in her “profession,” yet her wisdom and character propelled her to the top. A commitment to the truth of God is the foundation of true leadership. Join us for week one of our Fierce series looking at the example of Deborah.
They say practice makes perfect. Others say perfect practice makes perfect. Either way, there is always work to be done. If the battle of the mind is never over, then we should always be training our mind for victory. Join us for week 4 of Mastermind as we see how to transform our minds with the truths of God for victory in the battle within.
Half-empty, half-full; it’s all how you look at it, right? You can probably recall an experience in your life that seemed negative at the time that didn’t turn out so bad. While you cannot control everything that happens to you in life, you can control how you frame it.
Stress, anxiety, and depression are all around us. We all battle with some of these thoughts and emotions from time to time. The world may tell us to eliminate toxic thoughts but we must fill our minds with something greater. Join us for week 2 of Mastermind to see how to have a healthy mind.
We’ve all had that thought we just couldn’t shake. Whether it was excitement or disappointment, our thoughts have power. So, what do we do with the thoughts that seem to trap us in life? The mind is a battlefield waging war within us at all times. Join us for week 1 of this series to discover the divine power to take into the battle within.
Raise your hand if you have ever messed up. Yeah, us too! The amazing thing about our relationship with Jesus is that He sees us at our best and our worst - He knows it all! Even though our worst is far from Jesus’ plan for our lives, He immediately extends us grace and the chance to be used for His glory! Join us as we wrap up our study through the Gospel of Mark as we see how Jesus’ plans for us are so much bigger than our worst moments.
Could you imagine watching someone be miraculously healed? What about seeing Jesus cast out demons? What a sight that would be! The part that may be even more crazy is how Jesus immediately points out how important one’s faith is to their healing. Join us for week 5 of our study through the Gospel of Mark looking at how faith is the foundation for healing in our life.
Martin Luther King Jr. defined faith as, “taking the next step even when you don’t see the rest of the staircase.” So, how risky is your faith? Can we even claim to have faith if it’s not leading us beyond some of our fears? Jesus is seen calling people from their fear immediately to a place of great action. Join us for week 4 of our study through the Gospel of Mark as we unpack how Jesus calls us to have faith over fear.
Most people agree that one of the greatest examples of Jesus is how he did not keep people at a distance. In fact, those in the ancient society who were often stiff-armed were the exact people Jesus immediately went to. The passion for redemption led Jesus to break barriers to welcome all into the family of God. Join us for week 3 of our study through the Gospel of Mark and see how Jesus is a barrier breaker.
Our world is full of stories. From novels to movies to comics, stories have the ability to stir different emotions within us. Have you ever noticed every story follows a similar outline? There’s a setting, a problem, a climax, and a resolution. What if the best way to view the Bible is not so much of a bunch of little stories put together, but rather one big story with a central point?
From the first few verses, the book of Mark seems to go off like a gun. We see Jesus going from place to place, person to person, situation to situation with an urgency that cannot be denied. He’s on a mission! What we will see is how Jesus “immediately” responds by pushing his work forward as Savior of the world. Join of for week 1 in our study through the book of Mark.
Judgement. It stings when it happens to us. It stings when we do it to others. No one likes to be judged, and yet many of us struggle with judging others. What if judgment has a place in our world that we have missed? What if we saw judgement as a tool of personal growth and not a tool for personal harm?
Wouldn't it be great to be happy all the time? But when we only experience life for its pleasure, we can miss out of life’s best lessons. What if happiness isn't the ultimate goal of your life? At face value, happiness sounds like a great life goal. But is happiness really the goal God wants for you, above all else?
Helping others can feel tricky. Often times we may hear of a need but either feel guilty when we don't help enough or don't know how to help at all. Sometimes we think God helps those who help themselves but is this really true?
“God won’t give you more than you can handle." Really? "There’s no way I can handle this. No way." If you’ve ever thought this after hearing some well intentioned advice about your situation, you may be right. You can’t handle it. That’s actually kind of the point. Join us this week to find out why.
In 11 months, 2019 will be over. Often, when we plan for the future, we count in days and years, but God thinks in lifetimes. A God honoring legacy can be better built over the course of a lifetime of obedience. Join us as we wrap up this series about the wisdom in living not just for 2019, but also leaving the best legacy ever.
Ever heard the phrase, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life”? We can all agree that sounds great, but few of us would probably say it’s true of our life. While you may not be able to change where you work or what you are doing at this moment, there is wisdom in how to make your current job the best one ever!
Would you love to be able to go back in time and invest into companies like Amazon or Apple before anyone else did? Imagine the payout you would have today! Even though we can’t go back in time to reinvest into a company, today we can invest in our current finances with the lens of an eternal value. Our earthly resources can be invested for an eternal gain with the right wisdom.
This week we're looking at David's life and the Proverbs that show us that there are friends that we all need. There is wisdom in wanting the best friendships possible. Let's discover together what Godly friendships can look like in our lives.
Sometimes it’s hard to make sense of everything we’ve experienced in life—the good, the bad, the ugly. To start 2019, let us look back to move forward. With some fresh perspective it’s possible to see God’s presence in the dark times and the good times alike. When we take that perspective forward, that’s called wisdom.
All stories eventually read The End But when one volume is finished, another begins. With the chance for a heart of wisdom in which to live Have you been moved to take a step in learning to give?
What the Grinch thought he wanted was all of the stuff. “If I get it all,” he thought, “finally I’ll have enough!” Yet despite his achievements, his life seemed a bore, So he turned elsewhere, to a satisfaction that offered much more.
For all the townspeoples' work that had been done, How many toys were left? Well, none— The Grinch had gone and grinched all their things, But even without, the Whos chose to sing.
With a heart transformed from two sizes too small, The Grinch’s story proves there’s hope for all. And if he can accept the truth of Christmas within, What do you think of the Christmas story—dear kids, women, and men?
As a community of faith, we want our rallying point to be the work of Jesus. The cool part is that none of our reasons for belonging to FIRST are the same. We all have different backgrounds, histories, and events that led us to where we are at today. Join us as we lean into sharing some faith stories to celebrate what God is doing in the lives of our church.
The best stories are the ones that we experienced first-hand. It’s easier for us to tell a story about what happened to us then it is to recount the events of someone else’s life. Plus, our stories get even better when they are about something impactful. So, shouldn’t the story of our faith be shared with great passion and excitement? This week we will hear a story of life-change as it lays out an example for how each of us can prepare to share our journey of faith.
If someone has ever told you about a life changing event, there’s a good chance they told you the story of what happen and not just the baseline facts. We share the story of the drive to the hospital for the child that was born or the time they went to that concert and got pulled up on stage. Why is that? Well, it’s because stories matter and details make stories stronger. On Sunday we will turn the page to revealing the power of stories, just like the ones Jesus told.
Our world is full of stories. From novels to movies to comics, stories have the ability to stir different emotions within us. Have you ever noticed every story follows a similar outline? There’s a setting, a problem, a climax, and a resolution. What if the best way to view the Bible is not so much of a bunch of little stories put together, but rather one big story with a central point?
"One and done" and "One hit wonder" are phrases that signify a great impact for a moment or a season. Often times when we hear this we think of a band who had only one major hit song or a team who wins a championship, never to win it again. Lucky for us, the church is not a "one hit wonder" and consistently does good for people and their communities. Are you in?
There's no person so small and insignificant that they can't bless their community. So, how can we move our communities to restoration? When a lot of us think of what it means to lead, we think about our position. But what matters most is our posture.
When the going gets tough, the tough...are hard to find. A lot of us struggle to see things through and finish things out. But opposition is a part of our growth. How we endure struggles and hardship can determine whether or not we will finish the task that God has called us to.
To experience heartbreak is painful. Having an unshakable heartache can feel intolerable. The burden can become our purpose in life, our motivation to respond, or our reason to change the world around us. What if the aching in our heart is more than heartburn? What if the burn is what our heart yearns for? The restoration of our communities and people is one of God’s burning passions. Is it yours?
When we look around our communities, we can see woundedness and brokenness. A better community doesn’t just happen. Wishful thinking can't stand on its own. It requires this burden for change and the motivation to be a catalyst, but most of all it starts with a heart for our community.
What does it really mean to help somebody grow? How do you know when to press in, and when to hold back? When we truly live life together, and are genuinely there for one another, God puts us into the perfect type of community. A community that spurs each other on and grows together allows us to become the people God created us to be.
“You’re with me, but are you really with me?” Have you ever felt like that about someone close to you? Sometimes we can unintentionally communicate that we aren't fighting for the ones we claim to love. How so? Well, sometimes simply being present isn’t enough. We need to have each other’s backs too.
“I love my church!” Of course we want everyone to say that, but what does that even mean? Does it mean we love the messages, we love the music, or maybe we just love what our church has to offer our kids? Those aren't bad reasons, but at its heart, “I love the church" should mean one thing first and foremost—that we love people.
When the church is flourishing it reflects a community of love, compassion and care to everyone. A place where people of every background, life stage, ethnicity and economic status can find their home. It’s time to be the church where we live work and play. "ALL IN" ON 3!
Giving is an act of vulnerability. Nothing exposes our desires more than how we give of ourselves. Sacrifice, service, and generosity collectively point to the depth of our hearts. Let's honestly and openly evaluate what it truly takes to give our time, talent, and treasures.
Pressure and hardship tend to expose a person’s character. When was the last time life smacked you in the face and did not go as you hoped? Very often in those times of conflict and hardship we tend to go through it alone. However, when we are a part of a community we have people who can walk through hard times with us. Ultimately, through this, our character is refined and a community is impacted.
When we gather with our whole family - we often call it a reunion. Reunions are times to retell old family stories to remember who we have been and snap pictures of 3rd and 4th generations to capture who we are becoming. The church is a family - a family that gathers and meets people where they are. A family without purpose can drift off course, however, a family with healthy intention can leave a positive legacy that lasts throughout generations. Invite your family and friends to join us as we continue to build our legacy.
In the midst of everything that doesn’t make sense there are a couple of clear paths to choose… toil away in meaninglessness, or trust God. This is easier said than done, but we believe that finding true meaning in life is a choice we can make.
Many people spend a lot of time trying to avoid the inevitable reality of death. Spoiler alert… we won’t live forever. People obviously handle this in a variety of ways. Some of us obsess over it, some of us try to ignore it, and some of us cling to one form of faith or another. On Sunday we’ll talk about how we can find meaning in life, even in the face of death.
It seems like the worst stuff happens to the best people, and the worst folks seem to keep catching breaks. Why does it seem like God is okay with that and what are we supposed to do with that? This week we will dive into this mystery and see there actually is a way to move forward in life without understanding things that don’t seem fair.
Ever feel like you’re trying to “keep up with the Joneses” getting stuff you don’t really need to impress people you don’t really like? Money, property, cars, status, fame… and on and on it goes. A lot of the things we chase in life fail to deliver on their promises to fulfill us. Is there more to life than the rat race for more, more, more.
There are many cliches people often say about time—“We’re in a race against time...” “Time is money...” “I don’t have the time…” Does it ever seem like time is a burden instead of a blessing? Well, what if we could take back time? Not like time travel… but what if we quit buying the lies we believe about the value of a day, month, year, and lifetime and saw time as a blank slate we could use to honor God?
There are some mysteries in life that don’t get answered. You may be surprised to find out that the Bible is comfortable with this. We all have a choice to make when confronted with the grand mysteries of life… we must ask ourselves do I trust God or toil away in weariness. What we’ll discover as we dive into the book of Ecclesiastes is that just because life’s meaning isn’t clear, it doesn’t mean life is meaningless.
Who can be used by God? Pastors? Of course! Church goers? Absolutely! What about criminals? Yup! Despite the shakiest of pasts, even the criminal has the same chance and opportunity to positively impact the lives of others. Join us as we break into the life of Moses, one of Scripture’s most influential criminals.
While the castles are few and far between, there are many “princesses” around us today. Princesses are typically pampered and protected—possibly making their ability for a lasting impression a little more difficult. However, that doesn’t always have to be the case. Join us as we watch the throne of one of the Bible’s most influential people of royalty; Esther.
Basketcase: a person or thing regarded as useless or unable to cope. No one wants to be given such a stereotype, yet life can sometimes fit that definition. Whether we know it or not, even the messiest situations in life have the chance to be redeemed and used by God. Join us as we discuss the useful impact one of the Bible’s biggest “basketcases” was able to make because of her strong trust and faith in Jesus.
From being an athlete and getting good grades in school to achieving certain levels of success with our work we probably all know what it feels like to have expectations placed upon us in life. Sometimes those expectations are good and sometimes not so much but both are usually based on the example of others. So, what do we do when the example laid before us is not positive? Join us as we wrestle with the life of a young king who chose to break the mold of the poor example left before him.
Studies suggest that people make an average of 35,000 decisions a day! With that many chances, we are bound to mess up a few. There are many factors that go into making a smart decision such as emotions, circumstances, or past experiences. Join us as we use our brains to think of the life of Joseph and what it looks like to make God-honoring decisions, no matter the conflict.
Pools are fun—but they’re even more fun with others! The free swim of Jesus not only removes our floaties and encourages us to go deeper - it also compels us to invite others into the pool! The pool is open and it’s a FREE SWIM for all! Who will you be bringing with you?
A lot of us like to get some sun while we’re at the pool. But not too much. No sun screen can ruin the entire day. But you know what else doesn’t help? SPF 100. Being in God’s family is a lot like this. Overprotection and under-protection don’t help. We have to remain in the truth that in every way Jesus is enough.
Remember how scary and far away the “deep end” seemed? Most of us as kids spent all of our time in the shallow end. However, the shallow end often reminds us of the truth that a deep end exists. The same goes with our faith in Jesus. In the Free Swim of faith, all can enter the pool and start in the shallow end, but the shallow end always encourages us to take another step towards the deep end of faith.
Often times when we think of a lifeguard we think of someone wearing a red swimsuit sitting on a wooden perch, blowing an annoying whistle. Lifeguards can be found at almost every pool. Yet, sometimes it feels like all they do is tell us when we can’t swim. Invite a friend and join us this week as we dive into the book of Galatians, where we will see a lifeguard that is not like the ones we typically see at pools.